Parodies Of The Annual Rewind Video Are Trending On YouTube

On December 6, YouTube released the 2017 edition of its Rewind video, in which close to 300 creators paid tribute to some of the year’s most notable trends. The annual Rewind tradition serves as a celebration of the power of online video, but some creators want to make sure that the less savory YouTube-related headlines of 2017 receive attention as well. In the days after the video site published its big compilation, several parodies versions have arrived, with some of them achieving seven-digit view counts.

The most popular Rewind parody so far has come from creator KeeperAction, whose satire of YouTube has pulled 1.6 million views in three days. His video, rather than adopting a triumphant tone, references scandals like the adpocalypse (which he represents with a yellow dollar sign) and controversial videomakers like RiceGum.

Another parody, from Jack Douglass of Jacksfilms, focuses on the controversial Paul brothers, Jake and Logan.

The best spoof, as far as I’m concerned, can be found on the MKTAKEDOWN channel. More than other parodies, it truly captures the high number of negative headlines that cropped up during 2017 and incorporates them in the Rewind format. Take note — it also has some NSFW language and images. Check it out here.

Other creators have lamented the role YouTube Rewind plays in the online video world. Felix “PewDiePie” Kjellberg, in a video that has received more than 12 million views, explained that he was not invited to participate in this year’s Rewind, a decision he understands. He called the annual compilation, in its current form, a “YouTube advertisement.” “In my head,” he said, “it used to be that you really wanted to be acknowledged as a creator.”