There has been ongoing debate about whether YouTube ever truly experienced a downfall. I believe it did. With the rise of TikTok, short-form videos dominated the internet and transformed how we consume content. Our average attention span reportedly dropped from 12 seconds to 8 seconds. This shift made YouTube’s long-form content less appealing to many, especially younger audiences, leading some to abandon the platform in favor of TikTok’s quick and addictive videos.

Beyond shorter attention spans, another factor contributing to YouTube’s decline was the hiatuses taken by many famous creators. As Gen Z grew older, we began outgrowing our favorite YouTubers. Some creators struggled to adapt, producing repetitive content or leaving the platform altogether. This left a vacuum on YouTube and a sense that its golden era was behind us.

Now, with the looming possibility of TikTok being banned, many are wondering: Where will we go next? I think the answer is clear: We’re returning to YouTube. This wouldn’t be the first time such a shift has occurred. When Vine shut down in 2016, creators and audiences alike turned to YouTube, giving the platform a fresh wave of energy and creativity. The same is likely to happen when TikTok officially shuts its doors.

One key factor in YouTube’s potential comeback is the rise of a new generation of creators. After years of seeing repetitive content from major creators like MrBeast, fresh voices emerge with unique perspectives, humor, and relatability. YouTubers such as the Sturnlio Triplets, the Kalogera Sisters, Jake Webber, and Slushy Noobz are gaining traction, with clips of their content going viral on TikTok. These creators bring back the humor, authenticity, and charm that YouTube was once known for.

Unlike MrBeast’s polished and grand productions, which some now find predictable, these newer creators focus on humor and relatability, qualities that resonate with today’s audiences. Many fans believe this new wave of creators is YouTube’s next golden age, and I agree.

If YouTube can capitalize on this momentum, support emerging creators, and find ways to keep short-form content enthusiasts engaged, the platform could once again become the internet’s top destination. As TikTok faces an uncertain future, YouTube seems perfectly positioned to make its long-awaited comeback in 2025.