MrBeastification
MrBeastification, also known as the Beastification of YouTube, or simply Beastification, is an informal term describing a stylistic and structural shift in YouTube video production characterized by extremely fast paced, high-intensity editing, and an emphasis on maximizing audience retention. The trend is often linked to the influence of MrBeast, whose high-budget, attention-optimized videos popularized what creators and journalists have called "retention editing".
Examples and characteristics
[edit]"Retention editing" is a defining feature of MrBeastification. It is a video style designed to maximize viewer attention and algorithmic engagement. Retention-edited videos typically feature rapid cuts, loud sound effects, on-screen text and minimal pauses between scenes.[1] MrBeast's production strategy involves designing thumbnails to maximize viewer interest, ensuring viewers understand what to expect in the first 10 seconds, and sometimes filming up to 12,000 hours of footage for a 15-minute video to achieve optimal pacing.[2] The scale of production has drawn comparisons to traditional Hollywood studios.[3]
This style has been adopted by creators on multiple platforms, including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube Shorts. Notable YouTubers who have utilized or popularized the format include Matthew Beem and Topper Guild, both of whom have gained millions of subscribers through MrBeastification in their videos.[4][1]
Video editing tools such as CapCut have further spread MrBeastification since they allow users to add sounds and special effects such as explosions, laser effects and animated text quickly.[4]
Critics
[edit]MrBeast himself tweeted to "get rid of the ultra fast paced/overstim era of content."[1] He also said that in within 2023, he has slowed his videos, focused more on storytelling, "let scenes breathe, yelled less" and focused on longer videos, all of which has resulted in even more views.[1]
Some of MrBeast's former employees have spoken out against this form of content, one former employee stating, "These algorithms are poisonous to humanity. They prioritize addictive, isolated experiences over ethical social design, all just for ads. It's not MrBeast I have a problem with. It's platforms which encourage someone like me to study a retention graph so I can make the next video more addicting. At Beast I did that on steroids."[2][5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "The 'Beastification of YouTube' may be coming to an end". Washington Post. March 30, 2024. Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "In the Belly of MrBeast". Time. February 15, 2024. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ Whateley, Dan. "MrBeast's ex-staffers reveal how he crafts the perfect viral YouTube video". Business Insider. Archived from the original on August 14, 2025. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ a b "MrBeast is losing his edge". Sherwood News. August 28, 2024. Archived from the original on November 10, 2025. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
- ^ Jennings, Rebecca (March 18, 2024). "The Mr. Beastification of entertainment". Vox. Archived from the original on March 20, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2025.
External Links
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