Hey there! I’m Julián from MinuteEarth, and I’m here to talk about something important. We need your help to support educational channels like ours. Let me explain why.
There are tons of great videos on YouTube that teach you cool facts, like the one we made about how humans have created most of the ocean boundaries. But, unfortunately, there are also videos that spread wrong information about the same topic, and millions of people watch them. This can be really frustrating, especially when people leave comments on our videos with incorrect information they got from those other videos.
Research shows that people trust YouTube to suggest videos that help them learn about the world. However, this is worrying because many videos can actually lead to misunderstandings. For instance, a recent report found that over 20% of views on YouTube videos about climate change were on videos with false information. There are also videos spreading wrong ideas about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Not all channels that post misleading videos are trying to trick people—though some might be. Many are made by people who mean well but might have gotten something wrong, or by those who care more about getting views than being accurate. YouTube hasn’t done enough to stop the spread of misleading content, but thankfully, there are channels that create fun, well-researched, and informative videos. However, making these videos takes more time and effort than making less accurate ones.
When we write a video script, we spend hours reading lots of academic papers, sometimes just to get one sentence right. If you’re curious, you can check out the list of references in the description of every video, including this one! We also talk to experts to make sure we understand the topic clearly. Many of our team members are experts in different subjects, which really helps.
Our writers go through many rounds of feedback and revisions to make sure each script is as clear and accurate as possible. Even though our videos feature playful stick figures, our illustrators also dive into scientific research to create visuals that are both fun and true to the science. Making fact-based, entertaining educational videos is hard work!
So, here’s how you can support channels like ours that focus on facts instead of just getting clicks. The best way to support MinuteEarth is by sharing and engaging with our videos. If you can, consider becoming a patron at Patreon.com/MinuteEarth. Your support helps us rely less on ad-based revenue, which has become less reliable these days, and allows us to keep making educational videos about fascinating science stories.
If supporting accurate science content isn’t enough, joining us on Patreon gives you access to exclusive content, like beautiful illustrations that didn’t make it into videos, participation in community activities like our caption contest, and early access to videos where you can leave comments that might puzzle future viewers!
Whether you’re a patron or not, we sincerely thank you for supporting us so we can focus our energy on this channel.
Watch a video from MinuteEarth and another video on the same topic from a different channel. Compare the information presented in both videos. Identify any discrepancies and use reliable sources to fact-check the information. Discuss your findings with your classmates.
Choose a topic you are passionate about and create a short educational video. Research your topic thoroughly, ensuring all information is accurate. Use creative visuals and clear explanations to make your video engaging. Share your video with the class and discuss the challenges you faced in ensuring accuracy.
Participate in a class debate about the impact of misinformation on YouTube. Divide into two groups: one arguing that YouTube should do more to prevent misinformation, and the other arguing that viewers should be responsible for discerning accurate information. Use evidence from the article and other reliable sources to support your arguments.
Choose a topic covered by MinuteEarth and research it using academic papers and reliable sources. Create a reference list similar to the one MinuteEarth uses for their videos. Present your findings to the class, highlighting the importance of using credible sources in educational content.
Identify your favorite educational YouTube channel and create a plan to support it. This could include sharing videos with friends, leaving positive comments, or even starting a class discussion about the channel’s content. Present your plan to the class and explain why supporting accurate educational content is important.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
—
Hi, this is Julián from MinuteEarth. We’re making this video to ask for your support for educational channels like ours, and here’s why. There are plenty of fact-based videos on YouTube, like the one we made about how ocean boundaries are mostly human creations. Unfortunately, there are also videos that contain misleading information about ocean boundaries, which have been viewed by millions. This can be disheartening, especially when we see comments “correcting” our carefully researched videos with misinformation from those other sources.
Research shows that people trust YouTube to recommend videos that help them understand the world, which is concerning because many videos can lead to misunderstandings. For example, a recent report indicated that over 20% of views on YouTube videos related to climate change were on videos containing false information. There’s also the issue of videos making inaccurate statements about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
We’re not saying that all channels posting misleading videos are part of disinformation campaigns—though some are. Many are created by well-meaning individuals who may have gotten something wrong, or by those who prioritize views over accuracy. YouTube hasn’t done enough to prevent the spread of misleading content, but thankfully, there are channels that provide entertaining, rigorously fact-checked, and substantive videos. However, creating these videos requires more time and effort than the less accurate ones.
When writing a video script, we spend hours reviewing numerous academic papers, sometimes just to get a single sentence right. If you’re curious, you can check out the list of references in the description of every video, including this one! We also consult with experts in the field to clarify any questions and ensure a clear understanding of the topic. Many of our staff members are experts in various subjects, which helps in this process.
Our writers go through multiple rounds of feedback and revisions to ensure each script is as clear and accurate as possible. Despite our videos featuring playful stick figures, our illustrators also delve into the scientific literature to create visuals that are engaging yet representative of the science. Creating fact-based, entertaining educational videos requires hard work!
So, as promised, this is the part where we encourage you to support channels like ours that prioritize facts over clicks. The best way to support MinuteEarth is by sharing and engaging with our videos. If you’re able to, consider becoming a patron at Patreon.com/MinuteEarth. Your support helps reduce our reliance on ad-based revenue, which has become less reliable during these challenging times, and allows us to continue making educational videos about fascinating science stories.
If the satisfaction of supporting accurate science content isn’t enough, joining us on Patreon gives you access to exclusive content, such as beautiful illustrations that didn’t make it into videos, participation in community activities like our caption contest, and early access to videos where you can leave comments that might confuse future viewers!
Whether you’re a patron or not, we sincerely thank you for supporting us so we can focus our energy on this channel.
—
This version removes any potentially sensitive or controversial language while maintaining the core message of the original transcript.
YouTube – An online platform where users can upload, share, and view videos on various topics, including science and environmental studies. – Many students use YouTube to watch educational videos about climate change and its impact on the environment.
Misinformation – False or misleading information that is spread, often unintentionally, which can affect people’s understanding of scientific topics. – It is important to verify facts to avoid spreading misinformation about environmental issues.
Climate – The average weather conditions in a particular region over a long period, which can be affected by natural and human activities. – Scientists study climate patterns to understand how global warming is changing our planet.
Science – The systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment, which helps us understand phenomena like climate change. – Science provides evidence-based insights into how human actions impact the environment.
Research – The detailed study and investigation into a specific topic to discover new information or reach a new understanding. – Researchers are conducting studies to find sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions.
Accurate – Free from errors, providing a correct and precise representation of information, especially important in scientific data. – Accurate data is crucial for scientists to make reliable predictions about future climate conditions.
Videos – Recorded visual media that can be used to educate and inform viewers about scientific and environmental topics. – Educational videos on renewable energy sources help students learn about sustainable practices.
Ocean – A large body of saltwater that covers most of the Earth’s surface and plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate. – The health of the ocean is vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting marine life.
Content – The information and experiences directed at an audience, often used in educational materials to convey scientific concepts. – Teachers use digital content to enhance students’ understanding of environmental science.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially in a school or university, to increase knowledge and understanding of subjects like science. – Environmental education helps students become aware of the importance of protecting natural resources.
