Ytreaktioner

Ytreaktioner (YouTube reaction videos) are a genre in which a creator records their response to another work—such as a film, trailer, music video, meme, or viral clip—while providing commentary. Typical formats show the original media and the creator on screen, often in split-screen, with real-time reactions and analysis.

Content ranges from spontaneous first reactions to structured critiques, humorous commentary, educational breakdowns, or compilations reacting to multiple clips. Some creators focus on spoiler-free reactions, others on in-depth analysis or social commentary, and formats may include live reactions, ranked lists, or interleaved clips with commentary.

History and prevalence: ytreaktioner gained prominence in the 2010s as reaction-driven channels grew in popularity. They have persisted across languages and genres, spanning entertainment, gaming, and news contexts, with variations such as trailer reactions, meme reactions, and gameplay commentary with narration.

Copyright and policy: copyright considerations are central. Using copyrighted material can be allowed if the video is sufficiently transformative and falls under fair use or fair dealing in the jurisdiction, though Content ID systems on platforms like YouTube may flag, demonetize, or require licensing. Rights holders may permit usage through licensing or request removal of clips. Many creators rely on commentary and editing to strengthen the transformative aspect.

Reception and impact: ytreaktioner can boost engagement and cross-pollinate audiences but face critiques about over-reliance on existing content, potential spoilers, and variable originality. Successful channels tend to emphasize unique perspective, pacing, and thoughtful context.