You've Got to Be Kidding

My youngest daughters love to watch YouTube family videos. Their current favorites are the SOTY Family and Ninja Kidz TV. I guess I can count my blessings they have moved on from Ryan's World. Good grief...that kid earned 30 million dollars in 2020, opening toys. My kids would do the same for half that...unfortunately, there have been no offers. And quite honestly, I can't afford the stash of toys to unbox until my kiddos monetize a channel.

It really is amazing what people consider entertainment. Obviously Ryan's World draws hundreds of thousands of kids because of his uncanny wit and acting skill...Okay... so it isn't either of those. I guess Ryan draws in the views because of all of the cool toys he opens and then demos. With over 16 trillion total views, the kid won't have to work a day in his life. I imagine Ryan's World raked in another substantial amount of money in 2020, especially with the world on lockdown. Kids around the globe could play with new toys vicariously through Ryan and his younger siblings.

Maybe if my kids can't be talked into a YouTube channel, maybe I should throw my hat in the ring.

I can open toys. In fact, I'm a professional. My wife and I have 6 kids. Every birthday and Christmas, I shoulder the responsibility of extracting the toys from their packaging. Some of these toy manufacturers must emulate Fort Knox in security measures. I spend more time unwinding plastic ties and ripping away plastic tabs than the kids do in playing with the toy once it gains its freedom. Ryan has the luxury of playing with the toys; if the videos were about TRULY opening the toys, there'd be a lot fewer fans.

Not only can I open toys, but I can play with toys as well. I've been a Dad for over 18 years. I have played with Hotwheels, Legos, blocks, dolls and Calico Critters. I've participated in make believe tea parties and ran around the house in the dark firing Nerf Guns. However, at almost 50 years old, my marketability is limited. Maybe I should consider starting a box opening channel for AARP. I could focus on the efficacy of Depends and Efferdent. Unfortunately, I doubt highlighting the absorption capabilities of adult diapers would be as enticing as the latest and greatest Lego set or thousand dollar spending sprees at Toys 'R Us.

So, back to my kids. They exhibit all kinds of talent. They sing. They act. They are above average readers. Charm oozes out of every pore in their bodies. And the youngest two love toys. Isn't this the criteria for creating childhood millionaires? Truth be told, my 18year old has a channel, but he has no interest in showcasing the newest offerings from Peppa Pig. (It is a great channel, though, he draws Lego Characters. And yes, it's kid friendly.)

Okay, I'm being a bit facetious. Producing a quality video demands a lot of work behind the scenes. With the age of the stars involved, there are certainly takes and retakes. Once the camera work is done, parents of these kids are spending countless hours in video editing to create a finished product attractive enough to entice watchers to come back for more. It truly is a family project and business.

Though some of you might think I'm just jealous of the success of these families, that really isn't the case. I am impressed that they were able to find a niche that entertains kids and satisfies a parent's criteria of wholesome family programming. Maybe while my kids continue to watch faithfully, they'll become inspired to become the next YouTube sensations. In the meantime, I'll make extra income for the family by writing on Vocal. I make $6 for every 1000 reads. Take that, child star YouTubers!

I can only hope that someday I'll have over 16 trillion reads.