1 | Personal Video Habits

We're in an age where content is at our fingertips, fundamentally changing how people formulate and engage with their interests. Anything from sports media, commentary tracks, jaw-dropping romance, and "days in the life" are now more accessible than ever. One touch of a button and we're open to a world of adventure. But what do my personal video habits look like, and what kind of content do I consume daily? 

My day begins and ends with scrolling on TikTok or Instagram. Most of the content that appears on my for you pages is fandom-specific videos or ones that align with my interests. Content such as movie and series analyses, book recommendations, and video game tips and tricks are usually the videos I stumble across. These videos are tailored to what I search and engage with, creating a personalized page where I'm frequently favoriting, liking, and sharing with others. 

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Although I consume a variety of content from different creators, there are a few on TikTok and Instagram that I return to frequently: Kiyomi and Brian K. They were recommended to me, and I immediately fell in love with their content. Brian K. does daily Wordle and crossword puzzles, which are games I try to complete every day. While I'm watching his videos, I play alongside him in another browser, so it feels like we're playing together. On the other hand, Kiyomi does a "day in the life with her family." While I don't necessarily watch these types of videos, I was drawn to her content because she presents her life in a real, unfiltered way. 

       

When I'm not scrolling on TikTok or Instagram reels, I'm an avid YouTube watcher. Whether I'm eating, playing a video game, or watching something before bed, I love to visit my favorite content creators. Similar to TikTok and Instagram, the videos I consume align with my interests. One of the creators I watch is Pretty Much It, a commentary YouTuber who watches movies or television series while crafting new and exciting jokes. I also watch James Marriott and WillNE, two friends who do reviews, challenges, and other internet trends together. Similar to the other two creators, Aaron and Jo are commentary creators who also watch movies and television series. I put these videos on while eating lunch or dinner or as background noise as I'm playing video games, allowing me to approach my interests with a new perspective.

Other streaming services I use are Netflix, Hulu, and Tubi. Just recently, I finished the finale of Stranger Things, and am currently rewatching the series with my mother and father. This television show is something we watch on the weekends when I'm done with homework and they're ready to unwind, and we will spend hours analyzing and interpreting director choices. My mother and I are also watching Bridgerton together and are preparing for the long-awaited release of season 4. And while there are times we don't watch the episodes together, we'll often reconvene and discuss our favorite moments over a phone call. 

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These videos, series, and movies are usually watched after I finish my homework and am ready to settle down for the night. Since I get distracted when listening to something while taking notes, I set aside time for myself to get things done before engaging with my phone. Although my day begins and ends with watching content, I prioritize my to-do list throughout the day. 

The content I consume daily is carefully crafted based on what interests me, enhanced by how frequently I engage with these fandom and creator-specific videos. My day is full of noise from the minute I wake up to the moment I go to bed, full of the things that inspire, interest, and excite me.