YouTube conventions have become very popular in this day and age. No longer is it just film and music conventions celebrating their respective craft, but also online content and its creators.
YouTube conventions celebrate the platform’s digital content and its beloved creators. These conventions celebrate content creators, video game streaming, the art of content creation, and films.
The best YouTube conventions:
- VidCon is a famous YouTube convention.
- PAX is a gaming-oriented convention.
- Buffer Festival is aimed at elevated YouTube content.
- Playlist Live is a convention for the fans.
- Social in the City is for YouTube fans.
- The Streamy Awards is the Oscars of YouTube.
1. VidCon
VidCon is a prevalent YouTube convention for content creators and fans alike.
This YouTube convention was started in 2010 by Hank Green and John Green, better known as the Vlogbrothers. Its first convention was held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles and attended by thousands.
In 2018, Paramount acquired VidCon, and it has been held predominantly at Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim ever since.
VidCon has a variety of events for fans and content creators alike. Fans and content creators can interact with one another at interactive sessions and Q&A panels.
Attendees can attend live performances from musicians and entertainers like Nick Jonas, who previously performed at the convention. There are also fun meet-and-greet events, allowing fans to meet up with their favorite content creators.
For up-and-coming content creators, VidCon offers a wealth of events to help them get started on their exciting journeys.
A highlight includes VidCon’s special workshops held by famous content creators and experts, such as YouTuber Ash Blodgett. She previously had a workshop at the convention on content creation strategies.
VidCon is an excellent YouTube convention for fans and content creators.
Fans attending VidCon will meet some of their favorite content creators, such as the famous Mr. Beast, who previously attended.
2. PAX
The PAX Conventions are geared toward the video game culture and are an excellent place for YouTube gaming streamers to meet up.
PAX was created by webcomic authors Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins in 2004. The two authors wrote the famous webcomic Penny Arcade. Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik wanted to create a conference exclusively for gaming culture, which became PAX.
PAX is popular among YouTube gaming streamers for many reasons, such as content creator meetups and new video game announcements.
YouTube gaming streamers like Jacksepticeye and Markiplier often attend and speak at PAX. YouTube streamers also enjoy a variety of content related to video game culture.
Popular YouTube gaming streamers and their fans enjoy many popular events. Highlights include keynote conferences from industry professionals, gaming tournaments, and technology and gaming announcements.
3. Buffer Festival
The Buffer Festival is a YouTube convention geared towards elevated YouTube content, such as short films that debuted on the platform.
This YouTube convention was created by YouTuber Corey Vidal as the equivalent of a film festival, such as the Toronto Film Festival, for online content creators.
The Buffer Festival is not for general YouTube vlogs or game streams but for content creators who create such elevated content as short films for the online platform.
The Buffer Festival has a rich program geared toward content creators who want to showcase their new work for fans to enjoy.
This convention usually starts with a cinema-like streaming event of curated YouTube videos. The convention includes the Red Gala Carpet, a red-carpet event filled with chances for interviews and autographs from content creators.
It also has a meetup event for content creators to meet their fans.
The Buffer Festival has an Industry Day run by YouTube professionals. This event is geared toward content creators wanting to learn more about strategy, marketing, and networking for YouTube.
Another highlight of The Buffer Festival is Creator Day. This day at the convention is dedicated to workshops for up-and-coming YouTube content creators on strategies for creating their YouTube videos. This day is the perfect opportunity for content creators to learn from the best.
The Buffer Festival is an excellent YouTube convention focused on elevated YouTube content, such as short films. This convention includes premiers, red-carpet events, and workshops for up-and-coming YouTube content creators.
4. Playlist Live
Playlist Live is a YouTube convention aimed primarily at fans to meet their favorite content creators.
This YouTube convention was created in 2010 by AKT and has grown in popularity since its inception.
The YouTube convention Playlist Live is famous for creating an environment where fans and content creators can meet up with one another.
Popular content creators such as Rebecca Black and Tana Mongeau have attended this convention. Together fans and content creators celebrate the online media culture, which includes YouTube.
Playlist Live has a content-rich program enjoyed by fans and content creators alike. The first item on the list is Community Track, which consists of talks from content creators on essential topics such as mental health.
It is followed by the Insight Track, perfect for inspiring content creators who want to make a living from YouTube content creation. There are many more exciting events like this at Playlist Live.
Playlist Live is a popular YouTube convention aimed at fans and content creators meeting and celebrating social media culture.
This convention also includes talks from content creators and professionals on mental health and how to make a living out of content creation.
5. Social In The City
Social in the City is a YouTube convention where fans can meet their favorite YouTube content creators.
In 2009 the first Social in the City was held at the Royal Parks of London. YouTube content creators Tom burns and Dave Bullas organized it.
This YouTube convention is three days long. Famous content creators such as Hannah Witton and Tessa Violet have attended previously.
Social in the City has live performances, panels, and Q&A sessions from renowned content creators. It is an exciting three days filled with fun activities like the above.
Social in the City is an excellent three-day-long YouTube convention perfect for celebrating social media culture and for fans to meet their favorite content creators.
The three days of Social in the City are filled with Q&A sessions, panels, and live performances from popular content creators. This is a YouTube Convention not to be missed.
6. The Streamy Awards
The Streamy Awards is the equivalent of The Academy Awards but for online content creators, especially YouTube content creators.
This convention was first held in 2009 and created by Tubefilter and MRC Live & Alternative. Since its inception, it has grown in popularity and is attended by many famous YouTubers, including Mr. Beast, Markiplier, Ninja, and Tana Mongeau.
Till today it is exclusively showcased on YouTube.
The Streamy Awards include many categories of awards. They are all strictly dictated by a rigid body of panelists who are professionals in online content creation.
Award categories include Overall Awards, Individual Awards, Show Awards, Subject Awards, and Craft Awards.
Mr. Beast previously won Creator of the Year in the Overall Awards category. In the past, within the Individual Awards category, streamers CrankGameplays and Markiplier won the Collaboration Award. Many more famous content creators have previously won a Streamy Award and attended the ceremony.
The Oscars for content creation are the Streamy Awards. It is broadcasted exclusively over YouTube and watched by millions.
Final Thoughts On YouTube Conventions
There are many great conventions for YouTube content creators to attend. Some of the best include VidCon, PAX, Buffer Festival, Playlist Live, Social In The City, and The Streamy Awards.
These events are a great way to meet other YouTubers and learn about the latest trends in digital video.
Attending one of these conventions is a great place to start if you want to learn about things like getting sponsored on YouTube, strategy, and networking.