YouTubers, these ordinary witnesses of extraordinary events

This article looks at certain YouTubers who have been ordinary witnesses of extraordinary events. Whether they are victims of events—catastrophes (earthquakes or flooding)—, or tourists, or unintentional spectators of the northern lights, they share their lived experiences on YouTube. But who are these new “eyewitnesses”? What are the aesthetics of their audiovisual productions? What are their skills? Who is their audience? What are the implications of this for YouTube?