What happens when YouTube gets political?

Available for over a year

As cat videos were being shared, and music hits like Gangnam Style went global, YouTube was quietly reshaping how we consume information. People were turning away from traditional media, trusting unsourced, unverified content. For some, it’s been liberating - for Egyptians like Hadil El-Khouly, who were inspired to join the Arab Spring. But it’s also raised concerns. Could YouTube threaten democracy itself? Researcher Jillian C. York warns of YouTube’s power to spread unchecked information, while author of YouTubers Chris Stokel-Walker questions the platform’s role in spreading misinformation. And in this fourth episode of our five part series, presenter Sophia Smith Galer asks Hank Green what’s next? It's the story of Youtube, told through the content creators who were there. Presented by Sophia Smith Galer Producer: George McDonagh Executive Producer: Leonie Thomas Commissioning Editor: Tracy Williams Artwork by Uptown Style Mix and Mastering by Hannah Varrall An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 4