Welcome to the YouTube culture

Logan Paul is a shit. That's it, that's all you need to know. The video he posted in the Japanese suicide forest was inexcusible, offensive and not a reflection of the YouTube culture at all - but you know that. You've read the articles and watched the videos telling you that; you don't need yet another voice yelling into the void.

I have been watching YouTube consistently since the age of about 15 and have been making videos myself for about two years and in my time have found some wonderful and talented people. So, instead of simply another vague opinion piece on why what Logan Paul did was bad, here is my (hardly) comprehensive list of the YouTubers you should be watching instead.

1. Dodie Clark/dodie - dodie is a musician, YouTuber and all around lovely person. She posts original songs and the occasional cover on her main channel (doddleoddle), and music covers, relaxing vlogs and anything else you can think of on her second channel (doddlevloggle). She speaks openly about her struggles with mental health and is there for people who feel like they are the only one, and those who just want to watch YouTube and have a nice relaxing time.

2. Dan Howell and Phil Lester - I have been consistently watching these two for the longest. Yes, I am aware their early content can seem juvenile and immature, but then again, when I started watching them - so was I. That's the thing about Dan and Phil, I feel like I have grown up with them, I have changed as their content has changed - so I have continually found them funny and entertaining. They may have their own channels, but their friendship and chemistry makes their collab videos the most fun to watch - particularly on their gaming channel.

3. Markiplier - Speaking of gaming, Markiplier is easily my favourite gaming YouTuber. As someone who is truly terrible at playing video games, but really enjoys them regardless, watching Mark play and commentate his way through games is really very enjoyable. He also posts music, sketches and other funny content. People may wonder why you would want to watch someone else play video games, but I think the same about sport. If you want to start watching a gaming YouTuber, give Mark a go. He also seems to be the least controversial, and least annoying, of that group (remember Pewdiepie?).

4. Safiya Nygaard - You may recognise her as a Buzzfeed alum, but don't let this put you off. In fact, it should encourage you. She has an insane amount of experience in the YouTube industry. She makes predominantly fashion and makeup videos, with challenges being her favourites. That being said, I am not normally one for fashion and makeup, but there is something incredibly appealing about her videos - they are funny, informative and just a joy to watch.

5. Jack and Dean - A pair of British guys making dumb sketches for the internet, who have since moved on to producing a successful mini-series for Fullscreen. These two are hilarious, they started over seven years ago making silly sketches from their homes on zero budget. Now, they write, direct, act in, produce and edit their own incredibly impressive videos - that are entertaining to boot. Fac-e-book anyone?

6. Binging with Babish - He makes food from movies and TV shows and has the voice of an angel. What else do you need?

HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Bertie Gilbert for lovely short films
Sammy Paul for short films, music videos and sketches
TomSka for sketches and the (in)famous asdfmovies
KickthePJ for lovely wholesome, artsy content
Just Between Us for bad advice and great sketches
AsapSCIENCE if you're feeling academic
Paint (aka Jon Cozart) for fun musical videos (remember Harry Potter in 99 seconds?)
Buzzfeed (HEAR ME OUT) for Unsolved, Worth It, the Try Guys and Ladylike

If you want to read a great article about Logan Paul and why you should not base your opinion of YouTube on him, read Allison Raskin's (of Just Between Us) article on NBC here.