SPILLING THE TEA ON BOOKTUBE ☕📚

I'm sorry for all the lighting changes in this video! Sometimes natural lighting can be a pain! Today I'm talking all things booktube & my experience with the community and creating content over the last 12 years. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions for this.
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Thanks for all your support!

[@im_just_vidu]

8:13 "We made it through. We survived. We're still standing." I'm very very proud of you Jesse. You got this 💪🏻

[@shazmatazz6769]

One thing I love about your channel and content is how passionate you are about books and reading. That hasn’t changed for the last 9 years of me following you. You have this contagious energy of “oh my gosh, reading is pure joy” that helps me get out of my reading slumps as well as the “comparison bouts” I get where I’m feeling like less of a reader because I read less books or less “cool” books. I am so thankful for your channel, Jesse! More power to you, my friend!

[@jaginaiaelectrizs6341]

YES!💖

[@pi-nn5qg]

Am 5year down the line😅😅😅😅

[@heyitsgabs21]

has anyone else noticed that youtube niches stopped feeling like a community around the same time that collabs (true collabs where everyones in the same room) vanished

[@camilaarmani8566]

I'm one of the people that has a very different reading taste to yours, but I stick around because you are just an adorable human, you make me laugh, and I love how authentic you are. I appreciate you and everything you do here. ❤

[@naastyaaaaaaaaa]

When you realize you've been watching Jesse's channel for over 5 years - over half A DECADE?? - and panic because you feel like it's only been a year..😳

[@MattMilu]

Don’t overthink it… You being you is the key to your success and why we subscribe!!! 🤩

[@emmal7510]

I like listening to people be excited about things they love, even if those things aren't for me. And sometimes that leads me to discover things I wouldn't have otherwise heard of.

[@paulmagrs2474]

I discovered your videos during lockdown... when i was craving bookshops and seeing people talk about books. I've kept watching - and you've (along with a couple of others) inspired me to start creating my own bookish channel. It's still new and daunting, but i love doing it. Thank you, Jesse!

[@Atwood05]

I’ve been watching you since I was 9 and I’m 18 and in uni now :) I remember I started watching you after my mom died and I started making lil book videos back then. It really helped me to have somebody to talk about books with, because it was a me and my mom thing

[@lukemattomatsivut]

For what it's worth, I am a long-time subscriber and I genuinely think your videos are much more sincere and "real" nowadays, thus I prefer them to the older stuff!

[@shazmatazz6769]

17:21 THE CAMERA SAID “TOO BRIGHT?! NO PROBLEM” PLS

[@ashleytunny]

After 10 years you’re still my fav booktuber. Keep on keepin on. Here for it all

[@chelsey8737]

I watched your videos occasionally years ago but to be honest I didn't really vibe with the chaotic loud persona so I didn't watch very often. I picked up watching again late last year once you had started toning it down a little and being a bit more genuine with the portrayal of your personality and I have to say I enjoy these videos so much more now. I get so much enjoyment out of your new videos because you've struck the perfect balance between being chatty and upbeat and a little silly sometimes without being obnoxious or when I have headphones in. I also wanted to say that I appreciate your openness and honesty about anxiety. I struggled with the anxiety at my first year of college so bad that I'd literally chose an online degree because of it and now I'm at a place where I am emotionally capable of taking control of my anxiety and it just makes me feel so good to have somebody who understands that and also struggles with it be so open about it.

[@emilystock1224]

Congratulations on 12 years of Booktube! 🎉 You are the one and only Booktuber that I follow. I discovered you through your discussions on The Sun is Also a Star and Frankly in Love (my favorite contemporary books). I found your content so positive which was very helpful for me during the peak of COVID. I then fell into a book hiatus until last year and now I'm happily catching up with your content!

[@jessicazmuda7557]

I LOVE all of the openness, honesty, and authenticity in this video and all your others! I've been watching you since 2013, and I've loved seeing all of your video eras

[@jacobsabin2039]

I am one of the people who may have different reading tastes (at least from what you usually post), but I love the passion you have for books and reading. Keeping it up Jesse!

[@eht367]

Jesse: "I know my videos are too bright." Camera: Goes into night mode That timing 😂 Congratulations on 12 years!!! Your channel is definitely a comfort place for me, so thank you for creating such a welcoming and warm space on the internet. You've put so much work into your channel over the years and it is so appreciated! Happy to be a part of the community

[@samantha_dyan]

You got so deep and vulnerable in this video! I loved hearing your thoughts and reflection on your own journey and the overall journey of Booktube as a platform. I’ve been watching on and off since 2014 and I’m very glad you’re still finding joy and passion through Booktube! ☺️

[@grff_]

The throwback was crazy bc i was a huge booktube fan when i was in my early teens and i remember i subscribed to you, but your video persona eventually clashed with me. This year i got into books again and i was looking for you but i was doubting myself HARD on if you were actually the same guy, you're so chill now😭 I'm glad because I love your commentary and vibe now I'm glad i was like "what happened to that one guy I used to follow? I should give him another chance"

[@ghostlygirl713]

I just want to say that I love your channel so much. Our reading preferences couldn't be further apart. I'm a hardcore horror fan, but you are just a gem and watching your videos makes me feel so positive. Thank you for sticking around for so long. Also, you should totally bring back challenges and tags. I miss them so much!

[@Nyx.on.fire10]

Jesse, you have made such an impact on my life. I found you when you first started and I was still in grade school (for reference, I'm in college). At the time, I was getting heavily bullied for my love of books and reading and just being a nerd in general. Your channel showed me that it is okay to be this. It is okay to love reading if it truly brings you joy. People like me do exist out there. I've loved watching you grow from the boy that loved blue and made funny skits to who you are today. I'm so impressed and proud of how far you've come. Every time I get a notification I immediately smile, looking forward to seeing your content and connecting about books, even if you have no idea who I am haha. All that to say. Thank you, Jesse. Truly. You're my favorite creator and probably always will be.

[@BaileeWalsh]

Jesse, I've been subscribed to you for a decade this year. I discovered booktube in early 2014 and I'm pretty sure your channel was recommended to me within that first year. It's crazy how much time has passed- especially comparing booktube then to now and thinking about the journey and evolution of the sphere overall, your reading and videos, and my own reading and videos. Besides overall complimenting you, I guess I just wanted to say I think you will always have a solid viewership and community (even if numbers fluctuate) because you have a way of zooming out and talking about reading and books as a whole a lot of the times. idk how else to describe it, but I'm constantly saying you're so relatable and I think that's partly because of the way you talk about reading and being a reader in general, regardless of specific book interests overlap/commonalities. Also, in 2018 I went to a Booksplosion event at my local B&N and met you, Christine, and Kat. It was really nice and I'm glad I went even though I was alone. I still have the photos of the four of us and I'll never get rid of them :)

[@august7421]

jesse your channel has always been such a comfort for me and it always feels like i'm hanging out with a friend, ive been watching you since 2016 when i was 14 years old and now i'm an adult and youve always been somebody i knew i could go to to put a smile on my face, keep on being you and thanks ❤

[@shazmatazz6769]

OMG CONGRATULATIONS 🥳 YOU’RE MY MOST FAVOURITE BOOKTUBER OF ALL TIME!

[@rattlethestars699]

I can't believe I've been watching your channel for over 10 years. How time flies. I will always stick around, I think you seem like the most genuine and down-to-earth person and your videos always make me so happy ❤

[@renmochizuki464]

It’s just nice to see people genuinely happy about reading and books. I get so happy and want to talk about books I love. I feel that others just don’t get it. I could gush about a character or story and I get the “it’s just a book” look and it makes me upset. Coming to booktube and this channel make me realize it’s ok to be excited about books. So thank you for that safe space.

[@LadyLissa82]

As a new viewer, just wanted to show you some love and tell you I’m enjoying your content so much, and your focus on community. It feels like a positive, wholesome space to share our love of reading. Love you and your channel!

[@carringtonbrignac3076]

woah! I can't believe it's been 12 years!! I've been watching you since late 2013 and have enjoyed your evolution !! You definitely seem to be happy and *yourself* these days!! Thanks for all the book recs over the years and the countless laughs!!

[@elskabee]

seeing boba frog in the background brings me peace and serenity

[@accalialb]

Yess!!! Booktags and books challenges need a comeback. I used to have a reading blog and I miss those!

[@flaura_99]

Not me tearing up 🥺 Come here Jesse, I'm gonna hug you 😭💜 I started following you last year and I'm so glad I stayed. I love your content! I'm excited about what's coming soon 🥰💜

[@SydBookWorrom]

You and the booksplosion crew were definitely some of the creators that inspired me to make my channel back in 2020. So so much love for you and your creativity - this video was so nice to sit and hear your perspective. You’re so genuine and I adore it And for the record, I’d love to be your bud🫶🏼

[@nocturne3008]

I discovered booktube while working abroad. I found your videos to be wholesome and fun. Cozy is definitely a word I would think of when describing this channel and it was especially helpful during the pandemic when visiting home wasn't an option. I am very excited to hear about manga content incoming!

[@dania7989]

I only discovered your channel last year and I really enjoy the current videos you're putting out! They're very vibey, warm and friendly. Looking forward to everything that is to come 😊

[@preciousgahan]

I've been watching you for years and when I think of the OGs I'm so happy you're still around! Keep being you and being awesome 🖤

[@mandiconnell3311]

This video was so fun 🥹 I think I started watching you in 2014, and you’ve been my favorite book channel ever since! Your videos have always been so comforting and cozy and fun for me. I also I love that you read from a lot of genres because it helps me find new things I didn’t even know I’d be interested in!

[@carladiaz8399]

Your channel was one of the fist of the usa booktube I discover and keep consuming, I am mexican and I was triying to improve my english and to be honestly I was scared I would never undestand anything, so thanks for the great book re comendations, the laughts and for the help in my english. I love that you keep making videos and being so pasisonate about books, I really miss 2014 booktube, we were so united and happy

[@april44rei]

Hello from the Philippines! Congrats for 12 years on Booktube! You’re one of the First booktubers I have subscribed since I discovered booktube in 2018. Your reading tastes are different from mine but still I enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for making bookish content for us all through the years. I hope you’d still post videos in this channel and more vlogs please! Stay true to yourself and you always encourage us to keep reading where your heart desires. We love you! ❤

[@TheWordN3rd]

The fact that getting to meet all of us down here in the comments is ypur favorite experience is one of the reasons I'm still here. I'll never forget the fact that you recognized me from my little bitty profile picutre and seemed genuinely happy to say hello at BookCon (RIP). That's not something many people would do, it really shows that you care. Happy BookTube-ivesary!

[@_mermaidguts]

Oh man, did not expect you to answer mine. That was like a happy jumpscare 😄 I absolutely wasn't looking for specific information, I would never want you to feel uncomfortable (hence the second question). Thank you so much for answering! Your answer makes perfect sense with your personality and I'm so glad you're in a time where your booktube career and experience has helped you learn which genuine people to give your energy and attention to. For the times when you had to learn the hard way, I hope those experiences didn't negatively impact you too much.

[@changedbybooks665]

The fact that I've been following you since your second year on booktube is wild to me! :o

[@ajiyasajjad3032]

Jesse I can't thank you enough because you literally got me into reading. You were the first booktuber I followed 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹♥️

[@amandashank1858]

Congrats on 12 years!! Since you were honest, I will be honest, I love your content now. I stopped watching during the years that you were not genuine to yourself. It was obvious to me that you were playing a role. I love watching the person you are now. As soon as I see you have a new video, I watch it. So keep going and don’t throw in the towel even though you are not getting the views you used to. I personally enjoy your content!!!❤

[@ritalagessilva16]

Congratulations on 12 years of booktube! 🎉 I started watching in 2016 when I dropped out of college because of my poor mental health (I eventually went back, got my Master's Degree and am currently working in my field 😁) and your videos helped me fall back in love with reading 🥰 it's been highs and lows and I'm currently on a really bad mental health month but one thing's consistent: Watching your videos always makes me happy and I love your recommendations 😁 keep going Jesse 💕

[@marinaleah5271]

Jesse you are making such great content and your booktube channel is a joy to watch. Even if my tastes don't always match yours, I love seeing your passion and energy! Will forever be a channel fan 💗

[@natquille5446]

Honestly, I have been very inactive on KZbin these past few years though I’ve been subscribed to you since around 2016 (even if it was from another account). Now I’ve been getting back to KZbin and it just seems suitable that you are the one bringing me back to it. Congratulations to the 12 years!!

[@courtsavage]

So much relatability in all of your vulnerability. You're definitely not alone in some of the struggles you have named like people pleasing and being kind to yourself. I appreciate that you have felt comfortable to share these things with us so authentically. I know that the shift in your "KZbin personality" was hard for some of your subscribers but I have really enjoyed getting to know the version of you that you are now. I have really enjoyed how much vulnerability and authenticity you have continued to share and I am glad to be on this journey with you :)

[@entrenchpodhost]

I appreciate this so much, Jesse, thank you! I have considered joining booktube for a very long time and anytime I try to do it I get so perfectionistic about the tech and background stuff that it blows the wind out of my sails. Great reminder that we don’t have to have it all together. 💛

[@kimmieryren10]

I found your channel back in 2017 when I started uni. Your videos started my reader girlie era 😆✨ And I absolutely love your chatty videos!

[@Britttttttttttttt]

Jesse, I really, really appreciate how you share your mental health struggles🙏. It can feel like a lonely path, but you are not alone ♥

[@amandarose2798]

I'm not sure you and I have ever had one single book in common but I still love watching your videos 😀

[@finaleclipse2110]

I totally get what you said about the creative slump. In Atomic Habits, the writer brings up a university photography professor that split his class in half: group 1 had to submit 100 photographs at the end, group 2 had to submit just one perfect photo. When the professor review the work, the best photographs were produced entirely by group 1. I think this shows that your approach is the right one! Plus, it gives us more content!

[@romanticdove]

Been here since 2013ish 2014 and I love your videos. They will never get old for me.

[@MariaChavez-cy9cz]

I’ve been with you for the last 10 years and this is my favorite video of yours! Love you to pieces! Please don’t stop being a book tuber!

[@tvnet222]

the trolling with the brightness levels a+

[@lagkage9120]

You were legit the first BookTuber I followed, and I think it was around 2018, not sure tho. I have definitely seen your older videos too, so I have seen your different eras. They are different from each other, but its more like seeing you grow as a person. I have loved and still love your content. I always want to comment on your videos, but don't do it much because it makes me anixous and also because English is not my first language. Anyways congratulations for 12 years of Booktube! Hope there are many more to come ^^

[@daniellewilliams1459]

Honestly Jesse, you’ve been my favorite book tuber since 2015 and I could definitely tell from the start how passionate you were for reading and it was awesome because that passion you had, it helped refueled my love for reading and help me discover so many new books . Some of them I may love and some I didn’t love regardless I’m proud to discover them and appreciate my growth ❤ for me it was awesome seeing you grow into the person you are today and it was nice seeing your book reviews on books that you loved ❤ I could feel passion, and love for reading 📖 which I relate to.

[@umrano]

I’ve been here since the beginning and you- along with some other og booktubers- helped me in picking up great books over the years and just enjoy reading. So, I want to thank you for putting all that effort in your videos and sharing some great content with us. It has always been fun sharing your enthusiasm and I’m glad you’ll be continuing to share more with us. I appreciate you Jesse, thank you for being who you are ❤ lots of love from Turkiye

[@Elizabethb619]

Happy belated channelversary! It's truly been such a wonderful experience watching you grow over the many years of content I've gotten to enjoy. I think the most special thing for me is that I started watching you in high school and your channel has been a constant from my teen years into adulthood. I cannot wait to see what the next 12 years have in store for you, no matter if you're still on BookTube or moving on to other life adventures, I'm excited to be here for the journey!

[@shawnieadams1319]

🎉 Grats on 12 years!! 🥳 Thanks for the fun Q&A!

[@prototype102010]

Fun to see my question make it in!! Been with you since 2014 or 2015 I think, off and on. When I get into a reading slump I always turn to your channel, something about hearing your passion for reading and books always gives me passion! I haven't been as plugged into booktube as much but I guess looking back I've noticed a lack of objectiveness like the olden days. Would be fun to see that happen again, more read-a-thons which were always my favorite watch from different channels. Much love from Sweden!!

[@kimschaufeli5366]

Congrats on such a milestone! I think I've started watching your videos 10 years ago (with a break in between when reading wasn't a priority to me), but the fact that you don't make videos in a specific niche is just so refreshing to me! I want all the recommendations all across different genres, so just want to let you know I appreciate that❤ Can't wait to see what the upcoming years will bring you

[@scoobydont]

Love your channel so much, you have such a comforting vibe ☺️💛

[@linkookie4723]

So happy and so proud of you! 🎉❤

[@jorichner6678]

I appreciate that you constantly make content

[@sarahjanefrost]

I'm a new subscriber as of last week. I haven't gone through your backlog yet, so I don't know how you've changed over the years, but I'm really enjoying the you that you've been showing over the last few months. Without even watching them I'm really glad you've calmed down on the yelling, because that's not something I look for when I'm searching for new booktubers. I hope you do want to keep doing booktube because I'm loving what I've seen so far. I also wanted to say that I don't think there's any need for you to 'niche your reading'. I watch a number of booktubers and only one of them is actually a 'one genre tuber'. I far prefer a tuber to be reading anything and everything that they feel drawn to.

[@Jane42.]

I always enjoy your content and your kind energy. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@tashamay6097]

I just have to say I love that you match perfectly with your books here 👌🏾 I like watching your videos when getting ready for work or when I need a pick me up. You're doing great!

[@CelReadsStuff]

9:59 i am here for all of this! I'm only new to posting on booktube but that crisis of “am I interesting enough as myself, or do I need to heighten my energy to be entertaining” is reallll. I've decided to just go with myself and hope my videos reach the right people

[@gabbyreads]

Wow congrats on 12 years!!! That’s such an amazing accomplishment 👏👏👏

[@LeticiaAnaiTorres]

I just love that you post right when I go on my lunch breaks 😂😌 I always have something to watch while I eat with great aesthetic and vibes

[@jenniferjohnson8535]

Love the channel! You do you. Right on.

[@TheGeekyandproud]

I really enjoy the variety of books/genres you read. several of my other favorite booktubers are really into genres that I'm not, so it's always nice seeing the wide range of stuff you're reading!

[@KristinKravesBooks]

I definitely remember watching your Draw My Life video. I can't believe it has been that long!

[@imperatrice211]

So fun to get a throwback to your videos of the last few years haha I specifically remember your intro video from 2019, it was dramatic but I loved it :D And congratulations 🎉 To more years of great and fun content 🥂

[@sawsaneldarrat7008]

Glad you decided to stick to it after 2021/2022, your videos are some of my favourite to watch!

[@Johanna_reads]

Happy BookTube Anniversary! 🎉🥳 I’m one of your viewers who has a very different reading taste, and your content continues to bring me joy! Loved the retrospective of your channel. Cheers!

[@VeraFran]

I've been following you for years now, and I'm so proud of you Jesse!

[@alainahiteshew4685]

Happy 12 years Jesse!!! I actually started watching your videos around your 2022 era and I’ve really enjoyed watching this transition period. I really related to you figuring out who your most authentic self is, and I hope you continue to find joy making videos!

[@HannahReadsFiction]

Congratulations on 12 years!! 🎉 I believe I discovered booktube around 2018 and you’re one of the first booktubers I’ve been watching since.

[@jaginaiaelectrizs6341]

Yaaasss, get that exploring making whatever content makes YOU happy energy ! 😊💖

[@Kafia_]

So proud of you jesse just keep on being you! 🎉 ❤

[@aboutmygirls]

I have loved watching your KZbin journey. Congrats on 12 years....that's a really big deal! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us.

[@PistachioGold]

Ahw this was really candid and informative. Thank you for being so open as well as setting boundaries ❤ appreciate ya

[@johannalehto9154]

Not even half-way through and I love this already. Can't believe it's 10+ years since you started. I started to watch your videos eight years ago and followed ever since. Your videos are great quality, always fun and I has loved how you evolved as a booktuber/creator. Sorry to hear about the sturggles with burnouts and mental health. It's very relatable because I started also medication for my anxiety in late 2019.

[@herbybib]

I just want you to know that being a part of your bookish space has brought me so much joy and sense of community.

[@jeanna8615]

I loved this video! I think I've been watching your videos since 2014 and you're the only one who I still watch from back then, so I feel like in a way that I know you. It was so fun to go back and hear more about your experiences and what you love about the journey you've had! You've always kept things about your personal life private, which isn't a bad thing at all, and it doesn't make you weak for being that way by the way, I think you are very brave and dedicated and should be proud of all you have done! But lately I have seen that you are more open and genuine and I feel like I see more of who you are, so I'm happy that you found that spark again and feel comfortable as yourself. It's been fun getting to know you more. I hope you know you are an amazing, kind and thoughtful person Jesse!

[@JasmineMage305]

I've been watching you since late 2015. Your videos have helped me through some dark times. I have enjoyed to watch your channel grow and seen the changes. Can't wait to see where you go with your content.

[@IrisGarciaMoonsilver]

Congrats 🎊🎉 Jesse!!! You deserve to celebrate! One of the best KZbin channels 🎉!!! Whenever you are asking yourself why you don’t have as many views for a specific video is more cuz of the algorithm… it’s been a while since KZbin recommended me your videos or notify me about your videos and it might be because of the huge amount of channels I’m following or themes currently watching but for whatever the reason It’s doing that don’t give up. You are a ray of sunshine on KZbin just being yourself… characterization is fun but feel free to be you! Also if you are out of ideas at any point ask and I’m sure we all can help you 🎉🙌🏼

[@gracemacblain5237]

Love your videos! I have watched you for 6 years, i currently got back into reading. I look forward to your videos!!!

[@floydandtotoro]

aww you are my fav book tuber and definitely have such unique and creative videos! my favourite video was the ‘Reading books with strange formats’ and I’ve found so many books I’ve loved from there (I remember when I was little one of my favourite reading experiences was reading Mr. Bean’s Diary, it’s his day planner but filled with little jokes). Congrats and lots of love! Xox🎉

[@wendydebrosse6943]

You were the first booktuber I ever discovered and will always hold a special place in my book-loving heart ❤

[@aftg818]

I have been watching your content for almost ten years now and I have never loved a creator more. You were a huge part of a confidence booster for myself and being comfortable with expressing myself more. Your energy has always been something I look forward to, even if I get a little behind on your video releases

[@MsEnid2u]

I don't always agree with your book taste but I like your channel because I feel you keep it as real as can be. You stay true to yourself and I like the real talk. And whether your super excited or just calm I like it. Keep it up for sure :)

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

This was great, I loved seeing your journey through the years and how your channel has changed as you have changed, it has even given me some ideas for my own channel.

[@janievalgunn]

Happy Anniversary!!! 🎉🎉🎉 I’ve been subscribed since 2013 and have always loved your videos ❤ We are the same age and I feel like I got to grow into proper adulthood with you. I don’t normally comment but your videos are for sure ones I get most excited over every time you upload!

[@CuriosityP75]

This video showed up in my feed this morning. It’s the first one I’ve seen of yours and I enjoyed your answers so much that I’m subscribing for more. And will be slowly working through your back catalogue 😁

[@vrindam1247]

Congratulations on completing 12 years here, Jesse!! 🎉❤ You were one of the first few youtubers I subscribed to (Yes, I took a long time before I began actually subscribing to channels, but still).

[@GavinReadsItAll]

Thank you for the walk down memory lane, gotta admit I teared up a little 💙

[@BreakevenBooks]

Love that shirt! Its so colorful. Aw Jesse, I will be your friend. I feel what you mean so much about putting on a sort of persona of yourself for the sake of entertainment. But you seem like such a genuine person and that is very admirable. My lighting drives me crazy. I'm pasty so it always blasts out my face and I spend a lot of time being frustrated at my camera LOL. This is the "kind to myself era". That is an era I will work on being in too!