PewDiePie, arguably the world’s most popular YouTube celebrity, has decided to take a break.
In one of his most recent videos, PewDiePie (real name Felix Kjellberg) states:
“I am taking [a] break from YouTube next year. I wanted to say it in advance because I made up my mind. I’m tired. I’m tired. I’m feeling very tired.”
He goes on to assure his fans that he will only be taking a short break at the beginning of the year. Kjellberg also teases that he will elaborate more on his hiatus in future videos.
PewDiePie has been uploading videos pretty much daily for almost a decade. He has even been known to record episodes ahead to time for later release in order to keep a regular stream of content (a common practice in vlogging and podcasting often referred to as “keeping some in the can”). He also married fellow internet personality Marzia Kjellberg (nee Bisognin) earlier this year. So it’s understandable that the guy would be ready for a vacation.
The YouTuber also has several gripes with the platform that may be the source of his exhaustion and frustration. A recent video is titled “YouTube’s Update Has A BIG FLAW!”
But not all of Kjellberg’s woes are beyond his control. Some are arguably self-inflicted. PewDiePie has come under attack for using racial slurs in his broadcasts and promoting violence against Jews. Kjellberg has claimed his use of shock is only for the sake of humor and often tries to distance himself from the more unsavory parts of his fanbase (the mass shooter involved in the murder of 49 people in Christchurch, NZ proclaimed “subscribe to PewDiePie” while live-streaming his crimes).
While it’s challenging to hold Kjellberg accountable to the actions of one insane fan, it is my opinion that what often gets labeled “edgy” comedy is just a cover for lazy hacks. If you can’t be funny without using hate speech, you’re probably just not that funny. But if Howard Stern can grow out of it, anyone can.
So for many YouTube fans, there will be a PewDiePie-sized hole in their entertainment at the beginning of 2020. Until he comes back, you’ll have to settle for his poop-based mobile game, Poopdie. Apple has banned Poopdie in a move that was surely not-at-all anticipated and courted by its creator in an effort to drum up publicity by being so edgy, bro.
