Memes have become a staple of internet culture, and YouTube is no exception. From popular viral videos to the more niche corners of the platform, there is no shortage of mets (short for metaphysical memes) that have taken over the platform. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of mets on YouTube, their origins, and why they have become such a phenomenon.
If you have spent any time on YouTube, chances are you have come across a met. These short, often surreal clips take advantage of the video platform’s editing tools and creative potential to generate humorous and sometimes bewildering content. With their nonsensical, abstract humor, mets often defamiliarize everyday experiences, giving viewers a fresh perspective on reality.
The origins of mets can be traced back to the early days of YouTube, where experimental creators like Cyriak Harris and David Firth began pushing the boundaries of what was possible with video editing. These creators embraced a style that was trippy, unsettling, and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Their videos quickly gained a cult following and influenced a new wave of YouTubers who started experimenting with similar styles.
One of the earliest and most well-known examples of mets is Cyriak’s “Cows & Cows & Cows,” a mind-boggling animation featuring an ever-growing herd of cows. The video’s strange visual effects, combined with a catchy electronic soundtrack, created a surreal experience that captivated audiences. “Cows & Cows & Cows” became viral on YouTube, amassing millions of views and spawning countless remixes and parodies.
Since then, mets have evolved and diversified. Today, you can find a wide array of channels dedicated to creating and curating this peculiar genre. Channels like Memeulous, Surreal Entertainment, and Mr. X have amassed large followings by consistently delivering bizarre and entertaining mets. These channels curate content from various sources, showcasing the latest and greatest in surreal humor.
The appeal of mets lies in their ability to surprise and confuse the viewer. They often subvert expectations, presenting imagery and sounds that are unexpected or incongruous. This form of humor tickles the imagination and allows viewers to momentarily escape the constraints of reality. In a world saturated with mundane content, mets offer a breath of fresh air that never fails to entertain.
Mets have also become a cornerstone of meme culture. Many popular memes originated from YouTube mets, such as the “Stonks” meme or the “Surreal Memer” meme. These memes often reference or remix elements from mets, combining them with other internet trends to create a unique and often nonsensical experience. The malleability of mets allows them to seamlessly integrate into different meme formats, ensuring their longevity and relevance.
Furthermore, mets have garnered attention beyond YouTube as well. Many creators have incorporated elements of the genre into their music videos, ads, and even films. For instance, the music video for Billie Eilish’s hit song “Bad Guy” features a variety of surreal and visually captivating moments that can be attributed to the influence of mets. This demonstrates how this niche style has transcended its origins and permeated popular culture at large.
In conclusion, mets have become a fascinating and influential phenomenon on YouTube. With their abstract humor and unexpected twists, they offer a refreshing break from the ordinary. Originating from the experimental mindsets of early YouTube creators, mets have blossomed into a genre that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you find them hilarious, bewildering, or downright absurd, there is no denying the impact mets have had on internet culture, cementing their place as an integral part of YouTube’s vibrant and ever-evolving landscape.