The concept of content creators on YouTube was formally introduced with the launch of the Partner Program in May 2007. This program allowed content creators to earn money based on their viewership, and it quickly became a viable career path for many YouTubers. Initially, popular channels focused on gaming, music, lifestyle, and educational content. However, it took some time for paranormal-themed channels to gain traction. One of the earliest successful paranormal YouTubers was Dark5, which gained popularity in 2013. Dark5's content focused on mysterious topics such as unexplained games, unexplained videos found on the internet, and real-life CIA experiments from the MKULTRA project. The channel's style was characterized by an eerie soundtrack and simple visuals, which made it unexpectedly engaging.
As more YouTubers noticed the potential of paranormal content, they began to create their own channels. Today, some of the most popular Chinese YouTubers focus on paranormal topics, including channels like Laogao, STBoss, and Xiaohan-UFO, as well as channels that focus on uncanny movies and TV shows. However, YouTube's recent changes to its Partner Program rules have made it challenging for paranormal channels to monetize their content. The platform's policy prohibit videos that contain violence, death, or conflict from being monetized. As a result, many paranormal YouTubers have resorted to using euphemisms, such as