The trend of filming YouTube videos, starring both children and adults, is spreading around the world. This up-and-coming extracurricular has students video blogging, or “vlogging,” about topics ranging from fashion to video games to social justice.

YouTubers consider this new hobby to be quite rewarding. Filming videos allows them to showcase their thoughts and opinions while connecting with people all around the world.

Sophomore Megan Umansky, who vlogs under the username @the17pink with 38,900 subscribers, is known as a beauty guru within the YouTube community and films videos on fashion and beauty. She feels that her videos help her viewers “feel more confident,” which ultimately makes vlogging a worthwhile hobby for her.

Sixth-grader Annelise Griffin is also a Youtube beauty guru and vlogs as @AnniesAnswers with over 740 subscribers. She likes making videos because “they make people happy” and they have made her feel more confident.

On the other hand, sophomore Annie Vento, who is known as @AnnieBanapple on YouTube with over 330 subscribers, enjoys creating vlogs that share ideas she thinks other people should hear, especially concerning activism. [Full disclosure: Vento is the the social media editor for “The Gryphon Gazette.”]

“I want to do something [that lets me] spark change and be an activist, specifically for human rights, when I’m older. Those types of videos are incredibly significant,” Vento said.

Annie Vento’s younger brother, Jack Vento, started making videos a few months ago under @JVlaxtalkshow, and already has nearly 20 subscribers. He says that his sister’s channel inspired him to film his own videos about gaming, which he feels “make people laugh and have a good time.” He said that it has been beneficial to him because it has made him feel more confident and provided him with a hobby that he is passionate about and hopes to continue.

Filming YouTube videos has also offered students an insight into careers they might pursue in the future. While both Griffin and Annie Vento are unsure about continuing to film videos as a career, Annie Vento acknowledges that it has made her realize that “you can turn almost anything you love into a career.”

Umansky, however, first discovered her love for filmmaking in 2011 and sees it as something she could pursue farther.

“I really enjoy it, so there is a chance it could have a part in my future,” she said.

Many youtubers can have a profound effect on their viewers. After receiving some positive feedback, Annie Vento was nearly brought to tears because she did not realize that something she did for fun on the weekends could have such an impact on someone.

Similarly, feedback from Umansky’s subscribers has pushed her “to keep making videos because of the effect it has on all the viewers.”

“I hope that they feel like I am helping them with simple tips I share,” said Umansky, “and making them feel like they can do anything that they dream.”