Algorithms play a major part in how we discover content, and yet recently people are asking, should we switch them off? We delve into the debate and what this would mean for you, before unpacking the careers of 3 comedians who were born from the algorithm. Stick around for spooky collections and the chance to win 5 years of Uppbeat Pro!
Algorithm - on, or off?
If you had the choice to switch off your algorithm, would you? Well, in Australia social-media users might be asked that exact question as the government pushes for legislation that would force Meta, TikTok and YouTube to give them the option.
48% of Australians said they’d pull the plug on the algorithm and only see content from people they’d actively choose to follow – a massive divide in opinion. But why is this issue so divisive? And what would a change in algorithm mean for the future of your feed?
Algorithm off?
“I'm tired of hyper-personalized feeds feeding us short-form content. The web functioned as a great online 3rd space in the 90s and early 2000s and I want that organic feel of community back!” – Libs, Uppbeat’s Creative Coordinator
Less addiction and more control: two reasons why most users are against the algo (as the Aussies would call it) and something platforms might need to give users very soon. Meta dodged a $1.4 trillion fine this summer, instead paying a paltry $18 billion in a landmark addiction lawsuit. This is a real turning point for social media platforms. In short, they need to get serious about the wellbeing of their users, or face the heat.
Or, algorithm on?
“There are so many times where the algorithm discovers something I didn’t even know I needed. My feed would be emptier without it.” – Sandy, Uppbeat’s Content Manager
The biggest reason for keeping the algorithm is discovery. Nearly 50% of ‘algorithm-on-ers’ say it’s how they discover new interests, hobbies and – importantly for you – creators. This tailored feed of content is a way to reach like-minded audiences, grow and monetize. On that last point: a broader reach equals higher viewership… which equals ad revenue and sponsorships. YouTube has paid out $100 billion to creators since 2021 just from ad revenue – a life-changing stat.
Your feed… your choice?
When the algorithm works, it pushes discoverability and makes the internet a fun, exciting place to be. When it doesn’t… Well, everything starts to feel the same. Rather than a black and white debate, then, what this all comes down to is a need for more user control.
Whether you’d choose to keep your algorithm on, or switch it off entirely, one day you might actually be given the choice. For creators, any shifts in algorithm can be scary… but at Uppbeat we think this could be a good thing →
If viewers have full control over their algorithm, you’d be highly discoverable by any audience who chooses to keep it running, and get to build genuine relationships with those who decide to switch it off and follow you, for you. As Emma, Uppbeat’s Marketing Coordinator, puts it, “Off, or on – I don’t think it matters. Creators are resilient to change and they’ll make the internet work for them.”
TikTokers: the next generation of comedians?
So, you want to make people laugh. A few years ago, that’d involve hitting up your local stand-up comedy night for a few rounds of public humiliation. Nowadays, gold-star comedians are skipping the clubs altogether for a different stage: TikTok.
DeMarcus Shawn, Henry Riley, Delaney Rowe – the comedic alumni from TikTok is vast… but what makes the app so attractive? We delve into three comedians who made it big through short form and how you could do the same →
1. Morgan Jay (@morganjay) → Global visibility, no member card
Back in 2019, Morgan Jay couldn’t get into any of the “hip” comedy clubs, performing instead in “living rooms and backyards”. In his words, “the backyards have gotten a lil bigger.” Jay now sells out shows globally. The key that unlocked the swinging doors? TikTok virality. Jay posted snippets of comedy every two days before he made it; a level of consistency every creator aspires to.
Morgan Jay’s creative philosophy → Jay told Mashable, “Be consistent with posts and don’t attach too much emotional value to them, because you really don’t know what people will connect with.”
2. Max Fosh (@maxfosh) → Unlimited fun
“Having a stalk, are we?!” reads Max Fosh’s TikTok bio. But with global fame he’s achieved, it’s likely the algorithm served him up without you even searching. Max went viral for online stunts like sneaking into London Fashion Week dressed in a plastic bag (classic), and his infectious joy for “silliness” has his face everywhere, from Celebrity Master Chef to Sideman’s annual Charity Match.
Max Fosh’s creative philosophy → Max told Varsity, “The audience is my boss [but] I want to make sure that I’m making videos that I want; if I’m not enjoying making them, it’s a very quick path to burnout.”
3. Grace Reiter (@reitergrace) → Space to do the unhinged
Need convincing to enact your unhinged content-idea? Grace Reiter is known for online TikTok skits, but really catapulted to fame in 2025 after releasing a parody on YouTube: The Hunger Games (but better). It stars 14 friends and is entirely improvised. She is now a cast member on SNL which captures around 4 million live viewers per episode (a bit larger than your average stand-up audience).
Grace Reiter’s creative philosophy → Reiter told Variety, “When I was starting, it was throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. Quantity over quality. Just make it and post it. If people saw it, great. If not, no one did.”
Why TikTok works → Your socials are the perfect place to test material. Post three different variants of a punchline, see what works, get immediate feedback and access to a global audience who don’t care who you are, as long as you make them laugh… and with over 1.9 billion TikTok users out there, that’s got to be someone – right?
What are we watching?
We caught up with Partnerships Coordinator Jennah to ask her a couple of questions about a creator she's loving recently.
Whats your favorite channel right now? "I love Silkymochi's fashion deep-dives and her 'Dark Muses' series."
3 words to describe? "Atmospheric, stylish, inspiring."
Why do you love it? "She knows EVERYTHING about aesthetics and gives great advice on how to find your personal style. So if you've ever wanted to watch an analysis of Twin Peaks costuming or a video essay about the psychology behind red lipstick ....then, you're welcome!!"
We think she'd love... "This super gothic text font. Stylish, like her!"
Elsewhere on the web
- Would you bring an ice coffee to a job interview? The question that’s divided the internet.
- Mukbang creators face demonetization as YouTube expands its community guidelines.
- $100 million. The cost TikTok pays in Alabama child addiction law suit.
- Are you following? 2026 VidSummit kicks off in Dallas Texas.
- “Thank you and goodbye.” PewDiePie ends vlogs to protect his family’s privacy.
Latest Uppdates
It’s officially ‘spooky season’ which means endless opportunities for themed content. Get ahead of Halloween with our music collection, or check out this Stranger Things Board, inspired by the show and perfect for any creepy content you’re cooking up. (Learn how to make your own Boards here!)
More opportunities for content, also means you might be wanting more downloads. Head over to Instagram to learn how you could win 5 free years of Uppbeat Pro in our new, monthly competition.
