Free labor can be described as something that is performed voluntarily and enjoyed by the person who engages in it, although the phenomenon is still subject to exploitation due to existing in the capitalist system, which does not necessarily have a bad connotation and is socially cultivated. The last point is evident from one’s affective desire to create products, which have a certain value derived from their meaning, and address a person’s need for cultural consumption while satisfying personal goals of wanting to socialize and participate in the digital space.
YouTubers embody the concept of free labor perfectly because the platform allows them to host and monetize videos, which are made for discussing topical issues, reviewing different types of media, and other entertaining or informative purposes while providing the ground for engagement and generating profits for both parties. For instance, Grace Randolph’s Beyond the Trailer channel contains various videos on the film industry, such as reactions to the latest releases and news, which are the result of her voluntary actions, and they include valuable information for the audience, addressing their cultural needs and potentially helping the subject matter benefit from the exposure.
We are led to believe that free labor is a viable alternative to the traditional means of production, and children, who actively consume its products through TikTok and other platforms, may express a desire to become a creator as a professional or start making content themselves. Should parents encourage such impulses and reassure them that an influencer is a valid occupation, or would convincing a child to pursue an established career that requires a degree be more prudent, considering that not everyone can find an audience?