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PewDiePie to take a break from YouTube in 2020

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No, he’s not quitting the platform for good, regardless of what the clickbait headlines might imply, but he is taking a break.

YouTube’s biggest face can’t seem to get away from sensationalist news, no matter what year it is.

He’s faced one controversy after another since his meteoric rise to online fame, tackling accusations of anti-Semitism and Nazi sympathising, Disney dropping him from its sponsorship program, and that infamous streaming blunder back in 2017. He’s never too far away from negative or hyperbolic press stories, a trend he continues to be very vocally against.

It remains true even at the end of 2019, a year that saw Felix return to YouTube’s good books and revitalise Minecraft, a feat that seemed almost impossible twelve months ago. This time, though, it’s for simply mentioning that he’ll be taking a break from the site in 2020 – a headline that many publications have decided to interpret as a dramatic retirement announcement.

It’s not. It’s just a brief hiatus that’s probably needed after years of daily content and endless meme reviews.

Though PewDiePie’s channel has an air of spontaneity and quick, randomised fun, he’s actually one of the hardest working and most prolific creators on YouTube.

Creating lengthy daily playthroughs alongside Reddit inspired content, as well as launching mobile games, fashion lines, merch stores, and helping with Marzia’s business, Felix has a packed out schedule almost all of the time. It’s no real surprise that he needs a break.

YouTube burnout is a common phenomena that nearly all top creators go through. Having to adapt to the site’s ever-changing algorithm can be exhaustive and many don’t survive the constant need to evolve. Felix has spoken about burnout and forcing yourself to be happy for audience retention in the past, and it’s obviously a route he’s not looking to go down. Check out this video from 2017 where he discusses artificial happiness and why’s its kind of messed up.

PewDiePie’s managed to remain relevant and successful for nearly ten years, however, and was the most watched channel for 2019. Throughout this decade his style has altered dramatically, switching from gameplay Let’s Plays to commentary videos and back again. All that change can take its tole – and clearly the time is finally nigh to take a break and recharge.

It seems we may have to wait a little while to get back on the Minecraft hype come 2020, though PewDiePie’s channel and wellbeing will be all the better for it. That much is certain.

Editor In Chief London, UK

I’m Charlie (He/Him), the Editor In Chief at Thred. I studied English at the University of Birmingham and as a music and gaming enthusiast, I’m a nerd for pop culture. You can find me curating playlists, designing article headline images, and sipping cider on a Thursday. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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