video essay
/ˈvɪdiəʊ ˈɛseɪ/
CommonA long-form YouTube video that analyzes a topic in depth using narration, clips, and visual examples.
Used both approvingly and dismissively. Some use it to mean any thoughtful long video. Others use it mockingly toward overly serious or pretentious YouTube content.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | i watched a 3 hour video essay about spongebob last night and i have no regrets | Someone spent a large amount of time on a long analytical video about something seemingly trivial. | x, 2023 |
| 02 | there's actually a really good video essay on why this movie's ending doesn't work | Someone is recommending a specific analytical video about a film. | reddit, 2022 |
| 03 | bro made a 40 minute video essay about a minecraft speedrun. i respect it | Someone made a surprisingly long and thorough video about a niche gaming topic. | x, 2022 |
| 04 | every discourse ends the same way. someone makes a video essay, everyone watches it, then we move on | Online arguments often get resolved or archived when a creator makes a definitive long-form take. | x, 2024 |
Use it when
- Describing or recommending a long YouTube video that analyzes something.
- Referring to the format in general when discussing YouTube content.
- Mocking a creator who takes a low-stakes topic overly seriously.
Do not use it when
- You mean a short YouTube opinion video or vlog.
- You mean an academic essay that happens to reference videos.
Video essay vs deep dive
video essay
Video essay usually implies a structured argument or thesis with analysis and a point of view.
VS
deep-dive-video
Deep dive is more about thoroughness and research than argumentation.
Origin and context
The term adapted from the traditional academic essay format. As YouTube matured in the 2010s, long-form analytical videos became a distinct genre and the label stuck.
- First seen
- 2010s
- Confidence
- medium
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Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/video-essayUpdated: 2026-08-29License: CC BY 4.0