What even is this?
YouTube is undeniably the biggest repository of video and media on the entire internet. But in this vast database, there exist a countless number of videos that are in a state of limbo. They exist on the site, but almost no one will ever lay their eyes upon them. However, there exist many tools and methods to find these never before seen videos. This website not only serves to show how you can explore these depths, but it's also is a place for me to catagorize the various oddities and rabbit holes I stumble upon.
METHOD ONE: THE RECYCLE BIN
On YouTube, there exists a series created by user KVN AUST known as "Youtube's Recycle Bin". The series consists of him finding extremely unknown videos on YouTube by using the recycle bin map he made.
NOTE THE IMAGES BELOW ARE LIKELY OUTDATED. USE THE GOOGLE DOC BELOW IF YOU WANT TO SEE AN UP TO DATE VERSION!!!!
Another version of the map that focuses on the very early era of YouTube.
The maps consists of various file types associated with the device/application that was used to create/record the video. By typing these phrases in the search bar, you can easily find videos with extremely low view counts.
I first learned of the recycling bin from the "YouTube Abyss" article from youutube.neocities.org. This would first spark my interest in the depths of YouTube.
Google Document that lists the leads and provides information about the recycling bin. I HEAVILY recommend using this because it updates more frequently.
METHOD TWO: WEBSITES
This is a list of some of my favorite websites for finding low-viewed videos. Each website comes with a link and personal description of what it does.
ytstalker
ytstalker is a very underrated website and is by far the most customizable one. You can change settings such as view and upload date range for a more personalized experience.
AbyssTube
This website has a very similar purpose as the recycle bin. Just simply put in a device name and press generate! Note that since new leads are being added to the recycle bin, this website may be behind.
IMG_0001
"Between 2009 and 2012, iPhones had a built-in 'Send to YouTube' button in the Photos app. Many of these uploads kept their default IMG_XXXX filenames, creating a time capsule of raw, unedited moments from random lives."
This website has the best GUI out of these in my opinion. You navigate the videos like flicking channels on a television.
Project Random
Despite this website not being that well known, this is the most "random" one. Not only can you find random YouTube videos, but you can also find random things for a variety of social media, audio, and game platforms.
Petit Tube
By far the most well known and oldest one on this list. It uses an algorithm to find videos with extremely low videos. The website is quite minimalist, featuring only a YouTube embed and the logo (which refreshes the page when clicked).
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