Author ORCID Identifier
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-31-2023
Publication Title
Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies
Volume
29
Issue
6
First Page
1573
Last Page
1591
DOI
https://doi-org.leo.lib.unomaha.edu/10.1177/13548565231199968
Abstract
This production study utilizes postfeminist theory as a lens for seeing ‘beauty work’ on YouTube via the multi-channel network (MCN) ICON Network, a collaboration between the production company Endemol Shine and beauty YouTuber Michelle Phan. By bringing to focus the unique year of 2015–2016 when YouTube beauty production was largely produced within MCNs, the study sets the stage for the proceeding professionalization of YouTube content creation under legacy production and distribution companies in the 2020s. In-depth producer interviews with ICON management and YouTubers illuminated MCN business practices and producer perceptions of YouTube beauty production. Interview data was analyzed for its articulation within ICON as a postfeminist media culture (Gill, 2007) through (a) work conditions of beauty video production and (b) best practices of beauty video production. Results indicate that ICON is a site where the markers of feminism, postfeminism, and transnational feminism intersect and collide. These intersections contextualize today’s beauty influencing landscape which pushes for independence from MCNs, transparency, and authenticity.
Recommended Citation
Weare, A. M. (2023). Beautytube: Enacting postfeminism on the YouTube multi-channel network ICON from 2015 to 2016. Convergence, 29(6), 1573-1591. https://doi-org.leo.lib.unomaha.edu/10.1177/13548565231199968
Comments
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Sage in Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies on August 31, 2023, available online: https://doi-org.leo.lib.unomaha.edu/10.1177/13548565231199968
Reuse restricted to noncommercial and no derivative uses.