"This may be our last VidCon."

This was the mindset that both Andrew and I arrived to the week before VidCon. After seeing the schedule, after seeing the sponsors (or lack thereof), and knowing that this was the first VidCon after Viacom sold it.

As VidCon veterans (11 events for Andrew, while 7 events for me), things were looking bleak. But then, by the end of VidCon, we both said this to each other...

Here are the important lessons we've learned at VidCon Anaheim.

Dislikes on YouTube count again.

In the session with Todd Beaupre, Renee Ritchie, and Jenny Hoyos where they crack the YouTube code, Todd makes a note that YouTube count dislikes again. Although it works a little differently.

YouTube has at least 1,500 algorithmic signals (yeah, you read that right), and in those algorithms, it takes the viewer into account.

You may already know, but if you watch a video all the way through and/or click like, YouTube will flag that as an enjoyable video for you. They'll then try to dish out similar videos as long as you click through and watch. They might even suggest videos based on other viewers who likes the same videos as you.

Dislikes now works the same way.

If you dislike a video, it'll signal to YouTube that you don't like the video and will suggest you less of it. It'll also try to predict for other viewers with similar taste as you, so they might also see less of a certain video.

How dislikes worked before (or how people thought it worked) is that if people disliked your video, it'll tell YouTube that people don't want to see this video and they'll show the video less. This would make dislike bombing a big problem.

Now, dislikes will only be for the individual, instead of affecting your video entirely.

We know some people would like to say that all engagement are good, but in this case... it isn't. Dislikes simply mean that they don't like your video and YouTube will recommend it less.

The YouTube Keynote was a 20th celebration, but one word stuck with us.

The announcements made by YouTube wasn't anything new or anything that would create a big wave. They've been talking about Communities for a while, but it's now released to everyone.

YouTube showcased Product Stickers for Shorts. Maybe it sounds great on paper, but it's not going to move the needle by much. In fact, why use Product Stickers when you can just tag the product instead? So much space is taken up by YouTube's UI in Shorts, and it'll be more troublesome to have Stickers take up the already small real estate.

However, what stuck with us wasn't from YouTube.

When we saw one of the YouTubers they brought to the Keynote was Alan Chikin Chow, we didn't know who this person was. Considering the YouTubers from last year's Keynotes, we didn't have a high expectation. In fact, our expectations dropped when we saw the intro for Alan.

Then, he came in and said the word that resonated so much for the Kan Do Creators.

Service.

It all started because Alan wanted to provide service to him mom, making videos that would make her laugh when they were miles apart from each other. Then it turned to service towards his collaborators. Then it became service to his fans.

Everything he does, it is in service to others.

Sometimes, all it takes is a third-party's viewpoint to make you realize the obvious.

Kindness and appreciation goes a long way.

One of our goals as the KDCC this year was to bring our new coworker, Stanley Orchard, to VidCon with us. Not for him to be stuck in a booth for the rest of the event as it usually was for him.

Sure, we wanted him here to help, but we also wanted him to have fun and enjoy this event.

The result?

Stanley showed time and time again the dedication and passion he has for the KDCC. He learned as much as possible at the YouTube sessions. He spoke with numerous people, often mentioning the KDCC and what it's about. Stanley got the word out.

This was the best VidCon for the KDCC. And a big part of it was because of Stanley.

Over at the booths, we've heard a lot of horror stories and witnessed them ourselves. Whether it's rude adults or kids, whether they're famous or not. A lot of people seems to have forgotten—or have never known—what it's like to be on the other side.

If there's only a single advice that we can give to you when you're at an event or just outside in general...

In a sea of endless darkness, try to be someone's lighthouse.

A kind word can make someone's day. And those people will remember you.

Words from Andrew Kan.

To echo what Ike wrote, this was BY far the best VidCon ever. From friends old and new, I just wanted to give a massive shout out to the folks at OpusClip, Adobe Express, Uscreen, Elgato (who had our favorite booth) and many more individuals that made this Vidcon what it was!
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I think that with how important service was for Ike and I, it just strengthens our mission here at the KDCC. Also, one of the best things is the industry networking lounge this year felt fresh again. That was because we were all networking without the app. This ability to talk, and with more speakers in the industry track made this feel like something special.
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While I spoke last year—and I actually thought nothing could top that—but the reality is: VidCon is the amazing Staff such as Lisa, Jacques, and Sam to name a few, and also the people you share it with.

Shout outs to Ike, Stanley, Rob Balasabas; Conor, Ivan, Grace, Ada, Libby, and Zoe from OpusClip; Katarina and Annie from Adobe; James from Fourthwall; and the entire Elgato team!
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MOST importantly, as always, thank YOU for reading, learning, and following along with us on this journey. We have this message, this community, and goal to do all we Kan to help thanks to you!