The phrase refers to software or services offered without cost that are designed to artificially inflate the number of concurrent viewers on a YouTube livestream. This contrasts with organic viewership, which consists of genuine individuals actively watching and engaging with the content. These automated systems often employ multiple virtual instances to simulate the appearance of a large audience, potentially misleading viewers and content creators regarding the true popularity of the stream.
The perceived importance of such tools stems from the desire to project an image of success and attract more organic viewers. A higher viewer count can create a bandwagon effect, encouraging more people to join the stream. Historically, the pursuit of higher online visibility has led to the development and use of various artificial engagement methods across different platforms, driven by the potential for increased revenue, brand awareness, or personal influence. However, the use of such methods often violates platform terms of service and can result in penalties.
