Nostalgia for the Discovery: Exploring Watch Something Wonderful
Long before the rise of contemporary social media platforms, users engaged with a browser extension known as StumbleUpon, which allowed individuals to discover random websites with a single click. Many individuals, this writer included, fondly recall the charm of such spontaneous exploration. The delight stemmed from the element of surprise; a simple click would unveil a carefully curated selection of sites.
In a similar vein, Watch Something Wonderful offers a modern twist by delivering a random YouTube video experience. Utilizing the site is straightforward; with just one click, users are presented with an unexpected YouTube video from a curated library. The selection balances humor and informative content, intentionally steering clear of overtly political themes. For instance, a delightful half-hour vlog-style documentary on the origins of sparkling water caught my attention—a viewing I would have otherwise missed.
Sadly, the site lacks substantial details regarding its creators or the criteria used to select the videos; the only clue is “A Team 7 Product,” with no further links or context provided. This air of mystery piqued curiosity, prompting an exploration to uncover the individuals behind the platform. Eventually, contact was made with Akhil, one of the four members responsible for the site. Interestingly, Team 7 isn’t a formal company but rather a collective of four enthusiasts dedicated to creating enjoyable digital experiences. Alongside Akhil are his colleagues Ankit, Vidhatha, and Devesh.
Akhil shared that the inspiration for “Watch Something Wonderful” blossomed from their own lunchtime habits.
“While we enjoyed watching YouTube during our meals, finding worthwhile videos consumed too much time,” he explained. “Thus, we created a platform that presents random videos for users to enjoy.” Currently, the site features a rotation of approximately 300 videos, primarily sourced from the group’s favorite playlists, including selections from the subreddit MealTimeVideos. Akhil mentioned that there are plans to implement a feature allowing users to contribute their own video selections.
Will this site become a daily staple in one’s routine? Perhaps not. However, it’s definitely worth a visit to discover unexpected content. Envision it as a portal reminiscent of the early internet—an opportunity to break free from the constraints of personal YouTube algorithms and, quite simply, stumble upon something new and delightful.