Hank Green

Hall of Fame Inductee

Hank Green started making YouTube videos in 2007 with his brother, John. Now he’s a go-to internet science guy, having produced and hosted literally thousands of videos and podcasts all across the internet. Hank is also the #1 New York Times Best-Selling author of the science fiction novels “An Absolutely Remarkable Thing” and “A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor.” He co-founded Complexly, which produces SciShow, Crash Course, and nearly a dozen other educational YouTube channels. His love of the online community prompted Hank and John to co-found other endeavors, including VidCon, DFTBA.com, and the Project for Awesome.

Community Track

YouTube Legends: The OG Creators Who Paved the Way

Duration: 1 hour

Location: Hall B Stage (Spark Stage)

Thursday, June 19

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Categories: Entertainment & Sports, ASL Interpreters Present

Featuring: Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper), FunkyFrogBait, Hank Green and more

Before viral trends and billion-view videos, there were the OGs—the creators who built YouTube from the ground up. Join legendary YouTubers as they reflect on their journeys, share behind-the-scenes stories, and reveal how they’ve adapted to the ever-changing digital landscape. From the early days of low-res uploads to shaping internet culture as we know it, this session is a must-attend for longtime fans and aspiring creators alike. Get ready for nostalgia, insider wisdom, and a celebration of the icons who made YouTube what it is today!

Participants


Industry Track

Creators, Platforms & Power: How Social Media is Reshaping News and Public Discourse

Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Ballroom AB (Industry Mainstage)

Thursday, June 19

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm

Featuring: Aaron Parnas, Adam Aleksic (Linguistics Creator at Etymology Nerd), Galen Stocking (Senior Computational Social Scientist at Pew Research Center) and more

The way people consume news and engage with politics is shifting fast, with social platforms—and the individuals on them—reshaping public understanding of critical issues. This two-part session explores how creators are stepping into a role once dominated by legacy media.First, Galen Stocking of Pew Research shares new data on why—and which—audiences are turning to creators for news. Then, a panel of influential creators unpacks the responsibilities and challenges of delivering accurate information in an era of algorithmic bubbles and viral misinformation, and how they’re using their platforms to drive civic engagement and public discourse.

Participants


Community Track

VidCon's Opening Celebration

Duration: 2 hours

Location: Hall A Stage (Mainstage)

Thursday, June 19

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Categories: After Dark, ASL Interpreters Present, CART Services Present

Featuring: Adam Rose, Anthony Padilla, CG5 and more

Join the most entertaining stars in the creator universe for an unforgettable evening of performances, surprises, and pure entertainment, featuring the inaugural VidCon Hall of Fame Inductee Ceremony! But that's not all, prepare for unexpected collaborations, exclusive content premieres, and those signature VidCon moments that will have you speechless.

Participants


Community Track

Live Podcast: American Fever Dream

Duration: 1 hour

Location: Room 212 (Podcast Theater presented by Spotify)

Friday, June 20

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Categories: Entertainment & Sports

Featuring: Hank Green, V Spehar (@Underthedesknews)

From under the desk to in your ears, V. Spehar joins Betches Media in a new podcast dedicated to curing the collective malaise brought on by our chaotic political environment. Every week, Spehar and co-host Sami Saage tenderly guide you through the biggest moments in politics and pop culture with a healing dose of perspective and humor. Rather than spiral over the latest unprecedented event, the hosts dig for the 2025 political tea you *really* want to hear while offering all the information you need to be an empowered citizen, without the side of despair to keep you up at night.

Participants