A Visit with the Most Interesting Man in the World: Kevin Allocca

Join the Institute of Politics for a conversation with Kevin Allocca, Global Director of Culture & Trends at YouTube and author of "Videocracy: How YouTube Is Changing the World . . . with Double Rainbows, Singing Foxes, and Other Trends We Can’t Stop Watching."

This is a can't-miss conversation with "The Most Interesting Guy in the World," the one who knows everything happening on YouTube Trends, Culture, and the Zeitgeist. If you want to shape what's next, Kevin Allocca is the person you need to know!

This conversation will be moderated by Marc Adelman, Adelmania Consulting.

About Kevin Allocca

Kevin Allocca is an author, technology professional, and the Global Director of Culture and Trends at YouTube. As an expert in online video and global culture, he studies viral phenomena and trends.

Career and Work

• YouTube: Allocca has been with YouTube for many years, tracking popular video phenomena and leading initiatives for trending content. His position gives him insight into the factors that drive online videos and shape global media trends.
• TED Talk: His TED Talk, "Why videos go viral," has been viewed millions of times. In the talk, he outlines three key factors for virality: tastemakers (people who share the content), communities of participation (online groups that contribute to the phenomenon), and unexpectedness.
• Author: Allocca is the author of Videocracy: How YouTube Is Changing the World . . . with Double Rainbows, Singing Foxes, and Other Trends We Can't Stop Watching. In the book, published in 2018, he explores YouTube's impact on entertainment, advertising, and culture through an analysis of its biggest trends.
• Keynote speaker: He is a frequent keynote speaker at festivals and industry events, discussing web-based stardom and the mechanics behind viral videos.
• YouTube initiatives: Over the years, his projects have included the YouTube Culture & Trends Report, YouTube Rewind, and the development of the channel YouTube Nation, a collaboration with DreamWorks Animation.

Background

• Education: Allocca attended Boston College, where he studied communication and film.
• Personal life: Originally from Florida, he now lives and works in Los Angeles.

About Marc Adelman

Marc Adelman is the founder of the strategic “Do-Tank” firm Adelmania Consulting, which focuses on creating client-specific initiatives that drive interest, awareness and opportunities for both discrete and large-scale projects with clients ranging from Marriott Hotels to the Clinton Foundation and the Motion Picture Association of America.