Sketch comedy is taking the short form video world by storm. Platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels have seen a surge in sketch comedy channels, captivating audiences worldwide.

Traditional sketch comedy, typically ranging from one to ten minutes, has been a staple of stage, radio, and television. However, the advent of social media has revolutionized the way we consume comedy, and sketch comedy is no exception.

In fact, by 2022, sketch comedy channels dominated YouTube's most subscribed channel lists with three out of the top ten channels dedicated to the genre. Two even claimed the first and second positions, underscoring sketch comedy's significant impact on digital entertainment.

Channels such as Shortbox with their popular series “Long-term Relationship” and “Real Siblings,” and Nerdult have garnered millions of views with their concise and relatable contents.

 

 

 

A Resurgence of Sketch Comedy in Short-form Contents

Sketch comedy, a genre that once dominated television screens, is experiencing a renaissance fueled by the rise of short form video platforms and the changing consumption habits of younger generations.

While Korean sketch comedy enjoyed immense popularity in the early 2000s, with shows like “People Looking for Laughter” captivating audiences, its popularity waned with the rise of reality-based variety shows. For instance, the long-running sketch comedy program “Gag Concert “saw a significant decline in viewership from 2014, eventually leading to its cancellation in 2020. The program was briefly revived in 2023 but struggled to regain its former glory, recording a mere three percent ratings.

 

However, the tide began to turn as Generation Z (Gen Z), gravitated towards short form contents. The proliferation of social media platforms in the mid-2010s, such as Facebook, created a favorable environment for short, easily digestible video contents. Clips from popular sketch comedy shows like “Saturday Night Live Korea” were frequently shared and re-edited on these platforms, capturing the attention of millions of users.

The advent of platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, which specialize in short form videos, further accelerated the trend. Sketch comedy, with its concise and humorous format, found a natural fit on these platforms.

 

According to Wiseapp, Retail, and Goods, South Korean smartphone users spent an average of 46 hours and 29 minutes per month on short form video platforms in 2023, highlighting its importance in daily life. Global market research firm Statista forecasts that the global short form video market will reach approximately $40 billion this year, with a projected annual growth rate of 60 percent over the next five years.

This surge in short form video consumption has created a fertile ground for sketch comedy to thrive. Furthermore, the closure of many traditional comedy programs has led to a new generation of comedians seeking alternative platforms like YouTube and TikTok to earn revenue based on views and subscriptions.

 

 

Aspects of Modern Sketch Comedy

 

Traditional sketch comedy, often relying on intricate setups and wordplay, has struggled to keep pace with the fast-moving nature of social media. Modern viewers often lack the patience to understand complex humor, preferring to move onto the next video.

Short form sketch comedy, however, has capitalized on these shorter attention spans. Typically under a minute long, these skits are designed to be easily digestible and allow viewers to consume a variety of content quickly.

 

 

The ability to swiftly adapt to evolving audience preferences is another advantage. Online platforms facilitate rapid responses to current trends and issues, fostering a stronger connection with viewers. Additionally, the collaboration between Ukkicine and Shortbox in the video titled “Sister of My Friend” showcases the growing trend of crossovers and content expansion within the short form comedy community.

Moreover, the accessibility of platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram has significantly lowered the barrier to entry for both creators and viewers. The relatively low production costs have encouraged a surge in independent creators and newcomers to the scene.

 

The impact of short form sketch comedy extends beyond the digital realm. When Hollywood A-listers like Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman made surprise appearances in Shortbox videos, it highlighted the genre’s global appeal and potential to bridge the gap between mainstream entertainment and online content creators.

 

Hyperrealism in Short form Sketch Comedy

 

A growing trend in YouTube sketch comedy is hyperrealism?comedy that portrays everyday situations with meticulous detail.

By tapping into the universal experiences that everyone can relate to, these comedies have effectively captured audiences' attention. Sketch comedy groups like Nerdult, Ttib, and Shortbox have gained immense popularity by meticulously recreating relatable scenarios with thorough research. For instance, Nerdult's sketches such as “Bullies,” “Overnight Stay,” and “A Tribe Studying at Cafes” have garnered over 10 million views each, resonating deeply with viewers.

Shortbox, a sketch comedy channel boasting 2.98 million subscribers, excels in producing hyperrealistic sketch comedies, often running between thirty seconds and three minutes. These videos capture raw, everyday experiences, drawing laughter and empathy from viewers.

According to the 2022 study, A Study on Content Characteristics of Hyperrealism Web Drama, by Lee Jun-seok and Jung Won-sik, published in the Journal of Korea Multimedia Society, hyperrealistic content, which delves into the mundane lives of ordinary people, has surged in popularity, fostering empathy and sparking ongoing conversations among viewers.

 

Hyperrealistic content allows audiences to connect with the material through shared experiences, bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and the personalized nature of YouTube’s narrowcasting. The ability to elicit a chuckle and a sense of connection lies at the heart of this competitive advantage, and hyperrealism is the driving force behind it. As Yoon Jung-woo, Dept. of physics at Kyung Hee University, said, "It is refreshing to see everyday situations that I can easily relate to on YouTube." He attributes the popularity of such content to its relatability and the ease of communication it fosters. "It is easy to empathize, and the comments section allows for easy interaction and sharing of personal experiences," Yoon explained, highlighting the diverse enjoyment derived from a single video.

 

 

The emergence of short form contents and sketch comedy marks a pivotal shift in our content consumption habits. These formats have effectively captured the attention of contemporary audiences with their concise and humorous style. However, their brevity can hinder the development of complex narratives and characters. Moreover, the prevalence of stereotypes and potentially harmful content raises concerns about their societal impact. As algorithms continue to shape our content feeds, the diversity of our viewing experiences may be compromised. To fully leverage the benefits of these formats while mitigating their drawbacks, a concerted effort to foster creativity and critical viewing is imperative.