^{Read time: 2 minutes}

Michael Stevens has mastered the art of branding in science education.

If you’re not aware, Michael is the mind behind Vsauce, a YouTube channel blending science and curiosity—with an offbeat energy.

As of writing this, he boasts 600 videos and 24 million subscribers, placing him among the field’s top communicators, like Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson. 

His success hinges on two pillars: consistency and differentiation.

Consistency in Style

Michael pivoted Vsauce from video game humour to mind-bending science in 2011, locking in a signature style. 

Since then, his videos feature these common elements:

• Opening line: “Hey, Vsauce! Michael here!” (paired with him popping onto the screen in some way)

• Closing line: “And as always, thanks for watching.”

• Music: A mellow and mysterious tune that echos his curiosity-driven topics

• Font: Bold, a bit wobbly, and condensed enough to fit long, science-y words

• Title screen: A short quirky animation involving green goo and the Vsauce logo

These features have evolved over time—better production and refined design—but they have largely stayed consistent, reinforcing his brand.

Standing Out

What sets Michael Stevens apart? His unapologetic weirdness. 

He picks wild, thought-provoking topics and delivers them with eccentric flair.

His psychology and English literature degrees shape this approach, blending exploration with storytelling.

Also, unlike the polished authority of Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson, who are both rooted in traditional media, Michael Stevens thrives as a digital-native creator.

Beyond YouTube

Michael has expanded his brand and audience beyond YouTube:

• Mind Field, a YouTube Premium series on human behaviour

• A TEDx Talk: “Why do we ask questions?” 

• Curiosity Box, a quarterly subscription kit for fans

• Collaborations with Jake Roper (Vsauce2) and Kevin Lieber (Vsauce3)

• His catchy phrase “Hey, Vsauce, Michael here!” making him an internet legend

The Big Picture

Every choice aligns with his quirky, approachable persona: the oddball music, playful font, intriguing topics, and even his close-up profile pic with one eyebrow raised. 

It’s a formula that’s redefined science education online and inspired a generation of digital learners.

See Michael’s style in action with these Vsauce videos: 

• How Many Holes Does a Human Have?

• How Big Can a Person Get? 

• When Will We Run Out Of Names?

And his formula keeps evolving…

A Recent Shift

In recent years, Michael has pivoted from long-form videos to YouTube Shorts. 

While adapting to this bite-sized format, he continues to deliver quirky, standout content that keeps him a top creator online.

🟠 Robert

Whatever you do… don’t share this newsletter!