Entertainment host Hu Gua’s YouTube channel “The Next One” recently invited a retinal and psychological counselor to the show. Right from the beginning, Hu Gua asked why the “internet veteran” retinal decided to “stop updating” and move to the television industry. Retinal candidly admitted that he got bored and felt like he couldn’t progress further in that direction.
Retinal also asked veteran television host Hu Gua about his reason for transitioning to the internet. Hu Gua humorously replied, “More money.”
This response left Retinal puzzled, as he questioned, “Do you really earn more from the internet than television?” Hu Gua couldn’t help but laugh and replied, “I personally earn more,” causing laughter throughout the audience.
Talking about his investment in producing “The Next One,” aimed at realizing his dream of creating a medical program in Hu Gua’s style, he also wanted to experiment with changing the format on YouTube. Instead of releasing only one or two episodes per month, he opted for a weekly 15-minute episode, acknowledging the tough environment for television and the unlimited creative freedom on the internet.
Retinal pointed out that the internet follows an algorithm that stabilizes content around certain themes. For example, when he deviated from his usual political satire content to dining with pets and guests, he noticed a decrease in views. This change also resulted in fewer subscribers watching the videos, as the channel primarily attracted politically-oriented fans who lacked interest in softer topics.
Hu Gua jokingly remarked on Taiwan’s excessive focus on politics, asking, “If you’re not getting into trouble, then what about He Long?” Retinal immediately responded, “He’s getting into a lot of trouble!” When Hu Gua asked why, Retinal bluntly stated, “He brings it upon himself,” prompting the psychological counselor nearby to humorously question, “Isn’t this supposed to be a medical show?” The unfiltered nature of the internet left Hu Gua amused as well.