Photo Credit: Maya Epstein

Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/bespectacled 

I was recently able to sit down with Maya Epstein, who shared some insight into her growing YouTube channel, Bespectacled. 

What is the name of your YouTube channel?

“My YouTube channel is called ‘bespectacled,’ because I wear glasses… and because sometimes I’m just not that creative. When I started, ‘bestdressed’ was my favorite YouTuber, and I thought it would be fun for my channel to have the same first few letters.”

Why did you first start your channel?

“Each year, I set a single goal for myself. This year, it’s to walk more. Last year, my goal was to read 60 books. Reading was my favorite activity when I was little(r), but when I arrived in middle school, that interest mostly fizzled out. I really wanted to get back into books, and thought YouTube would be a good way to hold myself accountable – thankfully, it worked.”

What types of content do you upload?

“I upload primarily bookish content. I love, love, love books, and I’ve found a wonderful community of readers and friends through YouTube. Mostly, I put an emphasis on the importance of reading and teaching diverse books. But I also upload fashion and art content.”

What is your favorite kind of content to make? 

“Though vlogs and reviews are fun, I particularly like to discuss the cultural implications of fiction. For example, I made a video on The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis and its accompanying Netflix adaptation, in which I discussed a 1960’s without sexism, and racism manifesting in tropes. Any opportunity I have to analyze film and books together is a good opportunity.”

Do you have a certain style of video editing that you like to aim for?

“It really depends on the video. Jump cuts are fun, and you can add in humor with a well-placed post-production zoom. I also love throwing in editing references to some of my favorite movies. For instance, in the feature documentary I’m currently working on, my title sequence is a nod to that of Napoleon Dynamite, and the credits are an ode to The Perks of Being a Wallflower. All in all, if I can get my editing to mimic the way 2005’s Pride and Prejudice feels, it’s a good day.”

What genre would you say your content fits into on YouTube?

“It usually matches nicely with BookTube, a ridiculously niche corner of YouTube filled with lots and lots of nerds with papercuts. However, I don’t worry too much about fitting in perfectly with a genre. Though it’s not great for channel growth, I usually just make content I’d like to watch. I’m also extremely into politics, and try to use my platform for good. So… maybe BookTube with a hint of cinema and some leftist undertones.”

How long do you plan to continue doing YouTube?

So long as I genuinely enjoy it. It’s by no means my dream job, but it’s fun, and it’ll be a good source of passive income during college. I’ve also had some cool business opportunities through the platform.