Finding fun in paleontology

Despite their efforts in making videos more frequently, the research process for a 15-minute video takes at least an entire week, and sometimes more than a month. So the couple chose quality over quantity, and Cai gave up her job in an academic journal to become a full-time content creator.

Based on the account analysis provided by Bilibili, Tang says their fans mainly consist of high school and university students. The 30-40 age group is also noteworthy, but fan feedback shows that it is the children of these account owners who watch the videos regularly.

"Science videos are not well-known or a popular type of video, but the scripts and narration style of Fun Stuff turned science into a sensational series about the ancient world," comments Bilibili user Yichen Changfeng.

Another user, Yeyu Feiying, says that although she learned biology at school, she had no clue about the connection among different animal species. She is grateful that Fun Stuff videos give her an overview of the biological system and the evolutionary process.

"My current job is not related to life sciences, and watching these videos is more of a personal interest. But their videos have given me a new perspective in the intrinsic commonality of human nature," she says. "Humans, like other animals, also have the ability to adapt to the environment and possess yearning for survival."

Fun Stuff rose amid a growing emphasis on knowledge-based content on the Bilibili platform. At first, they could only upload their videos on the underdeveloped science and technology section of the site. However, Bilibili gradually accommodated to the needs of viewers wanting to learn new things, integrating relevant videos pertaining to science, technology, humanities and finance by developing a knowledge section on the platform.

For two consecutive years, Fun Stuff has been listed as one of the top 100 accounts on Bilibili based on their video quality, popularity and influence, making them exemplary in the knowledge section.

The couple was initially stunned by their own fame, and gradually understood their success and popularity among animation and game lovers on Bilibili.

"We think that curiosity is an innate need possessed by everyone-especially in China, where there is such a big population and a significant number of teenagers. Many may be interested in these disciplines which seem obscure to others," Tang says.

For viewers who have absolutely no interest in science and simply want to listen to the stories, Tang says their goal is to plant the seed into the minds of general viewers, and they may gradually develop an interest in science related disciplines.

Apart from paleontology, the couple is now making videos on neuroscience, the history of science, and occasionally debunking urban legends.

Currently making videos without a production team, the couple hopes to build a team so that it will allow them to make videos more efficiently. They also want to attract more people with postgraduate degrees to join them in promoting science media content, and popularizing scientific knowledge to a wider Chinese audience.