Educational YouTube channel by Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown explaining science via whiteboard animations. Launched May 2012. Known for “What If…” scenarios and practical science questions. 10+ million subscribers.
Format
Whiteboard-style animations with voiceover. Questions like “What would happen if you stopped sleeping?”, “What makes you attractive?”, “What if you stopped drinking water?”. Bite-sized (3-5 min), accessible science. Weekly uploads 2012-2020s.
Viral Videos
- “The Science of Procrastination” (2013) - 7M+ views
- “What Happens When You Die?” (2013) - 18M+ views
- “The Scientific Power of Meditation” (2015) - 6M+ views
- “Your Brain On Coffee” (2013) - 11M+ views
- “Does Being Cold Make You Sick?” (2013) - 9M+ views
Educational Approach
Answers everyday questions with research-backed explanations. Citations in description (studies, journals). Debunks myths (cold weather causing illness, sugar highs). Makes biology, chemistry, physics relatable via scenarios people wonder about.
Expansion
Book: “AsapSCIENCE: Answers to the World’s Weirdest Questions” (2015). TEDx talks. Collaborated with other science YouTubers (Vsauce, Veritasium, SciShow). Opened second channel “AsapTHOUGHT” for deeper dives, psychology, philosophy.
LGBTQ+ Representation
Moffit and Brown are openly gay couple. “The Science of Being Gay” video (2012) discussed biological/genetic factors. Positive representation in STEM education space. Advocated for LGBTQ+ inclusion in science.
Cultural Impact
Part of wave making science accessible to teens/young adults. “I learned this from AsapSCIENCE” common comment. Teachers assign videos for intro to topics. Proved science communication could be quick, visual, engaging without dumbing down.
Patreon & Sustainability
Crowdfunding + YouTube ad revenue sustains channel. Quality maintained despite algorithm changes favoring longer videos. Niche carved: quick science answers vs. Veritasium’s longer deep-dives.
Sources:
- AsapSCIENCE YouTube channel (youtube.com/@AsapSCIENCE)
- Book publication and media appearances
- Science communication impact studies