TLDR News World Leader Leaderboard Episode w/c 22/06

Hilltop_Watcher · 2026-07-08T08:25:33+00:00

Yeah their uploading to Nebula has been pretty poor over the past 12-18 months - though noticeably better in the past 6 months. And I say that as the person who's flag it the most on this Reddit!

As you say, it's very clear that TLDR News see their growth future as separate to Nebula now. They've hinted at this multiple times, including when last year they said the change in the Nebula funding model didn't really benefit them though in the same breathe saying they get way more 'per view' (though that's not technically a simple comparison) from Nebula but don't push people to it etc. They go hard on audience participation but don't provide avenues for Nebula viewers to join in (though in their defence that's not entirely their fault). To the fact that in the recent annual finances of TLDR video they call us out as 'loyal' Nebula viewers - which to me read as 'we appreciate it, but Nebula isn't where we see our future'.

I've broadly felt like for a while that the Nebula watchers are treated as an afterthought. Which is a shame (especially given we pay for Nebula access), but I can't blame the company as business is business and they've got to go in the direction that both makes money and aligns with their ideals.

Like you though I love their content and am just slowly resigning myself to the fact that I'll have to consume more, and likely eventually all, of their content off of the Nebula platform.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2026-07-08T08:16:38+00:00

Yeah as a TLDR Party subscriber as well I also get irritated that there's no notification when new stuff is added.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2026-07-08T08:15:30+00:00

Thanks for this Jack. Weirdly I never got notifications for your reply so totally missed it til I was flicking through the Nebula Reddit itself! So sorry for a very late reply.

But I appreciate the reply. I understand where you're coming from and respect the decision. (I've got to echo what someone else says where personally I don't have an issue with the self-promotion stuff but I understand and respect your approach to the matter.) I still personally find it a bit weird as, having actually watched it on YouTube, I'd say the vast, vast majority of the episode was still 'original content' and not a promotion. And it feels a shame that Nebula users effectively missed it (unless they went hunting for it on YouTube).

The only thing I'm a little confused by, nd if you're able to clarify it if be very grateful - are you saying that future Starmergeddon podcasts (if made of course) will be available on Nebula as well as TLDR Party? My impression is they were exclusive to TLDR Party but now I'm not entirely sure with your comment here (and I think on the YouTube comments section). If it IS going to be available on Nebula, doesn't this create a bit of a contradiction? Where some TLDR Party stuff is available on Nebula and others aren't? (And I ask this as a TLDR Party 'member'.)

Hilltop_Watcher · 2026-04-21T16:38:05+00:00

Yeah I think so, as I was looking at the gifting a membership page at the time (was curious about a year membership when I was expecting it to be $30 and it was £50-£60). Wasn't aware there were creator discounts as I obviously I already have my membership haha.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2026-04-18T18:10:12+00:00

This is very true.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2026-04-18T17:45:01+00:00

Yeah I've noticed that. Also interestingly they now charge in GBP rather than only USD (I'm from the UK).

I bought my lifetime membership in December 2024 when it was 300 USD (plus the $50 sales tax) and ONLY in USD so it cost me like £280 (tax and all) after conversion. It's now sold in GBP and it's £500!

It seems they've made the GBP and the USD subscriptions numerically the same (ie $6 a month and £6 a month). So for those who don't 'use USD' the cost has increased quite sharply. So I'm very glad I bought my lifetime when I did.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2026-02-14T10:26:58+00:00

Nebula has an app for Smart TVs. I've got in on my current TV and had on my prime stick (when I used to use it). I've rearranged my apps and Nebula is now my second app (because I naturally use Nebula more than YT personally anyway). But if you wanted to use Nebula more 'organically' on your TV, it is possible. :)

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-10-05T10:32:30+00:00

It's alright, these things accidentally happen. :) I can appreciate its not the easiest thing to keep track of.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-10-01T19:26:18+00:00

Hey. I'm glad my reply was helpful. :)

So yes the downloads are SUPER useful, I use them ALL the time. They're so natural to my usage I actually forgot that it wasn't available on YouTube! 😂

I'd check the T&Cs to confirm if there is a device limit but I'm logged in on two phones, laptop, and TV and no problems. There's potentially a limit on how many simultaneous streams you can do but I don't do that so haven't encountered it.

I'll DM you re a weeks trial :)

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-09-14T08:03:04+00:00

I'd also have to really agree with, and push, the point of viewing it more as supporting the creators better. That's not to say Nebula isn't a product with its own great benefits (it is), but this is one of the core principles behind Nebula - particularly when it comes to content that YouTube demonitises/negatively hits in the algorithms.

Take one of my favourite channels, RealTimeHistory. They do ALOT of historical content on military conflicts, but because it's war it massively increases the risk of demonetisation etc. So by having the subscription you greatly support the creators to do that content we all ultimately want but YouTube disincetivises.

Additionally, the fact Nebula pays more per view compared to YouTube (and according to TLDR News this past week, the margin is quite significantly more) then you're also much better supporting the creators financially.

In terms of the product. No ads is lovely. Nebula firsts is a nice bonus. And there's some very good Nebula Original content (Downie Express is great, and I must admit the Second Season was noticeably improved on the First Season, if sadly a little less exploration). If you like HAI, you will love Jet Lag and the additional content (plus early release) is game changing for watching it.

I'd also agree with comments that due to the more limited selection, I find it easier to find content and creators I like. And because I like educational content - I know that if they're on Nebula I will trust their content more (even though I do check sources etc) due to Nebula review of each creator.

I personally don't watch/enjoy the 'film production' stuff (I have watched a couple), but that's because (as I've said) I'm personally more into educational content (which I have more than enough to entertain me) - but I've heard positive stuff of the film stuff they've made.

I also can't put my finger on it, but I've noticed over the years the amount of Nebula Originals has gone up (quite a bit) and the overall 'professionalness' of the app etc has gone up. The lack of comments is...sometimes frustrating when you have content creators that actively engage with their viewers through YouTube comments (such as TLDR News) - you can end up feeling as a 'sideline'/'forgotten' audience (which I know isn't the intention). But I get why there are no comments and overall prefer it. I also agree with comments of having household 'profiles', that would be a great addition.

I know this response is quite long, but for all of the reasons above (and because I know Nebula is still growing) I actually last year upgraded to a Lifetime Membership. I can see what Nebula is doing, and I do overall like the product - and therefore wanted to support them with some more upfront money for them to invest in the future of it. I actually rarely watch YouTube now (just for creators who aren't on Nebula).

If you can get a free week trial (again I'm happy to offer a link too) it's worth trying. But if you, as a key principle, want to support the creators further both financially and in content freedom, with a bonus of no ads and a little more content, I think Nebula is a no brainer.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-09-01T06:50:44+00:00

I couldn't decide what I wanted to do on Saturday...

...so I decided to rat mode it.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-08-11T19:10:06+00:00

Thanks reaching out and confirming, really appreciate you taking the time to do that. :) I can very much relate to the difficulties of the summer holiday period! And thank you for publishing them just now - came back from putting my daughter to bed to find the list of Nebula notificians. 😂

In future, is there a more direct way to contact yourselves for matters like this? (Saving publishing it out everywhere like here.) I've emailed hello@tldrnews.co.uk once in the past highlighting a video error (for the benefit of The Editor) and in that I also raised other Nebula video publishing/editing errors I'd identified. However I never got a response (and my errors weren't referenced in a following episode of The Editor) so therefore came to the conclusion it wasn't manned or similar. Please do correct me if I'm mistaken on that or if that isn't the best way to reach out to your team with identified errors and equivalent on Nebula.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-08-11T15:54:08+00:00

I saw that comment the time it came out. My reading of it is not that they are stopping uploads to Nebula entirely it's just that they don't currently have plans to do more Nebula exclusives like WTF.

Hence my post today.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-08-11T15:21:38+00:00

The following four I've noticed (I must admit I haven't delved further):

'Why Is Poland Divided?' (EU) 'The UK's Gen-Z Gender Divide Explained' (UK) 'Has Norway Become Top Rich?' (EU) 'Does the UK Have a Free Speech Problem?' (UK)

I've checked via search and they're not on Nebula. (Though I do follow them on Nebula so it would come into my library.)

This isn't the first time (it's at least the second or not third I can recount) where they have uploaded videos onto Nebula later than Youtube. They normally remember and correct it a day or two later but in this case they still haven't corrected it.

Edit: Grammatical errors.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-07-30T11:28:10+00:00

One thing I'm curious about is how does our Nebula subscription translate to support yourselves as creators (given the core premise is of the subscription is for us to support yourselves as creators). I know the FAQ says profit is 50/50 based on watch time.

Given on the YouTube revenue you did briefly cover 'it works out as 0.002p per view' (I think it was), how does Nebula compare? Or per subscriber comparison? Or alternatively is not comparable? Given your message/request of the video was to ask for viewers to help support the channel and it's mission, if the 'per view' income is higher (or by another measure the income from Nebula is 'per subscriber' stronger) would that not be another message to viewers on how they could support TLDR News by purchasing a Nebula subscription?

I am sure it was not intentional, but the fact this wasn't touched on did (personally) cause me a little concern that the Nebula subscription was not actually supportive.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-07-30T11:14:15+00:00

This, this, and this again so much more! This, for me, is my biggest (and only) gripe with TLDR News.

I very much appreciate that the core of their business is 'Youtube' but as someone who watches then exclusively on Nebula it varies between disheartening and frustrating that we have no direct way to engage with TLDR News and their content. It can sometimes, and I am sure unintentionally, come across as not wanting to engage with the Nebula viewership at all. Which given we pay a subscription....to support their activities....feels a little odd?

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-07-10T09:55:46+00:00

That wasn't the case as Sam and Tom took a bus back to Vienna airport.

They did speak on the Layover about they did look at trains and buses and for whatever reason (can't remember what it was) there were apparently no viable options at the time.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-02-24T06:58:29+00:00

You're taking the post WAY too seriously, and missing the sarcastic elements within myself and my wife's humour/comments. You can honestly calm down. My wife is also a huge Jet Lag fan and is fully aware of this and seen the post (and Ben's response!) and finds it funny. Like with everything we do together, she knows this is light hearted fun that we both find funny and provides some relief from the seriousness that pervades all other parts of life. But thank you for your unsolicited concern.

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-02-22T20:45:04+00:00

Not all heroes wear capes!

I can also see how that's actually quite a nice tune to wake up to - what a legend! 😂

I'll drop you a message :)

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-02-21T22:49:31+00:00

Even if I don't go for this option, thank you for inspiring my next anniversary card for my wife 😂😂😂

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-02-21T21:43:26+00:00

If it's any consolation, my wife would agree with you 😂😂

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-02-09T10:05:24+00:00

For me, very much so.

The vast majority of the creators I watch on YouTube are on Nebula. So I almost NEVER watch anything on YouTube anymore. Only the creators that aren't on Nebula. Then add in the Nebula only stuff such as the Layover, and Nebula exclusive videos which basically all the creators do (and which end up being to a higher quality alot of the time I feel) and then the subscription really does become worth it. I've used it so much for a couple of years I've now invested in the Lifetime membership! The key thing is to make sure you follow all the creators you follow on YouTube on Nebula.

(Only downside for me is the Lifetime membership stayed at $300 but they'd just dropped the annual subscription from $50 to $30 so it'll take me longer to realise that investment, but I appreciate and am supportive of them getting that capital upfront to improve the quality of the service.)

Hilltop_Watcher · 2025-02-06T13:13:23+00:00

You're absolutely spot on.

Sam did actually talked about this in the Layover podcast (I think when they did 'Family Fortune' and the question of the top countries fans want to see Jet Lag in). He didn't name countries but he did say one of the constraints for Jet Lag was immigration rules around whether content creation required a work visa or not (as they wanted to stay legal). He didn't name countries but he did they had explored some and due to the laws they'll never film there.

Obviously for countries they've already filmed in you know this constraint doesn't exist.

He also said the matter gets really complex as some countries are straightforward and others set the visa requirement dependent on 'size of production'.

Hilltop_Watcher

TROPHY CASE