  In this study, we undertake an extensive analysis of YouTube channels that
reference research publications in their video descriptions, offering a unique
insight into the intersection of digital media and academia. Our investigation
focuses on three principal aspects: the background of YouTube channel owners,
their thematic focus, and the nature of their operational dynamics,
specifically addressing whether they work individually or in groups. Our
results highlight a strong emphasis on content related to science and
engineering, as well as health, particularly in channels managed by individual
researchers and academic institutions. However, there is a notable variation in
the popularity of these channels, with professional YouTubers and commercial
media entities often outperforming in terms of viewer engagement metrics like
likes, comments, and views. This underscores the challenge academic channels
face in attracting a wider audience. Further, we explore the role of academic
actors on YouTube, scrutinizing their impact in disseminating research and the
types of publications they reference. Despite a general inclination towards
professional academic topics, these channels displayed a varied effectiveness
in spotlighting highly cited research. Often, they referenced a wide array of
publications, indicating a diverse but not necessarily impact-focused approach
to content selection.
