A modern car is intricate from every angle, and describing it with words alone becomes harder while pictures alone may not tell the full story. The contemporary driver wants to experience how the multimedia system works, how the seats fold, the sound of the engine, doors closing with a thud, and the calm voice of a narrator. All this is accessible on YouTube, where the channel “Behind the wheel” has been active for years. It is not the only one. Here, viewers can also find channels of the top auto bloggers from Russia and around the world.
If YouTube is blocked
Rumors about possible blocking of this popular video platform in Russia have persisted for a long time. YouTube occasionally blocks channels run by Russian media and political figures, triggering discontent, including actions by Roskomnadzor. Roskomnadzor’s requirements have included removing videos with calls to violence, drug instructions, or content encouraging harm. As a result, YouTube has faced fines exceeding 7 billion rubles in some cases, yet the platform has not paid them and the deadline for voluntary payment has passed. The risk of a block grows each day.
Elena Mizulina, a member of the Federation Council, notes that over the past weeks several extremist publications have appeared on the platform. There have been calls for violence against Russian citizens, and even threats targeting both civilians and military personnel. In addition, a large number of procedural guides, including video instructions, show how to commit acts of sabotage at railway facilities across Russia and Belarus. Critics say overt nationalist and fascist content persists online, and moderation does not seem to be keeping pace. This situation is alarming for people in Russia and beyond.
Where to find car videos
If YouTube becomes unavailable, the landscape of video sharing changes but does not vanish. Other options appear, yet their scope and monetization may differ. Yandex.Zen is a common alternative for video content, though some creators find the monetization options less straightforward than on YouTube. Creators can transition to Zen with relative ease, but earnings models may require adaptation.
VKontakte also emerges as a potential destination, historically slower to attract creators, but likely to develop affiliate programs that could boost the volume of engaging car and motorcycle videos.
Pulse from Mail.ru exists as an option, though its reach and appeal for auto publishing are less certain. Its popularity among automotive creators remains to be seen.
RuTube is another platform with fewer followers at present, which reflects its subscriber base. The situation could change after shifts in the market, but YouTube remains the most likely mainstay for auto content in the near term.
Finding Driving content
Za Rulem stands as one of the oldest automotive publications in Russia and continues to publish in print. The channel Behind the Wheel is also present on YouTube, among other platforms. Viewers can explore the full range of their automotive coverage across these channels.
With new sites entering the space, channels focused on cars will continue to expand and diversify.
- Za Rulem operates its own trading arm that offers proven, affordable spare parts, consumables, and accessories for both domestic and foreign vehicles.