#and outliers are a whole other discussion because they're non-predictive

[absolutebl]

Well, Will of Thai BL on YT will often talk about most watched by YT viewer numbers. (But obvs that can only apply to YT.) Sometimes we get info on what's performing best by eyeballs and ratings on TV in Thailand. But that's only Thai BL.

And there is a way to sort MDL by year and maybe average review grade? (But not number of reviews given.)

Look here's the thing about popularity, it very rarely has to do with value or quality or use value data-wise. What's most popular in niche like BL is ALWAYS initially determined by what's most assessable.

AKA

What's most popular is what's most easily available.

I mean roll double for an existing IP with a rep and/or an existing branded pair. But again, that's recognition based on what amounts to prior distribution AKA accessibility (and there are always breakout exceptions like KP)

So it doesn't really confer much useful or valuable information IMHO.

Just as a broad example, because it's mainly on YT globally, Thai BL has won BL in viewer numbers, not necessarily because it's best or would be the most popular (all things being equal with distribution). Think about Untamed at the time) but because it's easy to get ahold of and there is a lot of it.

So I tend to try to grock popularity based on things like fan made content, chatter here on tumblr, in MDL and on Reddit and Twitter. What's whipping people into a verbal frenzy? But also fan art being generated and FMV on YT.

In country, there are things like who is getting sponsorship deals and on variety shows. Part of the reason we know Unknown performed well was how much BTS and marketing content that pair got. That's pretty unusual for Taiwan. (Same with Kisseki's side couple.)

Which is a long way of saying:

GMMTV is usually going to win "popularity" with their content because they have the broadest reach, not necessarily the best shows.

So better to compare within a given studio.

Right now we have a really good case study actually, with (until recently) two relative unknowns leading the GMMTV playing field.

I don't think anyone could argue if I said: Clearly Wandee Goodday is performing way better for GMMTV than Only Boo! I anticipate sponsorship deals for GreatInn if they decide to co-brand but not for KeenSea. Two BLs alike in dignity...

Now some could (and do) make the case that this is the sinking popularity of High School and University BLs but I don't think that's true. Your example of My School President and it's popularity at the time would seem to prove that the right show with the right pair will perform well for GMMTV regardless of setting.

Wandee is a better show (script, directing, acting) with a better more charismatic pair. Is that why it's more popular? Not necessarily. But it doesn't hurt. Other things like popular tropes, character types, visuals, and heat content make a big impact.

I think if We Are were airing on YT it might be giving Wandee a run for its eyeballs. Not because I think one is necessarily better than the other, but because popularity is a distribution game more than anything else. We Are has popular existing brand pairs going for it, but it's not airing international on YT so... less popular out the gate.

This is why I find Kpop so fascinating. Because of their distribution model, at least at the beginning (the rise of reality survivor shows has changed this). But most studios produce and distribute in similar ways pretty similar content. It's a much more level playing field (or it was) than we usually get in pop media. So doing something like looking at viewer eyeballs on Kpop YT MVs actually can give valuable data. Of course, then the algos come into play, but still, it's fascinating stuff. I think there are more concrete ways in Kpop to actually figure out what is, objectively, the most popular than in a lot of other media, because it's a somewhat level playing field.

In conclusion:

what's most popular is what's easiest to find & consume

Please remember this for the rest of your life. Your first line of defense with popularity should, therefore be to ask these questions:

Why is it so easy to get hold of?

Who is the power behind the distribution?

Do I like it because it's good, or because it's ubiquitous?

Do I think it's better because it's familiar or because it actually works better?

I would ask yourself this not just in BL, movies, and music, but with food, drink, clothing, self care, all things you interface with and consume as you go through the world.

Try something new and difficult to get ahold of. You never know.

Thank you for reading my Ted talk.

Hey Luta !

This is a question for you but also maybe for your followers?

I'm just curious - do you or anyone know if there is let's say ... a list of most popular bl shows from certain years? I'm just curious, my guess is that 2023 would be dominated by MSP?

Also, I'm just wondering if certain bl couples are popular and I just haven't noticed? Personally, i was never really into ForceBook's pairing and I didn't think their first show was that popular but they still got another show which surprised me? So I'm wondering whether just my perception was wrong and they were indeed popular from the beginning? No shade whatsoever, I'm also not trying to upset anyone, I'm just wondering?

Hey nonnie!

I'm pretty sure there is a most popular list... @absolutebl is it you who does it? Or am I crazy?

Honestly, 2023 had some seriously amazing bls, but MSP hits as a 2022 for me. Aired: Dec 2, 2022 - Feb 24, 2023, I usually go by the starting date on year. What does everyone else think?

ForceBook are the third best-selling gmm couple for fan meets and are number 14 for Instagram. So, they are making big numbers for GMM. 

Most bl couples have a following before they make it to a main couple. So yeah, they probably don't hit with you, but they hit with others. I adore KimCop and JoongDunk, but not everyone does. I used to not be a fan of OffGun, no shade, just wasn't me, but then Not Me came out and hot damn. That's when I realized that I just hadn't seen them in something that struck a cord with me.

I hope this answered your questions! 💜💜💜