The New Age of Viral Cardistry

"Run Rabbit" by Eliot Slevin

The world is at the whim of the algorithm – and cardistry is no different.

Long-gone are the days of an Instagram search for “cardistry” actually bringing you the most recent posts from across the platform. But with new change comes new opportunity, including many positives for our niche art form.

In prior years, a viral cardistry video typically involved long-form content on YouTube. From well-produced performances to carefully constructed compilations, these videos captured the attention of millions. But the way we consume content has changed, with platforms like TikTok pushing whichever short-form videos manage to seize our attention amidst a sea of endless scrolling.

Though even with this change, cardistry virality has persisted. Across platforms, many cardistry videos still manage to rack up millions of views, oftentimes from a point-of-view (POV) perspective.

POV popularity in cardistry, however, isn’t new. Viral cardistry POV videos date back to the early days of YouTube cardistry, such as Eliot Slevin’s Run Rabbit. The difference is that modern, cardistry POV videos incorporate other stylistic choices that align better with the attention-grabbing bias of the algorithm. Today’s viral cardistry videos feature ASMR, vibrant custom decks, and even public reactions.

To me, this shows the adaptability and potential longevity of cardistry.

While some art forms may live and die by the tuning of a platform’s algorithm and which videos get pushed to the masses, cardistry is showing its ability to capture audiences through a variety of formats.

Of course, this is not without the creativity of the creators themselves.

Without the idea and execution of both practicing and filming in public, for example, these videos by @gian.piccin wouldn’t exist. But the video’s ability to appeal to non-cardists emphasizes the relatability (everyone is familiar with a deck of cards) and impressiveness of a good flourish.

So keep creating, not only with your cardistry, but with how you share it.

— Conor