Conspiracy Clickbait: Raking in the Views

Authors: Elise Thomas
Published: 19 January 2022

This case study is one of three in the Conspiracy Clickbait series. It investigates a network of YouTube and Telegram channels using QAnon content to monetize via YouTube ads and sell merchandise with QAnon, pro-Trump and anti-vaccine slogans. This network appears likely to be linked to operators in Vietnam.

The case study demonstrates the way in which commercial motivations are contributing to the spread and amplification of conspiracy theories and disinformation targeting US audiences.