How Cracking the Cryptic Made Sudoku Go Viral
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 10. 05. 2020
- Cracking the Cryptic is a Puzzle Channel where Mark Goodliffe & Simon Anthony tackle sudoku puzzles with a twist! The videos are exactly like if Bob Ross took on Sudoku - incredibly satisfying, relaxing and entertaining in very unexpected ways.
@CrackingTheCryptic caught my attention when it went viral for it's "A Sudoku with only four digits" video. When I clicked that video, I couldn't stop watching hours and hours of their videos. I loved seeing their process and struggle. I started getting emotionally invested in the ups and downs of the puzzle.
The fact that Mark and Simon are able to make these interesting but dense sudoku puzzles accessible and fun for the mainstream is really remarkable. Advanced Sudoku Puzzle Content like this seems like it'd be super niche and dry...but somehow, Mark and Simon make it compelling.
What can we as creators learn or think about for our content from studying Cracking the Cryptic? How can we level up how we share our world and passions to our audience?
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(For future reference - at time of this upload, my channel has 2761 subscribers.)
#thinkmoredeeply #ctc #crackingthecryptic
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There is one important feature of CTC you did not mention: You can actively participate on the puzzles! Each puzzle video provides a link to web application where you can try to solve the puzzle yourself. And if you get stuck you simply watch the video for the missing hint.
Exactly why I keep going back to their channel.
I did that once myself too! So fun!! A whole other level of interaction and connection with their work! Canât believe I forgot to mention that!!
Also, they have the good apps that help build their puzzle-addict core.
You also need to watch the video to see the rules for the puzzle and the web app does not have a list of puzzles, again... only CZcams
I love how Mark and Simon acknowledge the real heroes of the channel - the puzzle creators. This inspires them to create even more spectacular puzzles, keeping their subscribers entertained and engaged. It's brilliant - a perfect "positive feedback" loop. Respect to them for having the vision and humility to devise this system.
The reactions are authentic because they solve live. (I.e. They're seeing the puzzle for the 1st time as we are)
3 years later, and Cracking The Cryptic is still going strong.
Cracking the Cryptic has become part of my life since a couple of months ago.
The puzzles are available every evening here in The Netherlands, but I always save them for my morning routine the next day.
After my standard two cups of coffee in the morning and catching up with the news, Iâm ready to wake up my brain with some logic.
The procedure is always the same: Watch the start of the video to learn what the rules are (donât ever skip this step), pause the video when they say: âLetâs start Crackingâ, start the puzzle, hopefully solve the puzzle and then watch the rest of the video to see if youâve missed some logic. (Which you usually have.)
Not only does this increases my focus and attention during the rest of the day, there have been puzzles that were so brutal and/or beautiful that I felt an enormous joy and a feeling of great accomplishment when I eventually solved them, which can sometimes take hours!
The puzzles that are featured on the channel are mostly set by hand by the best puzzlesetters in the world (who are often found in the comments) and those puzzles are always designed to take you on a journey where at the end youâve always learned something new. Youâve gone through a real hero's journey.
Now Iâve solved Sudoku puzzles before, usually published in a newspaper, but even though I thought I was kinda good at them, these guys have transformed me into a logical powerhouse in just a couple of months and there is still a lot of room for improvement to get to their level.
THAT for me is the real magic of the channel. You low key want to become as good as they are.
If you look at the comments youâll often spot commenters who are proud to have solved a puzzle in under the time the video lasts. The fact that there is an explanation at the beginning and also a lot of explanation during the solve itself doesnât take away from the fact youâve beaten the length of the video.
Another comment that is often seen is when someone spots a great logical move before Simon or Mark do in the video. It gives you the feeling that youâre creeping up on their level. They still will usually finish way quicker than you did on the puzzle, but it feels like youâre (on your way to) playing with the big boys of puzzlers in the world nevertheless.
So to sum it all up: Mark & Simon from Cracking the Cryptic introduced me to the logical world of X-wings, Jellyfishes and Bent Triples I didnât know I needed.
The last weeks were insane with amazing puzzles, crossovers with Kurt Hugo Schneider and James Charles and the fact that their subs more than doubled in a short amount of time.
Iâm so happy for them and I hope they will keep Cracking for decades! Iâll be there with them, hoping that one day Iâll be as good as them.
Ps: Shameless plug for the people whoâve read this far: Buy one or more of their Sudoku apps. Theyâre worth it and they will make you a better solver.
Wow thanks for this incredible comment you really broke down another layer of their magic . I agree with you on so many levels. What theyâre doing is truly incredible- it gave me something amazing I didnât know I needed too. How fun they make it and how involving and genuine they are. Canât wait to keep watching them share their delight and get me involved in more cracking!! :)
Love CTC their passion and the ability to explain so everyone can understand puts the channel over the edge.
Their explaining powers are super underrated!!
I love Cracking the Cryptic. Watching their videos every day.
They're incredible!
You know you're a fan when you recognize every single puzzle clip shown, and even remember exactly why that can't be a seven (knight's move constrain, baby!!)
Great video. I am a subscriber to Cracking the Cryptic, and I think you hit the nail on the head about why their videos are so interesting and compelling. Since you recorded this their views and subscribers have really grown, and their demonstration of the principles you found in watching them has remained consistent. Excellent summary - thanks.
Like many others I discovered CTC at the beginning of C-19. It took one puzzle for me to get hooked, after that trying and watching their different puzzles, from doable to almost impossible for normal human beings to solve, and most of all to Marks speed and Simons logic and their different but lovely sense of humor, their different solvings and different personalities, teaching as they solve. It's wonderful! I do at least two of their puzzles each day, trying to do them all, older ones too, as they started putting out (at least) two (one each) since C-19, and by doing so they helped an awful lot of people getting through that difficult time.
And above all, they are VERY easy to get addicted to, and have now (September 2023) about 525,000 subscribers!
They have even published an awesome puzzle book too!
An aspect that you didnât touch on is the interactive aspect, there is a link to their website where you can try and solve the puzzle.
I recall Mark and Simon getting to 10,000 subscribers and being so excited and proud of this achievement.
They are genuine, the experience is genuine, their love for what they do is genuine and this shines through.
Two days ago Simon solved a difficult puzzle but failed to spot the obvious route to follow, he felt he had done the puzzle and itâs creator a disservice so he put out another video apologising and solving it the simple way.
Thatâs pure dedication
Yes! You're right, the interactive aspect takes it up even further - at the time of planning this video I hadn't tried that yet, but when I did try it later as a fan, it really was magical. I also found out recently about the apps they've developed. They're such a gem and as you said, their passion and personality are so darn charming and genuine.
(I was also blown away by Simon's "apology" - they really do love this with all they've got.). Thank you for stopping by Max!
I found them because I got bored one day and was playing sudoku but I've never been great at it. So I googled sudoku logic to try and learn some tricks that I didn't know. Their videos popped up and after seeing that first one I was hooked for all the reasons you just explained. I never would have imagined they'd blow up like they did but I'm so happy it happened. I've got awesome new puzzles to solve every day that put my definitely not expert abilities to the test and when I get stuck there's always mark and simon to help me through it. I find your description to be apt. They are the Bob Ross of Sudoku.
Theyâre amazing!!
"Bob Ross of Sudoku" this is really gorgeous
Very intriguing! I find that like the sudoku channel, the channels that I consistently watch week after week are the ones where the creators are really enjoying what they are doing in the video but also like you said, there is some struggle and discovery aspect to it. Thanks for the analysis on this one and the edits were great đ
Thank you Leisha! Yes, the audience can tell how much you genuinely love what youâre doing, and when you show your real struggle & discovery, its so freaking engaging!! :)
First time one of your videos has shown on my thread, so congratulations if the algorithm has picked you up.
I found CTC about 6 months ago and became hooked. Initially, most of the puzzles completely baffled me. tbh, most of them still do, but I'm improving.
You can try the puzzles yourself, and resort to the video if you get stuck. Often the break in is very complex, but then solvable.
The apps that they have developed to do this are brilliant and simple to use. It's amazing how the use of colours and letters can highlight an obvious digit that is completely hidden with just numbers.
The setters continually rise to the challenge of more and more variants of the rules. It's the variation of the puzzles that makes it so interesting.
Their enthusiasm is infectious. I love the way that they can both get completely stumped, but eventually find a way, then explain all the thought processes in simple language. It all makes perfect sense until you try yourself, then resort to watching the explanation again, and again.
I don't think any other Sudoko solvers would post an unedited video where they take the best part of an hour to get the first digit, but retain the attention of the audience until they do. I often try the puzzles the day after, and it's not unusual to have 10k or more solve them in the first 24 hours. Yesterday's had only been posted 16 hours, but over 13k had solved it. Unbelievable.
Only a few months ago, Mark was amazed at passing 500k subscribers. it's now nearly 550k.
Keep up the good work guys.
I think its really interesting how such a non edited and raw video can go so viral when do many people sirens the longest time working an exciting etc. I think its very important to find ways to connect with your audience in a more real way Weather is through a different style of video or through live streams. Great video, loved it!
A gorgeous critique. I have been an avid viewer of Cracking The Cryptic from almost the very start, when their subs numbered just a few dozen, it's brilliant to see they are now knocking on the door of a quarter of a million subs.
The one that hooked me was posted on Reddit. It had 2 digits to start, and Simon opened it and thought he was being pranked, and thought he'd give it a whirl just to prove the joke, and over half an hour went on a journey of disbelief, to unbridled joy. I have watched so much now, and have gotten much better at Sodoku ( I know make an attempt at most of the puzzles)
That's my favorite video too!
I think it's similar to how Primitive Technology popped off.
Niche channels where most viewers aren't actually in that niche are often compelling enough for mass audiences yet niche enough to attract respect from the niche.
People who have no interest in women's fashion end up watching "best dressed" because it's compelling and different from what they're used to.
people are looking for a breath of fresh air or something novel.
Of course, right time and place has a big factor
Yes, exposure to a new novel niche is huge! We also underestimate how broad an appeal a lot of "niches' can have!
What people love about it, in part, is 2 things--they turn Sudoku into an exciting story somehow. But also--these guys are class acts and it's such a rare treat in this environment.
Magnificent! There is always a world to draw someone into. I love how they're just doing their thing. This was a very interesting video, good job bro đȘđ
CTC became over the quarantine period my favorite youtube channel. I have watched nearly every video from them since then. Thanks to my interest in CTC, I now found your channel. I really like your content.
How fun! Thank you for finding me! I can't watch all their videos but I adore their channel! It's so fun!
My fav vid of yours yet! And great flow to the editing.
Thanks man!! I thought you might also appreciate how insanely well they converted to consistent super super engaged fans! Pretty amazing stuff.
Dunno if Iâve ever seen another channel this âniche and nerdyâ do what theyâve done.
Fascinating! I need to take another look at my 4 pillars. Thanks Eric!
It made me realize a lot of areas with room for big improvement with my own channel too! đ đ đŹ. Thanks for watching Monique!
CTC taught me how to solve sudoku puzzles elegantly.
I used to struggle in easy sudokus and now I am very comfortable with extreme level puzzles. They also introduced me to the variety in sudoku which is the best thing!!
Love them!! â€ïž
Thanks for another channel recommendation, I love puzzles :D
It's interesting seeing what makes channels work that aren't the flashy attention grabbers.
I think the little story arcs of struggle, discovery, victory are relevant to my content too, I need to get better at telling that story.
Me too!! đ đ
I love your commentary, you perfectly encapsulated why CTC is so great! Your video is of very high quality and you deserve way more views. I wish you luck with your channel!
Thank you so much Maria! I love them so much! :). really appreciate you taking the time to stop by and write!
Obsessed with this case study and the new perspective it gives me for my content Eric!! Well done.
âșïžâșïžâșïž makes me so happy to read this! Thank you so much Callie!
I enjoyed doing a bit of sudoku before discovering their channel.. Now I can't wait to see their newly released sudoku. I don't even follow their video now, I just use the teachings from previous episodes and go with it.
You did a fantastic job on the editing of the video!
Thank you! This one really challenged me!! đ đ
I've seen people working on Sudoku puzzles, but I have no idea how they work & haven't tried them m'self.
Still, this video about not just that channel's draw, but some of the *why* behind their attraction almost made me want to watch their videos. Almost. Ha!
The development lessons you share in these videos, from others' channels, inspire & educate. Well worth watchin'! Thanks, Eric!
Thanks Paula!! Yes, itâs really crazy how with the right âwhyâ anyone can suddenly start getting curious about your content!
Great information as always, creating great content is definitely a balancing act, I am a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, he takes us through a journey using his lense
I just had that 3m view video pop up in my recommend last night! You were on that fast! đđ
What!? Sudoku?
I couldn't believe it either!
Great video! Really enjoyed it :)
Thank you Jenniffer!!!
Random opinion: Honestly Nick Nimmin is my favourite for CZcams gurus, been watching him for years and I just like his personality in general. But boy let me tell you... You and thecontentbug is the FUTURE on this specific niche. Obviously thecontentbug already blew up, but it's only a matter of time when your time is up! You 2 just do it different and even with small numbers you convince us with your intel and personality
đ§©đđŒđđŒđ thanks so much man.
Great episode. I often talk about the law or explain new laws without providing my own opinion of it or itâs potential impact. This episode helped me see greater potential in my own content. Thanks Eric!
Iâm so glad!!
Eric, your videos never disappoint. Now dang it, if only I could find a way to be compelling! đ
Youâre on your way!!!
That was a great video showing why Cracking the Cryptic is so popular.
I always thouht it had more to do with people being locked down and those people finding a puzzle channel.
Thanks Eric Wen for this.
Thank you for finding this video Glenn! :)
Mad as a badger. đđđđ Great video Eric! Gave me some ideas! Thanks!
Their library of British phrases is so hilarious. My favorite part of their content haha thanks for watching man!
I feel bad for Mark. He is my favorite but all the clips are Simon. Weird. Mark has an awesome personality.
My wife is very good at Sudoku. I don't do them. It proves that anything can work on youtube. I try to be myself on my workout videos and I think that is very important, especially when first starting out. My lesson learned is don't worry about mistakes during my workouts. I tend to edit out all my mistakes but I am going to stop doing that now.
Yes! They donât matter as much as we think!
This is really interesting. Do you think they'll be able to keep up this momentum for years to come, or is this more short term? Always interesting to study the effects of going viral.
They had pretty great engagement before the viral spike and they've been persistent uploading for over 3 years. They have a lot of fun with it, had a great foundation and community built before the explosion. I think they'll do quite well - maybe not 1 million+ subs but...who knows! :)
@@EricWen makes sense! Good work on this one. Analysis is really helpful to see!
Thank you!!
Still going strong 3 years later!
Mister Rogers said that he realized the best way to teach children about something is just let them watch someone love doing it and talk about what they're doing. It's exactly what you describe for Cracking the Cryptic.
Thatâs amazing! Yes exactly, so true!
Thank you for watching! :)
Drinking game: take a shot every time he says "content."
social isolation had a big part to play, i wouldn't have clicked it if i didn't have all this free time, even with the clickbait titles they have
I enjoy sudokus, but if I was pressed for time like in regular life, I'd have popped on to keep up with content creators I've been watching since I was a kid and popped back off.
And I'm sure that's true for most people, people have a crazy amount of time to sit around watching youtube now, which gives rise to channels like this soaring
Bobbins!
Eric Wen aka "The James Brown" of CZcams. Your work hard man and we appreciate it. Makes me look lazy with my Camera on - shoot - Done! Next! LOL Now I am putting more of a touch to my vids. That does mean less output though. Thanks for the great content. FYI James Brown the Hardest working man in Showbiz
Trying my best to make things happen and put in the work my friend! Thanks for noticing haha đđ
I began watching a few months ago. It hasn't improved my sudoku solving abilities, but it's still fun. Though Simon is. ERY frustrating to watch.
And now we're cooking with gas.
I love ctc I learn a lot and it's a nice break from the political and virus crap that is everywhere
Omg definitely agree itâs quite the exhausting year
Amazing video. Even though I "knew" the things you talk about here, it still helps me to feel it again and reflect on my own content with every example you give. I am thinking I should try like really hard Swedish tests or something.
Also yeah, British accents just make everything better. "It's as mad as a badger." haha.
(P.S. I am gonna be that annoying guy... 'compel' has one L, no matter the version of English đ)
Thank you haha - yes the british accents make them 1000x better for sure haha. I had to reflect a bit after this video to rethink some of the things I'm doing too! :)
Thanks for the help with compel haha. I knew something was wrong with it - but sleep deprived during the edit, I couldn't figure it out haha!!
Dude! Let's do a Swedish collab!
You should check out LockPickingLawyer. It's weirdly compelling...
Thank you for the recommend!
Nice Shit Eric !!
> real reactions
I think this is the clip you looked for: czcams.com/video/yKf9aUIxdb4/video.html&t=234
(seriously, though, if I were to pick the CTC video with the best reactions specifically, this easily takes the cake)
Saving that one to watch later!!! Canât wait! I love his reactions so much!!! đđ
Watched this one Alice!! Omg this was the best definitely my favorite one from them ever!! Thank you for making sure I didnât miss it!
impressive how you are able to take a narrow thing and generalize it so that it applies to everything.