Indeed, but it's the video hosting platform. Initiatives like PeerTube try to fix this, but most videos can be only found on YouTube.

> So I suppose those creators are all in on the scheme too?

Mostly yes. Creators today rely on:

- sponsors

- youtube ads

- donations

- merch

- other revenues, for instance if they have a business and their videos bring customers

At least you can often donate if you skip the ads and the sponsors, so there is a way to pay the metaphorical coffee.