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Tech

Alex Kantrowitz: Independent Tech Media Founder

Description
Human Profile
Name:Alex Kantrowitz
Education:Cornell University (BS), Industrial and Labor Relations
Subscribers:33.8K
Views:3,181,239
YouTube Revenue:$3.2K - $15.9K
Videos:341
Channel Created:April 2014

Overview

Alex Kantrowitz is an American independent tech media founder and journalist, best known as the founder of Big Technology, an independent media company that provides nuanced, in-depth analysis of the tech industry across its newsletter, podcast, and YouTube channel, and is the author of “Always Day One.”

Latest News (Aug 11, 2025): Alex Kantrowitz recently uploaded a video titled "OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap: GPT-5's Capabilities, Why It Matters, and Where AI Goes Next" two days ago, accumulating 9.2K views. He also has an upcoming YouTube premiere today at 9:30 AM UTC called "Vibe Coding: Everything You Need To Know — With Amjad Masad".

The Journalist Who Left the Mainstream to Build a Tech Media Powerhouse

In an era of media consolidation and clickbait headlines, Alex Kantrowitz, the founder of the independent media company Big Technology, is charting a different course. Through his popular newsletter and burgeoning YouTube channel, he's building a reputation for nuanced, in-depth analysis of the world's most powerful tech companies. With a focus on long-form interviews and insightful commentary, Kantrowitz is cultivating a dedicated audience eager for a more thoughtful discussion about the future of technology.

From BuzzFeed to Big Technology: The Genesis of a Channel

Born on March 31, Alex Kantrowitz is a graduate of Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Before launching his own media venture, he honed his skills as a senior technology reporter at BuzzFeed News and a staff writer at Ad Age. His time in the mainstream media world provided him with a front-row seat to the inner workings of the tech giants, an experience that would later fuel his independent work.

The "Big Technology" YouTube channel, with a current subscriber count of over 33,200, was launched as a companion to his newsletter and podcast. The primary motivation for starting his own platform was to have unfiltered, in-depth conversations about the technology industry. He sought to move away from the often sensationalized and narrative-driven reporting he observed in traditional media. Initially, the YouTube channel served as a repository for his podcast interviews, offering a video format for his conversations with tech leaders, innovators, and critics.

The Evolution of a Tech Commentator

The content on the Big Technology YouTube channel has remained remarkably consistent in its core mission: to provide deep insights into the strategies and impact of major technology firms like Amazon, Apple, Facebook (now Meta), Google, and Microsoft. The primary format consists of full-length video interviews from his "Big Technology Podcast." These conversations are characterized by their depth and Kantrowitz's well-researched, probing questions.

While the core format has been stable, the channel has also featured "YouTube exclusives." These videos often delve into specific, timely topics or offer Kantrowitz's direct analysis on recent events in the tech world. A significant focus of his recent content has been the rise of artificial intelligence, with many episodes dedicated to exploring its potential, its ethical implications, and the major players driving its development.

A Community Built on Nuance

Kantrowitz has cultivated a dedicated following by fostering a sense of community around his work. He views his relationship with his audience as a conversation rather than a one-way broadcast. This philosophy is evident in his approach to his newsletter, where he values the thoughtful replies of his readers over the often-vitriolic nature of social media platforms like Twitter.

On YouTube, this translates to a comment section that is often filled with substantive discussion and debate. Kantrowitz frequently engages with his audience's comments, answering questions and acknowledging different viewpoints. This direct interaction helps to build a loyal community of viewers who feel heard and valued.

Marking Milestones in Independent Media

While specific YouTube-centric awards are not the primary focus of Big Technology, the channel's growth to over 33,200 subscribers is a significant achievement for an independent, niche-focused creator. A more notable milestone for Kantrowitz was the publication of his book, "Always Day One: How the Tech Titans Plan to Stay on Top Forever," in April 2020. The book, which explores the internal cultures of innovation at major tech companies, has been referenced by numerous major publications. The success of his book and the growth of his subscriber base on platforms like Substack and YouTube are testaments to the demand for his brand of in-depth, independent tech journalism.

Shaping the Conversation on Big Tech

Alex Kantrowitz's impact extends beyond his subscriber numbers. By consistently providing a platform for nuanced and critical conversations about the technology industry, he has become an influential voice in the field. His work is regularly cited by other journalists and publications, and he is a frequent contributor on outlets like CNBC, where he offers his expert analysis on breaking tech news.

He has inspired a more thoughtful approach to tech journalism, one that prioritizes deep understanding over sensationalism. His focus on the "how" and "why" behind the headlines has encouraged a more informed and critical public discourse about the powerful companies that shape our world.

The Future is AI-Focused

Based on his recent content and public statements, the future of the Big Technology channel will undoubtedly be heavily focused on artificial intelligence. Kantrowitz has expressed his belief that AI will be a transformative force, and his content reflects a deep commitment to understanding and explaining its development.

He will likely continue to feature a mix of his in-depth podcast interviews with leading figures in the AI space, along with his own insightful analysis in "YouTube exclusives." As the technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, viewers can expect the Big Technology channel to be a key resource for thoughtful and well-informed commentary on the future of AI and its impact on society.