Television remains a powerful, enduring bridge between complex technology and everyday life. Even as smartphone-driven platforms and social media captivate attention with rapid, bite-sized content, the mass-market pull of TV persists. In the United States, a striking 97% of households still own a television set and rely on it as a primary source for programming and information. This enduring reach is not a relic; it represents a massive audience that can be educated, inspired, and converted on topics that demand context, depth, and trust. Short-form platforms such as TikTok have shown explosive growth and reshaped how audiences consume snippets of information, but their fast-moving, high-volume environment often leaves viewers with partial understandings rather than a coherent, actionable grasp of sophisticated technologies like blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and broader Web3 concepts. In this landscape, TV’s longer format and its capacity for high production value, narrative development, and educational content position it as a uniquely effective vehicle to onboard mainstream audiences into crypto, blockchain, and decentralized digital ecosystems.
The enduring reach of television in a crowded media landscape
Television has been a foundational pillar of mass communication for decades, and its impact has evolved rather than diminished. Unlike the ephemeral spikes of attention driven by viral clips, TV creates shared cultural moments that can normalize esoteric topics, demystify technicalities, and model credible, trustworthy explanations. For many viewers, the passage of time spent with a TV program translates into deeper comprehension, a sense of legitimacy, and a frame of reference that’s difficult to achieve through short-form content alone. This is especially relevant for crypto and Web3, where misunderstanding can lead to costly mistakes, misaligned expectations, or exposure to fraud and scams. Long-form TV offers the potential to present thorough analyses, practical demonstrations, and character-driven storytelling that helps viewers see real-world use cases and the human impact of decentralized technologies.
Yet long-form TV is not just about traditional broadcast formats. It encompasses a spectrum of narrative approaches, from documentary-style explainers to serialized documentaries, to live or near-live programs that combine expert commentary with on-site demonstrations and real-world coverage. What makes TV compelling for crypto education is its ability to integrate multiple layers of information—conceptual explanations, technical details, market dynamics, regulatory considerations, and risk management—within a coherent story arc. This holistic approach fosters retention, reduces cognitive overload, and builds trust by presenting sources, data, and real-world examples in a controlled, thoughtful environment. The result is content that not only informs but also empowers viewers to engage with crypto in a responsible, informed way.
Within this framework, the question for Web3 innovators is not whether TV is relevant but how best to leverage it. The medium’s strength lies in creating context-rich experiences that invite viewers to ask questions, revisit complex ideas, and relate those ideas to their daily lives. To achieve this, programming must balance accessibility with rigor: accessible language and visuals that illuminate complex mechanisms, alongside careful explanations of risks, uncertainties, and real-world limitations. The long-format approach should aim to raise the ceiling of public understanding, enabling newcomers to progress from curiosity to informed exploration, and ultimately to considered participation in blockchain ecosystems, decentralized applications, and crypto markets.
In practice, a successful TV strategy for Web3 messaging must be rooted in audience understanding and narrative design. It requires careful calibration of pace, pacing, and structure to maintain engagement without sacrificing depth. It also demands attention to production quality—clear storytelling, compelling visuals, reliable data sources, and authoritative on-screen figures who can translate cryptic concepts into everyday terms. By doing so, TV can become a trusted entry point for mainstream audiences who are curious about blockchain technology, yet cautious about risks, governance, and real-world value creation.
In this context, the opportunity is to develop television formats that combine the educational richness of long-form journalism with the accessibility and emotional resonance of popular entertainment. The aim is to craft programs that demystify Web3, provide concrete demonstrations of how blockchain-based systems operate, and showcase real-world applications that resonate with a broad audience. Such formats would not only educate but also demystify the perceived opacity surrounding crypto projects, tokenomics, and decentralized infrastructure. In the process, TV can help move crypto discussions from abstract speculation to practical understanding, paving the way for broader adoption and more informed participation.
Long-form education and the limits of short-form content
Short-form content has transformed the speed and reach of information dissemination. Platforms that favor quick takes, snappy captions, and rapid-fire edits have become indispensable for capturing attention, especially among younger audiences. However, when it comes to explaining the intricate architecture of blockchain, DeFi protocols, decentralized identities, self-custody mechanisms, and the broader ecosystem of Web3, short-form formats encounter fundamental limits. Concise videos can introduce a concept, spark curiosity, or hint at a solution, but they struggle to convey the layered context, interdependencies, and risk considerations that underpin these technologies.
A key drawback of relying solely on short-form media for crypto education is the tendency to produce a viral gloss that oversimplifies or misrepresents the underlying technology. Complex ideas—such as how DeFi protocols generate yields, how liquidity pools function, or how decentralization affects governance and security—require careful step-by-step explanations, examples, and counterpoints. When content is reduced to a handful of seconds, essential nuances—like impermanent loss, smart contract risk, user experience trade-offs, or regulatory considerations—can be overlooked or mischaracterized. This can cultivate misconceptions that are not easily corrected through later clips or comments.
In contrast, long-form formats provide the cognitive space necessary for thorough exploration. They enable deep dives into core concepts, with pacing that allows viewers to absorb definitions, visualize flows, and watch demonstrations at a measured rate. They can also incorporate expert interviews, case studies, and real-world analyses that ground theoretical claims in practical realities. For Web3 education, long-form content serves as a bridge between curiosity and competence: it starts with broad, intuitive explanations and gradually layers on technical precision, risk awareness, and hands-on frameworks for safe participation.
To maximize the impact of long-form content, creators should consider a deliberate structure that maintains narrative momentum while enabling careful unpacking of concepts. A well-designed program might begin with an accessible overview of a concept (for example, what blockchain is and why decentralization matters), followed by a series of modules that build practical literacy. Visual aids, step-by-step demonstrations, and real-world analogies can enhance comprehension without sacrificing accuracy. Interludes—such as expert commentary, on-screen glossaries, and annotated diagrams—can reinforce learning while keeping viewers engaged. Finally, explicit resources and takeaways help viewers translate understanding into action, whether that means practicing self-custody, evaluating a DeFi platform, or participating in governance processes with informed caution.
The practical implication for Web3 messaging is clear: combine long-form content that educates with short-form clips that pique interest and drive engagement. The two formats should function synergistically, with long-form programming providing the substrate of knowledge and short-form assets offering reminders, teasers, and actionable tips. This dual approach not only broadens reach but also enhances comprehension, retention, and responsible participation in crypto ecosystems.
Deep-dive frameworks for long-form Web3 education
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Core concepts explained in sequential modules: blockchain fundamentals, consensus mechanisms, token economics, and security best practices.
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Real-world demonstrations: hands-on tutorials for wallets, custody solutions, and transaction signing; live walkthroughs of DeFi protocols with emphasis on risk management and potential rewards.
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Expert perspectives: interviews with engineers, researchers, regulators, investors, and practitioners who can translate technical jargon into accessible language and situational insight.
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Governance and ethics: discussions on governance models, transparency, accountability, and the social implications of decentralized technologies.
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Market literacy and risk awareness: careful coverage of volatility, scams, security breaches, and responsible investing practices.
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Localized and global applications: case studies showing how Web3 is being deployed across different industries, regions, and regulatory environments.
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Viewer interaction and feedback loops: Q&A segments, audience polls, and practical challenges that invite audience participation and validation of learning.
In this sense, long-form education becomes a strategic complement to the speed and reach of short-form media. It provides a depth of understanding that reduces the risk of misinformed decisions and enhances the credibility of Web3 messaging as it scales to the mainstream.
The Shark Tank template: a blueprint for crypto onboarding at scale
The Shark Tank template, as a template of entrepreneurial assessment and entertainment, offers a compelling blueprint for how crypto startups and Web3 projects could be presented to a broad audience while maintaining rigorous due diligence and credible storytelling. The American reality show, which began in 2009 as an adaptation of the British Dragons’ Den, features a panel of seasoned investors who evaluate entrepreneurs’ ideas, products, and business models. It has earned sustained high ratings on a major broadcast network and has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. The program’s success rests on a combination of dramatic tension, educational content, and aspirational storytelling that resonates with a mass audience. Over its long run, Shark Tank has not only entertained viewers but also introduced countless viewers to fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship and investment: how to assess value propositions, how to scrutinize business models, how to negotiate terms, and how to interpret feedback from experienced investors.
This model is particularly instructive for crypto education because it demonstrates how to translate complex, innovative technology into a format that is both engaging and informative. A crypto-focused adaptation could maintain the core elements that make Shark Tank appealing: a structured pitch, a clear problem-solution narrative, demonstrated traction or product viability, a panel of investors with diverse expertise, and a feedback loop that educates viewers about due diligence and decision-making. Importantly, the adaptation would require careful framing to address the unique risks, regulatory considerations, and technological specifics of blockchain projects, while preserving the entertainment value that sustains audience engagement.
Key elements of a crypto-adapted Shark Tank concept might include:
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Pitch structure: concise, compelling problem statements; explanation of the solution; tokenomics or incentive design; unique selling points; and real-world traction or pilot results.
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Due diligence process: a panel-led evaluation of technical feasibility, security posture, governance model, decentralization degree, and day-to-day operations; risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
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Demonstrations: live or simulated demonstrations of product functionality, smart contracts, and user experience flows; clarification of what is being deployed on chain, what is centralized, and what security controls exist.
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Education segment: expert commentary that translates crypto jargon into consumer-understandable terms; explanations of common misconceptions, and practical guidance for deciding whether to participate.
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Post-pitch breakdowns: breakdowns of the key takeaways for a general audience, including what to watch for, questions to ask, and how to evaluate project viability beyond hype.
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Cross-platform integration: a multi-channel approach that reinforces lessons from the show with online content, explainer videos, and interactive experiences.
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Ethical guardrails: explicit disclosures about risk, regulatory status, and the importance of doing independent research before investing or participating in a protocol.
The Shark Tank framework can help crypto startups reach a broad audience with a credible, structured, and educational presentation. It can demystify complex financial instruments, tokenomics models, and decentralized governance by pairing storytelling with disciplined evaluation. When executed thoughtfully, this approach can contribute to mainstream understanding, reduce misinformation, and create a more confident consumer base ready to engage with Web3 projects responsibly.
Deep dives and the Joe Rogan model: long-form credibility in a world of quick takes
The Joe Rogan Experience represents a powerful demonstration of how long-form media can command audience attention and credibility through sustained, unscripted dialogue. Since its inception, Rogan’s program has become a premier platform for in-depth conversations across a wide spectrum of topics—from comedy and science to economics and space exploration. The format’s long-form nature—often several hours per episode—allows for extensive explorations of complex subjects, the emergence of nuanced positions, and the opportunity for guests to present their ideas with depth and nuance. The platform’s success culminated in a high-profile multi-year deal with a major streaming platform, worth up to hundreds of millions of dollars, underscoring the enduring appetite for long-form, authentic discourse in an era dominated by short-form snippets.
For crypto and Web3, the Rogan model offers valuable lessons about audience expectations, credibility, and the craft of presenting difficult material in an accessible manner. The host’s approach—curiosity-driven inquiry, an everyman persona, and a willingness to follow tangents—creates a space where guests can articulate complex concepts, challenge assumptions, and address contentious issues with a level of candor that many formats struggle to achieve. Notable guests across a broad spectrum have tackled topics ranging from technical intricacies like cryptography and protocol design to high-level considerations such as the societal and economic implications of decentralized technologies. In practice, these conversations demonstrate that audiences are willing to invest hours in deep exploration when the content is engaging, well-researched, and conducted in good faith.
However, long-form crypto education must guard against the risk of misinformation and unreported biases. A platform that hosts diverse viewpoints must also ensure accurate representation of technical details, regulatory realities, and potential conflicts of interest. Moderation, expert verification, and transparent sourcing are essential to maintaining credibility when addressing topics that can impact financial decision-making. The Rogan model illustrates a broader principle relevant to Web3 outreach: long-form formats can complement shorter formats by providing a credible, in-depth narrative that invites critical thinking, careful consideration, and a more stable basis for audience trust.
In crypto education, blended formats that combine Rogan-style depth with disciplined, accessible explanations can help normalize sophisticated topics for a mainstream audience. Long-form conversations with credible guests who can demystify DeFi, governance models, security practices, and regulatory landscapes add a layer of legitimacy that short-form content cannot easily replicate. The resulting content becomes both a learning resource and a platform for constructive debate, fostering a more informed public that is better prepared to evaluate projects, understand risks, and participate responsibly in decentralized ecosystems.
A global case study: Rai Uno’s Codice and the power of a well-crafted blockchain explainer
To illustrate the potential of long-form, education-focused television in translating Web3 concepts to a broad audience, we can look to a European example that successfully married accessibility with clarity. Italy’s main broadcasting channel, Rai Uno, produced an hour-long program titled Codice that was dedicated to explaining blockchain technology and its transformative potential across multiple industries. The format used straightforward language and practical demonstrations to illuminate how distributed ledgers, smart contracts, and decentralization can drive real-world change. The show’s reach was notable, drawing close to 10% of the total viewing audience, a testament to the audience’s appetite for in-depth, comprehensible explanations about complex technologies. The show also managed to catalyze engagement beyond the screen, with the title trending as a top hashtag on social platforms in Italy, signaling a meaningful alignment between televised education and online discourse. This example demonstrates how a well-designed, hour-long educational special can penetrate mainstream viewership, foster public interest, and seed ongoing conversations about blockchain and its applications.
In applying lessons from Codice to Web3 education at scale, several elements stand out. First, the choice of language and presentation is critical; using non-technical terms and relatable analogies helps demystify intricate mechanisms without oversimplifying essential details. Second, the integration of real-world industry illustrations—such as supply chains, financial services, or digital identity use cases—helps viewers see tangible benefits and concrete implications. Third, the on-screen presentation should balance narrative appeal with accuracy, ensuring that claims about scalability, security, or governance are grounded in credible explanations and supported by examples. Finally, a cross-media strategy that complements a TV special with digital companion content, follow-up discussions, and interactive opportunities can sustain engagement, reinforce learning, and create pathways to deeper exploration of Web3 concepts.
Codice’s example underscores a broader point: television can be a potent medium for crypto education when content is designed with audience comprehension in mind, when topics are framed around practical applications, and when the show resonates with real-world implications. For the crypto industry, this implies a serious opportunity to reach millions of viewers with a thoughtful, well-produced program that builds foundational knowledge, cultivates trust, and invites responsible participation in decentralized technologies.
A vehicle for Web3 messaging: balancing depth, accuracy, and reach
Circling back to the core objective of Web3 outreach, it becomes evident that complex topics such as DeFi, GameFi, decentralized identity, self-custody, and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) deserve more than a skim of attention. Short, snappy videos may introduce concepts, but they rarely provide the depth required to understand how these systems operate, their potential benefits, and their associated risks. A drip-fed educational approach via quick clips risks diluting nuance and leaving audiences with a flattened impression of what Web3 can deliver. In contrast, longer-form programming—whether on television or streaming platforms—offers the space to dissect architecture, demonstrate security practices, and discuss governance and regulatory considerations in meaningful ways.
Moreover, the educational value of long-form content extends beyond factual accuracy. It helps establish a credible narrative about the value and limitations of blockchain technology, creating a more informed audience that can assess project claims more critically. When short-form and long-form content work in tandem, audiences receive a coherent learning journey: a sustained foundation built through deep dives, followed by shorter touchpoints that reinforce understanding, address questions, and keep the conversation active across platforms. This balanced approach can reduce confusion, prevent misrepresentations, and support the responsible growth of crypto communities.
A cautionary note is warranted regarding the dissemination of financial information on social media. Instances of misinformation or risky behavior—such as users encouraging others to exploit a supposed glitch in a bank’s ATM network—highlight the real-world consequences of poorly understood advice. Short-form channels, with their emphasis on immediacy and virality, can inadvertently amplify such missteps. By privileging accurate, context-rich explanations in longer formats and ensuring that any practical tips are paired with explicit warnings and safeguards, educational content can help viewers differentiate between legitimate opportunities and hazardous actions.
The path forward for Web3 messaging lies in embracing a “why not both” philosophy: room for short- and long-form content that respects the audience’s appetite for speed while preserving intellectual integrity. Projects that cultivate a credible, well-articulated narrative across formats stand a greater chance of turning skepticism into curiosity, curiosity into understanding, and understanding into responsible participation. To be successful, this strategy must prioritize accessibility, transparency, and a clear demonstration of value—what the technology can do, how it works, and what users should know to engage safely and effectively.
Mainstream onboarding and the need for cross-format reach
TV’s mainstream reach remains a critical asset for fintech and crypto founders seeking to onboard a broad audience. While the crypto space has thrived on specialized channels—forums, chat groups, and niche media—the broad, multipronged exposure afforded by television can bring crypto concepts into households in a way that other formats cannot. The goal is not simply to attract enthusiasts but to convert curious, cautious, and even skeptical viewers into informed participants who can navigate the space responsibly. This requires content designed for a general audience, avoiding jargon, while still providing precise explanations, credible demonstrations, and practical takeaways.
To achieve this, creators can develop a multi-layered content ecosystem around long-form productions. At the core, a feature-length or episodic TV program would deliver the main education, narrative arc, and trusted storytelling. Supporting this core would be a suite of complementary segments: explainer microdocs, behind-the-scenes production diaries, expert roundtables, and viewer Q&A sessions. In addition, social media fragments would be crafted to summarize key insights, invite further discussion, and drive traffic to the main program for deeper learning. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of long-form education are amplified across channels, expanding reach while preserving depth.
It is important to recognize that mainstream onboarding is not a one-off event but an ongoing process. It involves creating content that remains relevant as technologies evolve, updating viewers on new developments, and maintaining an informative stance on risk management, security, and regulation. It also requires collaboration among content creators, crypto projects, educators, and regulators to ensure accuracy, balance, and accountability. By investing in long-form formats that explain, demonstrate, and contextualize blockchain technology, Web3 initiatives can cultivate a more knowledgeable and engaged public—one that is better prepared to evaluate projects, participate in networks, and make informed decisions.
The broader takeaway is clear: fintech entrepreneurs and Web3 builders must not abandon mass media outlets. Instead, they should treat TV as a strategic partner in a diversified communication plan. Television can deliver broad, consistent messaging about the values, capabilities, and real-world applicability of blockchain technology. When combined with detailed online resources, interactive formats, and community-led education, TV can propel mainstream adoption by turning curiosity into competence, skepticism into understanding, and interest into sustained involvement.
About Hello Labs and the author: mainstreaming blockchain through compelling media
Sander Gortjes, co-founder and CEO of Hello Labs, has been a visible proponent of bringing blockchain concepts to mainstream audiences. Since entering the cryptocurrency space in 2017, Gortjes has expanded his involvement into venture capital and advisory roles starting in 2020. Hello Labs focuses on developing mainstream intellectual properties and has a portfolio of initiatives that bridge entertainment with blockchain education. Among these is Killer Whales, a television-centric property designed to engage a broad audience with Web3 subjects, and a roster of key opinion leaders who can translate complex topics into accessible, engaging content. This approach—combining media production, narrative storytelling, and expert insight—aims to normalize blockchain literacy and foster informed participation in decentralized ecosystems.
The underlying premise that informs Hello Labs’ work is that long-form, narrative-driven media can accelerate understanding and adoption of blockchain technology by offering context, credibility, and demonstrable value. This aligns with the broader argument that the media ecosystem can be a crucial catalyst for mainstream onboarding, provided content is designed with audience needs in mind, accuracy in presentation, and a clear pathway from education to action. Hello Labs’ emphasis on developing and promoting widely accessible intellectual properties highlights a practical approach to scaling Web3 literacy through entertainment and education that resonates with diverse audiences.
In this framework, Hello Labs represents a model for how crypto ventures can pursue mainstream engagement responsibly and effectively. By investing in high-production-value content, partnering with recognized creators, and prioritizing accessible education, Hello Labs and similar initiatives can help bridge the gap between technical innovation and everyday understanding. This positions them to contribute to a broader ecosystem in which crypto concepts reach households, inform decisions, and support the responsible growth of decentralized technologies.
Conclusion
Television remains a critical channel for mass education about Web3, blockchain, and crypto, offering the depth, context, and trust needed to onboard mainstream audiences. While short-form platforms will continue to shape information consumption, long-form media provides a uniquely powerful vehicle for teaching complex topics, demonstrating real-world applications, and modeling responsible participation in decentralized systems. Formats such as Shark Tank-inspired crypto showcases and Rogan-style deep dives illustrate how entertainment and education can converge to expand understanding, credibility, and adoption. The Rai Uno Codice example demonstrates that a well-crafted, hour-long explainer can reach a significant share of viewers and stimulate sustained discussion, signaling the effectiveness of thoughtful television storytelling in disseminating blockchain concepts across diverse markets.
A balanced strategy that embraces both long- and short-form formats—leveraging the reach of television to introduce and normalize Web3 concepts, while using digital channels to provide depth, safety guidance, and interactive learning—appears well-positioned to move crypto education from niche discourse toward broad, informed participation. For fintech pioneers and Web3 builders, this approach is especially important: it acknowledges the strengths and limits of each medium and proposes a cohesive path to mainstream adoption grounded in education, transparency, and practical value. Ultimately, the enduring power of the “box” remains a potent instrument for shaping public understanding, trust, and engagement with blockchain technologies as they continue to mature and integrate into everyday life.