Markiplier's Bizarre Bathtub Videos Explained

Even people who don't keep up with the latest and greatest YouTubers typically know who Markiplier is. Over the years, Markiplier has gone through a stunning transformation from independent solo creator to one of the biggest names on the internet. These days he's got an entire team helping him create content, and though he still keeps up a steady stream of YouTube videos, he's working on so much that he occasionally just has to film wherever he ends up — like a bathtub.

With over 30 million followers, things are looking good for Markiplier, but anyone who's watched his most recent videos has noticed that he doesn't appear to be living the lavish lifestyle of a worldwide star. Content-wise, Markiplier's videos are the same as ever, as he's still playing bizarre games for our entertainment. However, the context is a little different than we're used to. For at least a week now, Markiplier's been working his usual YouTuber magic from inside a bathtub.

Markiplier's new streaming situation has left some viewers utterly baffled, with many showing up to the streamer's subreddit and driving more in-the-know fans up the wall with their endless questions about the tub. So let us catch you up on Markiplier's latest (entirely unplanned) streaming gimmick.

Part of the confusion surrounding Markiplier's bathtub videos comes from the fact that he's been playing it very cool. Unless you've been digging into all his latest updates, you could easily miss the real story behind the videos, which is why so many people are posting new Reddit threads to ask what's going on. Luckily, Redditors have the answer: "Unfortunately, Mark has been working so hard that he has unintentionally reduced himself to a liquid form. If he leaves the tub, he will begin to ooze uncontrollably," wrote one hilarious user on multiple pop-up threads. 

The real story is not quite as fun, of course. Markiplier's bathroom set-up is really just a temporary situation that's been forced on him because of another project he's developing. Markiplier and his crew have been staying at an AirBnB while finishing up work on "Iron Lung," Markiplier's feature-length directorial debut. He needed a place to film new YouTube videos with some degree of quiet and privacy, and the bathroom was apparently the best place on offer. Given the usual length of Markiplier's streams and his high-energy gameplay sessions, you'd be totally forgiven for having missed one of his offhanded explanations for the unusual set-up.

"This will probably be the last bathroom video I make," Markiplier wrongly stated in a recent video. "It's really uncomfortable in this tub. Like, the gimmick was interesting at first; it's just super uncomfortable. But the unfortunate thing is there actually aren't any other places to be." He's posted two more tub-centric videos since then, and fans have no idea when the madness will end. 

Markiplier revealed his plans for "Iron Lung" back in the spring of 2023. The movie is an adaptation of the beloved indie horror game of the same name, which puts it firmly in the YouTuber's wheelhouse. After all, Markiplier's been playing scary games and creating his own spooky videos for years, so it's hard to imagine a better fit for this material.

Unlike Markiplier's other film projects, "Iron Lung" has been designed for theatrical release. The film has not yet gotten an official release date, but the first trailer has set expectations for a particularly bloody and intense flick. Fans can't wait to see what their favorite streamer has been working on for the past year, but Markiplier himself is probably the person who's most excited for the release. Not only will he get to see his passion project move out into the world, but with more free time in his schedule, he'll be able to stay at home. No more cramming into a bathtub for weeks at a time.