In the vast digital landscape of YouTube, where cat videos and cooking tutorials compete for attention, one genre has carved out a surprisingly massive following: hydraulic press videos. These clips, showcasing everything from fruits to fidget spinners being obliterated under thousands of pounds of pressure, have captivated millions. But why are we so drawn to watching objects get squashed into oblivion? The answer lies in a mix of psychological satisfaction, universal appeal, and the sheer thrill of destruction. Let’s explore why hydraulic press videos are so addictive and highlight some of the most-watched examples that have taken the internet by storm.

The Psychology Behind the Obsession

1. Cathartic Release: Watching a hydraulic press crush a Rubik’s Cube or a bowling ball provides a visceral sense of release. Dr. Charlynn Ruan, a psychologist and founder of the Thrive Psychology Group, explains that these videos offer “great little cathartic moments” when physical expressions of frustration aren’t possible. The act of watching something being destroyed taps into our primal urge to break things, offering a safe, guilt-free way to vent stress without real-world consequences. It’s like smashing a plate without the cleanup.
2. Satisfying Unpredictability: Hydraulic press videos thrive on the element of surprise. While we know the object will be crushed, the how is often unexpected. Will a can of soda explode dramatically or crumple quietly? Will a stack of paper shatter like stone? This unpredictability keeps viewers hooked, as each crush delivers a unique spectacle. Lauri Vuohensilta, creator of the Hydraulic Press Channel, attributes part of his channel’s success to these “unexpected results” that spark excitement.
3. Universal Appeal: Unlike complex narratives or culturally specific content, hydraulic press videos require no context. Anyone, anywhere, can enjoy watching a pumpkin get squashed. Dr. Rosanna Guadagno, an associate professor at the University of Oulu, notes that these videos “speak to everyone’s inner child,” transcending language and cultural barriers. This universal accessibility makes them prime for viral sharing across platforms like YouTube and Reddit.
4. Social Currency: Sharing a video of a hydraulic press flattening a Nokia phone makes you the cool kid at the digital watercooler. Dr. Jonah Berger, author of Contagious: Why Things Catch On, explains that people love sharing “surprising, interesting, or remarkable content” because it boosts their social status. Hydraulic press videos, with their bizarre and mesmerizing outcomes, are perfect for sparking conversations and earning likes.
5. The Humor Factor: The Hydraulic Press Channel, the genre’s gold standard, owes much of its charm to Lauri Vuohensilta’s deadpan humor and thick Finnish accent. His wife Anni’s infectious laughter in the background adds a layer of relatability. Comments on their videos often quote Lauri’s quirky phrases like “Vat da fak” or “So ve must deal with it,” turning the experience into a comedic ritual. This blend of destruction and goofiness creates a unique vibe that keeps viewers coming back.

The Mechanics of Mesmerization

Hydraulic presses operate on Pascal’s principle, where a small force applied to a confined fluid generates immense pressure, capable of crushing objects with up to hundreds of tons of force. The Hydraulic Press Channel’s original 150-ton press, now upgraded to a 300-ton beast, is a marvel of engineering that amplifies the spectacle. The audible shift in the press’s tone as it switches from a high-flow pump to a high-pressure one adds to the sensory experience, signaling the imminent destruction. This mechanical drama, combined with the visual of objects transforming—sometimes exploding—under pressure, creates a multisensory thrill.

The Most-Watched Hydraulic Press Videos

The Hydraulic Press Channel, with over 9.7 million subscribers, dominates the genre. Here are some of its most iconic and viewed videos, showcasing the diversity and draw of hydraulic press content:

1. Top 100 Best Hydraulic Press Moments | Satisfying Crushing Compilation (63M+ Views)
   This 2020 compilation is a fan favorite, featuring a montage of crushed objects like sticky notes, a Rubik’s Cube, a pumpkin, crayons, and a Furby. Its appeal lies in the rapid-fire variety, offering a buffet of satisfying squashes in one sitting. The Furby’s demise, in particular, resonates with viewers for its nostalgic yet cathartic destruction.
2. Can You Fold Paper More Than 7 Times with Hydraulic Press? (23M+ Views)
   Uploaded in October 2015, this video skyrocketed the channel’s popularity after going viral in March 2016. Lauri attempts to fold a piece of paper beyond the mythical seven-fold limit, only for it to explosively collapse into a brittle, stone-like material. A paper engineering professor speculated that the collapse of calcium carbonate in the paper caused the dramatic effect, adding a layer of scientific intrigue to the spectacle.
3. Crushing Adamantium with Hydraulic Press (23M+ Views)
   A promotional video for the 2017 film Logan, this clip features Lauri attempting to crush an “adamantium” bearing ball and Wolverine’s claws. The twist? The press’s tools take a beating, showcasing the fictional metal’s toughness. The blend of pop culture and raw power made this a massive hit, drawing both Marvel fans and destruction enthusiasts.
4. Top 10 Most Dangerous Hydraulic Press Channel Videos Ever (Views Not Specified, Recent)
   Released in July 2024, this compilation highlights high-risk crushes, including ball bearings that explode into fragments at high speeds. Filmed with both the old 150-ton and newer 300-ton presses, it showcases the channel’s evolution toward more daring experiments in a bulletproof concrete bunker. The danger factor amps up the adrenaline for viewers.
5. Crushing a Hockey Puck (Notable Early Hit)
   One of Lauri’s early videos, this clip features a hockey puck exploding unexpectedly under pressure, a bet he won against Anni, whose laughter in the background became a hallmark of the channel’s charm. While exact view counts are less documented, its impact helped establish the channel’s viral potential in 2016.

Why They Keep Crushing It

The Hydraulic Press Channel’s success isn’t just about smashing stuff. Lauri and Anni’s authentic chemistry, combined with their willingness to experiment with everything from gummy bears to steel pipes, keeps the content fresh. Their secondary channel, Beyond the Press, offers behind-the-scenes glimpses and creative destruction experiments, further engaging fans. The channel’s milestone moments, like crushing their silver and gold YouTube Play Buttons, show a self-aware playfulness that resonates with viewers.

However, not everyone remains captivated. Some viewers have noted a decline in viewership, citing repetitive content or the absence of Anni’s on-camera presence after she took a job at IKEA. Yet, Lauri’s commitment to innovation—like building a bunker for safer, more explosive experiments—suggests the channel’s staying power.

The Bigger Picture

Hydraulic press videos tap into something primal and universal: the joy of destruction, tempered by humor and curiosity. They’re a digital stress ball, a shared cultural moment, and a testament to the internet’s love for the weird and wonderful. Whether it’s the emotional release of seeing a Furby flattened or the thrill of an unexpected explosion, these videos remind us that sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most satisfying. So, the next time you’re feeling stressed, skip the meditation app and watch a hydraulic press turn a Barbie doll into a pancake. You might just find yourself saying, “Vat da fak,” with a smile.