Analog horror relies on creepy images, mysterious messages, and strange distortions to make viewers feel uneasy. A big part of this genre is the use of fake public service announcements (PSAs) and government warnings, which sometimes include hidden or flashing messages. These, along with glitches, static, and strange signals, make it seem like something is wrong with the program. By using these effects, analog horror makes viewers feel tense as if they are seeing something they weren’t meant to. The glitches and distortions blur the line between what’s real and what’s fake, making people question everything they see. This style plays on the fear of the unknown, making it even scarier. Whether it’s a broken emergency broadcast, a voice that sounds slightly off, or a face that looks almost, but not quite, human, analog horror keeps viewers on edge, making them feel uneasy even after the screen goes dark.

Outdated Technology, Visuals, and Storytelling

Combining these themes creates a compelling story, even if it resembles a manipulated video. An article on Medium outlines three key tips for using outdated technology in analog horror. First, incorporating glitches and distortion enhances the VHS-like aesthetic. The grainy, grey static that occasionally appears on VHS tapes contributes to an eerie, nostalgic atmosphere. By adding visual distortions, the horror experience becomes more uncanny and unsettling. Second, the outdated nature of the technology itself plays a crucial role. Since these devices are rarely seen today, their presence alone can evoke unease. A once-familiar PSA, for example, can become terrifying when altered, its colors, degraded visuals, and unsettling messages turning the familiar into something deeply disturbing. Third, analog horror taps into nostalgia, connecting to childhood memories through PSAs, VHS tapes, and familiar rhymes that have been altered and distorted. What was once comforting, like a family home video or a children’s show, becomes something unfamiliar and unsettling, twisting nostalgia into fear.

With its cryptic messages and unsettling imagery, analog horror doesn’t just aim to make viewers uncomfortable but invites them to piece together the story themselves. Instead of relying on frequent jump scares or graphic violence, it builds tension through a plot-heavy approach. The focus is on the unfolding mystery, keeping viewers engaged as they anticipate when the next scare or disturbing revelation will occur. Though it may not seem obvious at first, a deeper story is woven into the glitches, hidden messages, and eerie audio.

Where to Start

Analog horror may seem outdated, but that’s what makes it unique. It taps into nostalgia while standing apart from modern horror, which often relies on flashy effects and frequent jump scares. Instead of quick frights, analog horror unsettles viewers by subtly disturbing them, creeping into their minds through eerie visuals, distorted audio, and cryptic storytelling. For those looking for something different in horror, YouTube offers a selection of analog horror series including The Mandela Catalogue, Local 58, Gemini Home Entertainment, The Backrooms, The Walten Files, The SMILE Tapes, and many others.