This year, YouTube ran an experiment. For the first time, they put together an alternative halftime show. They hoped fans would turn away from their televisions to watch their show, or simply multi-task and watch both halftime extravaganzas at the same time. Regardless of what the intentions were, if YouTube views and social media buzz are a measure of success, YouTube’s attempted sac was as successful as Russell Wilson’s attempted pass in the 4th quarter.

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Streamed live from YouTube Space LA on their AdBlitz channel, and filmed before a live studio audience, most of the show’s clips barely picked up 100,000 views. Perhaps the antithesis of Katy Perry, Harley Morenstein (best known for Epic Meal Time) hosted the show. He was joined by other YouTube sensations including Toby Turner, Freddy Wong and Rhett and Link. Apparently these YouTube stars weren’t able to get even a fraction of their 60 million combined followers.

The halftime show opened with this song performed by YouTube stars.

There was also this awkward science experiment called “elephant toothpaste,”

This a cappella performance of “I’ll Think of You” may have been the highlight.

What was the goal of the YouTube Halftime Show?

YouTuber Rhett McLaughlin of Rhett & Link told The Hollywood Reporter that the goal wasn’t to reinvent the wheel. “We’re not trying to compete with the traditional halftime show. This is for somebody who enjoys YouTube content and enjoys the people who are on YouTube. I don’t necessarily think that the traditional media world is going to see this and be scared, but that’s not really the point. It’s to give YouTube fans something to enjoy.”

It’ll be interesting to see if YouTube will run the experiment again next year. In the meantime, if you missed the real Halftime show, you can see the whole thing here.