Amateur for me almost always. The reactions feel real. You can tell instantly when someone is performing versus genuinely enjoying themselves and that difference changes everything.
Professional when I want a specific fantasy executed well. Amateur when I want something that feels authentic. Both have their place entirely depending on mood and what I'm after.
The real/fake divide matters more than the production budget. Great amateur content beats mediocre professional every single time. Budget doesn't equal quality.
I wish there was more high-production amateur crossover content — good cameras and audio but real people and real reactions. Some creators on subscription platforms come close to this ideal.
