Half Alive – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Half Alive

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2018

82%

WISE Score

Subscribers

Artsy indie-pop with choreography so good it'll make your kid want to trade Fortnite emotes for actual contemporary dance lessons.

Half Alive

YouTube

2018

82%

WISE Score

Subscribers

Artsy indie-pop with choreography so good it'll make your kid want to trade Fortnite emotes for actual contemporary dance lessons.

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Screenwise Verdict

Half Alive is the rare YouTube find that feels like it’s actually adding something to the culture rather than just draining brain cells.

They’ve managed to stay relevant from their 2018 breakout through their 2025 'Persona' era by being genuinely talented rather than just loud. While the 2026 releases seem to be experimenting with a bit more 'street' influence, the core of the channel remains a safe, highly imaginative space for kids who like music that’s a bit off the beaten path. Just keep an eye on the YouTube rabbit hole—it's easy to start with a music video and end up three hours deep in 'recommended' junk.

Age Fit

Perfect for middle schoolers and up. Younger kids can watch the dance-heavy videos safely, but the existential themes and the 2026 'edgier' tracks are really geared toward the 12+ crowd.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The band's core vibe is built on artistic expression, intricate choreography, and exploring the human experience without relying on cheap shock value or explicit content. It's emotionally intelligent pop.

Imaginative

Their music videos are basically short films. The choreography (often by the JA Collective) is highly original and invites viewers to see dance as a form of storytelling rather than just TikTok trends.

Safe

As a YouTube channel, the biggest risk is the comment section and the algorithm. The music itself is generally safe, though 2026 releases like 'SNITCHES AIN'T SAFE' suggest a move toward slightly edgier themes than their 2018 debut.

Enriching

It's a gateway into high-concept art and professional dance. The lyrics often grapple with anxiety and self-discovery in a way that's actually helpful for teens to hear.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Top-tier visual storytelling that treats music videos like high art.
Lyrics that actually mean something—often dealing with mental health and growing up without being preachy.
The dance routines are legitimately impressive and encourage physical creativity.
It’s 'cool' music that parents won’t want to claw their ears off listening to in the car.

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What to Watch For

The YouTube comment section is unmoderated and can be a typical internet dumpster fire.
Recent 2026 tracks show a slightly more aggressive lyrical tone (titles like 'SNITCHES AIN'T SAFE') compared to their cleaner early work.
Some videos use flashing lights or fast editing that could be intense for sensitive viewers.

Conversation Starters

"What do you think the dance moves in 'still feel.' are trying to say about how he's feeling?"
"Do you think music videos should be like movies, or just the band playing their instruments?"
"When they talk about feeling 'half alive,' what do you think that actually means in real life?"
"Which of these songs would be the best soundtrack for a movie about your life right now?"