Can You Really Reach Anyone in Six Steps?

Veritasium unpacks the “six degrees of separation” idea by diving into network science: from Duncan Watts’ small-world model and the strength of weak ties to Strogatz’s viral paper and Barabási’s hubs. You’ll see how random shortcuts and preferential attachment make almost everyone just a handful of connections apart.

Along the way, interactive simulations illustrate how diseases hop through networks, why hubs supercharge connectivity, and even how the Prisoner’s Dilemma shows our choices ripple across the globe. It’s a playful tour of why you—and your next friend—might already be closer than you think.

Watch on YouTube