The internet has done wonderful things for magic. Video-sharing sites have also let an entirely new breed of budding digital magicians all over the world build sizable careers without ever having to set foot in a restaurant or theater. YouTube is filled with all kinds of magic acts, but few performers have embraced the digital aspect of the medium with as much gusto as German magician and Apple enthusiast Simon Pierro: “The iPad Magician.” Pierro was one of the guest speakers at last year’s excellent Magic Live! convention and his talk on performing on the virtual stage is now available to the public.

Pierro’s shtick, as you might have guessed from his nickname, is all manner of tricks using an Apple iPad as the core prop. It’s good stuff obviously, particularly that beer gag, but more interesting to other magicians are Pierro’s insights into both online audiences and the complex relationship between old media and services like YouTube. If you’re struggling to make a dent on your subscriber count, you should give the video a watch via Magic Live!’s website.

This is the first year the Magic Live! organizers have released videos of the talks held at the event. This year’s Magic Live! is taking place from August 5th to August 8th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration is now open.