For anyone who frequents YouTube, you are probably familiar with Smosh, created by Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox. Known for their comedy sketches and hilarious content, Smosh has been killing the game with over 22 million subscribers since their debut in 2005.
My main focus today is Anthony Padilla, whom I had the honor of interviewing. Anthony has a personal YouTube channel with more than 1 million subscribers, where he uploads thought provoking videos along with vlogs capturing him on his many adventures around the world. I was particularly interested in interviewing Anthony because I know that he is more than capable of holding his own when it comes to quality content, and I want the world to know that too!
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Let’s start with this: You undeniably have a very creative mind, but when did you first notice this about yourself? Would you say that this trait has helped you through life in order to become who you are?
When I was a teenager I loved to modify computer games to create my own spin on them and to build Internet communities. This drive to create things and see people immediately experience them online has pushed me to be creative in ways I had never imagined. It wasn’t until I discovered YouTube in 2005 when I found I enjoyed making people laugh, which has helped me break out of my anxiety-riddled personal hell.
Like many public figures, you’ve probably changed since your debut in the public and some people have speculated (as silly as it sounds) it is because of your change in hairstyle. Do you personally believe you have had a different outlook on life recently?
My emo hair gave me super powers and now that I’ve stopped straightening it I’m a worthless muggle. Or some people simply look for any change to pin as a catalyst for why things aren’t the way they used to be. Either way, I have definitely changed. I’ve become more confident in myself and have stopped being afraid to let my voice be heard. (PS: I’m a poseur. I’ve never seen Harry Potter and had to google ‘muggle’ to confirm I was using it correctly.)
In your “Draw My Life” video you opened up about the anxiety that you have faced in your adult life. In a society that emphasizes the importance of mental health, do you think it is possible for people with anxiety to live a full life and even pursue careers that require being front and center, such as being a creator on YouTube?
Growing up with anxiety always felt like a crippling disorder that would prevent me from accomplishing dreams that consisted of anything that required me to speak or be seen by people. YouTube allowed me to simultaneously be introverted and entertain millions of people at the same time. Aside from a few run-ins with hateful comments that made me want to hole up under a boulder until the world ends, YouTube has been my number one source of escaping anxiety.
Being on YouTube for quite some time, what advice would you give to someone who is considering starting a channel of their own?
If you plan to become a YouTuber for the long-haul, you should consistently create content that you really love. People can smell bandwagoning and cheap attempts for quick success *cough*kissingpranks*cough*. If you create good content consistently for long enough that you enjoy doing, you’ll be sure to eventually find success. (Who am I kidding… Collab. Collab a lot because YouTube’s new algorithm is f*cked.)
There has undoubtedly been a higher interest in vlogging lately, so what do you believe is the importance of documenting your adult life, whether it be in the form of vlogs or even through social media.
It has become very important to create an emotional connection with your audience. If people online wanted to watch emotionally-disconnected content with actors in a studio, they’d watch TV. They come to the internet to have a connection with the people they’re watching. Or maybe it’s human nature to have stalker-like tendencies.
Many people are hesitant to go on a vacation because they fear they will miss social media. How does it feel to disconnect from the internet for a while to enjoy nature, and would you recommend it? Which trip has been your favorite so far and what is one place you would love to go to?
It’s good for your psyche to get off the grid every once in a while. Even if you’re on a vacation and have the internet, leave your phone at home and really take in your surroundings and be present. We’re all so addicted to constantly being in the ‘know’ and not missing a single thing that happens online that we’re actually missing out on our own lives. You’ll never grow if you aren’t present enough to know who you really are. My favorite trip has been my trip to Iceland. The environment there is so unlike anything I’ve ever seen in the United States that I felt like I was experiencing an alien planet. I saw the aurora borealis and glaciers and icebergs firsthand. Things I only dreamed about seeing as a kid and truly never thought I’d experience in my life. Norway is my next dream vacation spot. There’s a hotel that has these dome-like structures that have transparent ceilings so you can lay and gaze at an incredible amount of stars in the sky. I’ve always dreamt of being somewhere that I can see an entire sky riddled with specks of light from the stars and a clear view of the milky way.
Lastly, is there any influential celebrity or person you consider a role model for yourself, whether it be for comedy style or morals?
Donald Glover has been killing it for so long in so many professions that I can’t fathom what his schedule looks like. He’s been a huge inspiration for me for as long as I remember. From watching his DerekComedy sketches, to him blowing up on TV, to his music career, to film. He started out in a similar place as me with his videos online but he’s blown the lid off everything I thought was capable and has turned his life into something truly remarkable. He’s also goddamn funny.
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Stay connected with Anthony!
Subscribe to his channel: AnthonyPadilla
Follow his Instagram: @anthonypadilla
Follow his Twitter: @anthonypadilla
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