INTERVIEW__ CALUM MCSWIGGAN: LIGHTS, CAMERA, CALUM
LIGHTS, CAMERA
C A L U M The internet is the 21st century way of reaching global celebrity status, and no corner of the web is responsible for churning out more fully fledged celebs than YouTube. The UK is home to its fair share of internationally famous vloggers. With the ten most popular British YouTubers having a combined following of more than 30million, Calum McSwiggan knows exactly what he’s up against. WORDS | CHRISTOPHER MEGRATH IMAGES | INSTAGRAM
An addictive content creator and generally gorgeous
‘When I started out on YouTube I fought really hard
individual, this 25-year-old Nottingham lad has one of
against becoming an LGBT YouTuber. I didn’t want my
the fastest growing YouTube channels in the UK. From
sexuality to define me. I just wanted to be a YouTuber
mental health to sex ed, baking rainbow cupcakes to his
who just so happened to be gay. But seeing the response
What’s In My Mouth? challenge, there’s no topic too
my LGBT videos had completely changed my mind.
taboo for this rising star.
Now I’m happy making LGBT content and I’m thrilled
He hasn’t yet reached the career highs of the likes of Joe Sugg (ThatcherJoe), Alfie Deyes (PointlessBlog) or Dan Howell (Danisnotonfire), but since starting out two years ago Calum’s channel (Eatgaylove) has already racked up an impressive 54,000 subscribers. We catch up with him after a brief stint exploring New York. It’s
with how my audience respond.’
T
o call that response enthusiastic doesn’t begin to cover it. Calum’s success has led to collaborations with some of the most famous faces around, from porn star Jake Bass to
a big start for 2016, but he assures us he has no plans to
Olympic poster boy Tom Daley. Just when we begin
start slowing down.
wondering what it’s like to work with such famous
‘All my evenings are spent filming and editing!’ he
faces we’re told: ‘Having Tom Daley and Willam in my
gushes. ‘It makes having a social life a struggle, but it’s
videos was absolutely amazing! There are dozens of
absolutely worth it. I try to surround myself with other
people I’d love to collaborate with. It’s one of the things
YouTubers because they’re in exactly the same boat. We
that keeps me motivated to succeed.’ Anyone else still
support each other, and that’s what keeps us going.’
to be ticked off the collab bucket list? ‘Troye Sivan! It
S
would be a dream come true!’ upport is a major part of what Calum does so
Of course, having a big name attached to your video
well. These days he is known as one of the most
doesn’t guarantee success. YouTube is cutthroat market.
vocal supporters of LGBT rights on a platform
For every hit (Gay Sex 101: Penis Size - 227,000 views /
that’s well known for inclusivity.
Gay Guys Try Weird Condoms - 69,000 views) an equal
But as he explains, LGBT videos weren’t always what he
number flounder, relegated to playlist history, never to
set out to create.
be watched again.
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