What are some of your favorite local spots to hang out at in your hometown and would you recommend any of those areas for those who wish to visit? AI: I live in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere upstate New York. I swear, there are literally more cows than people. Where I live it’s more about who you’re hanging out with than where you are. We do have live in a beautiful area and have a few nice restaurants, but I guarantee if you visit my town, you’ll see it all. Describe your YouTube channel to those who are not familiar with you? AI: I upload videos on a weekly basis. I make videos about whatever I feel like: skits, rants, music videos, reviews, and other life experiences. I try to be funny but it usually doesn’t work out. I use my YouTube as my outlet for artistic expression, sharing my views of the world and bringing my ideas to life. For those who have not seen your YouTube Story video, briefly share with us how you got started and who influenced you to start up your own channel? AI: For a long time I was actually against having a YouTube channel, I just didn’t think it was for me. However, in 2009 my cousin started making videos, and after I saw how much fun she had making videos, I decided to make my own channel. My first video was filmed with my HP webcam (I swear it was one megapixel). I was lying on my bed and put my iPod on shuffle, just awkwardly sitting there “showing everyone my music”. Needless to say that video was taken down shortly after. Now, my videos are about everything and everything. From skits, to montages, to rants and reactions, I really upload whatever I feel like. You have well over 16 thousand subscribers and over 2 million views. How does that feel and do you have any advice for those who wish to start up their own channel?
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Aaron Idelson
AI: Surreal, but I try to take it in stride. 16 grand is a big number, but I’m the same person I was 4 years ago (minus the afro). If you want to start making videos, just do what you love to do. When you make videos about what you’re knowledgeable and passionate about, people will want to watch them, they’ll be entertaining. If I made beauty videos or gaming videos, no one would want to watch them and I would just look like a moron.