“Hey what’s up you guys, yes,” is a well known introduction for a man well-known on the YouTube platform, garnering over 20 million subscribers to date. Shane Lee Yaw or as most know him, Shane Dawson, is a 30-year-old author, sketch comedian, actor, film director, YouTuber, musician, media personality and screenwriter from Long Beach, Ca. Since the day he signed up in 2008 at 19, he has made and uploaded almost 2,000 videos on YouTube. Dawson rose to fame quickly after his videos became a hit within the platform and he has stayed relevant in the medium since.

Dawson originally made comedy skits and short films but now with cameraman and film editor Andrew Siwicki by his side, his channel uploads more ideal and entertaining videos to better suit the majority of his current audience, teenagers. In August 2017, Shane and Siwicki started to film and edit Shane’s hit “docu-series” that run for more than an hour each “episode.” The series includes delving into the minds of famous entertainers and popular conspiracy theories. These videos have amassed more than a billion views on the platform. His most viewed video, The Secret Life of Jeffree Star, has over 35 million views.

The success has proven to be controversial for Dawson. With some fans speculating on Shane’s mental health after he opened up about his body dysmorphia, anxiety and depression. Shane has assured fans that he has been visiting a therapist. Others believe Shane is at the peak of his career. Shane uploads new videos frequently and continues to shake up the YouTube community, and through it all his boyfriend of several years Ryland Adams, 27-year-old former Clevver news host, has stayed by Dawson’s side with their two dogs, Uno and Honey along with their cat, Cheeto.

Shane’s videos have come a long way since the beginning of his career. From comedy skits to conspiracy theories Shane has done it all but Dawson’s reign on YouTube is far from over. His videos, old and new, will continue to entertain and inspire for years to come.