Fame used to be a dream attained by a select few but YouTube has changed the game. Many unexpected celebrities are on the rise with the help of this platform and the opportunity it offers for instant exposure. Students seize the moment by making video blogs known as vlogs of their daily lives and showcase their talents. They have jumped on the Youtube bandwagon, marketing themselves to stand out, boldly entering the competitive world of internet fame.

Although fame and success is a common goal among many YouTubers, some make their videos for pure entertainment.

“I wanted to post YouTube videos because I wanted to entertain people like other YouTubers entertain me. I enjoy making other people laugh,” junior Karina Castañeda, known as “KJ Castell” online said. “I usually just talk about my life and experiences I have at school and film my daily life and make them funny.”

Others post videos for self expression.

“I was new to the school and I needed a way to express myself,” junior Michelle Luna said.

Being a student and a YouTuber has its ups and downs. Balancing production with school-based activities proves to be a challenge.

“It is stressful to manage my time but I have a schedule,” Luna said. “I really enjoy the process of filming and editing because it’s a hobby I can do outside of school. It makes me feel productive.”

Luna’s videos are posted weekly under the username “MichMoon.”

Other YouTubers get help in order to post consistently.

“I have a person that helps me edit which I am super grateful for,” senior Sam Estrada said. I give him my SD card from my camera and we share ideas on edits. “He’s made it easier to balance school, work, basketball and church.”

Making YouTube videos has encouraged creators to get out of their comfort zone.

“I make skits and do different DIY’s,” Luna said. “I used to be afraid of acting but making videos has helped my confidence. Now, I don’t really think about what others think of me.”

For others, it has meant personal change.

“I used to be so quiet in my classes, but these videos have helped me come out of my shell,” Castañeda said.

The parents of these YouTubers have a role in their children’s internet career.

“At first my parents were really excited that I was making videos but once my channel started to grow they got worried,” Luna said. “Now they have placed certain restrictions on my videos in order to protect me. I can’t say my school name or my full name.”

Posting videos about one’s daily life can be intimidating yet students feel that it is not an issue.

“I am not hesitant to post anything. I want people to see what goes on in my life and how I deal with it,” Estrada said. “My favorite video so far is where I vlogged the San Angelo basketball tournament. It was super memorable.”

Estrada’s videos can be found on his channel, “Sam Fam Vlogs.”

Overall, YouTube is a platform that creators appreciate.

“These videos that I make are the highlights of my day. They remind me that every day is different and has meaning,” Castañeda said.

Others appreciate the site for its capability of spreading positivity.

“YouTube as a platform is a great outlet to make a good impact on society. It’s a great place to bring people together and bring encouragement,” Estrada said.

Fame and success can come with being a YouTube celebrity, but it is not the main purpose for some vloggers.

“My advice to anyone starting a channel would be to not start it because of money,” Luna said. “The amount of subscribers you have doesn’t really matter in the end.”