Brent Rivera - Create from a Place of Passion, not Just for Validation (American Influencer with 23.9M Followers)

"The connection with my audience is what keeps me going. They’re the reason I get up and create content every day."

Q. You started your career in social media back when Vine was popular. How did that early platform shape your journey?

Yeah, Vine was a wild ride. It taught me how to tell a story or make people laugh in just six seconds. That kind of challenge pushed me to think creatively and get to the point quickly. The skills I learned from Vine laid the foundation for everything I do now—whether it’s YouTube videos, acting, or even making TikToks. It helped me understand that less is sometimes more and that timing is everything when it comes to comedy.


Q. You've successfully expanded to YouTube, acting, and even music. What drives you to keep branching out into different areas?

Honestly, I love storytelling in all its forms. Whether it’s making a funny skit, collaborating with other creators, or exploring my passion for music, I find it exciting to push myself beyond what I did yesterday. YouTube gave me a chance to go longer, go deeper, and engage more, while acting allows me to dive into characters I would never be in my real life. Music, on the other hand, is an emotional outlet that lets me express myself in a way that’s different from the other platforms. It’s all about growing and challenging myself while staying authentic to who I am.


Q. You’ve mentioned the importance of staying authentic. With the pressure of social media, how do you manage to stay true to yourself?

That’s a great question. I think it all comes down to remembering why I started in the first place. I was creating content because I genuinely loved making people laugh and connecting with others. No matter how big or small my audience is, I try to focus on that core purpose. Sometimes the pressure can be overwhelming, especially when you have to keep up with trends and algorithm changes. But I’ve learned that when I start creating just to please the algorithm, the content suffers, and so does my connection to it. It’s important to create from a place of passion, not just for validation.


Q. You’ve collaborated with so many other creators over the years. Are there any collaborations that stand out to you or any dream collabs you’d love to do in the future?

Oh, definitely! One of my favorite collaborations has been with the Dolan Twins. We were all part of that YouTube world in its early days, so working with them was like a throwback to where it all started. We just had so much fun creating together. As for dream collabs, I’d love to work with musicians like Shawn Mendes or artists who bring a fresh twist to music and video. I think merging different creative worlds could lead to something amazing.


Q. Your work is very multifaceted. Do you have a particular project or piece of content that you're most proud of?

That’s tough to pick, but if I had to choose, I’d say my music is something that holds a special place for me. It’s deeply personal and allows me to express emotions and stories that I might not get to show in my other content. I’ve really enjoyed the journey of learning how to produce music and perform. The music videos, especially, are fun to make because I get to bring that storytelling element into a new arena. But overall, I’m proud of the community I’ve built. The people who watch my content are supportive and positive, and that’s the real reward.


Q. Speaking of community, you’re known for engaging with your fans. What does that interaction mean to you?

It means everything. The connection with my audience is what keeps me going. They’re the reason I get up and create content every day. Whether it’s reading comments, replying to DMs, or even doing live Q&A sessions, I love knowing that I’m making people laugh or helping them feel good about themselves. It’s a kind of relationship that’s unique to social media. I think it’s important to nurture that connection and let them know their support doesn’t go unnoticed.


Q. You seem to have a lot of goals for the future. Is there anything specific you’re working on or excited about?

Absolutely! I’m always thinking about new content ideas and creative ways to push the boundaries. I’m working on expanding my music catalog and collaborating with other artists, as well as planning a bigger, more involved YouTube series. Beyond that, I’d love to explore acting in film and television more deeply—maybe even write or direct something one day. I’m also keen to work on some charity initiatives to use my platform for good. It’s all about finding new ways to grow and give back.


Q. Any advice for those who look up to you and want to make their mark in the social media world?

Of course! First and foremost, be consistent but don’t sacrifice your mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but remember, it’s about the impact you make, not just the views. Be authentic and stay true to what you love; people can tell when you’re passionate about something. And don’t be afraid to fail or change directions. The social media landscape is always shifting, so adaptability is key. Keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!

BIO : 

Brent Rivera is a social media star, actor, and musician known for his engaging online presence. Starting on Vine, he grew his fame through humorous short videos and transitioned to YouTube, where he created relatable skits and vlogs. With a passion for acting and music, Brent has expanded his brand beyond social media, collaborating with other creators, releasing songs, and fostering a dedicated, positive community of fans.