TenEighty recently caught up with Beckii Cruel to chat about all things YouTube and her tips for aspiring creators.
TenEighty: What’s your favourite part about working with Social Circle?
Beckii: Social circle is an influencer marketing business, so it’s a very natural fit for me. My role is to help creators to make sure they’re getting the best out of brands, that they aren’t being pushed into [something] that doesn’t fit their audience or current profile, and to help them work in ways to appeal more to brands and build excellent working relationships with them.
While YouTube has been a huge passion of mine all my life, I’ve always felt that I [wanted] to create videos and be in front of the camera alongside my life, rather than it be the one and only thing I do. Additionally, I’m not particularly academic – I’ve always preferred learning by doing – so, for me, working with Social Circle has been a brilliant way to continue learning and growing as a person. I am working in the marketing industry, which is so brand new to me, yet is also familiar from the other side, as a creator. I feel like I am bringing a really unique and insightful perspective to the company, all the while learning so much from them and really bridging the gaps in the industry for creators, and advocating on a personal, moral reason for what I believe is fair and due to creators.
T: What’s the weirdest trend you’ve seen during your time on YouTube?
B: “KidTube” is really weird. Algorithms dictating content. Titles thrown together out of high trending words – SURPRISE PREGNANT ELSA SPIDERMAN SLIME WHAT’S INSIDE – and a group of real adult humans creating content to match those titles.
Child superstars before they are even six. Billions of fans of a child unable to give informed consent to even living a public life. The entire platform distorting its algorithm to cater to the attention spans and tastes of children – one of the largest, silent consumers of the platform. The un-trackable demographic.
T: What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t making videos?
B: I’d hopefully still be following my life’s passion: to create positive, empowering, honest, realistic and non-patronising content for teenage girls. As long as I’m doing that in any capacity, I’ll be fulfilled.
T: What would your top tip be for aspiring creators?
B: Just start. Stop thinking about it too much [and] stop worrying that you don’t have the right equipment, the right programs [or] the right lighting. Starting is the hardest part. Learn as you go, invest as you go – that’s how we all did it. I know it’s different now, as you’re surrounded by the high standards of professionalism wherever you turn. However, deep down, the truth is that as long as you’re engaging and talking about something you are genuinely passionate about, people will listen and you will grow.
T: What’s been your favourite cosplay thus far and why?
B: I really loved my Princess Zelda cosplay, as I made it myself completely from scratch. It’s good quality, and I think I managed to do the shoulder gauntlets and the crown some justice!
T: What’s your favourite thing about putting together your lookbook videos?
B: Nowadays, I’m enjoying being more artistic and creative with my videos. It’s nice that now I have job stability and security from my work at Social Circle, so that I don’t have to financially depend on YouTube anymore. I can really afford to take risks with my content and not just worry about if it will get views or not, but if it will satisfy me creatively. My favourite so far has been my Blade Runner lookbook. I really took the theme by the horns! I enjoyed styling each look, especially just with items from the high street.
T: What’s the most recent YouTube video you watched?
B: So, I’m telling everyone about this channel I love, Make Anything. The story is I was having a nap to YouTube videos random playlist once, as you do, and I started dreaming about really specific printing terminology: PLA, ABS, extruders, bed levelling… I woke up from my nap [and] I was so confused. I started pressing the back button and realised I’d “watched” about 70 minutes of these super niche videos. I watched a little, then the whole thing and now I’m hooked. His videos are so good!
This video of his about 3D printing fabric is so fascinating. 3D printers are so cool, and I really enjoy Devin’s video style. It’s informative and enjoyable, even for a layman.
T: Can you recommend a UK YouTuber we should be watching?
B: Jessica Kellgren-Fozard. She is brilliant! She is a real vintage, 40s dream girl with an amazing style and taste, and even more amazing stories to tell! She has faced some hardships in her life, with her sexuality, hearing loss and disability struggles, but she makes brilliant accessible content that educates and informs her audience, and [she] is a beacon of representation and solidarity for those going through similar struggles. I think she is so wonderful and I just love her videos!
Would you rather…
Never be able to make YouTube videos again or never be able to switch up your wardrobe again?
B: You know what, this question has me stuck! Fashion is my life. I genuinely don’t think I could live in the same clothes until I was 90. I guess I would have to leave YouTube. I could still focus on other platforms, right?!
Have the ability to hear other people’s thoughts or the ability to teleport?
B: Teleport. Can you imagine? I could go on holiday every weekend.
Attend Hogwarts of live in the Pokémon universe?
B: I think I’d prefer to live in the Pokémon universe. I’d love to have the only aim in life be to spend time outdoors and discover new things.
Live in the UK or LA?
B: UK all the way! I’ve had opportunities and chances to up sticks and move country a few times, but I honestly love England so much. I really love the British mindset. I love how straightforward everybody speaks. I really like the food, the summers, the attitude. My friends and family are here too. I could move for maybe a year, but, to be honest, I’d just love to keep it to long holidays. Give me a month abroad, but I’ll always come back home.
Want more from your favourite YouTubers? We’ve got you covered:
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- TenEighty Meets: WillNE
- Jana Hisham: The Right Side of Change
- Riyadh Khalaf: Broadcasting Charm
Who should TenEighty meet next? Tweet @TenEightyUK with your suggestions or like TenEighty UK on Facebook.