Embracing Authenticity: Why a Creator Let Go of 500,000 Followers
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Chapter 1: The Turning Point
Two years ago, Tom Kuegler made a pivotal choice. He chose to erase his Facebook Page, despite having amassed over 500,000 followers. This page held significant meaning for him, as he dedicated three years to creating videos, primarily focused on the Philippines. His content not only gained popularity but also generated impressive revenue; one video alone earned $6,000 within days.
Tom traveled extensively throughout the Philippines, becoming a recognizable figure. During live broadcasts, he would often attract an audience of 600 viewers almost instantly. The experience of having such a large following was exhilarating for him.
However, one day, Tom decided to leave all of that behind.
What prompted this decision? In our conversation, we explored the reasons behind his choice.
How It All Began
Tom's journey commenced on March 30, 2018, when he shared his first video, aiming to establish a daily vlog. Initially, his content revolved around life lessons and travel, but it struggled to gain traction on YouTube.
Encouraged by his girlfriend, he turned to Facebook. His first video there received over 2,400 views in a single day—a significant milestone for him.
While in the Philippines, a friend suggested that he create videos centered around the country. Although Tom hesitated, wanting to explore other topics, he decided to give it a try.
His video titled "Mindanao is NOT Dangerous" garnered 10,000 views within 24 hours, and another piece, "The Philippines is Not Poor," went viral, amassing 400,000 views in just two days. Following this, Tom's page experienced rapid growth.
The Highs and Lows
Tom's videos about the Philippines became immensely popular, bringing him both financial success and a growing follower base. However, he eventually grew weary. He realized that he was no longer producing the types of videos that resonated with him personally.
In late 2019, he attempted to address more serious topics related to the Philippines. Unfortunately, this led to backlash, as many viewers expressed their displeasure, bombarding him with harsh comments.
The Decision to Leave
By mid-2020, Tom found himself overwhelmed by negativity. He was no longer willing to create content that brought him unhappiness. After a year of silence on his page, Tom made the decision to delete his Facebook account in September 2021, despite warnings from friends.
He recognized that maintaining the page was a source of stress for him.
What Followed
Post-deletion, Tom experienced a renewed sense of relief. He relocated to Mexico, took on the challenge of learning Spanish, and entered into marriage.
Now, Tom encourages fellow creators to pursue their passions rather than merely chasing views. He discovered that the number of followers pales in comparison to the importance of personal happiness.
Tom's story serves as a reminder to remain authentic and to follow one's true interests.
Here's my video interview with Tom Kuegler:
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