Jefferson Bethke was a regular guy who just wanted to make some YouTube videos for his friends.
But when one of his spoken-word videos went viral, everything changed (video below).
More than 600,000 subscribers and 70 million views later, Bethke, 26, has learned a few things about what it means to become an overnight sensation. We wanted to find out, too.
PT: Why did you originally start your channel, and how did the way you think about it change once it became so popular?
Jeff: My channel was started a little by accident, actually. I would write poems for my open mic at my college, and we decided to upload a few onto YouTube, not thinking anyone more than my mom and my friends would see them. But the second poem I uploaded was the “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” poem that went viral immediately. Within 48 hours it had I think about 6 million views or something.
It was surreal and crazy. But I don't think my channel changed a ton after that, or because of that experience, except for a solidified reminder of accountability. I felt the weight—in a good way, not crushing—that there were people who listened to what I said, and so to just be careful, wise, gentle, and really picture real people on the other side of the camera that would watch it in their living room, in classrooms, and in the car.
How do you square the idea of humility with trying to reach large audiences?
Jeff: I like the quote, “Humility isn't thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” A proper humility acknowledges the space God has put you in, and instead of pointing to you, points to Jesus. I think sadly sometimes people are muting or burying their talents under a false humility. I've had to learn this as I go, as well. And it's a moment-by-moment thing—always checking my heart, getting feedback from my friends and family, et cetera.
You've shared your life with over 70 million people. Have there been any moments where you were uncomfortable with the attention?
Jeff: I'm not sure I've ever been uncomfortable with it. Probably because I know what I signed up for, if that makes sense. But there are moments where it’s taxing or hurtful or hard. My biggest struggle is when I feel misunderstood. The hard part about the internet is it's very sound-bite driven and not too many people lean in and wade into the deep waters of, "What is this person trying to say?"
A lot of times we (myself included), hear a sound bite and don't care about context, history, or nuance, and we lash back, when a lot of times when you try to lean in, you usually know what someone is trying to say. And when that’s done to me, that’s usually the hardest—when I see a comment on my video or someone critique a video and my first thought is, "That wasn't really what I was trying to say."
What have been some of the coolest things that have happened because of your platform?
Jeff: Stories. Hands down. The emails, letters, tweets, of people being impacted by a few words I've said through a camera lens never get old. And I'm so grateful for the gift of technology to be able to have such a two-way street with the platform like that.
Also writing. I love writing and to be able to write two books, with another in progress right now with my wife, is incredible and has always been a dream of mine.
How would you advise a teenager who, for lack of a more nuanced word, wants to be famous?
Jeff: I just encourage people to be faithful. Who cares about being famous? Be faithful. You'll be firing on all cylinders, and finding the most joy, and doing what you love, if you are faithful with the way God created you and wants you. And usually the people doing that the best are the people God will usually pluck out of the pile and give a little more spotlight because their hearts and minds can handle it.
Article courtesy of Parenting Teens magazine.
Continue Reading Articles by Jefferson Bethke: What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
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