From 0 to 40 Million Followers: The Inspiring Journey of Alan Chikin

Wondering how to get a following on twitch, or grow an audience on any social media, in the fast-paced world of digital content creation, success stories can inspire and guide aspiring creators.

One such tale is that of Alan Chikin Chow, who went from making videos for his mom to becoming the #1 YouTube Shorts creator globally.

Learn how you might emulate his success on any social media or platform.
Let’s dive into Alan’s journey and extract valuable lessons for content creators at any stage.

The Humble Beginnings: A Personal Touch

Alan’s story begins with a simple, heartwarming goal: staying connected with his family.

When he left for college, his parents moved to a small town in West Virginia, leaving them isolated from friends and family. Alan’s solution? Making videos to make his mom laugh.

“I started making videos to make my mom laugh. She was my only audience.” – Alan Chikin Chow

Key Takeaway: Start with a genuine purpose. Creating content for a specific audience or personal reason can provide authenticity that resonates with viewers.

The Spark of Viral Success, Recognizing Global Potential

While initially focused on his mom as the sole audience, Alan had the foresight to post his videos on TikTok.

This decision opened the door to potential viral success.

Even when creating for a specific audience, consider sharing your content more broadly. You never know what might resonate with a larger audience.

A volunteering trip to Indonesia became a pivotal moment in Alan’s journey.

While the students there weren’t familiar with his work on traditional TV shows, they were excited about his online videos.

This experience opened Alan’s eyes to the global reach and immediate impact of digital platforms.

“That’s when I realized the power of these platforms. These kids in Indonesia didn’t know me from TV, but they knew me from TikTok and YouTube.” – Alan Chikin Chow

As Gary Vaynerchuk points out, many creators still view platforms like YouTube and TikTok as stepping stones to traditional media.
However, these platforms are powerful channels in their own right, often offering greater reach and engagement than traditional media.

Strategic Focus: The Power of Specialization

Alan’s success accelerated when he decided to focus exclusively on YouTube Shorts. Inspired by the book “Essentialism,” he chose to excel in one area rather than be good at many things. This meant:

1. Identifying his strengths and weaknesses
   
2. Recognizing opportunities in emerging platforms (YouTube Shorts)
   
3. Saying no to distracting opportunities
   
4. Channeling all his energy into becoming the top Shorts creator
   

In a world of endless possibilities, sometimes success comes from narrowing your focus rather than diversifying.

The Path to Success: Consistency and Hard Work

Alan emphasized several key factors in his rise to the top:

• Posting every day, regardless of circumstances
• Getting up early and maintaining a strong work ethic
• Staying consistent, even when tired or sick
• Continuously refining his craft

“I posted every single day. Even if I was sick, even if I was tired, I would still post. That consistency is what helped me grow.” – Alan Chikin Chow

Alan’s formula for success boiled down to – Consistency + Hard Work + Strategic Focus = Exponential Growth. This unyielding resolve to succeed using his strategy eventually paid off, having achieved:

• Over 40 million followers across platforms
• 30 billion views
• A full-fledged business with full-time employees
• Recognition as the #1 YouTube Shorts creator globally

Lessons for Aspiring Creators : How to Get a Following on Twitch or Any Platform

Alan Chikin Chow’s journey from making videos for his mom to becoming a content powerhouse with 40 million followers is more than just an inspiring story.

It’s a roadmap for aspiring creators navigating the complex world of digital content.

By focusing on authenticity, strategic specialization, and unwavering consistency, Alan has shown that extraordinary success is within reach for those willing to put in the work and make smart decisions.

These are the key takeaways he offers to anyone who wonders how to get a following on Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, or any other platform:

1. Start with Authenticity: Create content with a genuine purpose or specific audience in mind.
   
2. Recognize Platform Potential: View digital platforms as powerful channels, not just stepping stones.
   
3. Specialize: Consider focusing on becoming the best in a specific niche rather than trying to do everything.
   
4. Consistency is Key: Post regularly and maintain your dedication, even when it’s challenging.
   
5. Stay Self-Aware: Recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and be humble enough to focus on what you do best.
   
6. Adapt and Evolve: Be ready to shift your focus when you spot new opportunities, as Alan did with YouTube Shorts.
   

Remember, every content creator’s journey is unique, but the principles of authenticity, focus, and hard work remain universal.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your content to the next level, let Alan’s story inspire you to find your niche, dedicate yourself to excellence, and never lose sight of the genuine connections that make content truly meaningful.

(Source: GaryVee Audio Experience Podcast with Alan Chikin Chow)