Baby Ariel reveals what it's like to run a viral social media account
It doesn't matter what the platform is, when it comes to Ariel Martin (better known as Baby Ariel), she will go viral no matter what. That's because the 15-year-old's infectious on-camera presence and out of the box videos capture millions of dedicated fans' attention, allowing her to amass 47 million video views on YouTube alone. She's also a partner with Collab, the largest independent multi-platform network on the web. And we haven't even gotten started on her biggest platform, musical.ly.
She's proof that hard work, passion for your craft, and care for your fans is a recipe for online success. And with her sights on even more social media projects, including a current meet and greet tour and a special surprise for fans on her one year anniversary of musical.ly, Baby Ariel isn't slowing down one bit.
We recently spoke to the incredible video creator herself to talk about what it's like to run a popular channel. Ahead, find out what life was like for Ariel after going viral for the first time, what the hardest part of keeping up with her massive social presence, and more!
YouShouldKnow is a feature that showcases up-and-coming social stars. To see more of past interviews, including more Baby Ariel features, click here.
How do you choose what YouTube videos to create?
I really like to engage my supports as much as possible. I ask what kind of challenges and videos they want to see and from there, I'll decided on a few different topics that I will make for my main channel or my Collab channel.
You create a lot of content with your friends and family. What has it been like working on videos with them?
I love working with them because I found most of my friends through social media. So they share the same love of social media and video creation as I do. We really enjoy doing challenges with each other, making musical.ly videos, and going on YouNow and talking about social media in general.
What has been your favorite YouTube video that you've ever made?
My favorite YouTube video would have to be the ones where I do incorporate musical.ly. My all-time favorite one is when I taught my mom how to use musical.ly. It was fun making a video with her!
Where do you see your social media career going in the next few years?
I'm definitely going to stick with musical.ly but I'm also going to keep doing YouTube as well. For both of those platforms, I really just want to make my content better as I keep going. I want to try new things too.
What is the hardest part about running a viral social media channel?
I'm not used to the business side about it, so that gets me stressed out a bit.
If you weren't a social media star, what career do you think you would have?
I have no idea. Before this, one week I wanted to be lawyer the next week I wanted to be an orthodontist. Social media has allowed me to find exactly what I want to do and I want to stay in the entertainment business now.
What's one piece of advice you have for someone wanting to make it big in social media?
Just to stay true to yourself. Be confident and ignore the haters. As long as you love to do it, you should do it.
YouShouldKnow is a feature that showcases up-and-coming social stars. To see more of past interviews, including more Baby Ariel features, click here.
For more past YouShouldKnow stars, scroll through the gallery below:
More from AOL.com:
Fashion influencer Chriselle Lim is poised for world wide web domination
Meet the former Miss USA turned fashion blogger, Alyssa Campanella, who is dominating NYFW
YouTube star Michael Buckley talks his famous YouTube channel, his favorite video to make and more!
