Created with Jon Youshaei From Homeless to YouTube's 2nd Biggest Channel (Stokes Twins Interview)
May 30, 2025
In their first ever interview, the Stokes Twins—YouTube sensations and the second biggest creators in the U.S.—share their incredible transformation from homelessness to fame. They discuss buying a $14 million mansion for filming and the costs behind their creative process. Insights into content creation abound, including the ethics of pranking and the fallout from a controversial fake robbery. They candidly reveal personal struggles, including health issues and the emotional weight of family legacy. Their journey is a captivating tale of resilience and creativity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Homeless to First Breakthrough
- The Stokes Twins were homeless for a year and a half, sleeping in their car and showering at gyms.
- Their first viral YouTube video allowed them to afford an Airbnb and start scaling their channel.
Trendspotting Strategy
- The Twins use multiple YouTube accounts to monitor trends and popular video formats.
- They combine popular trends uniquely to create viral content, like blending secret rooms with hide and seek.
Thumbnail Mistakes and Growth
- Early in their career, the Twins used thumbnails very similar to other creators, which hurt their reputation and video performance.
- They realized original thumbnails dramatically improve click-through rates and invested hours creating unique designs.