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Meet Kalen — the viral reaction video creator who became an Ellen Show phenom

Author

Brett Dashevsky
February 15, 2024

I’M WALKIN’ HERE WITH

Hey! Welcome to the Creator Economy NYC newsletter — the premier place for all things creator economy in the Big Apple.

This week I’m spotlighting Kalen Allen, an incredibly talented creator and actor in our community. Kalen gained widespread recognition and fame through his viral food reaction videos, which you may have seen before.

I had the pleasure of interviewing him last week, and he is hands down one of the most kind, hilarious, and strategic creators I've met.

He’s a true generational talent and I’m excited for you to read this week’s spotlight on him!

Other stops along the way:

  • Upcoming events

  • Cool stuff from the community

  • Community perks 👀

  • News bits

  • Personal picks

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PARTNERED WITH VIDCON

VidCon 2024 is just around the corner, and it's the perfect opportunity to mix and mingle with the world’s leading creators, digital media execs, and brands who are passionate about content, community, and commerce.

And if you’re reading this newsletter, that’s presumably you! Look at you smirking.

I know I know… don’t we already do that here in NYC? Yes.

BUT! There’s something unique about VidCon bringing folks from all over the world together to share their diverse perspectives and experiences.

Plus, it’s their 13th annual event, sponsored by YouTube, so they’re doing something right.

The flagship show is happening at the Anaheim Convention Center June 26-29, and for us East Coasters, VidCon is returning to the Baltimore Convention Center September 26-29.

I’ll be there and I hope to see you there too 🙏 

CITY SPOTLIGHT

Meet Kalen — the viral reaction video creator who became an Ellen Show phenom

Kalen Allen's path into the creator economy was anything but ordinary. His journey into the limelight began at Temple University, where a passion for theater and film honed his innate talent for performance.

However, it was his spontaneous decision to record a food reaction video in November 2017 that catapulted him into viral fame.

This video, which exploded across YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, marked the beginning of Kalen’s viral creator journey — a journey that predated the TikTok era and showcased the power of authenticity in a rapidly saturating digital space.

Kalen’s first food reaction video

This initial success led Kalen to produce a series of videos, attracting the attention of The Ellen Show's producers. What began as a pre-screen interview evolved into an unexpected invitation to appear the show, an opportunity he initially believed would conclude with a one-time appearance (like Damn Daniel or something).

But little did he know, this was the start of an extraordinary career trajectory…

Kalen’s first appearance on The Ellen Show

The Ellen Show: a new frontier

After his appearance, Ellen wanted him to continue to create content for the show and proposed that Kalen could stay in Philly at Temple and send in videos sporadically.

However, recognizing the potential for growth and visibility, Kalen decided to pack his bags and move to Los Angeles, utilizing Temple’s Study Away program to continue his education while expanding his role with the show.

He knew that being physically present in LA would increase his chances of being utilized more by the show. This strategy paved the way for him to take on larger roles, from hosting digital segments to covering high-profile events like Britney Spears' Vegas Residency announcement.

Kalen covering Brittney Spears’ “Vegas Residency” announcement for the Ellen Show

Kalen leveraged his initial success to build a sustainable career in the creator space, always with an eye on his long-term goal of hosting his own talk show.

His journey is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, the importance of strategic moves, and the impact of remaining authentic.

Kalen's 3 essential insights for creators

After diving into Kalen’s inspiring journey from a college student with a passion for performance to a digital sensation, we now turn to him for his direct insights. The quotes below are paraphrased from our convo.

1. For aspiring creators struggling to find their unique voice, what advice can you offer?

Finding your unique voice is about authenticity. It's easy to chase trends, but true success comes from staying true to yourself. When I started, I didn't focus on what was popular; I focused on what I found entertaining and genuine. Remember, it only takes one piece of content that truly resonates with people to set your path. Align your actions with your long-term aspirations, not just immediate gratification.

2. How important is developing a diverse skill set as a creator?

Diversity in your skill set is what sets you apart in a crowded field. My varied experiences, from retail experience to leadership roles, have all contributed to my understanding of this industry. Each skill you acquire, whether it's technical expertise, storytelling, or audience engagement, adds to your toolkit, allowing you to adapt and thrive in the creator economy. You have to be the CEO of you!

3. What advice do you have for creators that you wish you knew when you first started?

Not every post will break the internet, and that's okay. What matters is the connection you build with your audience over time. I learned early on that consistency is key. After a less successful post, analyze, learn, and come back with something even better. It's this resilience and dedication to improvement that will help you grow as a creator.

Kalen’s anticipation for VidCon

As VidCon approaches at the end of June, excitement is building among creators like Kalen, whose journeys have been shaped by the very platforms that VidCon celebrates.

Kalen was also selected as a featured creator at this year’s conference, so I discussed with him his enthusiasm for the event and what it means for both creators and audiences alike. The quotes below are paraphrased from our convo.

What excites you about VidCon, and why should creators and audiences care about it?

VidCon represents a unique convergence of the digital world into a tangible, IRL experience. For creators, it's an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the community, share experiences, and learn from the diversity within the creator ecosystem. For audiences, it's a chance to meet the faces behind the screens, engage in real-time conversations, and be part of a larger narrative that shapes the creator economy. My excitement stems from being able to elevate others through my experiences, hosting programs, sitting on panels, and showcasing the multifaceted nature of content creation.

As you're preparing for VidCon, what are you most looking forward to, and what unique perspectives are you excited to bring?

This year, being my first at the flagship Anaheim event, I'm eager to see how it unfolds on a larger scale. The diversity of programs and the chance to say 'yes' to everything from hosting talent shows to leading panels excites me. My focus is on bridging the gap between creators and the audience, ensuring that everyone feels a part of this incredible ecosystem. It's about bringing real-life interactions to the forefront, making those parasocial relationships tangible. VidCon serves as a training ground for me, honing my skills for my ultimate goal — a talk show where every voice finds space.

Finding realness in NYC

Kalen recently moved to NYC from LA, which was not just for a change of scenery, but a deliberate choice to immerse himself in authenticity and to be surrounded by the "regular people doing regular stuff" that he yearned for after his time in LA.

For Kalen, LA felt like a "dystopia" of influencers and industry folks detached from everyday realities. In contrast, NYC offered him the authenticity and genuine human connections he craved. "Anything feels possible in New York," Kalen said.

From the “Piece of Cake” moving experience (you know those pink trucks) to the magicalness of Broadway shows, NYC provides Kalen with endless inspiration and a sense of belonging in the creator economy.

Now pursuing a master's in journalism at NYU, Kalen is equipping himself with the necessary skills to achieve his dream of hosting his own talk show, embodying the deliberate, strategic moves that have characterized his unique path.

Kalen continues to inspire with his blend of humor, honesty, and insightful content. If you’re not following Kalen already, you can follow him on Instagram, TikTok and view more of his channels here.

CITY HAPPENINGS

Come connect with fellow leading content creators, brands, digital media experts, and marketing mavens in NYC's creator economy.

​We’re taking over a cozy and elegant venue set in Lower Manhattan, setting the stage for an evening filled with engaging discussions, fresh connections, and, of course, a whole lot of fun.

​Space is limited, so RSVP will be subject to approval. RSVP to join the list!

We have two remaining sponsorship slots for this event if you are eager to support the community and get in front of key players in the creator economy! Inquire here! 

We’re planning an event with Captions App in March with a panel focused on 2024 trends and predictions in the creator economy. More details to come soon. RSVP to get on the list. 

Subscribe to the events calendar here.

COMMUNITY CALLOUTS

COMMUNITY PICKS & PERKS

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THE NEWSSTAND

BRETT’S BITES

STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS PLEASE

Thanks so much for reading! Let me know what you thought by replying back to this email.

See you next week,

Brett

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