Meet Loka, our winner of the Next Up France 2012

We always try to find new ways to help our creators grow on YouTube.The YouTube NextUp is a program that help our creators succeed in YouTube by sharing their knowledge and expertise with each other, collaborate in many creative ways and create great quality content. This year, we selected 25 Winners across 8 European countries, and a few weeks ago, we held the NextUp Creator Camp in the YouTube Space London! Join us today and  discover inspiring YouTube story of Loka, French winner of YouTube NextUp 2012 competition and creator of the channel LeMondeDeLoka!

Introduction & History

Please tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name, your channel name? Where are you from, your fanbase?

My name is Loka and I am from France. My channel name is "Le Monde de Loka" ("Loka's world").

I started making videos in 2007, when I was a student. I've always been a big fan of Charlie Chaplin and, as I was too shy to talk in front of my camera I decided to create silent black-and-white short videos. I created my YouTube account in 2008 but only became active in August 2011. Few weeks later I became a partner after publishing a humoristic video about make-up tutorials called "Jenny kiffe... (pas trop) les tutos maquillage".

Channel

Please explain your channel. What's the story behind your channel? How did you come up with your channel concept?

My internet project started when I discovered Gandhi's quote : "Be the change you wish to see in the world." So, "Loka's world", is the change I want to see in other people. I decided to create my own world. It is crazy and colorful, full of funny characters, positive messages, sweet and creative food.

YouTube Partnership

Please share your experience of being a YouTube partner. How has being a YouTube partner helped/changed your business and personal life? Were there any surprises? What are your plans for the future of your channel and YouTube partnership?

I never thought that the largest online video platform in the world could be so close to its creators. Being a YouTube partner totally changed my vision of my work and the way I create. It's really helpful and motivating. Thanks to this partnership and various programs, I've learnt how to grow my audience, shoot and edit better content, I’ve even met a lot of brilliant YouTubers from all over the world. Becoming a partner has helped me to improve my skills and also made me realize I could build a YouTube-based career. Five years ago, I never thought I could one day earn money by monetizing my videos and this amazing opportunity had great impact on my personal life.  I now upload more regular and professional content hoping YouTube will become my job in the future.

Success

How do you define success? How did you become successful on YouTube? What were your goals for your channel, and how did you achieve them? What would you recommend to newbie partners to be successful on YouTube?

Publishing creative and motivational online content is my dream job and I think I will reach what most of us call "success" when YouTube will become my day job. To make this dream come true, you have to work hard and to be really motivated but if you regularly publish original and creative content, you'll see your audience grow every day. It can take years but if you're motivated, you'll never fail. Like I often say : failure occurs when you stop trying. Perseverance is the key to success.

Creative Inspiration

What inspires you and keeps you going?

I want my videos to be creative, fun and motivating. I've always been a dreamer and I want my videos to disconnect people from reality or to show them its amazing aspects. Everything inspires me : people I meet, books, movies, places I visit. I'm a huge fan of music videos. Music inspires me a lot. A lot of other creators also inspire me. I really admire authors like Joe Nation and Josh Sundquist. I love how Josh's videos can be motivating, moving and really funny at the same time. Joe Nation is one of the most creative YouTubers I know. He makes all kinds of videos : sketches, music videos and even short horror films. He is a really talented director. Last year, I had the chance to meet them, they are both very humble and funny.

Daria Schoina, YouTube Partner Communication Coordinator, recently watched Elders React to Vocoloids!