Exclusive interview with Content Creator and TikTok Star, Sam Vicchiollo.
Sam Vicchiollo is a popular social media star and content creator with a passion for entertaining since he was a young kid. With over 2 million TikTok followers, the entertaining personality shares unique videos and is best known for his wide range of content including comedy, lip-syncing, lifestyle, skits, and POV’s just to name a few. In addition to cultivating a massive social media following, Vicchiollo is also a dedicated activist for social justice, equality, environmental sustainability, dignity, and voting rights. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community himself, Sam aims to use his platform to advocate for acceptance and understanding.
We caught up with the TikTok star to hear about what it's like to be a popular content creator, his activism work, and potential expansion into the entertainment industry. Check it out below:
Sam! We’re so excited to talk to you; we love your TikToks! In just 3 years on the platform, you’ve garnered over 2 million followers and 145+ million likes. What’s it like to have such an extensive and loyal following?
"I’m so blessed to have the immense following that I do. I feel like I’ve cultivated a community of people who are just like me, and it helps to know that so many people can relate to the experiences that I go through. Having such a large following can add a lot of pressure sometimes. I find myself becoming an extremely harsh critic of myself because I want every video I produce to be perfect. Overall though, my gratitude towards my following motivates me more than anything to continue making videos and always be my authentic self."
We read on FamousBirthdays.com that you originally started TikTok as a joke. Is that true? And if so, how does it feel knowing it started on a whim and is now such a huge part of your life?
"That’s actually 100% true. I downloaded TikTok in May of 2019 as a joke. I never intended on making a video, and coming from a small town in Wisconsin, I never believed that something like this could happen. I went home from school one day and was so bored that I decided to make a TikTok, post it, and completely forget about it (because why would I think anything of it). Hours later I go back on TikTok to thousands of views, which by the next day grew to over 1.8 million. After that, I was hooked, and for the next 3 years, I continuously created content and pursued social media because I finally found my passion. I honestly can’t remember what my life was like before TikTok – that’s how much it’s changed my life for the better."
What is the life of a content creator like? Do you ever feel like you run of ideas and have moments where you’re worried about your fans loving the things you put out?
"My life as a content creator is nonstop. Consistency is the key to success in the TikTok world, so creating new content is a daily thing for me. There are so many days that I run out of ideas, and it’s hard posting content that I don’t feel 100% happy about. I put my all into my content, so when it underperforms it can be very disheartening. But what helps me get through this is remembering that even if my video helps one person, then it’s worth it."
Not only are you a social media star, but you also use that platform for good as a dedicated activist. You’re a founding member of House of Us, a TikTok content house that championed social justice, equality, environmental sustainability, dignity, and voting rights during the 2020 election, as well as a proud member of and activist for the LGBTQ+ community. How does it feel using your platform to be a positive influence in the world, and what do you hope to accomplish with this?
"I have always been a big advocate for social justice and speaking on behalf of political issues that are important to me. I think it stems from the oppression I faced growing up gay in an extremely conservative town in Wisconsin. It feels rewarding knowing that I’m making an impact on the world, but the knowledge that it will never be enough drives me to do more. With such a large platform, it’s my moral obligation to use it for a purpose. Now that I have a platform, I want to encourage other people to stand up for what’s right and be a leader that other people can follow."
That's awesome to hear. Who are your biggest inspirations?
"Both of my parents are huge inspirations to me, and every day I try to work harder and grow as an individual to be more like them. My dad is the hardest working person I know, and he always strives for perfection. My mom is kind and generous and has always taught me how to treat the people I love. I look up to both of these people for different reasons, and I hope to one day be just as wonderful as they both are."
Who is your dream TikTok collab and who has been one of your favorite collabs you’ve done so far (other than your adorable pup Evelyn)?
"I don’t really have a “dream” TikTok collaboration because almost all of the content I make is just me and Evelyn. But my favorite collabs I’ve done were for my 101 Dalmatians series where my friends Hope (hope_schwing), Noor (noordabashh), and Emma (emmanortss) all volunteered to act in my videos!"
That's so fun! Well, what would the theme song for your life be?
"Time of our Lives by Pitbull"
That's such a perfect song for you. What’s next for you? Do you hope to expand into acting, music, or modeling, or just stick with social media content creation for now?
"I’m always thinking about what the next phase is and how I can expand my career. I recently started modeling so getting signed to a bigger market is hopefully going to be the next phase of my life. But for now, TikTok has gotten me this far and I’m going to keep pursuing it. I love doing it."
Be sure to follow Sam on TikTok (@samvicchiollo) and Instagram to join his community, and check out his most popular TikTok videos below:
Wipe It Down trend with over 19 million views
Love Story Lip Synching with over 7.5 million views
POV: Finding Out I Missed My Final with over 10 million views
Follow KB Pop Culture on TikTok (@KB_PopCulture) and Instagram (@KBpopculture) as well!