My First Million – How A Viral Meme App Launched My +$1M YouTube Empire | Cody Ko

Intro

In this episode of the “My First Million” podcast, Cody Ko, one of the biggest YouTubers on the platform, shares his journey from creating a viral meme app to building a successful YouTube empire. He discusses the importance of thinking about the business side of content creation and shares insights into his experiences in Silicon Valley, Vine, and live shows. Along with Cody’s story, the hosts explore topics like acting, virtual assistants, AI technology, and memorable encounters with celebrities like Post Malone and Elon Musk.

Main Takeaways

Cody Ko’s Journey in Content Creation

• Cody started as an iOS developer and created a viral meme app called “I’d Cap That” during college.
• The app became the number one app in the app store without any marketing, but Cody didn’t know how to monetize it.
• He eventually sold the app to a startup in Palo Alto and had a great experience working for them.
• Cody’s first taste of independent success came from making Vine videos and being part of the Vine community.
• He treated Vine as a hobby and not a job, which helped maintain authenticity.

The Evolution of Cody Ko’s YouTube Empire

• Cody started making Vine videos as a creative outlet and ended up becoming involved in the Vine community.
• He had a job on the side while making Vine videos, which helped with not selling out.
• Cody’s YouTube channel gained momentum and popularity, with videos hitting millions of views overnight.
• Live shows became a new experience for Cody, and they experimented with different formats to engage the audience.
• Collaborations with other creators, like Samir from Colin and Samir, opened up new opportunities and potential projects.

Insights into Acting and Entertainment Industry

• Samir from Colin and Samir shared stories about his brother, Kal Penn, breaking out of stereotypical Indian roles in acting.
• The hosts discussed the importance of leaning into your typecast at the beginning of your career in acting.
• They shared humorous stories about acting class exercises and the challenges actors of color face in the industry.

Lessons in Business and Entrepreneurship

• Cody emphasized the importance of thinking about the business side of content creation.
• He shared insights into monetizing apps, creating paid versions, and selling them to startups.
• The hosts discussed the creator economy and the importance of understanding the lifestyle and pain points of creators.
• They explored ideas for app startups and brainstormed concepts for a Netflix show.
• AI technology was discussed as a potential tool for creators, including generating thumbnails and even simulating a host’s voice.

Unforgettable Encounters with Celebrities

• Cody shared memorable experiences of becoming friends with Post Malone and hanging out with him and Elon Musk.
• He noticed that Elon Musk thinks differently about things and discussed the importance of being present without being a nuisance.
• The hosts reflected on the charm and comfort they strive to create for their audience.

Summary

Cody Ko’s Journey in Content Creation

Cody Ko’s path to success began with the creation of his viral meme app, “I’d Cap That,” during college. Despite facing rejections from Apple, Cody’s app became the number one app in the app store without any marketing. He eventually sold the app and gained valuable experience working for a startup in Silicon Valley. Cody’s venture into Vine videos as a creative outlet further propelled his success, and he emphasized the importance of maintaining authenticity and treating content creation as a passion.

The Evolution of Cody Ko’s YouTube Empire

Cody’s YouTube channel experienced exponential growth, with videos garnering millions of views overnight. Live shows became a new and exciting experience, leading to experimentation with different formats to engage the audience. Collaborations with other creators, like Samir from Colin and Samir, opened up new opportunities and potential projects. Cody’s journey in the entertainment industry showcases the power of consistent content creation and leveraging online platforms.

Insights into Acting and Entertainment Industry

The hosts delved into the world of acting, discussing the challenges actors of color face in breaking out of stereotypical roles. They emphasized the importance of leaning into one’s typecast at the beginning of a career. Humorous stories about acting class exercises highlighted the need for resilience and the power of repetition and practice in improving skills.

Lessons in Business and Entrepreneurship

Cody shared valuable insights into the business side of content creation, including monetizing apps and selling them to startups. The hosts explored the creator economy and brainstormed ideas for app startups. They also discussed the potential of AI technology in assisting creators with tasks like generating eye-catching thumbnails and simulating a host’s voice. Understanding the creator lifestyle and pain points is crucial for businesses serving the creator economy.

Unforgettable Encounters with Celebrities

Cody recounted his memorable experiences of becoming friends with Post Malone and hanging out with him and Elon Musk. The hosts highlighted the importance of being present without being a nuisance and creating a comfortable and charming atmosphere for their audience. These encounters showcased the unexpected opportunities that can arise through genuine connections and networking.

Conclusion

Cody Ko’s journey from an iOS developer to a successful YouTuber and content creator is a testament to the power of passion, authenticity, and business acumen in the digital age. His experiences in Silicon Valley, Vine, live shows, and encounters with celebrities provide valuable insights for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs. By embracing the challenges and constantly evolving, creators can build their own empires and make a lasting impact.