How to Build Authenticity and Legacy on YouTube!

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In a recent interview, Eden shared his story of growth and evolution as a YouTube creator, musician, and individual. From overcoming early challenges to building a channel based on emotional authenticity, Eden’s journey is a fascinating blend of creativity, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Here’s an inside look at his YouTube path, his philosophy on content creation, and what drives him to keep pushing forward.


From Minecraft to Authentic Storytelling

When asked about his beginnings, Eden reflects on his very first YouTube channel.

“I actually started with a Minecraft channel when I was about 12,” he says, laughing. “But I ended up taking it down because of peer pressure. My friends and people at school made fun of me, and I just couldn’t handle it at the time.”

But even though he walked away from that early experience, Eden didn’t give up on YouTube. Instead, he transitioned to creating faceless top 10 and how-to videos, which allowed him to focus on learning the fundamentals of editing and storytelling without putting himself on camera.

“One of my first viral videos was about Skyrim, and it hit around 300,000 views,” Eden explains. “That was huge for me—it was the first time I really saw the potential of YouTube.”

Despite the viral success, something was missing. Eden made a conscious decision to shift from faceless content to showcasing his own personality on screen.

“YouTube, for me, is so much more than just a platform. I see it as a way to document my life—almost like a multi-generational project,” he explains. “One day, I want my kids to be able to look back and see what I went through in my 20s. I want them to learn from my experiences, both the good and the bad.”

Eden now creates content aimed at helping young adults navigate the challenges of life, especially those in their 20s who feel lost or uncertain. His videos reflect his belief in showing both successes and struggles to create a more authentic documentation of his journey.


A Musical Journey Parallel to YouTube

While Eden’s journey on YouTube was progressing, so was his journey in music.

“I started making beats when I was around 12, using an iPad in Orlando,” Eden shares. “It was just something I did for fun, but it quickly turned into a real passion.”

During his GCSEs, Eden published his lo-fi hip hop tracks on SoundCloud. His first beat hit 300,000 plays on a lo-fi playlist, a milestone that motivated him to keep going.

“I’ve always been obsessed with the idea of progression,” Eden says. “That’s why I still keep my early, less polished tracks public—I want people to see the growth.”

During the COVID lockdown, Eden converted a van into a recording studio and took the leap from beat-making to vocal recording. Although the transition wasn’t easy, he embraced the challenge.

“Music is such a big part of my creative process, and I’ve even integrated it into my YouTube videos,” Eden explains. “It’s a way to express myself but also a practical solution for content creation. I get to use my own tracks as background music, so it’s a win-win.”


Authenticity and Vulnerability as Strengths

A key theme throughout our conversation with Eden was his unwavering commitment to authenticity. In a digital world often dominated by polished, picture-perfect content, Eden goes in the opposite direction, showing raw, real moments—even when it makes him feel vulnerable.

“I’ve had moments where I was really hesitant to include certain clips in my videos,” he says. “Like when I was crying on camera. It felt so raw and unfiltered. But ultimately, I realized that showing those moments creates a much deeper connection with the audience.”

Eden’s commitment to emotional authenticity extends to his approach to video production as well. Unlike many creators who feel pressure to upload frequently, Eden intentionally takes his time between videos, sometimes waiting 2-4 weeks before posting.

“There’s this constant push to upload more, to churn out content for the algorithm,” Eden acknowledges. “But I’ve never wanted to compromise on quality. I’d rather take my time and create something meaningful.”


Influences and Inspirations

When asked about his influences, Eden mentions several key figures who have shaped his creative process.

“I’ve been really inspired by Chance the Rapper when it comes to music, and Russ has had a huge impact on me because he shows the progression from amateur to professional so clearly,” he says.

On the YouTube side, Eden draws inspiration from creators like Casey Neistat and Nathaniel Drew for their storytelling and cinematography. More recently, he’s been influenced by Gawks Art for his visual style.

“I’m constantly learning from other creators,” Eden says. “I love seeing their development journeys and integrating those lessons into my own work.”


Building a Genuine Connection with His Audience

For Eden, success on YouTube isn’t about gaining millions of subscribers. Instead, he values genuine connections with his audience.

“I’ve always felt that the 200-500K subscriber range is the sweet spot for community interaction,” Eden explains. “It’s big enough to reach a lot of people, but small enough to still feel personal.”

Eden makes it a point to personally respond to comments when he can, seeing the relationship between creator and viewer as a two-way conversation.

“My goal isn’t just to entertain people,” he says. “I want to create something that resonates with them, something they’ll come back to because they feel connected to it.”


Overcoming Early Challenges

Eden’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He opens up about the social pressure and criticism he faced early on, which led him to temporarily step away from creating. But he sees those early struggles as essential parts of his story.

“I learned to embrace being different,” Eden reflects. “That’s been one of the biggest lessons for me—self-belief is so important, especially when others don’t get what you’re doing.”

He keeps his older content public, despite its imperfections, as a way to show the real progression over time. “It’s all part of the journey,” he says. “You have to own your failures as much as your successes.”


Content Creation as Legacy Building

Eden doesn’t just see his content as videos for today; he views it as a legacy he’s building for the future.

“I want my content to stand the test of time,” he says. “It’s not about quick views or viral moments. It’s about creating something with lasting value, something that people will come back to years from now.”

This focus on legacy guides his approach to content creation. Eden takes his time to properly develop ideas, refusing to compromise on quality for the sake of quantity.

“To me, content is both a way to add value in the present and a resource for future generations,” he explains. “I want my work to matter in the long run.”


Future Vision and Goals

As our interview wrapped up, Eden shared his vision for the future.

“I want to continue documenting my life and creating meaningful content,” he says. “I’m focused on sustainable growth—I don’t need rapid expansion. I just want to stay connected to my audience and maintain my authenticity.”

Whether it’s through music or YouTube, Eden’s mission is clear: to create work that leaves a lasting impact. His journey is far from over, but one thing is certain—he’s just getting started.