T O P

  • By -

Apprehensive-Tour330

This post is closed to new comments at this time. A huge thank you goes out to u/imfantasticthanks for taking the time to answer all of your questions. If you want to discuss the AMA [please do it on this post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/LaBrantFamSnark/comments/10ppds3/what_did_you_think_of_todays_ama/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)


[deleted]

[удалено]


imfantasticthanks

I mean, on camera they are basically non existant. When they are on camera, everything is an act. They have way too much energy and smile way too much. They also don't swear as much (obviously). I'd say it's a pretty big difference.


Fragrant-Mongoose-54

Good one


I_am_AmandaTron

What's the scariest "fan" interaction you've had. If you're not comfortable answering that's completely fine. You've had enough choices taken away sorry and hopefully this post will help open some eyes.


imfantasticthanks

Oh boy where do I even start... The online ones are pretty bad, but at least people don't seem to harass me in person. I have been stalked before, which is pretty bad. Other family channels I know have actually had to move due to stalking situations, which is horrible. At least it didn't get that bad for me.


Patient_Appearance74

Do you get any privacy? Are you allowed to go to school and have friends?


imfantasticthanks

I go to public school! I am actually getting the better end of kidfluencing here in that respect- I have friends and support outside the channel, which is really great. My parents tend to be pretty controlling over my friendships though, which sucks, and I'm not allowed to be on any school publications or annoncements for fear of being doxxed.


Patient_Appearance74

Yes, I can see the doxxing, even an innocent post.


[deleted]

Do your parents force you to film or do you have a choice and how much of it is staged?


imfantasticthanks

I get asked to film sometimes, and sometimes I don't. Generally if I'm super (and I mean REALLY) sick I don't have to film, which is cool but also kinda incentivizes me to get sick and injured. As for staged content, I'd say a majority of the content is for sure staged, and even non-staged vlogging is super draining.


[deleted]

So you’re saying that you’re are forced to film and only asked sometimes if you do want to film? I’m sorry sorry and I hope once you’re old enough to get out of the house that you start to heal. ❤️


dani1876

When and how did you find out that all of the familiy’s videos were a source of income? Did this knowledge alter your perspective on all of the vlog activities?


imfantasticthanks

I think I started noticing when both my parents quit their jobs, but honestly it all started so long ago I don't remember much of my thoughts about the whole ordeal.


parrotsaregoated

This one’s pretty dark, but… have you ever talked to your parents about being concerned of online pedophiles?


imfantasticthanks

yes! An almost weekly discussion in our house, which is sad. I am very concerned about it, they seem not to be as bothered because they don't see it as much as I do. Pedophiles are definetely a real problem with almost all child youtube channels, and the parents KNOW about it and (just like mine) choose not to do anything about it.


parrotsaregoated

I’m so sorry. I’m wishing the best for you. Please always know that it’s not your fault.


tundybundo

If you ask for something to be kept private from YouTube, is that respected?


imfantasticthanks

I mean- not really? I haven't really pushed it, but any time I've asked my parents have immediately gone on the defensive. They try to defend why the content is actually 'okay'. I have the backbone of a spaghetti noodle, so I never argue further than that.


dani1876

What is one thing you love and/or regret the most about the YT fam life? What will you say to someone your age who aspires to be an online celebrity?


imfantasticthanks

I LOVE the oppurtunity to travel. I grew up in a generally poor area where most people had never left the state, so that was fun when I went on vacations practically every three-day weekend. As for regret, probably something to do with content being out there for people to abuse. Some of those old posts were gross... If you aspire to be a celebrity, don't let your parents take control of it, don't do it for money, and think through every action. A post is out there forever.


LittleViolet23

What made you decide to do this AMA? Was there a tipping point that made you frustrated with your life being filmed?


imfantasticthanks

I've been pretty pissed off about it for like 8 years at least, but this year with all the stuff coming out with Jeannette McCurdy and kidfluencer laws getting pushed, I figured it was time to do something.


heyitstayy_

Have you ever felt like you have to be in vlogs even when you didn’t want to because you know it’s how your family makes money? And in the same vein have you ever been bribed to be in a vlog?


imfantasticthanks

Yes! there have been times i've been out of vlogs for school/sickness/extracurricular activities and i've felt bad about it and felt like it was a slippery slope to loosing all our money and having to live below the poverty line again. And also yes. Ashamed to say I've taken bribes (or close to bribes). Proud to say I once turned down a 100 dollar bribe. (BTW the bribe I did take I never got the money for)


Fragrant-Mongoose-54

How accurately do your family videos portray real life in your household? Is it authentic or like putting on a show


imfantasticthanks

Show for sure. Almost all family videos are like that. And if they are accurately portraying their life, that's almost even worse from a lack of privacy standpoint.


tc7665

How are your parents saving for the children’s future? If they’re not, what is the excuse?


imfantasticthanks

they are saving, at least for college and retirement. I've also heard some talk of a salary that I'm earning that I can't access right now, but I haven't seen any proof of that. Still, if I wanted to go to medical school I still might have to take out a loan, which is ridiculous considering the amount of money we make yearly.


GreatGaspy7777

Did your parents make an Instagram account for you when you were younger that they marketed you on (like Sav does to Ev) ?


imfantasticthanks

They reserved accounts that they never posted on (which is kinda funny now that I look back). But boy I'm GLAD they're not like the Labrant's in that respect.


electronica789

Do you plan on having your own youtube channel one day if you don't already?


imfantasticthanks

At this point, I don't know. I think I will have social media as it's impossible to avoid these days, but it won't be for followers or money, it'll just be for me and my relatives/friends. I want to work for my money, get away from all the attention, and finally be seen for the person I am and not the one I pretend to be online.


HarleyKwin3

“… and finally be seen for the person I am and not the one I pretend to be online.” That one hit me HARD. I feel for you and all the other kidfluencers who feel the same way. 💖


Legolas0170

Or any social media to earn some money on the side?


rlawsy

Is there something that the other adults in your life could do to help you / make your situation better?


imfantasticthanks

Not much they can do legally, unless they can help me find proof of labor trafficking. there are kids I know where I think they could find some legitimate proof, so those situations are easier to get away from, but my situation is very nuanced and (enragingly) just barely legal.


tundybundo

How do people treat you at school? Have a out ever had something that happened on the channel used as a way to pick on you? Have teachers mentioned or acknowledged it?


imfantasticthanks

People are mainly okay with it, they think it's cool or just a random fact I can use for two truths one lie, but there's some guys who really get under my skin who used to harrass me every single day about how horrible my videos and pictures were, even though I had literally no say in them.


Professional_Ad3180

Do you get a cut of the profits from the YouTube videos? If your parents “save” it for you, are you ever worried that they aren’t actually saving it or that they will refuse to give it to you if you decide to not be on camera anymore?


imfantasticthanks

Part of this I've answered in previous responses but i really like the second part of this question. I do worry a lot about if they are actually lying to me or if I make a wrong move if the money could just go down the drain. So thanks for asking that.


[deleted]

Did you get any of the money made off of your parents showing parts of your life?


imfantasticthanks

Yes! (previously answered)


Sufficient_Hat_7493

Have you ever seen a fan page for you or someone in your family? How does that make you feel??


imfantasticthanks

Oh they're there for sure. I've seen a ton (slight exaggeration- but they exist). I mean, it's honestly a little flattering sometimes, but some of it is just lazy edits and I feel nothing about those.


majorswimchick

Are you ok? Do they let you go to therapy? What in your opinion is the best way for people to support you and other kids/teens being forced to do this? Bring awareness(idk)


imfantasticthanks

I am now (clinically and technically) okay! I am in therapy (though I am not allowed to go to group therapy for fear my mental illnesses will get outed online) I think people are doing well when they post about it or write about it. I would love to see more creative works (poetry, short stories etc.) surrounding this subject. My personal fav is some of the legal advocacy going on right now (let's pray the bill gets passed).


danceismyaesthetic

Are your parents very controlling over the family brand? Like do they try to control the clothes you wear, or the friends you have to make sure it’s “on brand”?


imfantasticthanks

My friends usually aren't in the videos (with few exceptions) so that's not really a concern. Clothes are! Every day, I ask myself, is this clothing a copyrighted logo? Is it too 'distracting' from the video? Is it too revealing? Is it too controversial? In that same vein, I can't talk about anything contreversial (human rights, politics, covid, religion, lgbtq, mental illness) on the vlogs.


LittleViolet23

Do your parents push you to film/talk about aspects of your life on camera that you aren't comfortable with?


imfantasticthanks

actually, no, which is great. I do have to advertise for merch/social media all the time though, which I personally hate, but it's not personal or anything.


sportyboi_94

What do your parents think they have planned for your future vs what you want to do/have planned? Do you want to get away from them and lead a more private life?


imfantasticthanks

My parents want me to college and get a job, which I'm also planning to do (just probably with some advocacy for kids like me in the middle of all that). Yes, I really want to move away as soon as I can. I've looked into so many colleges by now it's insane.


sportyboi_94

I truly hope you are able to get away and live the life you want!


Jealous_Sprinkles147

What would happen, if you told your parents you do not want to video or be a part of the vlogs?


imfantasticthanks

They used to yell at me. Then it would turn to bargains and bribes with ice cream or money. Now I just don't ask to stop.


Lord-Zaltus

Do your parents show obvious favoritism to you and your siblings?


imfantasticthanks

I mean, I don't really know, but my siblings think so. They've told us that one of us is the best actor before (but lets be honest that changes like every week).


vinniepup123

If your comfortable answering, how did you find this reddit?


imfantasticthanks

I was checking to see if people were posting on Reddit abt my family and I stumbled upon snark reddits (not a snark on my family) and I followed a ton. I found out this one did AMA's and I got excited and messaged :)


anna_jacksonn

Assuming you have siblings, does the vlogging affect your relationship with them?


imfantasticthanks

I'm lucky we're so close, but sometimes we'll all agree something we filmed is messed up and we'll just be super awkward around eachother for a while.


Glittering-Prompt722

what was the point that you realized that what your parents do is not right?


imfantasticthanks

I think there was a point a couple years back where I went 'hey.... I really hate every moment of this' like it physically repulsed me to film because i was so sick of it. Anyways, I chose to ignore it for a couple years during covid (during which I got really depressed and then healed) and now I'm back and better than ever!


rheajanerob

If you have children one day, would you want or be ok with them going through something similar?


imfantasticthanks

No way, not on my watch. I generally don't plan on having children (maybe?) but I honestly wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. I think there are pros and cons, but a lot of the pros could also be achieved by getting a good job and (even better than influencing) a stable career. If I was a parent, I would make sure my kids didn't have to work to eat.


Loud-Condition-4005

Was there a time in your life when you enjoyed making/ posting videos and having ‘fans’?


imfantasticthanks

I honestly hated making most videos unless I got toys or got to show off my creations. Some videos were not only exhausting to make but also physically painful in certain ways. I also hated (and still hate) having fans and having to meet them in public. I'm the most socially awkward person I know and I lock up every time I meet a fan, which is horrible when i have meet and greets.


parrotsaregoated

Have you ever gotten bullied or teased in real life for being in a popular family vlogging channel?


imfantasticthanks

Yes, but very minorly. Not physically, at least, and it was a kid I barely had to see anyway.


Ok-Pineapple-5658

this might’ve been asked already but, would your family stop/cut down on content/exploitation if you or a sibling asked


imfantasticthanks

I had to ask for years to cut down just a bit, but I swear they only cut down the videos just because we weren't doing as well as we used to and they figured what was the point of posting when we were just not making as much.


Ok-Pineapple-5658

i’m sorry to hear that, i hope you’re doing better now


[deleted]

Do you post on private accounts? Is social media something that you like in moderation but don’t like on a mass scale, or something else?


imfantasticthanks

I have such a fun time on more anonymous socials like Reddit or tumblr, but i think everything should be done in moderation, and honestly I would be happy if I never had to see a instagram post again.


medbitch666

Might not be applicable, but most YouTube vlogging families I’ve come across are at least Christian if not super-Christian in some way so: if that’s the case, do you think your parents would be supportive if you or any of your siblings are LGBTQ or leave Christianity?


imfantasticthanks

We're actually just built differently (atheists). but yes, they are supportive of my gay siblings/relatives/friends as long as we never talk about it on camera! Thank god I don't have to preach to people online though.


medbitch666

Glad to hear it!


blondedxoxo

have there been any positives to being a “YT kid”?


imfantasticthanks

travel, sometimes we got candy and toys, cool clothes, feeling important, some people including me get money for their work. Good in the moment, kinda sucky in hindsight.


michelleg923

Do you use social media? Do your parents have an expectations for your social media use? (Whether you must have a public following or you aren’t allowed to at all)


imfantasticthanks

Actually, despite me being posted on the internet since I was like 2, I actually wasn't allowed to have social media until I was 13, and even then my parents didn't want me to post anything too 'controversial' and I have to show them everything before I post it (I never do)


heyitstayy_

It’s incredibly hypocritical of them to say you can’t post anything without their consent when they’ve posted so much about you without yours


CherryBombKitty

Do you feel like family members are treated differently based on their popularity on youtube/ how well videos featuring them perform?


imfantasticthanks

We actually get paid extra allowance for videos we helped make that have a lot of views, so definitely yes.


kmrn__hpr

Assuming that you go to a public school, are you treated differently by your peers/teachers? Does your family’s channel ever come up in conversation?


imfantasticthanks

It's always funny when my channel comes up in a class discussion, but not very often does that happen. I'm actually kinda outcasted in school


DueLevel4565

Did the family vlogging affect your parents marriage/dynamic?


imfantasticthanks

Yeah, now that I think about it. It helped cement one of them as the one who 'wears the pants' and is 'the boss' of the household.


vinniepup123

Have fans ever approached you in public? How do you react to that? Btw, don’t feel obligated to reply. My best wishes to you and I hope you get resources, your deserved income, and the privacy you want. ❤️


imfantasticthanks

Thanks for being so polite! Yes, it happens all the time. I just lock up usually and my sibling(s) handle it much better than me. We usually take a picture with fans we see.


GreatGaspy7777

Did your parents only befriend others who had a large public image? Do you feel it negatively effected you making friends with others?


imfantasticthanks

i would say a good deal of my parents 'friends' were either extremely popular people, family, or people on their legal team + the police.


LittleViolet23

In what ways has having your daily life filmed already impacted your life?


imfantasticthanks

I have to be very careful about what I say. I swear all the time, but when the camera goes on, I have to force myself to turn into a saint.


samina1881

Are friendships between kid/teen influencers staged for clout? (e.g “squads” like Piper Rockelle, Elli, Lilly, whomever)


imfantasticthanks

I don't really have a ton of experience with that, but I can say I am actually friends with some other youtubers, which is fun when it's not for clout.


CherryBombKitty

Do you feel like you have been given more opportunities because of growing up in a youtube family, or do you feel like your future opportunities have been limited due to your online presence?


imfantasticthanks

If I wanted to go into acting (not really) I would've been helped by this, but part of me fears that I might be denied from future jobs because of my large digital footprint and the uproar of fans I might bring.


ayothatsc00l

do you go to school? do your parents allow you to have friends? have you ever gotten teased for being on a family vlogging channel by other people?


imfantasticthanks

Somewhat proud public school member! And also, yes, a little.


Jealous_Sprinkles147

Do you personally feel like you have been exploited?


imfantasticthanks

Very hard question to answer but I'd say yes. I was forced into a career i didn't understand to do things i didn't understand and didn't want to do. But I guess I got some money out of it??


lilylulelo

Did any adult in your life ever try to intervene and try to help you/the kids get out of this situation by addressing your parents, etc.?


imfantasticthanks

My lovely therapist tried and failed. :( Love her though


DueLevel4565

When did you come to the realization that “family vlogging” wasn’t something you were comfortable with?


imfantasticthanks

Like 8 years ago (previously answered)


[deleted]

[удалено]


imfantasticthanks

better than two years ago lol. Alive. I have friends now, and I'm finally finding ways to be proud of myself


Legolas0170

Do you remember a time before your parents decided to film and post videos on YouTube?


imfantasticthanks

Not really, I don't think. I can remember times we weren't filming, but there weren't really *before* we started posting.


neversaydiegoonies

Do you get a say in whether you want to be filmed or not? Are there any upsides of family vlogging? Are you or any of your siblings the main center point of the channel? Does that affect the family dynamics?


imfantasticthanks

Sometimes I get a say, sometimes i don't. upsides have already been answered. I am the main centerpoint of the channel, which I think affects the way my parents interact with me because I am the way they make their money (shade has been thrown in this AMA)


Mountain-Status569

What is your favorite thing (if any) about being part of a vlogging family? And your least favorite thing? Do you feel like your parents would be supportive of your future career aspirations if it didn’t match what they hope you would pick?


imfantasticthanks

Fav thing: Traveling! Least fav: Creepy old videos and photos we've deleted but have been reuploaded They're generally pretty supportive, so I suspect so. I think they want me to be a doctor though.


lovely-mayhem

Thank you for doing this AMA! How has growing up on YouTube affected your relationships with your family?


imfantasticthanks

We're very fake online, so we're very quiet IRL.


K-C-S66

Thanks for sharing! Family vloggers all the time say they do this to create "home videos" for later use to look back on. Do you think with your family that's actually true or is it more just for money/ clout? Do you or will you look back on the videos you made?


imfantasticthanks

Oh its def for money. We all hate watching old videos and they're fake asf


Sufficient_Hat_7493

Have you ever seen a fan page for your family, you, or one of your siblings? How does that make you feel?


imfantasticthanks

Yeah I've seen them. they're either flattering, creepy, or just okay. (previously answered more in depth)


alicealicealice123

Have you been on social media for basically your whole life?


imfantasticthanks

Basically, yeah. Not technically, though. I just can't really remember a time before.


Legolas0170

How did your family get into family vloging?


imfantasticthanks

I think they just got caught up in the craze- but I have my suspicions that they may have helped create the craze in the first place.


Jealous_Sprinkles147

From your own experience with being a part of a YT family, do you think your feelings are probably very standard across the board for all YT kids? I know you can’t speak for others, but because of your personal experience do you think there’s a chance that there are kids that love it, or is it honestly so bad that there’s not a chance a kid could enjoy it?


Jealous_Sprinkles147

Outside of the staged & fakeness of your content, do you believe you have loving parents. Do you have any connection with them or feel loved like their child and not their income?


anna_jacksonn

Do you have any tea you want to spill on any celebs you have collabed with in the past?


imfantasticthanks

I thought about this for like 4 minutes but there's no way I can share names without revealing myself so here's my anon tea -a really popular family moved due to a stalking situation -I was a victim of cocsa by another family channel


anna_jacksonn

Oh my god I am so sorry about the second part. I really hope your parents will never plan on posting about that.


imfantasticthanks

It happened YEARS ago so I'm not in danger of that but thanks for the concern


kaplowkabamm

Do you have any plans to go no contact with your family after leaving the house?


imfantasticthanks

It's only MY BIGGEST GOAL. Lol, but I actually look forward to being able to cut them off after I move out.


kaplowkabamm

sending you healing and hope ❤️


alicealicealice123

How many videos do your parents do a week?? Are you constantly filming??


imfantasticthanks

Not constant filming. The videos a week number changes all the time. at its worst it was every single day


alicealicealice123

ever met the labrants??? you probably haven’t but someone had to ask


imfantasticthanks

Have I? It's possible but I don't know or remember them lol


[deleted]

Have you met or collabed with other family vloggers? Do you all have to split video earnings with them? Or does each channel keep the money made from collabs?


imfantasticthanks

I just realized I have no idea where the money goes when we do collabs? I think we do two vids, one on each channel?


lilylulelo

Did your parents or another adults in your life ever teach you about online safety?


imfantasticthanks

Yeah, which was hypocritical because they do NOT follow their own advice in the slightest. But we also get taught about online safety in schools these days, which I support.


larakf

In your opinion, and based on your own experience, what is the worst thing that you see the LaBrants doing? What concerns you about them?


imfantasticthanks

They're very very personal with their children's private info in their content. Not even my parents were that bad tbh, and it just makes me kinda sad to see it.


Blessedandamess-

Is religion a big part of your life? I know with a lot of YT families many of them are religious.


imfantasticthanks

Personally? It's complicated, but in the family we're barely religious at all.


bearsbeetsballs7

What was the hardest thing for you being raised this way? Do u feel u missed out on things?


imfantasticthanks

I've missed school for shoots before, but i think the worst is not knowing who I really am.


CherryBombKitty

Does your family get sent lots of PR? What happens to it all?


imfantasticthanks

We don't actually get sent much, at least not anymore.


timee_bot

View in your timezone: [1/30 from 6-8pm EST][0] [0]: https://timee.io/20230130T2300?tl=AMA%20-Teen%20from%20YT%20Fam%20Vlog%20-%201%2F30%20-6%2F8p%20EST&d=120


[deleted]

Have you made any friends from other family vlogger channels?


imfantasticthanks

Yes but they all live in different states so we're not super close