The Rise of SmallAnt: How One Speedrunner Took Over YouTube

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  • Опубліковано 5 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 470

  • @Smallant
    @Smallant 3 роки тому +7083

    Woah! Great video!

    • @breadbybread
      @breadbybread 3 роки тому +129

      It's him, and i've seen him before anyone else

    • @FirstToad
      @FirstToad 3 роки тому +41

      Hey SmallAmt, I love your Content and I'm subbed 👍

    • @francissur4095
      @francissur4095 3 роки тому +174

      is this the man who sang fly me to the moon?

    • @UptownBassoon
      @UptownBassoon 3 роки тому +7

      Such stamina, small fry

    • @thelightninja3851
      @thelightninja3851 3 роки тому +4

      Min caps bois

  • @phoenix9531
    @phoenix9531 2 роки тому +2016

    This video doesn't talk about his storytelling. He doesn't just upload his challenges or edits them, a lot of the time he writes a script and tells the story of how the challenge went while showing gameplay. This is what makes the videos accessible (constant explanation), aswell as multilayered. You're watching his stream highlights, but also feel like he's directly talking to you in content made specifically for UA-cam.

    • @Shinanesu
      @Shinanesu 2 роки тому +93

      This is definitely the reason I watch him.
      I don't have the time to watch his entire streams, but I'm always having a great time watching his journey in a more compact format on youtube.

    • @dudedude6892
      @dudedude6892 2 роки тому +6

      If you want storytelling watch a content creator called Welyn. He does Rust and Tarkov, and has the storytelling of 3 ants.

    • @billybucks9963
      @billybucks9963 2 роки тому +4

      @@dudedude6892 valid welyn gives audiobook quality narration for his videos

    • @PatChatGuitar
      @PatChatGuitar 2 роки тому +7

      This is so true. I dont watch streams, but I enjoy highlight edited clips. But smallant's are on another level; it's not just "imma send the stream to my editor and let him decide how it goes", rather he makes it seem like it was from the start intended to be a video, with a script and all, but done through livestreaming. Idk how to explain it but it's amazing and feels great to watch

    • @zarif1217
      @zarif1217 2 роки тому

      @@PatChatGuitar for a long time he edited his own videos too and he still does sometimes.and in some videos where his editor edits he edits his own things after that

  • @IronWolf123
    @IronWolf123 2 роки тому +849

    And don't forget his infamous "Fly me to the moon" solo

    • @vic_710
      @vic_710 2 роки тому +10

      nothing better than that exists yet.

    • @Lukas-ht9lu
      @Lukas-ht9lu Рік тому +4

      its not even that bad in my opinion.

    • @Astra7Light
      @Astra7Light Рік тому +2

      We love to see it:)

  • @kylerdoud
    @kylerdoud 3 роки тому +1203

    SmallAnt is currently hosting a livestream where he talked about this, you are about to get a ton of likes and subscribers, congrats.

    • @_helvetixa
      @_helvetixa 3 роки тому +7

      Which stream is this? I would love to know if I can watch it, even if be missed it

    • @kylerdoud
      @kylerdoud 3 роки тому +6

      @@_helvetixa ooh this was 6 months ago so idk anymore but if you go to his twitch and go to past streams you might be able to find it

    • @_helvetixa
      @_helvetixa 3 роки тому +4

      @@kylerdoud thank you! I’ll try! XD

    • @Wetbluecat
      @Wetbluecat 2 роки тому

      @@_helvetixa did you find it? I’m guessing not since it’s a lot of content to go over, but good luck if you haven’t found it.

    • @ShirtlessLuke2
      @ShirtlessLuke2 2 роки тому +1

      If you didn’t find it, it might be on his VODs channel on UA-cam.

  • @imanidiot9820
    @imanidiot9820 3 роки тому +346

    I’m calling it. Smallant is gonna comment on this video.

  • @StarbitO
    @StarbitO 2 роки тому +136

    Smallant is genuinely one of the most charismatic youtubers I know. I don't watch his streams anymore because I'm way too susceptible to parasocial relationships but I gotta admit that he really knows what he's doing. Good for him i guess

    • @InkThinks
      @InkThinks  2 роки тому +61

      He was kind enough to give me a nearly 3 hours interview to help make this video! He seems like a really genuine and great guy

    • @agr0nianTV
      @agr0nianTV 2 роки тому +1

      @@InkThinks Wow that's really cool

  • @gewuerzgurkeev
    @gewuerzgurkeev 2 роки тому +732

    You can summarise in a few words:
    Extreme dedication for everything you want to accomplish

    • @LuckySketches
      @LuckySketches 2 роки тому +12

      Inhuman dedication tends to be the key to success. Probably part of why not everyone can be Ant.

    • @tvs26
      @tvs26 2 роки тому

      i mean i wouldn't have expected him to only get 2 hours of sleep at the start and then have to immediatly go to work like how are you not feeling dead after 3 or 2 days

    • @Mr.Chicken815
      @Mr.Chicken815 2 роки тому

      @@tvs26 He probably slept more during weekends and dose off when he could. That sounds still kinda brutal :O

  • @babyjoker997
    @babyjoker997 2 роки тому +96

    I only found out about him a few weeks ago, but he just immediately clicked for me.
    Something cool about finding a creator as unique and thoughtful as Smallant, is their huge back catalogue of content that is just as thoughtful and unique. Not to mention that he goes out of his way to compile stream vods into more digestible forms, commentates over others, and just has the vods uploaded as well means you’ve got a large number of ways to enjoy.
    That’s not even taking into account the live streaming portion of this

    • @yerpderp6800
      @yerpderp6800 2 роки тому

      Honestly I got the vibe from this video and the vods with his mom that the dude hustles. As I'm growing older, the number one thing I've noticed that catapults folks into stardom isn't talent or luck but instead effort, consistency, and the willingness to try something new. Like luck and talent definitely still have an impact but when you're going up against folks that have a similar starting point then those factors start to matter a whole lot less. Throw in charisma and suddenly you've got a potent combo to reach whatever you're trying to reach.
      I wouldn't be surprised if SmallAnt is still killing it years from now. The dude knows how to diversify his content, he's a hard worker, he's got a good streamer personality to the point folks come see him vs the game he plays, and he knows how to socialize/network with other streamers for content.

  • @emile00799
    @emile00799 2 роки тому +59

    I laughed so hard when he told that SmallAnt grew up loving Pokémon and a Digimon showed up 😂😂

    • @ronaldfonto1711
      @ronaldfonto1711 2 роки тому +2

      Pokemon = Digimon
      Minecraft = Terraria
      Little Big Planet = Little Big Planet, actually no, it was a prank

    • @princeatomz
      @princeatomz 2 роки тому

      @@ronaldfonto1711 and u ask yourself y no one will play with u? xD

    • @souperhappydrinkingcoffee5130
      @souperhappydrinkingcoffee5130 2 роки тому

      Hotel=trivago

  • @VakovoSheggorri
    @VakovoSheggorri 2 роки тому +354

    "He decided to create a series of instructional youtube videos"
    Hey, pointcrow here....do you ever get collectors anxiety?
    (It was the first thing to pop into my head when i heard that)

    • @colegarcia7574
      @colegarcia7574 2 роки тому +33

      In huge open world RPGs, where there's so much to do, so much to grab, but you're just wondering if that one item that you picked up, is the ONLY item of its kind...
      Yes I have that memorized, no don't ask me why

    • @link7287
      @link7287 2 роки тому +2

      youre definitly not the only one lol

    • @samquasi3986
      @samquasi3986 2 роки тому +4

      @@colegarcia7574 Well look no futher...

    • @TheDanishGuyReviews
      @TheDanishGuyReviews 2 роки тому +3

      "YES. I DO. NOW SHUT UP." ~ PointCrow after the 6th time it got mediashared.

  • @monomallarde3642
    @monomallarde3642 3 роки тому +70

    Love the series Ink, tells me lots about People on UA-cam's backstories i never knew

  • @Usualsf
    @Usualsf 3 роки тому +111

    I really hope you will explode in popularity like the youtubers you talk about

    • @natnat-24
      @natnat-24 3 роки тому +2

      Like how the pros sent their viewers to Ant's vids, I am from his vids and hope InkThinks will become a big 'Tuber as well

  • @mikerice868
    @mikerice868 2 роки тому +45

    This man's motivation is honestly astounding, I feel so weak in comparison

  • @Duroace
    @Duroace 2 роки тому +7

    1:00 - Him: Says Pokemon.
    Also Him: *Shows Digimon*.

  • @citroenboter
    @citroenboter 2 роки тому +11

    Man I fucking love SmallAnt. Don't care what kind of challenge he faces, he's incredible - one of the fastest learners I've ever seen, and that commitment is absolutelt inspiring. And charismatic to beat.

  • @foxlineon7375
    @foxlineon7375 2 роки тому +60

    Smallant is such an inspiration for me. Extreme dedication towards what he does, and positive attitude all along the way. If someone not me can be this dedicated, why can't I? Smallant thank you. and thank you too for making this video on one of my favourite streamers!

  • @LunaticJ
    @LunaticJ 3 роки тому +28

    My biggest inspiration ever. He is proof hard work will get you far. I remember tuning into his stream in late 2017 when I was learning Mario Odyssey speedrunning, and it’s crazy how he went from like 1000 followers back then to now. CHASE YOU DREAMS EVERYONE!

  • @bashfulwolfo6499
    @bashfulwolfo6499 2 роки тому +7

    I only got into Smallant this year, and from that first video I ever saw of his, I was already hooked.
    A huge inspiration to me as well, I hope one day I won’t be anxious enough to join a stream.

    • @jensennguyen02
      @jensennguyen02 2 роки тому

      what has you so anxious about watching a stream?

  • @llunaecy
    @llunaecy 3 роки тому +7

    3:18 Pog It's me!

  • @cruzikin3116
    @cruzikin3116 3 роки тому +9

    It makes me smile that SmallAnt, who worked so hard for a speed running competition, and only had 3 days, came in 3rd place. It really showed his dedication to Mario Odyssey and speed running in general

  • @KanashimiMusic
    @KanashimiMusic 2 роки тому +1

    This video gave me so much respect for Smant when I watched it for the first time. I think Smant can sometimes come across like he's just out for those numbers (something that he's also quite open about). What many people don't realize is how hard he worked to get himself into the position that he's in, and that his success is a mix of strategical "marketing" but also just the whole dedication that lead to all of this in the first place. That's something I just can't not respect.

  • @mr.wik-e6001
    @mr.wik-e6001 3 роки тому +8

    I hardly ever find videos talking about fellow content creators in a positive light. You're the only one who has provided ink.

  • @FreshGirl3000
    @FreshGirl3000 3 роки тому +15

    That was such an amazing video! Just watched it in Ant's stream and beside the name lol everything seems to be super well researched and accurate! And really entertaining, too, I gotta say. Hope you get some more love for this incredible work!

  • @KanashimiMusic
    @KanashimiMusic 2 роки тому

    13:42 Dude, you can't just hit me with the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon 2 theme like that. You're making my heart melt.

  • @Clever_Potato
    @Clever_Potato 2 роки тому +4

    I discovered Small Ant through Fearsome Fire way back when. Its been amazing and uplifting watching him grow as a creator to now being a big name on youtube/twitch. When I noticed the 1 disappear and heard other random youtubers bring him up I knew he had gotten to the big times

  • @asbjrnbartnes7297
    @asbjrnbartnes7297 3 роки тому +17

    I might not be the biggest smallant fan, but this is a cool story. Also i would like too see the rise of jwitts or the completionist!

    • @sdrawkcab8451
      @sdrawkcab8451 3 роки тому +1

      I would love to see the completionist!

  • @marlena8492
    @marlena8492 2 роки тому +2

    Ive been watching smallant since before he had 5k subscribers on youtube (back when he did a series called "sub-area showdowns" which have since been deleted from his youtube channel). Its been super cool to see him grow and keep creating really high quality content!

    • @BMeiome13
      @BMeiome13 2 роки тому

      Does anyone know why he deleted them?

    • @marlena8492
      @marlena8492 2 роки тому

      @@BMeiome13 I’m not sure! I don’t watch his streams often so i’m not sure if he has talked about it. I would assume it’s because it’s not the quality content that he’s striving for on his channel. It was a cool series, but not quite his style if you look at the rest of his videos.

  • @kennynakawaki
    @kennynakawaki Рік тому

    I first found SmallAnt out 2 years ago. The first videos I watched of him were his pencil sharpening WR video and Shiny Only Run videos. Ever since then, I just started watching all his Pokémon Challenge videos and Randomizer races.

  • @pea407
    @pea407 2 роки тому +2

    Just an FYI, In the beginning when you list the 3 games he liked, you said "Pokemon" and had a image of Digimon, different game!

  • @MrSTVR
    @MrSTVR 3 роки тому +12

    Can you do an episode on TerminalMontage? People act like animation channels are dead, yet the Something About series is massively popular.

  • @svenweiland3322
    @svenweiland3322 2 роки тому +2

    I got pulled in by his blindfolded Odyssey run like many others.

  • @BARUtubbig
    @BARUtubbig 2 роки тому +1

    He wasn't the first to do it, but he does so many varying challenges with such dedication and great personality.
    Dude blew up so much, definitely deserves it all.

  • @AlphaEvan
    @AlphaEvan 2 роки тому

    You can do anything you put your time into. It’s hard dude was grinding for his spot 🔥 love his channel mans always posting premium content

  • @reethelemon
    @reethelemon 3 роки тому +3

    I hope this video will blow up in views! As a smallant fan I hope other smallant fans will see this!

  • @benikolaric1239
    @benikolaric1239 2 роки тому

    thats actually a great video about smallants career on yt! Keep that up and good luck!

  • @schindy6385
    @schindy6385 2 роки тому +2

    after this video the autoplayer switched to mario sunshine run by smallant, and I wondered why the clip you showed is so long, turns out im on the actual video xD

  • @carterbergen5625
    @carterbergen5625 3 роки тому +12

    Who's here from small ants twitch stream

  • @HeyRoosty
    @HeyRoosty 2 роки тому

    His grind is incredible. He's good at the games he plays, and the challenges bring people to question his sanity. Even when he's doing a boring, long challenge his commentary is fun. I'm so glad to see how huge he got, he deserves it 110%!

  • @thehail
    @thehail 2 роки тому +1

    Great video, didn't know anything about how he started. That's some great and sad things to discover about him.

  • @bryzenishizuka9961
    @bryzenishizuka9961 2 роки тому

    Jesus those last 1 and a half mins made me cry

  • @Bylethsummoner3
    @Bylethsummoner3 3 роки тому +8

    Alpharad,Introspective,Little Z,Small ant. Reasons why I love this series is it is super interesting to learn a creators past and also I watch a lot of the UA-camrs covered pretty often

  • @agr0nianTV
    @agr0nianTV 2 роки тому

    Very interesting I had no clue about his past. I just found SmallAnt this past week, but his videos are just so damn well made I've been binging him since. Not many people would take the time to condense multiple streams into such concise and amazing videos which really makes him stand out. Personally my main interest was Pokemon and some Odyssey, but his stuff was so good I've been watching the BotW stuff too.

  • @pugpixie
    @pugpixie 3 роки тому +4

    I love small ant’s videos/streams!! He deserves the subs 👏👏

  • @ashy8992
    @ashy8992 2 роки тому +1

    The best thing about him is he's now (and has been for quite a while) trying to help other smaller content creators follow the same growth that he had, notably Cjya and Pointcrow - similar to KSI's impact on the UK group Sidemen. It's one thing to enjoy and build your own success but to use that to help others just shows he's a really decent person.

  • @cassieo376
    @cassieo376 24 дні тому

    the random clips of M2K really caught me by surprise haha

  • @pola_luvsU
    @pola_luvsU 2 роки тому +1

    1:02 yep,definitly a pokemon

  • @vincenoname
    @vincenoname 2 роки тому

    Smallant is a man of Focus, Commitment and sheer fucking Will

  • @Explore_Media
    @Explore_Media 2 роки тому

    You got yourself a subscriber man, nice content!

  • @Tedman31
    @Tedman31 2 роки тому

    i just watched the speed running advanced movement guide for the first time today despite having watched smallant a decent amount already. crazy that it was his first video

  • @elderfiend6295
    @elderfiend6295 3 роки тому +3

    This dude made LittleBigPlanet content, he had some class.

  • @pipemarinmontes
    @pipemarinmontes 2 роки тому +5

    "I'm an E-Girl, let's go" - SmallAnt

  • @Sakuraclone99k
    @Sakuraclone99k 3 роки тому +1

    You did a great job with this vid! Its incredibly accurate too!!

  • @saahilfm
    @saahilfm 2 роки тому

    His Pokemon content is killing it now, it gets way more views than both the other games. I started watching him for pokemon and i always assumed that was his main game with how knowledgeable he was about it in general. Was shocked to know he only started doing Pokemon content later. Overall he really is a top top content creator, and he's gonna grow a lot more for sure.

  • @ashy7198
    @ashy7198 2 роки тому

    1:02 "Pokemon"... *shows a digimon* - Internet cries out in pain

  • @raye-raphaelsashay8521
    @raye-raphaelsashay8521 2 роки тому +2

    I recently watched a video where ludwig said that smallant was lucky, and smallant told him that nope, he has no natural luck, it's all hardwork. Thinking about what he's done, you've gotta believe it. I'm so glad that he was able to make a career out of this. If anyone deserves it, he does

  • @TheBBCSlurpee
    @TheBBCSlurpee 2 роки тому

    I love him because he seems like such a good dude and it’s super comfy to watch him

  • @ryannightingale3998
    @ryannightingale3998 2 роки тому

    I've been subscribed to SmallAnt sense he had 10k subscribers. I'm happy he finally gets a video dedicated to him.

  • @luf4rall
    @luf4rall 2 роки тому +1

    The guy has immense patience and perseverance.

  • @charliebuckley4817
    @charliebuckley4817 3 роки тому

    Funny that you mention (if briefly) one of Ceave Gaming´s videos. Because in that video, Ceave mentions Smant´s blindfolded challenge, and that's how I found one of my favorite youtube channels

  • @ProfYax
    @ProfYax 2 роки тому

    Dude, such a great video.
    New sub right here !!!

  • @deathofkauan
    @deathofkauan 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you for doing my suggestion!!

  • @jakey_906
    @jakey_906 2 роки тому +1

    I like how he got his iconic name "Smallant" from seeing a small ant crawling on his wall.

  • @lukewal99
    @lukewal99 2 роки тому +1

    I feel happy knowing i was a part of this.
    Oh - no, I'm no one important. i just watched the videos mentioned. I contributed to that number.

  • @CaleMario
    @CaleMario 3 роки тому +10

    Nathaniel Bandy is next this was interesting

  • @7_Swell
    @7_Swell 2 роки тому

    Dude you touched on so many good points on growing a channel great work!

  • @Goatman_Gamer
    @Goatman_Gamer 2 роки тому +2

    Minecraft: shows terraria

  • @hithere12345
    @hithere12345 2 роки тому +1

    This channel studied SmallAnt really well

  • @tomcroft1514
    @tomcroft1514 2 роки тому

    amazing video, thanks for putting his journey into such an easy to understand format

  • @chrayez
    @chrayez 2 роки тому +6

    It feels weird thinking back to the early days of gaming UA-cam 10+ years ago, when most personalities were just screen names, face reveals were a big deal, and real names were generally kept secret for privacy reasons. And now today, full name, birthdate, and state (or province) of residence are par for the course in these kinds of videos 😂

    • @MarkusAldawn
      @MarkusAldawn 2 роки тому +3

      I can only wonder what bios in the future will be like.
      "chrayez became famous in 2023 for the infamous Double Bed Glitch which has only been pulled off by humans eight times. Their blood type is G- and they live at these GPS co-ordinates. They're out of the house from about two hours on a Saturday frequenting the local farmers' market, and their favourite colour is #A62AAB."

    • @Aeronizor
      @Aeronizor 2 роки тому

      Because the power of parasocial relationships is strong

  • @Orbitz2x
    @Orbitz2x 2 роки тому

    pointcrow and smallant have similar stories and both appeared/blew up at the same time.
    mario odyssey speedrunner named ant
    zelda botw speedrunner named crow

  • @thasheep9640
    @thasheep9640 2 роки тому

    Smallant became my favorite youtuber in like a week because the amount of content he had and how good it is

  • @xspvv
    @xspvv 2 роки тому +3

    the fact that you showed a digimon for pokemon
    and a terraria character for minecraft made me so mad

  • @Zorua3
    @Zorua3 3 роки тому +4

    Awesome video! Very well-explained, it was quite interesting to hear the history of one of my favorite content creators explained.
    Suggestion: “Rise of Gamechamp.” I think her rise basically coincides with the rise of Gaming “Can you beat [game] with [restriction]” videos at large, and since you mentioned that trend with the Mario games here, I think going into some more of the history there would be pretty cool.

  • @Battlebox0
    @Battlebox0 2 роки тому

    So I was playing his levels on LBP years ago and now I rediscovered him on UA-cam. What a small world

  • @DanXDelion
    @DanXDelion 2 роки тому +1

    1:00 pretty rare Pokémon! In fact, it is so rare, it doesn't even exist! :D

  • @gigi.-_-
    @gigi.-_- 2 роки тому +2

    The fact he said that smallant played 3 games says minecraft but shows terraria

  • @jaxnfps
    @jaxnfps 2 роки тому

    Very nice video, well worth a sub!

  • @anothrnoml
    @anothrnoml 2 роки тому +1

    1:01 "pokemon" isnt that digimon?
    oh thats the joke

  • @ajt1539
    @ajt1539 2 роки тому +1

    Amazing video, deserves was more views

  • @a1ph4bet_s0up
    @a1ph4bet_s0up 2 роки тому

    damn i didn't realize he unlisted the sub area showdowns... i liked them a lot!!!

    • @InkThinks
      @InkThinks  2 роки тому

      They were cool! Thankfully he sent me a link to them so I could still use them here!

  • @loganlabbe9767
    @loganlabbe9767 2 роки тому

    Ant portrays the illusion that this stuff comes naturally to him and hes gifted, but really its radical hard work and dedication

  • @SimplyUnplayed
    @SimplyUnplayed 3 роки тому +1

    Nice Zelda Botw zora music in the background at the start!

  • @adrianoctavio
    @adrianoctavio 2 роки тому +10

    Smallant has all 3 of the twitch streamer trifecta. Extremely good at games, extremely entertaining, and extremely attractive.

  • @ZainIsInPain
    @ZainIsInPain 2 роки тому

    PointCrow: “THAT SHOULD’VE BEEN ME”

  • @TheDracolordian
    @TheDracolordian 2 роки тому

    I found his Chanel from point crow and ever since then I would say he’s my favorite UA-camr I watch

  • @speedreader2660
    @speedreader2660 2 роки тому

    My only gripe was that you didn't get far enough to cover probably one of the most massive videos he has, the Pokemon Platinum No Damage Run. That's what got me to sub to him.

  • @WestyC
    @WestyC Рік тому

    "Fly me to the moon" that's why.

  • @marshallhadsall5656
    @marshallhadsall5656 3 роки тому +1

    We are here from a stream!!

  • @Grog
    @Grog 2 роки тому

    Very well done video sir. Glad to be the 5k like on it 😁

  • @dumpsterfire5553
    @dumpsterfire5553 2 роки тому +1

    this man is a hidden gem

  • @invaderaid7216
    @invaderaid7216 2 роки тому

    Ant still has the Breath of the Wild Speedruna are insane video listed above all other uploads on his channel, as well as updating the title for the new year

  • @Zeuzify
    @Zeuzify 2 роки тому

    This is my third time watching this video. I honestly watch it for motivation. Good job!

  • @jacobfielding6099
    @jacobfielding6099 2 роки тому +1

    One word: Nutting

  • @anklasimo
    @anklasimo 2 роки тому

    i almost cried at the end with botw trailer music

  • @monkeylordofdoom14
    @monkeylordofdoom14 2 роки тому +3

    We all just gonna ignore the fact that he used a digimon when he said pokemon.....

  • @cytos
    @cytos 2 роки тому +1

    1:02
    ...Pokémon
    *Shows picture of digimon*

  • @Mo_Mauve
    @Mo_Mauve 2 роки тому +1

    The "Minecraft" at 1:03 is actually Terraria!

  • @ParadoxProblems
    @ParadoxProblems 3 роки тому +1

    I love how the title sounds like Smallant has become a despotic dictator over all of youtube.

  • @johnnytsunami420
    @johnnytsunami420 2 роки тому

    Holy shit I didnt know that thing about driving 200 miles to his job at the saw mill