This story was originally published on Passionfruit.
We’re reaching out to some popular creators to get their best tips and tricks for success and better understand the ups and downs of life as a trailblazer on the internet.
This week, we spoke with Amanda Golka, the YouTuber behind the review and commentary channel Swell Entertainment, which has over 347,000 subscribers.
Initially started when Golka was still in high school, Golka used her YouTube channel to post horror movie reviews. She then rebranded in 2018, marking the start of Swell Entertainment as it began to grow into what it is today. While Golka does still review movies, the channel has a bit of a broader focus on media, events, products, and people—such as attending influencer Tana Mongeau’s infamous event Tanacon, going on a Gone Girl-themed cruise, and trying out coffee brands by other creators and influencers.
Golka is known for starting a series that would become a staple on the channel, “I Tried [Blank] So You Don’t Have To.” This series, along with building a fanbase for her relatable, authentic, and likable personality, led to her becoming a full-time YouTuber in 2020. A wry sense of humor makes it easy to dive into Golka’s videos where she shares insight through honest and open dialogue about her experiences, whether she’s discussing a current trending topic or the aspects of an event that worked and didn’t work for her.
