Check out our interview with dubbed as Gen Z’s ‘Billy Eichner’ for his viral on the street interview content, LGBTQIA+ TikTok content creator Chris Stanley aka “StanChris” who has made a name for himself with his original videos, capturing the attention of outlets like LGBTQNation and even catching the eye of Madonna herself.
Spanning a wide variety of topics from meaningful queer friendly videos to fun off the cuff questions with unsuspecting participants, Chris has amassed well over 1.4 million followers across all platforms with 300+ million views.
Chris also began longboarding in high school and would eventually lead him to entering longboard dance competitions and even traveling to France for a longboard camp with other professionals.
Follow Chris @stanchris
Hi Chris, please tell us a little about you.
My name is Chris! I make LGBTQ+ memes, interviews, vlogs, and other videos online! I also love to skateboard and watch anime.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Determined, cute, kind.
Tell us about your work as a content creator and how everything started.
I got started making content when I took a gap year from college. I was looking for ways to make money online when two things happened: the ‘rona, and tiktok just started to become popular. With that in mind, I started posting videos which took off! I decided not to go to school and to pursue social media.
What mindsets helped to make you so successful?
I would say not giving up and really trying to be consistent. Setting goals for myself of where and who I wanted to be, and working toward them every day even if the progress was very slim at first. Also maybe a pinch of spite because I wanted to prove some people wrong, but just a pinch.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
You can’t be great at something instantly. It takes time to gradually get better. The other would be the cliche saying, “it gets better”. After coming out in high school I had the worst two years of my life, but they led me here, so never give up and fight for your dreams!
Any advice to entrepreneurs out there?
Don’t be afraid to take risks, but make them calculated risks.
Now tell us about your viral videos.
Well, lots of my videos have gone viral. From me interviewing straight guys, to gay men who love Madonna or Kylie Minogue, to videos I made with my family.
Why and when did you decide to start creating content like this?
I took a gap year from college then started looking for ways to make money online. Figured the best way for me was to make myself into my own brand. I started posting videos and my career grew slowly from there.
What is the difference between your videos and other ones in the market?
Many of my videos that ended up going viral were very unique original ideas. A few other people have tried to copy me – to no success. I would say the uniqueness that I bring to the table is one of the key differences that I am proud of.
How often do you release new content and how many hours a week do you dedicate your time to this?
I usually try to post short form videos daily as well as one long form video per week. I would say I dedicate about 50 hours per week to content creation.
If you need to pick between TikTok or Instagram, which comes first? Why?
Definitely Instagram because TikTok is still very homophobic and banned me for kissing my boyfriend on livestream among countless other targeted bans. They did eventually unban me, but they are constantly taking down my videos for no reason when the straight counterpart stays up. Instagram has almost never done this to me. For this sole reason I would pick Instagram any day over TikTok.
Now let’s talk about the longboard and how your journey with that started.
Ahh, yeah! My favorite hobby. I started skating after I came out in high school. Just a penny board at first, which eventually became a longboard and then I learned tricks and dance steps.
Why did you choose the longboard over a normal skateboard?
I saw this video online about longboard dancing. It’s where you dance and step around on the board. I was fascinated by it, and it’s only possible on a longboard. That was when I decided I wanted to try it because I wanted to look as cool and graceful as the person I first saw doing it myself!
As a popular influencer, you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about that pressure of always doing the right thing, and encouraging people to follow their dreams?
I think that pressure is there, but I remind myself that no one is perfect, and everyone’s situations are completely different. I just try to think ‘what type of person do I want to be’, and that’s usually a pretty good compass. As for following dreams, do it! It’s worked out so far for me, and I really do believe if you don’t give up you can accomplish your dreams.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I haven’t read many entrepreneurial books, so I wouldn’t be the best person to ask. However, a tip I can give is to read the manual whenever you buy something. Even if you skim it, you never know, it could save you so much time if something ever goes wrong with said item / product you bought.
What do you think makes someone great compared to other content creators?
I think it’s a combination of originality, creativity, and skill. People who really hone their craft and then use it in the most interesting ways. Sure, being hot is an advantage. But it doesn’t last, whereas skills do last.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
My favorite part is when people tell me I make them more confident about being LGBTQ+ and / or more confident about their body. Or even just that they smiled or I made them laugh when they were having a bad day. I make a lot of body positive content and in the gay community there’s a lot of pressure to be skinny, muscular, etc. So I’m really glad that my videos can have this effect on people.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell myself to focus on myself immediately after everything happened in high school. Not to wait until I graduated. Just full stop, don’t care what anyone thinks and start doing you.
How would your best friend describe you?
He would say I’m really easy to get along with.
What’s next for Chris Stanley in the last months of 2023 and for 2024?
I have a new original music video coming out for my song which is unreleased but it’s very gay and hyperpop so I’m very excited for that! As well as a few trips and another short film I wrote coming out during halloween. It’s a thriller! Check out my Instagram and YouTube for updates. @stanchris
What is your favorite healthy food?
I LOVEEEE avocados. Ever since I was very little, I liked them before the hype (lol!).
And your favorite cheat food?
Cape cod potato chips. Ughhh so good!
How would you explain your fashion style?
My style really varies. I would say typically it’s a clean look with jewelry. Skaterboy, vans, converse, maybe a little surfer.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Achieving goals that you had set as well as being healthy and making memories with people who you love / enjoy being around.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Taylor Swift. Her whole career is just so insane and amazing to me that I KNOW she would have some solid advice for me. Plus I just love her music.
Best advice ever given?
Sometimes all you need is a deep breath.
Do you support any charities?
I have in the past. Currently my favorite is the Elton John Aids Foundation!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I see myself having my own reality TV show, maybe having my own pet. Maybe doing red carpet interviews. Maybe owning a business. Maybe all of the above.
What do you think of social media?
I think it’s a double edged sword. It can be very entertaining and VERY VERY easy to teach yourself new tricks / skills which is definitely insanely useful. However, having everything so easily accessible is making us rely on it too much, not to mention we are becoming addicted to being online. Everything in moderation, I guess!
Where can we follow you?
All my official links are on my website! www.stan-chris.com also @stanchris on most every social media!
Favorites:
Song: Crystals – PR1SVX
Book: The Front Runner – Patricia Nell Warren
Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” -Michael Scott
Movie: Everything Everywhere All At Once
TV Series: Demon Slayer (anime)
Food: Avocado
Travel Destination: Provincetown, MA
Sports Team: Real Madrid
