If you’ve ever heard about Dumbest Tweets, then you should know Alonzo Lerone. He’s graciously answered a few questions of mine for the Social Media Successes Series.
As a short recap, the Social Media Successes Series is dedicated to featuring people who have created their own brand, product, or company, and have become successful. Alonzo Lerone fits the bill. Even though he is humble, he really is a bit of a Youtube web-celebrity. Alonzo has built a channel filled with entertaining videos containing skits, reviews of products, and much more. And yes, I am a fan. I’m not going to lie. I need humor in my life, and Alonzo’s videos have never failed to deliver.
Alonzo Lerone’s Youtube channel, since September 2007, has amassed over 390,000 subscribers, and over 31 million views. His most popular video was talking about the Lady GaGa – Telephone Feat. Beyonce’ Official Music Video.
You can see it in the video below:
Personally, my favorite videos have always been the Dumbest Tweets and Facebook Fails. I kid you not, at times, I end up with tears in my eyes, just from laughing so hard. You can see for yourself below.
So, now that you know just a little about what Alonzo has been doing online, below are some of his answers to my questions about his inspiration to start such a venture, and some tips. For a lot of content creators out there, especially those who create videos, I hope his answers inspire you.
Social Media Successes: Alonzo Lerone
NILE: Please give us a short bio, in your own words, about you.
ALONZO: Born in Germany, lived in the Philippines, raised in California, now residing in North Carolina. I started Youtube in 2008 because my friends canceled on me the last minute. I was furious about it and decided to turn on my digital camera and start talking to myself as if someone was in the room. I decided to upload the video to Youtube. After I connected with an audience, I stayed consistent for some years.
The original Youtube creator of The Dumbest Tweets series. WorldstarHipHop picked up on the video and shared my videos up to 2013. Facebook groups got a hold of my videos and shared them (TheLadBible, TheBigTino to name a few.)
In my Youtube career: My videos have been seen and favorited by Miley Cyrus and Shakira. Lady Gaga featured a clip on her Australian tour. I’ve worked for MTV, and appeared on a game show on SpikeTV. I still make videos and don’t intend to stop.
NILE: What inspired you to begin the Dumbest Tweet series?
ALONZO: The moment came unexpected for me. I was up at odd times of the morning (in 2011,) scrolling through twitter and seen a tweet that was linked to a blog. I read the tweets, and I knew I had to say something and give my commentary on it.
NILE: Did you ever imagine that your channel would hit over 396,000 subscribers and over 31 million views?
ALONZO: I didn’t expect to reach any amount of subscribers. No number was in mind when I started in 2008. I would’ve been happy with just 1 subscriber, as I stated in one of my earlier videos.
NILE: What is the most memorable thing that has happened since becoming a Youtube web-celebrity?
ALONZO: That one of my subscribers noticed me at the gas station and asked for my autograph. I was like “Why? Give me your Facebook. Here’s my number. Let’s chat!” lol. We still hang out by the way.
NILE: What one or two pieces of advice would you have for new Youtube users that want to become a web-celebrity on Youtube?
ALONZO: Awww. Web-celebrity. Arrrhhh. I really don’t think I’m in that category, but if I were to give advice, I would say be yourself. Stay consistent. Don’t expect anything, just let the cards fall in their place. It’s less stressful when you just let go and do you. The best things really do come when least expected.
NILE: I see that you’re on other social networks too. Aside from Youtube, what other social network has been key to boosting your online presence? And, why?
ALONZO: Yes. I have Twitter (Alonzo Lerone on Twitter), Facebook (Alonzo Lerone on Facebook) and I just got into Instagram (Alonzo Lerone on Instagram.) No certain platform is the same. All appeal to certain demographics. I’ve got to the point where I realize who my target audience is and I personally believe I utilize all of my platforms wisely.
NILE: Just out of curiosity, and somewhat for giggles, what is the dumbest Tweet or Facebook fail that you’ve ever encountered?
ALONZO: Oh wow. My most memorable fail has to go back to the first video I’ve done in the series. When a user said “Missouri loves company” I’m still laughing about that 4 years later.
(The following video is what he is talking about.)
Please feel free to ask Alonzo questions below. Also, please do follow his social handles. If you need a laugh, definitely subscribe to Alonzo Lerone’s Youtube channel.
Are you inspired to create more videos?
I think depending on people’s personalities, social media comes easy to them. Some of us (like me) have to work a little bit harder at it.
He sounds amazing! I love reading some of the tweets that people come up with. I’m thinking…who has your brain today? Thanks for sharing him with us!
Great interview! I think he gave some great advice and I really need to watch some more of his videos!
Social media is such a tricky thing. It can be a boon or a total detriment depending on your personality.
He’s hilarious! So funny! It’s great to hear some perspective from someone who has made a name for himself online. I just started my own Youtube channel and I’m still getting my feet wet and learning. It’s great to hear from a pro!
I am a rather shy person in real life. So over coming and using Social Media to my advantage is not easy for me.
I have always been jealous of people who are social media masters. I just want to write, the social media aspect kills me. I haven’t heard of him before but I watched the video and he definitely has the magic touch!
I love all of these videos, especially the last one. He’s saying things I often think in my mind but don’t have the guts to say out loud. It reminds me of the time someone said, “It’s hot as Haiti” and then asked if “Haiti” was in Africa. Really?
That guy is hilarious. I’m still awkward on my Youtube channel unfortunately haha
My oldest son knew exactly who Alonzo was. Made me feel so out of the know! Social media is super hard for my husband whereas me i can just go right at it. I think it depends on the person and how much success they want and time they want to put in!
I love Alonzo! He really has such a great presence about him which really draws people in!
It is truly amazing, how it takes only one good idea and the right exposure to really get you out there! Very amazing for Alonzo to reach such success.
This YouTuber sounds really funny. It’s crazy that he had no idea he would amass such a following. I have to check out some of the dumbest tweets videos.
I cannot believe Alonzo Lerone has had almost 400K users and over 3 million hits. What a great success story.
Wow what a great post! So informative and eye opening lots of tips ill be sure to utilize in my future endeavours!
I have never heard of Alonzo Lerone before this post. I will have to check out his YouTube channel. He sounds very interesting.
Personally I LOVE social media. I love everything about it and use it daily but most of my family is just not into it and I don’t get it! HA!
Alonzo seems like a really cool guy! He has an amazing following and bio. So many interesting achievements!
I am still getting the hang of social media. I love the facebook fails too, they have me laughing by myself getting weird looks from everyone around me.
This is an awesome recap and I literally have not seen Alonzo Lerone before. I will have to check his videos out for sure. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve heard of the dumbest tweets, but I’ve never heard of Alonzo Lerone until now. And I’m thrilled to know that he lived in the Philippines – my home country. 🙂 Congratulations on your success, Alonzo!
What a great interview. I’m always looking for some good social media advice.
I have always loved social media so when I first started blogging, I immediately set up social media accounts.
This is a fun interview. Thank you for sharing.
I must be hiding under a rock. I haven’t heard of him before. I am going to check him out on twitter.
New generation, new more transparent way of living. I’ve not heard of this guy, but of course, my daughter probably has. 🙂
I guess I never heard of dumbest tweets before, but now I am really into it 🙂 So funny!
I always find it so interesting to see who has made it big in social media. There really isn’t a formula or how to….I think as a person commented above, some people just have that personality that draws people in.
What a fun interview! I now am going to check out some of Alonzo’s videos! The dumbest tweets ones sound funny!
Oh wow! He is one of my favorite youtubers! I’m’ so glad to finally meet the man behind the camera. He is insanely funny!
i think each social media channel has a personality of its own! I totally rock Twitter and Instagram, but Facebook ughhh…. Facebook people aren’t all about humor like Twitter & Instagram so I have to work harder at it!
He is definitely full of personality. I can understand how he has done so well with gathering followers. I loved the Dumbest Tweets and Facebook Fails. Very entertaining and made my day :).
I’d never heard of Alonzo before, but I enjoyed these videos! I love punny humour. I’ve often wondered what someone would think if I asked him if really wants me to “bare with him”! Spell check doesn’t help and I’m sure the automatic spell thingy on phones doesn’t help. LOL Thanks for introducing him to us!