With nearly 3 million followers and a recent WEA Award for Best Viral Video, Skully Brandon has cemented his status as a digital powerhouse. But his journey is far from what you’d expect. From a teen making videos in his backyard to a sought-after model for brands like Dior and Philipp Plein, his career is a masterclass in turning passion into a profession. Join us as we sit down with the multifaceted creator to discuss his spontaneous creative process, the secrets behind his viral content, and the surprising role of social media in his rise to stardom.
HI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS SKULLY BRANDON IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
Yes, thank you for having me! I would say i’m a real-life representation of all of my hobbies, talents, and interests all in one person. My talents as a kid are what led me here.
YOUR VIDEOS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR SPONTANEITY AND INFECTIOUS ENERGY. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR CREATIVITY WHEN YOU HIT “RECORD”?
I wake up everyday with new ideas and i act on those ideas immediately before i forget them haha! I normally don’t plan any content ahead of time. It’s always filmed in the moment. So one day I can be on a red carpet, the next day i can be in Brazil, 2 days later I can be dancing at Santa Monica beach. I’m all over the place.
YOU’VE BUILT A COMBINED SOCIAL MEDIA REACH OF NEARLY 3 MILLION FOLLOWERS. HOW DO YOU BALANCE STAYING AUTHENTIC WHILE ALSO GROWING AS A BRAND?
I think I’m very fortunate that I’m able to capture an audience without repetitively doing the same type of videos over and over like most content creators have to do. My content is very unpredictable and I feel like that’s why my viewers tune in regularly, because they never know what i’m gonna post next. My content is really me just being myself and doing whatever i want to do that day. So it has been very easy to do my job and stay authentic at the same time.
FROM DIOR TO PHILIPP PLEIN, YOU’VE MODELED FOR SOME OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST NAMES. HOW HAS STEPPING INTO THE FASHION WORLD INFLUENCED YOUR IDENTITY AS A CREATOR?
Fashion and modeling is still fairly a new adventure for me. I started modeling in 2022 when I got an email from Von Dutch to book me for their Spring campaign. It was at that moment i realized how important social media is and how beneficial to my career it can be. I immediately did an overhaul deleting older lower quality posts and transformed my Instagram content into lifestyle and dance to start showcasing my skills just in case any more important eyes were looking at my page. A couple months later Dior reached out directly as well after seeing my Instagram.
YOU RECENTLY WON THE 2025 WEA AWARD FOR BEST VIRAL VIDEO. WHAT DID THAT RECOGNITION MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?
It was my first time winning anything, ever. It was a huge moment for me. I remember getting an email during Grammys weekend that I was nominated for an award and i’ll never forget the feeling in my stomach and calling my dad to tell him the news. It made me feel like all of my hard work and consistency since I was 16 years old making YouTube videos in my backyard had finally paid off!
MANY SEE ONLY THE FINAL PRODUCT ONLINE, BUT WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT THE PROCESS BEHIND YOUR VIRAL CONTENT?
Most of my videos that go viral are the ones I don’t expect to. Like a selfie video or random video i posted in the middle of the night. It’s crazy but the algorithm plays games with you like that. Keeps you on your toes for sure. Some of my viral content was super strategic where I searched for trending content and made my own version of it. I normally don’t copy the trends exactly.
YOU’RE ALSO ACTIVE IN PHILANTHROPY, SUPPORTING CAUSES LIKE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND TOYS FOR TOTS. WHY IS GIVING BACK SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR JOURNEY?
I’ve had my own struggles in the past with job security and living conditions. This journey hasn’t been easy so I know how it feels to have thoughts of giving up and feeling hopeless. This is what drives me to help others. Especially children. I hate to see other people suffering regardless of the reason. Giving to others will always be important to me.
HAVING ALSO VENTURED INTO ACTING, HOW DO YOU SEE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN DANCE, FASHION, AND FILM IN SHAPING YOUR FUTURE CAREER?
I didn’t realize it at first, but the connection between the film industry and social media content creators is crucial! Almost every role I’ve had in a film or commercial came from a booking agent who previously discovered my Instagram or Tiktok. I figured out that my social media acts somewhat like a resume for me to display my skills. It’s been life-changing!
WITH SO MUCH MOMENTUM AT A YOUNG AGE, WHAT’S THE BIGGER DREAM YOU’RE CHASING BEYOND THE VIEWS, CAMPAIGNS, AND AWARDS?
My dream is hard to explain because I haven’t really figured out what my end goal is yet. I know that I want to continue to model for big clothing brands and book a recurring role on a series. Those are two of my biggest personal goals that would make me feel like i’m finally living my dream life.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I was already making youtube videos at age 15. I took my mom’s camera and her computer chat mic and figured out how to do content without her knowing haha!
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
I’m on all social media platforms @skullygodd
Thanks for having me!
