De-Influencing How Kay and Tay Cracked the TikTok Code
In this engaging episode of De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan, host Dani and her husband Jordan delve deep into the journey of Kay and Tay Dub, a dynamic duo who have skyrocketed to fame across multiple social media platforms. With over 10 million followers on TikTok, 5.4 million on Instagram, and an astounding 2.6 billion subscribers on YouTube, Kay and Tay share their insights on achieving viral success, maintaining authenticity, and balancing personal life with influencer responsibilities.
1. Introduction to Kay and Tay
Timestamp: [00:20]
Dani and Jordan introduce Kay and Tay Dub, highlighting their impressive follower counts and the seamless success they've achieved across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This success is attributed to their ability to "de-influence" and stay real, providing genuine and relatable content that resonates with a broad audience.
2. Background and Upbringing
Timestamp: [02:43] - [05:03]
Kay hails from Alabama, growing up just north of Birmingham in a blend of city and rural environments. Tay grew up in Oklahoma, in a small town with minimal amenities, fostering a close-knit, bubble-like community. Both come from large families with multiple siblings, fostering strong family bonds that continue into their adulthood.
Notable Quote:
Kay: "I feel like we're just living our life. And that's why I feel like when we post very, like, milestone content, like just slices of our day, and those are like, memories."
3. Religious Upbringing and Personal Faith
Timestamp: [05:57] - [08:07]
Both Kay and Tay were raised in religious households, predominantly within the Southern Baptist tradition. Their faith plays a significant role in their daily lives and content, often incorporating Christian music and values into their online presence. They discuss how their faith provides stability and support amidst the challenges of influencer life.
Notable Quote:
Kinsley: "Oh, I think 100%. Like, it's always. Yeah, it's a big part of my life."
4. Military Experience and Career Transition
Timestamp: [08:37] - [10:07]
Kay shares her four-year stint in the Air Force, a decision driven by the need to fund her college education. The military experience instilled discipline and clarity about her future aspirations. Post-military, Kay transitioned into electrical engineering, leveraging her technical skills to pave the way for her influencer career.
Notable Quote:
Kay: "I think it's because the military kind of sucks a little. Like, it... you have to keep thinking about what am I going to do with my future when I leave here."
5. The Genesis of Their Content Creation Journey
Timestamp: [10:07] - [29:43]
Kay and Tay recount their humble beginnings in content creation. Initially dabbling on TikTok for fun, their commitment to posting consistently—spurred by a New Year's resolution to create one video a day—led to exponential growth. Their authentic and relatable content quickly garnered millions of views, turning their hobby into a full-fledged career.
Notable Quote:
Kinsley: "We did up until like, a couple months, like a little bit of traction, but like very slow."
6. Content Strategy and Community Building
Timestamp: [29:43] - [54:56]
Kay and Tay emphasize the importance of authenticity and relatability in their content. They focus on sharing snippets of their daily lives, including family moments and personal challenges, which fosters a strong connection with their audience. Their strategic editing techniques, honed through community interactions and continuous learning, ensure high engagement and sustained growth.
Notable Quote:
Kay: "It was just all those little details. It's like trying to take that time into the video itself to find something unique that catches their attention."
7. Balancing Influencer Life with Family and Personal Well-being
Timestamp: [54:56] - [89:21]
The couple discusses the challenges of maintaining a balance between their online personas and personal lives. They prioritize family time, ensuring their content does not overshadow their roles as parents. Kay, in particular, highlights the significance of keeping their life simple and integrated, allowing them to enjoy their journey without succumbing to the pressures of constant content creation.
Notable Quote:
Kinsley: "I really felt like I have to keep Ellie on a good routine. So if we put her down at 7, we kind of use the evenings right now as like our us time to just really not film, not do anything."
8. Navigating Fame and Community Engagement
Timestamp: [89:22] - [99:27]
Despite their massive following, Kay and Tay remain grounded, attributing their success to a strong sense of community and the desire to give back. They conduct regular giveaways and engage actively with their audience, fostering a supportive and positive online environment. They also touch upon the phenomenon of imposter syndrome, acknowledging its presence but asserting their commitment to staying true to themselves.
Notable Quote:
Kinsley: "I just feel like it's very thankful, very blessed. You know, that's why I do so many giveaways."
9. Overcoming Health Challenges
Timestamp: [90:27] - [97:56]
Kinsley opens up about her battle with autoimmune conditions, including symptoms resembling lupus. Despite the challenges of seeking a diagnosis and managing her health postpartum, she remains resilient and advocates for self-advocacy in healthcare. Her openness about her struggles adds another layer of relatability and authenticity to their content, resonating deeply with their audience.
Notable Quote:
Kinsley: "I just feel so much validation that I think I'm finally gonna get help and get the medication that I need."
10. Advice for Aspiring Content Creators
Timestamp: [88:40] - [89:23]
Kay and Tay offer invaluable advice to those looking to enter the content creation space. Their emphasis is on consistency, momentum, and integrating content creation into one's lifestyle. They stress that success requires daily commitment and passion, transforming content creation from a job into a way of life.
Notable Quote:
Kay: "Anyone can do it as long as you keep your head in it at all times. Like, momentum is everything. And you guys notice consistency."
Conclusion
Kay and Tay Dub's journey from military service and traditional careers to becoming influential content creators is a testament to the power of authenticity, consistency, and community engagement. Their ability to balance personal life with their online presence, coupled with their commitment to giving back, sets them apart in the crowded landscape of social media influencers. This episode offers listeners not only inspiration but also practical insights into cracking the code of viral content while maintaining genuine connections.
Final Notable Quote:
Kinsley: "It really is a lifestyle change. I mean, you... you can't just expect to not make it like your life. Like, I mean, you think about content every single day."
Note: Advertisements and promotional content within the transcript have been excluded to maintain focus on the core discussions and insights shared by Kay and Tay.