Digital Social Hour Episode #916: "NEVER Make This Content Mistake: Influencer Warns | Tommy Unold"

Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Tommy Unold (Social Media Influencer)
Release Date: November 23, 2024

1. Introduction of the Guest: Tommy Unold

In this engaging episode of the Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes social media influencer Tommy Unold, delving into Tommy's journey through the ever-evolving digital landscape. The conversation begins with light-hearted banter about Tommy's amateur status in professional poker, setting the stage for a candid discussion about his experiences and insights.

2. The Evolution of Tommy’s Social Media Career

Early Beginnings and Relocation:

Tommy shares his early days of content creation starting in Michigan, where he felt isolated and misunderstood in his pursuits. This sense of isolation propelled him to move to Los Angeles at the age of 18, seeking a community that resonated with his social media ambitions.

[07:28] Tommy Unold: "I was completely on my own. Michigan didn’t have anyone doing what I was doing, so moving to LA was a game-changer."

Content Style and Burnout:

Initially, Tommy's content focused on humorous and awkward interactions, particularly conducting interviews with peers in unconventional settings like hot tubs. This unique approach garnered significant attention, with Tommy amassing millions of views. However, after six years, he experienced burnout from the relentless pace of daily postings.

[03:05] Tommy Unold: "I got burnt out because I didn't enjoy it as much as I did. I slowed down on posting, which I still do weekly, but it's nothing like three times a day anymore."

3. Content Creation and Strategy

Innovative Interview Techniques:

Tommy pioneered a content style that merged casual gameplay with on-the-fly interviews, allowing him to engage with diverse personalities while maintaining an entertaining format.

[18:20] Tommy Unold: "If it's a vlog, if it's me interviewing, I can do that with anybody. I can ask them anything, like tomorrow I'm gonna interview everyone."

Navigating Political Content:

Transitioning into political content was a significant shift for Tommy. Contrary to losing his audience, he found that expressing his political views, particularly pro-Trump sentiments, actually increased his engagement.

[18:54] Tommy Unold: "I posted that photo of Trump holding the right as he got shot in the ear, and I cannot tell you the love I got."

Impact of Platform Changes:

Tommy discusses the decline of TikTok viewership following the introduction of TikTok Shop, which shifted the platform's focus towards commerce rather than content creation. This change, according to Tommy, diluted the authentic engagement that creators once thrived on.

[27:05] Tommy Unold: "TikTok Shop killed it. They want to make TikTok Amazon, and it's not the same for creators."

4. Personal Life and Relationships

Long-Distance Relationships:

Tommy recounts his past experiences with long-distance relationships, including a stint in Australia attending a World Series of Poker (WSOP) event, highlighting the challenges and adventures that come with balancing personal life and career ambitions.

[01:57] Tommy Unold: "I did come to the main event. It was a side event, but it was still a great field."

Current Relationship Dynamics:

Now in a relationship with a 23-year-old who has a child, Tommy reflects on the maturity and responsibility that his partner brings, contrasting it with his previous perceptions of relationships driven by fleeting attractions.

[05:03] Tommy Unold: "I'm dating a mom now… She's 23, my age, and she has an awesome kid. That's a mature take."

5. Gaming and Hobbies

Gaming Prowess:

A self-proclaimed avid gamer, Tommy shares his prowess in first-person shooters like Call of Duty (COD) and his nostalgic fondness for games like Black Ops 2. Despite his gaming skills, he chose not to pivot his content exclusively towards gaming, preferring the flexibility of varied content creation.

[22:45] Tommy Unold: "I was the biggest gamer of all time. I could beat anyone in 1v1 quick scope in Black Ops 2."

Current Hobbies:

Apart from gaming, Tommy indulges in poker, basketball, and golf, maintaining a balanced lifestyle outside the digital realm.

[20:37] Tommy Unold: "I'm starting side projects, trying to be a pro poker player, and I'm into golf. I play every single week."

6. Reflections on Fame and Personal Growth

Understanding Burnout:

Tommy’s firsthand experience with burnout allows him to empathize with other creators who step back from content creation. He acknowledges the pressures of maintaining relevance and the emotional toll it can take.

[09:44] Tommy Unold: "I now completely understand why people get burnt out. It’s like any other job with its pros and cons."

Maintaining Authenticity:

Despite fame, Tommy has remained true to his roots, continuing to engage with old friends and preserving his authentic self rather than conforming to the influencer stereotype.

[22:43] Tommy Unold: "I am the same dude from high school. There's not one sentence I've said that changed."

7. Future Plans and Side Projects

Expanding Content Horizons:

Looking ahead, Tommy plans to diversify his content further by incorporating more interviews and exploring different niches such as gambling. He emphasizes the importance of making content feel like a hobby rather than a job, preserving his passion and creativity.

[17:35] Tommy Unold: "I'm posting whatever and I'm loving it. I can post whatever I want, whether it's vlogs or interviews."

Professional Poker Aspirations:

With aspirations to become a professional poker player, Tommy is investing time and effort into honing his skills, balancing this pursuit with his online presence.

[20:37] Tommy Unold: "I'm trying to become a pro poker player. It's a journey I'm passionate about."

8. Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Tommy Unold candidly discusses the highs and lows of his journey as a social media influencer. From tackling burnout and evolving content strategies to maintaining personal relationships and exploring new hobbies, Tommy offers valuable lessons for aspiring creators. His emphasis on authenticity, balanced content creation, and personal growth serves as a guiding beacon for those navigating the complex world of digital fame.

Notable Quotes:

• Tommy Unold on Burnout:
  "[03:05] I got burnt out because I didn't enjoy it as much as I did."

• On Authenticity:
  "[22:43] I am the same dude from high school."

• Regarding TikTok Shop:
  "[27:05] TikTok Shop killed it. They want to make TikTok Amazon."

• Personal Growth and Relationships:
  "[05:03] I'm dating a mom now… She's 23, my age, and she has an awesome kid."

This episode of Digital Social Hour provides a transparent look into the life of a young influencer striving to balance fame, personal life, and authentic content creation. Tommy Unold's experiences underscore the importance of evolving with the times while staying true to oneself, offering listeners both inspiration and practical insights.