With over 370,000 subscribers and growing on YouTube, Lee Steinfeld is utilizing his vast knowledge of the law and turning his channel into a fun, source of entertainment for thousands. Having received his Bachelor’s from the University of Texas in Austin and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University Law School in Dallas, Steinfeld has taken his strong academic background and turned it into more than just profits. See how by checking out our interview with him below.
Hi, Lee! Thank you for granting the interview. Tell us about your YouTube Channel. What inspired it?
Hi! I began my channel in November of 2014 after being inspired by the charity work of popular YouTube channels like Markiplier & JackSepticEye (more on this below). Originally being about retro video games, I eventually began showcasing my old Pokémon card collection because of how nostalgic it felt. I noticed I enjoyed making videos about Pokémon, and the audience enjoyed those too, so I became a full-fledged Pokémon YouTube channel. Currently, at over 371,000 subscribers and growing, I primarily do Pokémon card unboxings with the occasional VLOG (Video Log) mixed in. I try to incorporate family and friends to make my videos more enjoyable for the entire family to watch. Additionally, I’m a family friendly channel so anyone can watch!
We have many readers who are interested in starting their own channel. Any suggestions, like equipment to purchase?
When people tell me they’d like to start their own YouTube channel I always tell them it’s as easy as picking up your phone and recording. However, to become a successful channel it takes patience and lots of research. Pick a particular niche or field in which you are passionate about, research the top channels and what makes them successful then begin creating your own original videos based on that formula. I use my iPhone 8S Plus to record a lot of videos and that’s seriously all it takes as long as your passionate about the content. You can always later on down the line upgrade to better equipment like a DSLR or Mirrorless camera. A great combo, to begin with, is the Logitech C920 Webcam along with a Blue Yeti microphone. You can even use a free video editing program called VSDC Free Video Editor to edit your footage.
How did it become so successful?
My channel became successful because of the original videos I would put out in my field. To this day I still am creating videos that set the trends for the Pokémon community. i.e. Back in 2016, I was the first channel to regularly record myself going to the store to buy Pokémon cards and it started a crazy trend where other people would do the same. I would eventually collaborate with the same-sized or even bigger subscriber based YouTube channels and that would bring in a new audience. I believe my channel remains successful is because I’m always trying to improve my content, whether that be the editing or the actual footage I record.
You use your popularity as an influencer to raise funds for various charities, such as mental health. Tell us more about why you decided to do this.
As I mentioned above, YouTube personalities Markiplier and JackSepticEye were the biggest inspirations for myself beginning my channel. You can still go watch my very first video uploaded in November 2014 where (cringe-worthy aside) I made it a mission that I’d be using my channel to raise funds for various charities that meant a lot to me. An example would be the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Save the Children Fund. I feel like if one has the ability to help others with the power they have, then, by all means, do so. Perhaps the biggest causes I’ve raised for is mental health. I have raised over $15,000 for various mental health charities like the Child Mind Institute and Grant Halliburton Foundation. Receiving messages from those who suffer from Bi-Polar Disorder or those who are depressed, but my videos have helped them reminds me why I started making videos in the first place. As long as I’m able, I will continue to use my power as an influencer to give back.
How rewarding has it been?
When you know you are making a real difference in the world to thousands upon thousands of people, that’s why I love my job. I wouldn’t even say what I do is a job more so than doing something I’m passionate about. Now, I’m actually a licensed attorney, however, I do not practice anymore. I produce YouTube videos full-time along with being a voice actor and actor part-time. When people ask me why I’m not an attorney anymore, I used to have a hard time explaining, but I believe the great late Stan Lee put it best…
“I used to be embarrassed because I was just a comic-book writer while other people were building bridges or going on to medical careers. And then I began to realize: entertainment is one of the most important things in people’s lives. Without it, they might go off the deep end. I feel that if you’re able to entertain people, you’re doing a good thing.” – Stan Lee
You also raised funds to save children throughout the month of November and December. Tell us more.
Providing a safe outlet for the youth of this world is something I’m always trying to help out with. That’s why in November and December 2018, I partnered up with Save the Children to help provide awareness and raise funds for them. I opened up two very old Pokémon card booster boxes from the year 1999 in hopes of raising funds and providing awareness to the organization. If there’s a way to help others via my YouTube channel, I will do all I can to do just that.
What would surprise people to learn about you?
I think people would be most surprised to know that I’m an actual pretty shy person. Yes, I record videos hundreds of thousands of people watch, but I’m still a shy introverted person. That being said, it took hard work through my life to learn proper inter-personal skills which I utilize to this day to be successful. I still am introverted at heart, but most people are very surprised whenever they find this out.
What’s your favorite thing you like to do and why?
Cliché as it sounds, I love making videos! I’ve been doing YouTube for over four years now and I’ve enjoyed each and every day making videos. Don’t get me wrong, there are days where it’s more stressful than others, but those stressful days are the ones that make the end result so much more rewarding.
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When looking back on your career in 2018, what resonated with you the most and why?
The ability to always change and improve. One can always sit back and do the same thing, but it’s those who are always trying to improve oneself that are the ones who prosper. I can procrastinate like no one else, however, I am proud of myself for doing a much better job at making lists and getting things done to grow the channel and my brand overall.
Do you have anything special planned for 2019?
I have MASSIVE plans for 2019, however, these are a secret for now. Just know that 2019 will be bigger than ever before! This includes raising funds and awareness for various charities.
What do you enjoy most about your YouTube Channel?
Putting a smile on peoples’ faces is what I enjoy the most. If I can make just one person feel better after having a troubled day, then my job is done. Thankfully I have tons of amazing people in my community that watches my videos.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about the channel?
I just want to share that YouTube can be a place of good that makes a big difference in this world. There are many creators out there, big and small, that provide quality entertainment to millions of people. I thank you for reading this and hope you check out not just my channel, but the many others out there!
Connect with Lee:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/leonhart54
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leonhart54YT/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Leonhart54YT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonhart54/
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