With over 22 million followers across multiple platforms, BENOFTHEWEEK has transformed into one of the most unique voices in the digital space. Known for his surrealist humor and offbeat personality, he has captured the attention of audiences worldwide with his eclectic content that blends chaos with comedic genius. From viral challenges to collaborations with major brands, Ben has mastered the art of digital virality, but what’s the secret behind his success? We sat down with him to find out what inspires his content, how he stays creatively motivated, and what’s next on the horizon for the digital sensation.
Finding His Digital Voice: From “Nerds Gummy Clusters” to YouTube Stardom
“I was obsessed with being able to be on the internet,” Ben explains with a laugh. “It felt like the coolest thing ever to post every thought that came to my mind and just share it with the world.” Like many content creators, Ben’s journey into the digital space started with curiosity and a sense of wonder. He describes his early days of content creation as a period of experimentation, akin to a child who just discovered a candy they can’t get enough of.
But Ben’s approach eventually evolved. “I started focusing on quality over quantity,” he says. “I wanted to find my own lane, something unique that would resonate with my audience.” That search for a distinctive voice led him to develop a style that combines absurdity, dark humor, and surrealism—traits that would later define his brand.
Drawing inspiration from early YouTube legends like TVFilthyFrank and Cow Chop, Ben quickly found his comedic style rooted in the bizarre and unexpected. “My style is a weird mixture of things. I love taking something familiar, like a trend or an idea, and flipping it on its head,” he says. His comedic timing and off-the-wall humor have garnered him a loyal following, with fans eagerly anticipating his every move.
The Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest: A Viral Moment for the Ages
One of Ben’s most memorable viral moments came with the infamous Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest, where he served as a judge for the bizarre event. “It was wild,” Ben recalls. “I knew it was going to be big, but I had no idea how big.” The event took place in Washington Square Park, where hundreds of fans gathered to participate. What followed was a hilarious spectacle that saw the cops shutting down the contest due to its overwhelming turnout. “We had to march to another park, and there were like twenty photographers following us,” Ben says, laughing. “It was chaos, but in the best way possible.”
The lookalike contest became a sensation, not just in the digital world but in traditional media as well. “It was such a small part of my buddy Anthony Po’s idea, but it just blew up,” Ben says. “It’s crazy to think about how something so absurd can take off.”
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YouTube Success and Staying Creative
Ben’s YouTube channel, which boasts nearly 8 million subscribers and over 2.7 billion views, is a testament to his creative consistency. “I try not to focus too much on the numbers,” he admits. “When I post something, I check on it once, and then I forget about it. It’s gone to me.” Despite his massive success, Ben’s approach remains refreshingly humble.
So, what keeps him motivated? “It’s about staying creative and doing things that excite me,” he explains. “I don’t want to just follow trends; I want to make something I find fun and that my audience will enjoy.”
This mindset has allowed him to consistently produce content that feels fresh and engaging. Even as his channel grows, he remains committed to pushing the envelope and experimenting with new formats.
Brand Collaborations: Fun First, Business Second
Ben has also ventured into partnerships with major brands, including Nickelodeon, Google, Dior, and Paramount. These collaborations have brought his unique comedic voice to a wider audience, but he’s selective about which brands he works with. “I only work with brands that are down to get silly,” he says. “Like, working with Nickelodeon was a dream. I got to be on Nick News and met so many cool people. Plus, they made SpongeBob—who wouldn’t want to work with them?”
For Ben, it’s about more than just brand deals. He’s always looking for ways to infuse his signature humor into any partnership, ensuring that the collaboration feels authentic to his creative process.
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Philanthropy: Creativity Meets Cause
While Ben is known for his comedic content, he’s also using his platform to raise awareness for important causes. He recently organized a charity fortune-telling event in West LA, benefiting the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project. “I’m not really a philanthropist, but if I can do something to give back, I will,” he says. The event, which featured predictions about world events and culture, was a mix of comedy and activism, with all proceeds going to the cause.
“I’ve never organized something like this before, and there’s a 95% chance it will get shut down, but I hope it’s as fun and fundraising as possible for as long as possible,” he adds with a grin.
Fashion and Acting: Expanding His Creative Horizons
Ben’s creative pursuits don’t end with digital content. He’s been experimenting with fashion and acting, hoping to expand his creative range even further. “I used to live in Canada, where dressing fun in the winter was impossible,” he says. “But now that I’m in New York, I’ve been having a blast experimenting with outfits—suits, fun outfits for the rain. I’m just trying to turn my style dial to 110%.”
When it comes to acting, Ben’s ambitions are clear. “I’ve been taking acting classes for years, and I want to make it real, not just be the influencer who tries to act but can’t sing,” he says. “I’d love to take it seriously.”
Looking Ahead: Creativity, Freedom, and the Future
Looking to the future, Ben’s goals are as unpredictable as his content. “I want to disappear for a bit, not in a Playboi Carti way, but in a creative reset kind of way,” he says. He’s working on new projects that are far removed from the online world. “I’ve got some big ideas that I want to bring to the big screen, and once I get restless enough, I’ll come back to the digital space.”
Ben’s influence in the digital entertainment industry is undeniable, with over 3 billion cumulative views to his name. But despite his immense success, he remains focused on creativity and pushing boundaries. “I don’t have a brand. I don’t sell things. I’m not a businessman,” he says with a shrug. “I just want to be creative and funny, and I’ll keep exploring that in every way I can.”
As he continues to experiment with new formats, collaborate with brands, and tackle new creative endeavors, one thing is certain: Ben is far from finished. The digital space better get ready for whatever he has planned next.