Louis Levanti’s journey into the world of social media began unexpectedly during his tenure at Viacom, now known as Paramount. As a member of the International Digital team, Levanti worked closely with renowned brands such as MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. “That was my first true introduction to the world of social,” he recalls. It was a time when TikTok was rapidly gaining popularity, and Levanti found himself creating content in the NYC office, engaging in trends, filming celebrity reactions, and even dancing. “If you find those videos, no you didn’t,” he laughs.
His creative endeavors caught the attention of the MTV Music team, leading to an opportunity to collaborate on the MTV EMAs channel. As Levanti started appearing on camera more frequently, the pandemic in March 2020 provided a pivotal moment in his career. With the onset of COVID-19, he was sent home indefinitely, like many others, and found himself with extra time on his hands.
“I was stuck in the house, bored,” he says. During this period, Levanti began posting TikToks for fun, which eventually led to a breakthrough idea. He decided to bring the Comedy Central Roasts, a format he adored, to TikTok. The resulting video, titled “Celebrities I Hate for No Reason At All,” featured lighthearted roasts of various celebrities, fictional characters, and even cartoon figures. Within 24 hours, the video garnered approximately 6 million views.
@louislevanti PAUSE TO PLAY ALONG: Guess the Celebrity 👀 @justin
“I knew I had something and refused to be a one-hit wonder,” Levanti explains. This initial success propelled him to create a series of 20 videos, significantly expanding his platform. Today, he has transitioned into pop culture and entertainment reporting, lifestyle content, travel, and more, all stemming from that spontaneous TikTok post.
The Challenge of Leaving Stability Behind
Leaving a job that had provided stability and routine was not an easy decision for Levanti. “I’m someone who needs stability, and my job provided that in many ways, including financial security,” he admits. However, the allure of content creation began to outweigh the comfort of his corporate role.
Growing up, he had always been taught that life followed a specific path: attend high school, go to college, secure a job, and then work that job until retirement. “Working a 9-to-5 was burned into my brain,” he explains. As he gained a following, Levanti realized that being a content creator could be just as lucrative and fulfilling as a traditional job.
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Despite receiving opportunities at Paramount—such as covering red carpets and interviewing celebrities—he felt an increasing need to explore his creative passions independently. “I almost felt like I needed the job to be successful,” he reflects. However, after months of internal struggle, he decided to take the leap.
“When I had that call with my bosses to resign, a huge wave of relief washed over me,” he recalls. “For the first time, I felt like I was in control of my journey.” Levanti’s transition to full-time content creation has been rewarding, allowing him to travel for film festivals, attend music events with major brands, and explore diverse content opportunities. Despite facing ups and downs, he insists, “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Advice for Those Hesitant to Leave Their Jobs
Many individuals fear leaving stable jobs, and Levanti offers practical advice for anyone considering such a move. “It’s essential to evaluate your own happiness,” he says. He encourages people to look in the mirror and ask, “Do I really want to be here at this job?” His answer was consistently “No.”
@louislevanti BRUTALLY HONEST MOVIE REVIEW: Uglies starring Joey King on Netflix #moviereview #netflixrecommendation #uglies
He emphasizes the importance of mental health and fulfillment, urging people not to remain in unfulfilling jobs. “If you’re not happy, why stay?” he questions. Logistically, he advises ensuring financial stability before making a career change. Conversations with family, friends, and financial advisors can help create a secure plan for the transition.
“Sometimes, leaving is the best decision you can make,” he concludes, highlighting the necessity of closing one door to open another.
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As a content creator, Levanti has observed a need for greater mindfulness in online discourse. “We need to think more about how we talk about people we don’t know,” he stresses. In the entertainment news realm, discussions often become personal and insensitive. Levanti believes it’s possible to cover news without resorting to negativity.
He also warns against the pitfalls of social media, where many portray curated highlight reels of their lives. “It’s easy to forget that what we see online is often not the full story,” he states. “Many people are living glamorous lives, and that can negatively impact mental health.” He encourages a return to valuing ordinary life experiences.
“I may get to do glamorous things, but I’m also sitting at home eating Taco Bell while watching my favorite shows,” he adds, emphasizing relatability over perfection.
@louislevanti It’s almost time for Zendaya’s return to the Met Gala Carpet! Who’s excited?! 👀 #metgala #zendaya
Levanti expresses hope for the future of social media, despite acknowledging its current challenges. “Right now, social media feels oversaturated and less enjoyable than it used to be,” he observes. He envisions a new platform emerging that could revitalize the experience for users.
While some speculate that the era of the influencer is waning, Levanti disagrees. “Influencers will continue to exist as long as brands seek to advertise,” he asserts. He believes longevity in the industry is crucial, and those willing to adapt will thrive. Having been in the game for over four years, he continues to evolve his content.
Defining Great Partnerships
Levanti shares that the most rewarding brand partnerships are those built on genuine connections. “I love when brands engage with me as a creator,” he explains. These relationships go beyond mere transactions, fostering creativity and mutual respect. “It makes for a better process and ultimately better content.”
Even when not engaged in paid campaigns, he appreciates brands that keep in touch and invite him to events, reaffirming a shared passion. “It reassures me that they know I love the brand,” he concludes.
As Levanti continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of social media, his journey serves as an inspiring testament to the potential for success in the creative realm. Through authenticity, community support, and a focus on mental well-being, he encourages others to forge their own paths in the ever-changing digital world.
