Creators Find Online Growth in Authenticity
The Californer/10314231

SAN FRANCISCO - Californer -- As social platforms evolve and trends shift unpredictably, two content creators—Tyler Mount and Kevin Torres—are proving that meaningful growth still comes down to one thing: being real. Mount, a lifestyle and entertainment personality, and Torres, a plant care educator, create vastly different content but share a common strategy—authenticity, community connection, and storytelling with heart.

Mount's videos are driven by his personality and humor. "I'm not a comedian, but I love a bit," he says. "When I'm being myself, just trying to make my friends laugh, that's when it works." Contrary to popular belief, some of his longer videos—up to 90 seconds—perform best. "Turns out, people stay when it's real."

Torres (@kevintorresagram) sees similar success through transparency. His audience engages most when he shares tutorials and problem-solving moments, like dealing with mealybugs or root rot. "One of my biggest spikes came from chopping up my 20-foot Philodendron Patriciae on camera," he says. "I thought it was too niche, but people appreciated the honesty."

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Both creators emphasize connection over perfection. Torres regularly responds to comments and builds content based on audience questions. "I share the messy stuff too—the bugs, the mistakes," he says. "That makes people feel seen."

Mount (@tylergmount) agrees: "If you're pretending to have fun on camera, people sense that. Social media is social. Viewers just want to hang out with someone who's real."

While collaborations can boost reach, both focus on partnerships that feel genuine. Mount has interviewed major celebrities but treasures the content he films with longtime friends. "If the joy is real, it translates," he says.

Torres hasn't done collaborations yet but is open to it. "If it helps grow a stronger plant-loving community, I'm in."

Analytics help shape their approach, but neither lets data rule the creative process. Torres prioritizes click-through rate and watch time, often adjusting video hooks and pacing. "Sometimes just moving the 'aha moment' earlier changes everything."

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Mount, meanwhile, tracks retention. "Loyalty is more valuable than virality. If a video I love doesn't blow up, that's okay. You can't let numbers control your creativity."

Ultimately, both creators are focused on building something that lasts. "Sure, I'd love to hit 100,000 subscribers," Torres says. "But what really matters is an engaged, educated community."

Mount puts it more humorously: "One trillion followers. There aren't that many people on Earth, so we might need to start filming alien content. BRB."

Contact Jim Burkhart at:  Summit Solutions (https://summitsols.co/)