Utah has the second largest YouTube community in the world. This statistic inspired Utah YouTube enthusiasts to create UTuber Nation, a community of creators, video marketers and YouTube superfans from the Beehive state.
'We beat out London, and eventually we’ll beat out California, which currently has the largest community. But that's because it’s California,' said Anthony Ambriz, UTuber Nation president.
The purpose of the UTuber Nation is to provide networking and collaboration opportunities to all the YouTube creators in Utah. Talent scout Josh Dyches, project manager Zeb Jackson, salesman Sean Reay and president Ambriz run the group.
YouTubers from Utah decided to call themselves the UTuber Nation to distinguish themselves from the general YouTube community.
Ambriz said it started as a Facebook group in 2010. Daren Smith and Alan Seawright of Telekinesis Entertainment organized meetups, found sponsors and had the logo created in the first half of 2015.
UTuber Nation became actively involved in the community and started holding regular monthly meetups.
The group of more than 500 members from locations across Utah meets in Provo and Salt Lake City. On average, 80 to 100 people attend each meeting. Ambriz said the meetings can help virtually anyone interested in YouTube.
'It’s a way to stay in contact, help each other out and learn from one another,' Ambriz said. 'It’s also a great way for newcomers and even businesses to learn what it takes to create YouTube videos and manage a YouTube Channel.'
Voice actor Lucas Proctor attended the March 10 meetup in Provo.
'I'm a talent myself in singing and voice acting and it's fun to get to know a lot of people in the industry here,' Proctor said.
Scott Winn, maker of 'Stormtrooper Twerk' and 'Fruit Ninja in Real Life,' was the keynote speaker for the event.
Winn attended BYU–Idaho and BYU. He describes himself as a filmmaker, songwriter and friend. He shared the story of how he became a successful YouTuber and gave advice to aspiring filmmakers.
It was BYU student Tambi Issac's first time attending a meetup.
'I really enjoyed Winn's speech,' Issac said. 'It was nice hearing a success story coming from a former BYU student.'
Previous meetup keynote speakers included Devin Graham, Stuart Edge and Bored Shorts TV members. Ambriz said they 'are really doing this as a service to the community' because UTuber Nation doesn't pay them to speak. He said the group only spends money on 'merchandise for giveaways and food for the meetups.'
Videos on the channel include tips to help viewers discover what is trending on YouTube and tutorials that teach about the platform. Ambriz said the group also plans to include interviews with YouTubers from Utah.