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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, some emerging content creators on Instagram have shifted away from aspirational content towards a blend of entertaining dance videos and humorous takes on topics like dating challenges in Lagos.

Tobe Ugeh, known as Tobeszn to netizens, has cultivated his Instagram following to 174k by offering this type of content. This year, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, highlighted him for its “Creators of Tomorrow” campaign.

Reflecting on this recognition, he expressed, “It feels surreal to realize that just a year ago, I doubted if my content was good enough. Today, I am recognized as a Creator of Tomorrow by Meta, which sees me as an inspirational content creator and a part of the future of content. It feels incredibly joyous. I feel thrilled, deeply honored, and most importantly, incredibly humbled to be chosen among so many talented creators across the country.”

For Tobe, the journey to this point has been extensive, as he now shares a wide array of content ranging from fashion to dance videos. Even before content creation evolved, his passion for documenting moments was evident, notably his fascination with Disney’s Hannah Montana. “I was 11 when I got my first phone, and I remember how all I wanted to do was capture moments. I recall how attached I was to that phone, with my siblings often teasing me about my obsession with pretending to be Hannah Montana,” he reminisced.

However, like many of his peers exploring various interests on social media, Tobe grappled with self-acceptance.

“I wasn’t the most popular kid in school. So, when I created my Instagram account years after getting my first phone, I wanted an alter ego,” he shared. “I didn’t want to be myself because I wasn’t sure if I liked myself. In my early posts, I wouldn’t show my face—only my outfits. I was too afraid that someone would criticize me for being too extra or too much, too afraid to be myself,” he admitted.

Initially, Tobe refrained from speaking in his Instagram posts, uncertain if people would appreciate his voice. However, when he began sharing fashion content, he experienced a transformation. On Instagram, he could assume a different identity; the alter ego he crafted garnered followers and affection from people.

“I often tell people that I built my confidence on Instagram. As a child, I was quite confident, but as I grew older, I started losing that confidence. I stopped holding my head up high until I started creating content again,” he reflected. “On Instagram, I learned how to be myself all over again—how to love myself, how to be compassionate, and how to find support in random strangers and build a community in the most unexpected places.”

For Tobe, having a presence on as many social media platforms as possible is essential, but Instagram has proven particularly valuable in his journey.

“It’s a visual playground where I express my individuality and connect with my audience. With Instagram, creating, editing, and uploading content is effortless,” he acknowledged.

The suite of apps under Meta’s umbrella, including Facebook and Threads, has also facilitated new personal connections for Tobe beyond the online community he has cultivated. He formed a close friendship with Hauwa, another creator, while collaborating on content. “Our collaboration stemmed from the desire to create something novel and refreshing while being true to ourselves. The feedback has been overwhelming, and we appreciate our audience’s response,” he remarked on the collaboration experience.

Despite some of Tobe’s Instagram content garnering millions of views, he does not perceive himself as famous. “I’ve never really seen myself as famous. I don’t think it’s about the numbers or anything. I genuinely enjoy being myself, so perhaps a part of me has not fully embraced the idea of fame yet,” he admitted.

However, receiving compliments from fans and strangers who resonate with his content is a gratifying experience that never grows old for Tobe. “I enjoy receiving compliments about people loving my content, how a video I posted brightened their day, or even made them smile,” he shared.

When asked about the secret to his content creation journey, and how he maintains consistency while managing the demands of being a full-time content creator while upholding content quality and brand integrity, Tobe emphasized the importance of authenticity. “Staying authentic is key. There is immense power in originality, consistency, and dedication. Before committing to consistency, I would hear many creators I admired emphasize its importance. Now, I truly understand its significance,” he concluded.

For aspiring content creators, Tobe offers a valuable piece of advice: “Consistency, authenticity, and creativity—these three keys open every door. For every budding creator, these three elements should be paramount. Trust yourself. Don’t be afraid. Take the plunge,” he urged.