Kelly Wakasa

Kelly Wakasa is a YouTuber, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur known for cinematic vlogs that blend emotional storytelling, spontaneous adventure, and a strong personal philosophy: Do What Excites. Born on November 27, 1999, in Hillsborough, California, Kelly originally pursued competitive soccer at a national youth level before shifting his focus to skateboarding and content creation. What began as a skateboarding channel in 2013 gradually evolved into a deeply personal and high-energy platform that now captures moments of travel, challenge, growth, and joy. His storytelling is both visually refined and emotionally raw—offering viewers not just entertainment, but inspiration to pursue a meaningful, exciting life.

His breakout moment came in 2019 with the viral video “Surprising My Best Friend After Years Apart,” which introduced his vulnerable yet uplifting approach to a wider audience. Since then, his content has matured into a blend of introspective narratives, life updates, and bold lifestyle experimentation. Whether filming from the streets of New York City or sharing quiet reflections on change, Kelly’s content consistently embraces both fun and fear—encouraging viewers to step outside their comfort zones and lean into the unknown.... Show More

Kelly Wakasa is a YouTuber, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur known for cinematic vlogs that blend emotional storytelling, spontaneous adventure, and a strong personal philosophy: Do What Excites. Born on November 27, 1999, in Hillsborough, California, Kelly originally pursued competitive soccer at a national youth level before shifting his focus to skateboarding and content creation. What began as a skateboarding channel in 2013 gradually evolved into a deeply personal and high-energy platform that now captures moments of travel, challenge, growth, and joy. His storytelling is both visually refined and emotionally raw—offering viewers not just entertainment, but inspiration to pursue a meaningful, exciting life.

His breakout moment came in 2019 with the viral video “Surprising My Best Friend After Years Apart,” which introduced his vulnerable yet uplifting approach to a wider audience. Since then, his content has matured into a blend of introspective narratives, life updates, and bold lifestyle experimentation. Whether filming from the streets of New York City or sharing quiet reflections on change, Kelly’s content consistently embraces both fun and fear—encouraging viewers to step outside their comfort zones and lean into the unknown.

Content Style and Brand Identity

Kelly’s main channel now boasts over 1.45 million subscribers and continues to grow. His work centers on travel, skateboarding, fitness, and creative self-expression, with an upbeat editing style that mirrors his energetic personality. The motto “Do What Excites” has grown from a personal catchphrase into a full-fledged brand, appearing across his merchandise and framing the philosophy behind many of his life decisions and challenges.

His audience, largely Gen Z, connects deeply with the balance he strikes between vulnerability and ambition. Often compared to creators like Casey Neistat—whom he cites as a major influence—Kelly crafts videos that feel personal, motivational, and visually engaging without losing their down-to-earth charm.

Collaborations and Ventures

A key member of the creator collective Ur Mom’s House, Kelly has frequently collaborated with Luke Eich, Elliot Choy, and Ashley Alexander (Ur Mom Ashley), among others. He also co-runs a more relaxed side channel with Luke Eich, offering behind-the-scenes content and casual updates.

Beyond YouTube, Kelly is active on TikTok and Instagram, where he shares short-form lifestyle content and glimpses into his creative process. His revenue streams include YouTube ads, brand sponsorships, merchandise sales, and freelance video projects.

Life in New York and Looking Ahead

Since moving to New York City in 2021, Kelly has used the energy of the city to fuel his creativity. His current focus is on exploring new storytelling formats, deepening his connection with his audience, and building on the momentum of Do What Excites as both a motto and movement.

For viewers, Kelly Wakasa represents more than just cinematic edits or skate tricks—he’s a voice for self-discovery, bold decisions, and living life with intention.