Marques Brownlee on how to scale MKBHD while being the face of the YouTube brand

Defining Roles

Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD, navigates the complexities of defining his professional identity on YouTube. He often describes himself as a creator, a term he feels best encapsulates his diverse roles, including video production and tech reviewing. Marques explains that while he dislikes the term "influencer," he finds "creator" more fitting, despite its broadness and the need to explain it further.

I think creator. Creator is probably the one.

--- Marques Brownlee

He also distinguishes between his roles as a tech reviewer and a content strategist, highlighting the distinct yet interconnected nature of these jobs 1 2.

   

YouTube Culture

The cultural perception of terms like "YouTuber" and "influencer" significantly impacts Marques' self-identity. He notes that while younger audiences understand the term "YouTuber," it often leads to misconceptions among older or business-oriented individuals. Marques prefers "video producer" in casual conversations to avoid lengthy explanations about his work.

Basically, I'm trying to end the conversation.

--- Marques Brownlee

This choice reflects his desire to simplify his identity in a way that resonates across different audiences, balancing between being a creator and a tech reviewer 1.