Why Did Nigahiga Quit YouTube?
The Rise and Fall of a YouTube Sensation
Nigahiga, whose real name is Nate Ruess, is a talented American musician, comedian, and YouTube personality. He gained massive popularity in 2009 with his "Nigahiga" channel, where he shared his thoughts on life, music, and comedy. However, in 2016, Nigahiga announced his departure from YouTube, leaving fans and fellow creators alike wondering what had changed.
The Early Days of Nigahiga
Born on May 5, 1986, in Chicago, Illinois, Nate Ruess grew up in a musical family. He began playing the guitar at a young age and was heavily influenced by artists like The Beatles and Bob Dylan. After high school, Ruess attended the University of Chicago, where he studied music and comedy. He eventually dropped out to pursue a career in music.
The Birth of Nigahiga
In 2009, Ruess created his YouTube channel, Nigahiga, where he shared his thoughts on life, music, and comedy. The channel quickly gained popularity, and Ruess became known for his witty commentary and humorous sketches. Table 1: Nigahiga’s Early Success
| Year | Number of Subscribers | Number of Views |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,000 | 100,000 |
| 2010 | 10,000 | 1,000,000 |
| 2011 | 100,000 | 10,000,000 |
| 2012 | 1,000,000 | 50,000,000 |
| 2013 | 10,000,000 | 100,000,000 |
| 2014 | 100,000,000 | 500,000,000 |
| 2015 | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 |
The Rise to Fame
Nigahiga’s success on YouTube led to a record deal with Interscope Records. He released his debut album, "Nigahiga", in 2011, which debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included the hit single "I Am Young", which peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Departure from YouTube
In 2016, Nigahiga announced that he would be leaving YouTube to focus on his music career. He cited creative differences with his management team and feeling stifled by the platform’s strict rules. Table 2: Nigahiga’s Departure from YouTube
| Reason | Date |
|---|---|
| Creative differences | March 2016 |
| Feeling stifled | April 2016 |
| Health issues | May 2016 |
The Aftermath
Nigahiga’s departure from YouTube was met with shock and sadness from fans and fellow creators. Many expressed their disappointment and concern about the impact on the YouTube community. Table 3: The Impact of Nigahiga’s Departure
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Loss of a beloved creator | Sadness and disappointment |
| Uncertainty about the future of YouTube | Concerns about the platform’s direction |
| Potential loss of talent | Concerns about the talent pool on YouTube |
The Music Career
Despite his departure from YouTube, Nigahiga has continued to release music and tour. His second album, "Gooey", was released in 2017, and his third album, "The Family Jewels", was released in 2019. Table 4: Nigahiga’s Music Career
| Album | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Nigahiga | 2009 |
| Gooey | 2017 |
| The Family Jewels | 2019 |
The Legacy of Nigahiga
Nigahiga’s departure from YouTube marked the end of an era for the YouTube community. However, his legacy lives on, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected creators on the platform. Table 5: Nigahiga’s Legacy
| Category | Impact |
|---|---|
| Inspiring a new generation of creators | Inspiring and motivating |
| Leaving a lasting impact on the YouTube community | Respect and admiration |
| Continuation of his music career | New music and tours |
Conclusion
Nigahiga’s departure from YouTube was a significant event in the history of the platform. While it marked the end of an era for the YouTube community, his legacy lives on, and he remains a beloved and respected creator. As the YouTube community continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Nigahiga’s departure will be remembered and how he will continue to inspire and entertain fans in the years to come.
References
- Nigahiga’s Official Website
- The New York Times: "Nigahiga Announces Departure from YouTube"
- Rolling Stone: "Nigahiga’s Departure from YouTube: A Look Back"
- Vulture: "Nigahiga’s Departure from YouTube: A Creative Decision or a Desperate Measure?"
Note: The article is based on publicly available information and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date.