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How 200+ Failed Videos Led To A Meme With Over 7 Billion Views | Steven He
Posted
August 4, 2026
Views
73
Comments
1
Engagement
1.37%
August 4, 2026
73
1
1.37%
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42:57Now PlayingHow do you go from losing your biggest commercial acting break to creating a viral meme that has been viewed over 7 billion times?
Welcome to the Forbes Top Creator Show! This week, host Steven Bertoni decodes the business of influence with comedian, filmmaker, and "recovering actor" Steven He.
In this episode, Steven opens up about his unique Chinese-Irish upbringing and the harsh realities of trying to survive as a traditional actor in New York City. He reveals the exact strategy he used to pivot into social media, grinding through 220 failed comedy sketches before finally hitting his first million-view spark on video 221. He breaks down the chaotic, uncontrollable 7-billion view success of the "Emotional Damage" meme, and frankly discusses his biggest business failure: investing massive amounts of time and money into a highly-produced show that alienated his audience and tanked his channel's revenue by 90%.
Steven delivers a true masterclass in how to pivot your YouTube strategy, shifting content just 10% at a time to successfully launch his new 30-minute action-comedy series, James Bao, and why your failures just might be your greatest asset.
#StevenHe #ForbesTopCreators #EmotionalDamage #CreatorEconomy
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