You probably recognize Luke Thompson (Mippey5videos) from his hilarious YouTube parody videos which include spoofs of California (Minnesota) Girls, Gangnam Style, Call Me Maybe, and Thrift Shop. I had the pleasure of learning a little bit more about Luke, the Ford Fiesta Movement he was recently involved with, and his unique approach to social media.
First: Do me a favor and check out Luke’s profile on FiestaMovement.com.
Q1: So, Wiffleball, YouTube, and Cheez Its huh? In that order?
Let’s focus on YouTube. Why do you like it so much? Where do you draw inspiration from?A1: Haha yes, in that order. Although Cheez Its could be interchanged with Sour Patch Kids.
I like YouTube because I can live out my inner rockstar. I can pretend to be a rapper, singer, actor or whatever depending on the video. Fortunately, some people like to watch too! My inspiration comes from my showers. They are long. While I prune, I seem to come up with most of my ideas.
Q2: You have 46,090 YouTube subscribers and counting. That’s pretty impressive. How did you get there…can you tell us about that process a bit (where it started, how it’s evolved)?
A2: Thanks! 46,000 is a fun number to throw out there, but the most rewarding aspect is the interaction with viewers. I read all the comments and try to reply to as many as possible on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, etc. As for the process, I’m still trying to figure it out, ha. I used to just make parody videos in my college dorm, but have now evolved into doing original comedy songs. I like the challenge of the originals because with a parody the joke is pretty much set up, and I just have to come up with punchlines. With originals, I have to set up the joke, and deliver the punchlines without an original song to base it on. I also have been doing more vlog type videos lately to connect with the audience on a more personal level.
Q3: We’d love to hear about the #FiestaMovement – what is it and how did you get involved?
A3: The Fiesta Movement was a sweet experience where Ford gave me a 2014 Ford Fiesta for almost a year, and paid for gas, insurance and some video expenses. Every month I was given a challenge to complete via YouTube video. I got to go scuba diving, play polocrosse, and travel all over the country. The most rewarding part of the experience was getting to meet a bunch of cool people that I had been watching on YouTube forever. And they were my peers! I tried not to act like a crazy fan around them.
Q4: What’s one highlight you’ve had as a Fiesta Movement agent?
A4: The highlight of the Fiesta Movement was getting on a plane to Washington, DC to pick up my car and just laughing as the plane took off. I couldn’t believe my YouTube videos were getting me flown across the country. That stuff doesn’t happen.
Q5: How do you use other social media channels to cross-promote your YouTube content?
A5: I use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to filter towards my YouTube channel. Instagram is probably my favorite right now, although it’s mostly pictures of myself. Maybe that’s why I like it. Hmm. I’ve tried doing the whole Tumblr thing as well, but can’t seem to figure it out. If anyone is interested in running my Tumblr, I’ll pay you $1.
Q6: How do you plan out your social media content?
A6: I don’t. I probably should. A year ago I’d upload every Wednesday, but having a day job kind of limits my ability to stick to an upload schedule. So I pretty much just post when I feel like it.
Q7: How do you analyze the success of your content?
A7: Views are nice to get, but I’d rather have engagement. Comments, people “liking” things, etc. A couple years ago I would get more views, but the engagement wasn’t where it is today. That’s what I’m trying to build up now, and what keeps people coming back for more.
Q8: Which YouTube video of yours should our readers go watch right now?
A8: Everyday Girl. It was my favorite of 2013. It started as a comedy song, but slowly developed into a song with a deeper underlying message.
Q9: What’s next for you?
A9: I’m probably gonna change underwear. I think the pair I have on shrunk like 2 sizes in the wash, and it was a problem all day. After that, I’ll begin writing a new original comedy song. Or maybe I’ll do a parody to Say Something. Hmm. I don’t know if I can sing well enough for that.
Q10: Which question do you wish I’d asked?
A10: “Hey Luke, my best friend Emma Watson was wondering if you wanted to go on a date with her?”
Q11: What is your answer to #10?
A11: Sure, but she’ll have to wait her turn.
And that’s a wrap! Did you find this post interesting? Want to read more like this? Lettuce know in the comments below. Or like, Twitter works too – @TheSocialLights.
