Max Fosh: The Business of Being an Internet Prankster

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00:00 Who is Max Fosh
03:04 Pranks vs silliness
05:43 Max’s video titles
07:58 Why he goes to such great lengths
10:43 Aging out of prank content
11:55 How ideas define you
15:44 Welcome to Luton
20:09 Breaking down his videos
25:21 His live comedy show
30:44 How improv classes can help you
33:30 How he sets himself apart in the challenge genre
38:23 Analytics and self-worth
45:02 The worst day of Max’s life
48:21 What making it looks like
52:44 The London fashion video
57:23 Max’s backstory and being “posh”
1:02:15 How he comes up with his ideas
1:07:22 London Mayor series
1:13:30 Max’s appetite for risk
1:15:26 The brand of Max Fosh
1:18:17 What makes a good hook?
1:22:09 Creating content for the UK vs US vs China
1:25:54 What makes comedy universal?
1:30:10 Brand deals in UK vs US
1:32:04 How much he makes on AdSense in a month
1:34:40 Branded videos
1:37:08 His future in stand up comedy
1:40:12 The future
1:43:36 Max’s iPhone notes
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ABOUT US
We’re Colin and Samir, creators based out of Los Angeles California. We make videos about the creator economy, and the lessons we’ve learned over 10 years of being on KZbin. We also interview creators and try to get to the bottom of what’s working on KZbin and where the creator economy is headed.

[@MaxFosh]

thanks for having me guys! this was genuinely like my version of going on Jimmy Kimmel!

[@user-abfoic2s3]

horrible comment choice honestly

[@iammicrowave]

@@user-abfoic2s3 fr

[@Micwong025]

Jimmy kimmel 😂😂😂😂😂

[@phamtuan4075]

make this the most liked reply in this comment

[@HiImChase]

Hey, its the '#-relatable' guy!

[@Ilyen12]

I would love to see Max in a Taskmaster season

[@olivercoulthard5468]

Yessss

[@sebsteele99]

Omg that would be amazing

[@michellew4634]

OMG YES

[@annastara3201]

That would be absolutelly briliant

[@MartijnPennings]

He'd probably spend a year preparing all kinds of shenanigans before even filming the first task.

[@UnnecessaryInventions]

I guess I'm "The Crocs Glove Guy" 😆

[@SKAOG21]

keep doing what you do!

[@jonahplayscello]

Love your inventions

[@zacharywong5301]

Omg, it’s the crocs glove guy!

[@supermat1937]

Top tier content keep it coming

[@abbkapoor8900]

Hopefully, this is hinting at a C&S interview soon!

[@ZacAlsop]

Big daddy Fosho dropping gems, loved this convo gents

[@LogisticsFNC]

Zac your the best

[@infinitetopsiders]

ZAC I LOVE YOU

[@canadianimperialist30]

😮

[@youtubewatcher703]

You're not just a legend for your vids but giving the world max fosh

[@dianadoraen7864]

How do you do fellow kids? 🛹

[@RoryBland]

Max is so criminally underrated, and also very silly. I never skip an upload.

[@LifeOfTom]

I say this as a matter of FACT... Max Fosh is the UK's Greatest KZbinr 👏

[@jerpine]

mashallah syndicate

[@MAKESZENZE]

Mrwhosetheboss enters the chat

[@Gobbbbb]

I say this as a matter of FACT... Tom Syndicate is the UK's Greatest CS:GO Scammer 👏

[@boldenggar]

KSI enter the chat

[@together373]

Niko Omilana would get you to change those words and think it was your idea

[@Patterrz]

Max is one of the few creators that can upload a video and be very sure that no one has done anything like it before

[@benguin_]

In true Max Fosh fashion: “I Interviewed the KZbin interviewers.”

[@jefffree3125]

Max is one of the most creative minds on KZbin. Knew it was only a matter of time before you guys interviewed this man!

[@joel.pimentel]

This was literally a therapy session - one of my favorite episodes to date, I loved the back and forth between joking and real talk. Thank you C&S + Max for making this!

[@eugenepaik2413]

Max talking about this struggles with being able to value himself other than from numbers and Samir talking about his growth was amazing to listen to

[@respect386]

I click on Max’s videos because of the idea. I watch them because of his personality. If he stopped doing pranks I’d still click on his videos because I know he’ll do something super creative in whatever genre he takes on.

[@Skillseboy1]

I feel Max's strength is also how, despite his sillyness, he feels so normal and genuine. He's the kind of guy you would want to hang out with.

[@theokanellopoulos]

One of the most interesting shows you've had. I think Max isn't getting enough credit in the YT community.

[@ThaiTalkwithPaddy]

Really loved this episode! Max brings a very unique presence to KZbin. Such a great conversation

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

Almost 2 hours of Max? Sign me up! He seems like such a genuinely fun and great guy, I can’t wait to see this little peek into him.

[@Nuttist]

This is a collab i have been waiting a long time for! super excited to watch!

[@l.1020]

Max is so good at thinking outside the box, it’s incredible. I laugh every time I see his newest idea, he’s a genius

[@HeisenbergFam]

Bro ran for Mayor, became richest person for 7 minutes and did UNO reverse on Sidemen match, Max is a mad lad

[@xGR1MREAPERx]

this was an amazing interview, i dont think ive ever watched a talk that is so smooth, great questions and answers, funny jokes and kept me intrested the whole time. i really enjoy maxfosh content and im stoked i came across this. it felt so natural and genuine, thank you for this, you are all great at what you do.

[@Cyril29a]

If I was to describe what max does: "Max drives a truck... through societal loopholes"

[@moglaude]

That is the best description of Max and his ideas I've ever seen !!!! So very true 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 Needs recognition

[@ravisingh5957]

Max is just a very likeable guy he deserves the success

[@xplorerF]

I love the sincere and honest vibes of these interviews

[@explosiveberry]

He’s a silly billy. More than just a prankster

[@tioluwanielesho1448]

I love the raw honesty in the analytics and self worth section of this video. You guys say things no other creatives say. Thank You!

[@lIIest]

calling him a youtube prankster is an insult tbh

[@Ceekalio]

The video literally begins with him saying he doesn't like that, then the title is exactly that 😂

[@katarinamarinkovic8661]

This slot of interviews with the UK bunch is incredible, love them all!

[@leafystreet]

love listening to these. well done

[@rin._.rin._.rin._.rin._.]

i love hearing max talk, he always has great energy

[@alltoquiet7]

The Why can simply be "Because it makes me laugh." I agree with not needing a why for everything you do. Fun to watch.

[@AshleyTowey]

I'm so excited to see Max Fosh on your show!! I started watching him back in the Streetsmart days and seeing him on this really is so surreal

[@liabe18]

Such a great interview, thank you Colin & Samir

[@AlphosNZ]

Watching Max Fosh's rise has been a big marker of my favourite new era of youtube

[@natesmith6413]

OG Max fan here, very glad to see him blowing up over the last few months.

[@LargeBucketGolf]

love these convos. So many gems. Thanks boys!

[@RobinVL]

Been watching Max for almost 3 years now and he is to underrated, don't understand why his views are not getting millions

[@timotar4308]

Max is the best, I'm so appreciative seeing him get recognition

[@Snookums1959]

So happy to see Max on here, love love his videos.

[@sple5023]

been waiting for this interview to happen for over a year now :D I've been watching Max's videos since around 200k subscribers

[@whanowa]

Max Fosh is so awesome. He sees the fun in every day life and makes ordinary things hilarious. I'd be way too anxious to do even a quarter of the stuff he pulls off for the premise of his videos.

[@courtclimbs]

This was so real. You’re doing great Max!

[@katherinecolglazier2909]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE YES!

[@floopedyfloop5112]

I'm not super in love with this setup, I think that Samir's tendencies to dominate the conversation were exacerbated by the physical layout for this conversation, Samir give Colin some room 🤪🤪

[@moglaude]

This is very true !

[@LegoMiniMovies]

Great interview as always

[@twizteddd]

Max Fosh is the UK Ryan Trahan. I love his energy and creativity!

[@amoose43]

I’d say he’s better ;)

[@everysport7691]

Max fosh did it before ryan trahan

[@marianescobar1483]

This was so interesting!! Max is such a talented creator :)

[@barmysupreme1638]

48:05 the way colins eyes widened when samir swore🤣

[@venusd1946]

No way this just uploaded! I just binge watched like 20 of Max Fish’s videos and now this came out. Brits are taking over the prankster sphere and I am hooked! I have been watching since this man had his own roundabout and made himself the favorite child! I am hooked!! Also such a Great interview

[@venusd1946]

My autocorrect doesn’t allow me to write his last name write 😭😭😭😭😵‍💫 *FOSH

[@Amonimus]

Max is a guy who's made "living an interesting unique life to the fullest" a life philosophy.

[@Bennsey]

Love Max Fosh soo much!! And also: very beautiful interview environment & lovely atmosphere

[@renanasanders]

So excited for max!!! I listen to you guys and I am always so disapoinrnet he is not on your radar! I think he is brilliant! so glad he is here!

[@DezzNytes]

apart from all the silly stuff, I feel like there's so much to learn here from Max. It's like seeing a genius at work!

[@allisonfreed]

Max has been one of my favorite creators for a long time because he’s such a true comedian, not just a funny dude. The improv and the stand up background is so obvious when watching his videos. I think that genuine comedy education gets underrated. Plenty of people can be mildly funny on personality alone, but true comedy is a skill set.

[@scrmblguy]

THE VIDEO WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR

[@cryptexmelnikov9075]

Almost done watching, yall have great energy!

[@gabrielgrassmayrtoo]

This breakdown is incredible!

[@RazzHD]

absolute legend

[@justbedrock]

Yooo i watch your videos and nobody's liked this comment 😂

[@LucySmithTelevision]

Never grow out of it Max Fosh! Totally rewriting the entertainment game - love to see it.

[@Yaperture]

fantastic interview boys!

[@AfzalHussein]

Great conversation. Thanks!

[@DeclansReviews]

00:27 🎥 Max Fosh gained fame with his man-on-the-street series called Street Smart, where he interviewed posh people in London. 01:09 🌐 KZbin is becoming more competitive, but creators can use AI tools like Spotter to stand out, generate video titles, and build video frameworks. 03:17 🤖 Max Fosh dislikes being labeled as a KZbin prankster and prefers the term "silly storyteller" to describe his content. 05:25 🎭 Max Fosh's content is rooted in silliness and storytelling, focusing on unique and creative ideas, often involving stunts and pranks. 09:43 🌟 KZbin provides Max Fosh an opportunity to pursue his lifelong passion for silliness and turn it into a career. 11:52 🎥 Max Fosh embraces the idea that his content defines him differently for various audiences, and he believes trying to control it would lead to anxiety and fear. 16:57 ⭐ Max Fosh often takes existing ideas and adapts them to his style, finding inspiration in relatable experiences and tweaking concepts for his audience. 19:42 ⚡ Creating the "Welcome to Luton" stunt was stressful, relying on organic reactions from social media to make the video successful. 19:56 🎥 Max Fosh discusses the risks involved in making KZbin videos, highlighting the uncertainty of outcomes in their creative process. 20:11 🤔 Max Fosh draws inspiration from influencers like Yes Theory, incorporating similar elements into his video intros, revealing the impact of KZbin influencers on content creation. 20:40 🎥 Max Fosh explains the concept of "hooks position," emphasizing the importance of engaging viewers within the first few seconds through captivating content hooks. 21:53 🔍 Max Fosh discusses the significance of thumbnails, titles, and initial content in retaining audience attention, focusing on the "why" aspect of the video's story. 22:35 🎬 Max Fosh's unique video structure features the punchline at the beginning, enticing viewers with intriguing scenarios and encouraging them to stay for the complete story. 25:15 🎤 Max Fosh emphasizes the importance of being able to fill a room as a content creator, discussing the significance of live performances and audience engagement beyond online platforms. 26:55 🎭 Max Fosh's stand-up comedy venture served as an experiment to enhance his versatility as an entertainer, preparing him for different creative endeavors beyond KZbin. 28:18 🎥 Max Fosh's experience in live performance and theater has influenced his KZbin content, leading to a focus on engaging real-time interactions and captivating moments. 34:08 ❓ Max Fosh discusses his concerns about being replaceable in the KZbin space, highlighting the challenge of maintaining uniqueness and viewer interest amid a competitive landscape. 38:38📈 Max Fosh grapples with the balance between personal authenticity and catering to viewer expectations, expressing the difficulty in detaching self-worth from video metrics. 40:06 🎥 Embracing discomfort: The creators discuss their willingness to step out of their comfort zones, even if it means deviating from popular content trends. 41:14 📈 Evolving relationship with numbers: The creators reflect on their evolving perspectives regarding metrics and how they handle the emotional impact of online feedback. 43:30 🌋 Passion and excitement: Maintaining enthusiasm for creative projects, like a volcano cooking video, fuels their work. Excitement remains a crucial element in their creative process. 46:45 🎯 Decoupling financial and non-financial rewards: Understanding the importance of finding fulfillment in non-financial aspects of creative work, such as enjoying collaborations and unique experiences. 51:05 🔄 Embracing consistency: Consistency in content creation has led to brand growth, allowing the creators to focus on refining their current approach while being open to future evolution. 01:00:12 🎭 Max Fosh discusses the fascination and hatred towards posh people, sharing insights from his own experiences. 01:01:22 📚 Max reflects on his journey of accepting his posh background and focusing on being polite, kind, and interesting rather than worrying about others' perceptions. 01:02:31 🧠 Max talks about the curiosity surrounding his ideas, emphasizing that genuine interest from the audience fuels his content creation process. 01:03:26 🖊️ Max explains his creative process, involving writing sessions, idea categorization, and the importance of creating videos with easily shareable concepts. 01:04:50 ✈️ Max shares an example of brainstorming, leading to the idea of skydiving into a music festival, highlighting the importance of taking familiar concepts to extreme levels. 01:06:31 🍻 Max discusses the "pub test" for evaluating video ideas, emphasizing the need for a concise, easily shareable concept that passes the casual conversation test. 01:07:55 🎥 Max shares insights on serialized content, discussing the challenges and benefits of committing to a series versus standalone videos. 01:11:26 🤝 Max reflects on his experience running for London mayor and navigating the dynamics of multiple KZbinrs running for political office. 01:18:56 🎥 Max Fosh emphasizes the importance of creating unexpected moments in videos to engage viewers and keep them interested, even if the content is scripted. 01:19:51 💡 Max Fosh discusses the challenge of balancing big stunts with emotional storytelling, highlighting the difficulty of eliciting audience empathy after major stunts in videos. 01:20:31 🐟 Max Fosh talks about the decision-making process in his videos, revealing debates within the team about when to end a video, indicating the importance of audience engagement and maintaining interest. 01:21:49 🎥 Max Fosh reflects on the impact of culturally specific humor, discussing how his content appeals to a wide audience by focusing on universal, silly, and wholesome pranks rather than offensive or harmful jokes. 01:23:13 💼 Max Fosh shares his experience with syndicating his content in China, discussing the challenges and limited financial gains but expressing interest in exploring new avenues, such as performing stand-up in China. 01:31:48 💰 Max Fosh talks about the business side of KZbin, discussing the disparities between brand deal rates in the UK and the US, revealing his approach to negotiations, and emphasizing the importance of becoming irreplaceable for better rates. 01:35:27 🎥 Max Fosh discusses the challenges of managing brand deals and production costs, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability in dealing with unexpected situations and changes in the market. 01:38:13 🎤 Max Fosh shares his ambitions in stand-up comedy, highlighting its significance in shaping his identity beyond KZbin, and expressing his plans to tour the US, aiming for a broader audience perception of him as a comedian. 01:38:41 🎤 Stand-up comedy is a vital skill for creators, enhancing storytelling abilities and inspiring content ideas. 01:39:52 📺 Long-term success in the creator industry requires diversification beyond KZbin, encompassing various forms of entertainment. 01:41:03 🎥 Creators with distribution platforms have an advantage, but building a career, whether on KZbin or in comedy, demands dedication and time. 01:43:21 🌟 Young creators like Yes Theory and Liza Koshy are reshaping entertainment, with potential transitions from KZbin to Hollywood.

[@erukei_]

just curious, was this generated by AI?

[@catytroopa845]

​@@erukei_100% , not that guy but it definitely is.

[@jaxhillhome5231]

Holy moly never seen this Chanel so happy to have found it

[@yourfriendlygestapo5925]

yessss maximilian fosh is finally on another podcast, been following you since forever, even took a pic with you drunk during one of your first streetsmart vids

[@NightKiller_2]

Max is one of the best pranksters out there!

[@dylansteward]

This was the most deep in deep in that I’ve ever seen in a in a main channel Colin and Samir video

[@gavinpoirier2396]

Yes! I was waiting for this to finally happen!

[@larslonnroth8408]

This is one great chat with Max Fosh 👍

[@megjournals]

Very excited to listen to this one!! 🙌🏻

[@evanpcgamer]

Great episode!

[@esbjornmonteliusrisberg6834]

I was just thinking about the fact that you should interview max Fosh and here we are

[@symbungee]

Awesome interview. I love Foshy ❤ It's so nice hearing from youtubers who aren't USA based. I enjoy Max's use of humour and dapper poshness. ❤ from Australia Keep up the good work, those were good... insightful questions.

[@MattDealy]

I would watch Max Fosh do anything. His voice and comedic style are my favorite haha. Silly ideas ftw

[@ForgottenGames]

I love channels that do a preview before content. then you know you can tune out after 2 minutes because you already seen everything interesting.

[@daynoart]

We need to draw you guys 🤙

[@MrSmore]

YEEESSSS I've been wanting to hear more about max fosh!

[@olliestours]

Max Fosh. Easily my favorite KZbinr.

[@anyaklum8757]

This may be a deep cut, but he inexplicably reminds me of the guy from the kids' book Frindle

[@jonasanderson3527]

“Goat’s cheese is one of my favorite cheeses”

[@MBrulla]

When I saw the Luton thing I just thought of the guy in Milwaukee, since it's near where I live. That guy's house is a longstanding joke and is actually one of those things that makes you feel warm/fuzzies when you are coming into town after a trip. Not only that, it becomes local lore that people love to tell because it's something cool from where you're from.

[@Stubzgaming]

Great interview 😊

[@DaisyFayeBee]

Love watching these videos

[@luke-ti3fu]

I knew Max was a smart chap, but listening to him breakdown his process compounds it. Seems a lovely bloke as well.

[@danjackson668]

Another great guest guys. When talking with Max about not trading higher view count for a less engaged audience it made me think that Danny Duncan would be a great future guest on the show.

[@fredrikvonaxelson]

At 43:14 , the "Why" whilst looking in the camera, totally made me crack up :)

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Good discussion. Thanks for sharing it ✌️

[@Kleptide]

Absolute banger!

[@macksii]

had no idea he started off with interviewing on the street, explains his confidence in situations most people idealize but would never follow through with

[@ziebelzubel]

I would love to see a conversation between you and DougDoug, his Community Management and usage of AI in his streams is so unique and fascinating, i feel like it would be an incredible fit with you guys

[@LeagueofJay137]

Awesome interview Max Fosh is probably the silliest KZbinr, I enjoyed seeing bts The end was best, hilarious 😂

[@joshnunez518]

One of my favorite interviews y’all have done. And I only knew Max by name (had seen a couple vids)…well he earned a new subscriber from this! Would love to see some more non traditional “creators” from KZbin on the show. VlogCreations (similar to max’s feel good type pranks), MavrikJoos, and Johnny Harris to name a few.

[@BruceLauderdale]

Thought-provoking silliness producer!

[@ayush-vardhan]

Pretty good insights!!

[@nobodys2358]

Instantly connected with Max the moment I’ve seen the Maximus Bucharest video.

[@Geckomayhem]

That was fun. What a tough gig, being an influencer like Max. Netflix show on the cards, perhaps?

[@NatiBrody49]

Hey guys!!!! Love ur stuff ❤❤❤

[@MichelePonte]

I watched that video so long ago that I had no idea it was Max in the London Fashion video 😂

[@OFBusinessSchool]

Max comes across so well here, I think he is so much more likeable when he's just sat down chatting (not saying he's not likeable normally tho)

[@Exploringwithisha]

Love this!!

[@kprinz11]

This is only the 2nd or 3rd video I've seen from you guys and I gotta say, you're really good at what you do. This is gonna sound very backhanded but I mean it very positively, the way you guys are able to discuss topics that frankly are pretentious sounding but manage to come off as not pretentious at all is impressive. Making (from what I gather) entertainment mainly centered around business and the business you're involved in I almost always find as "sniffing your own farts." That type of content usually seems to really boil down to "look how smart we (us and the guest) are about what we do" and very preachy. But you don't come off as that at all. It's very genuinely taking an interest about certain things and earnestly exploring them rather than just praise for the entire time. To be able to tell Max "I just don't think that idea is funny enough" and not come off as just being critical and have him respond well to that is impressive, especially when once people reach a certain level they're not used to being told no to an idea. It shows the respect the guest has for you and has been established throughout the interview. And obviously credit to Max for taking it well.

[@Gingermycat]

Max is someone who me as an American loves so much! He is such a Dont give a fu*k kind of guy and goes with the joke. I remember him talking about how he comes up with his ideas for example (elephant in the room). He takes something small and just magnifies it. He does his videos where no one in the public is harmed except they might look at him and talk about him for years because he can be cringe. I can't wait to see him expand his brand more!