Meet the Shaytards: the story behind the first family of YouTube

You may not know them if they were walking down the street. But an Idaho family's home movies have millions upon millions of fans and a deal that could be worth a billion dollars. So, how did they do it?

[@Haloskeeper1]

♡ I have been watching them for years as well. As a Christian woman their positivity and their outlook on life is what keeps me watching. Even my tattooed manly man husband catches a glimpse here and there and never complains when i watch their vlogs!! I remember back when they were on a tight budget trying to teach their kids the value of money. I love their story and where they came from. I love Shays passion and Collette's sweet spirit. They changed my heart about Mormons and i couldn't respect them more. If anyone deserves the success its the Shaytards! ♡♡

[@786teflondon]

Proud to say, every clip that was shown within that presentation I have seen. No family on the internet deserves more recognition and success than the shaytards, they have inspired and given hope to millions! I wish them many more blessed years ;)

[@mblabezza]

Love the shaytards! Very happy for their success! Lol at the clip in the background dancing with the clothes.

[@Nowehi305]

Me too..

[@coolgirls7567]

me to

[@allysoncarpenter919]

I'm one of the people that the vlogs just popped up and I was hooked the shaytards definitely changed my life so much I can't wait to see the vlogs since I discovered them in about may or something like that of 2013 i watch old vlogs to see when they got Zeke video's of Malachi to see baby tard's 6 th bday brotard's 1st birthday all of the music videos especially princess tard's music video for forever love i still find myself watching it every time it pops up i love it I especially love shay's fun personality but becomes serious when he has to for his kids bye see you online love you shaytards

[@laurenmaria9114]

me to!!

[@mlifemylife]

same here

[@allysoncarpenter919]

Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@caitlin_w]

I guess compared to other news stories about KZbinrs this was done reasonably well, but there is still that dismissiveness of the traditional media. At the end, especially, when the female anchor says "Not bad for just documenting your day-to-day life." Saying things like that imply that what the Shaytards do is not actual work, and that's simply not true. The editing, the uploading, and the actual filming, as well as the necessity to be interesting for at least ten minutes a day for the vlog, is work, and for them to suggest otherwise is disrespectful towards not only the Shaytards but also all other KZbinrs.

[@solafilms]

I agree!

[@cezzie901]

"The editing, the uploading, and the actual filming, as well as the necessity to be interesting for at least ten minutes a day for the vlog, is work," - Are you actually saying these words?

[@solafilms]

cezzie901 Whats wrong with those words?

[@caitlin_w]

***** I understand your point about the time aspect, but saying that this work isn't technical? Tending cattle isn't all that "technical" but would you say that it isn't real work because of that? What is the standard your using? How can you compare jobs using just that criteria?

[@kaylakayla4033]

Caitlin W AMEN! PREACH SISTAH!!

[@productions4386]

When shay said viewers click on one video and we hook em in that's what happened to me I clicked one vid and I can't stop

[@blondexbutterfly4732]

Me too I saw a video in my suggestion box and I was curious so I clicked it and now I'm addicted

[@cricket_bones28]

+JJProductions74 same

[@CarlosRivera-ms5ru]

Me to I saw a video on my suggestion box I clicked it and I quickly subscribed because I knew they were going to be great youtubers

[@lesbianmads_im_proud_stem_27]

same here

[@laquayanettles9622]

+JJProductions74 same

[@andrewmacdaniels212]

I hope to have a family like shay's one day, he's truly a motivation.

[@libbymillion]

YES SHAY I LOVE YOU AND EMMI AND BROCK AND AVIA DAXTON AND GAVIN AND COLETTE! You are such an inspiration and I think as you as a dad😘love youu xx

[@marleneflore4809]

Even though its not my life I feel happy for the shaytards for having the best time of your life. And make the best out of your life because it never comes back.

[@aaskeleton]

LOVE shaytards! Shay never ceases to provide content that gives joy to my life while displaying, love, morals, faith, and inspiration.

[@the3agsisters444]

ONG, I can't believe I missed this on the news yesterday!!!!!

[@diveenbalakumar1178]

Thankyou for putting vlogs up daily shay u r da best

[@louiseday580]

those people are making fun of the most fun and exciting family I have ever seen

[@elzamonbebe1612]

I love the Shaytards, they show a healthy family and how much they love and take care of their children!!

[@qazwsx031500]

You guys have really changed my life I feel sad all I do is click my youtube button and then pops up you as in your wonderful bright happy family and then each dat a new journey begins hater back off you are not going to let down this family. Shaytards I love you so much xoxo-allytard

[@FaitHope1]

It's so weird cause I remember seeing the vlog of them cleaning the house because they were gonna be on tv

[@funnybonetickeler]

They were talking about this

[@laurap9428]

I'm 46 and I'm hooked to the Shaytards. Shay has a talent with expressing himself and he has great dialect, sense of humor and an innocence that created this vlog into a huge success. Also, Mommytard is an amazing woman. She is tender, funny, without guile and so cute. I cannot see anyone else that could ever create something so perfect and fun and tender. I love them.

[@jazminreames4418]

I love the shaytards so much everyday I watch them, and when I'm on my phone or my laptop my parents are always saying what is up with me watching the shaytards all the time and I say go watch them and find out, and when I'm at school I tell kids all about them and there always like what is with me talking about them all the time cause that's the only thing I talk about is the shaytards. But I just love them so much and I'm proud of all the work that shay puts into of making these vlogs everyday and he's just an amazing person, and he's put his whole life on here so he can show and share his love with the world, and he just encourages me every single day to believe in myself and get to a goal I want to be or do. But I love the shaytards so much ❤😘😘❤ ###BEST FAMILY ON KZbin ###SHAYTARDS 4-LIFE

[@shoeyethink]

this family deserves nothing less than love and success! love them!

[@marielord4988]

GOO SHAYTARDDSSS! Wooooaahh I'm so proud of u yayyy! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Eszra]

I remember fallin in love with this family and for two and a half years my late mother and I adored them. At first my mother hated me even watching them because of the their name Shaytards and the kids names too. But I got her. All it took was baby Daxton. My mom loved their son so much that when I told her he had fallen out of his highchair she began to cry as if he were her own child. Thank you Shaytards for giving my mother something I always tried to give her, true and pure happiness.

[@SJ-jn1dv]

I love the Shaytards. My friend told me about them and now every time I see a notification I get so excited. They are hilarious, I love them.

[@purplepassion2431]

The shaytards have truly changed my life and most things that I think about and all the life lessons that i've learned and I really hope they will never end making their videos and making people happy

[@LaviniaDeMortalium]

_200 acre's_ ??!! Holy cow! I had no idea it was that big!

[@sydney2898]

It 220

[@sydney2898]

But still that's A LOT

[@caitlinfrancis5807]

I am just proud about them being a happy family

[@auraofem]

I have been watching the Shaytatds for 5+ years now! they have become a part of my daily routine! Great interview (:

[@abdullaalduwaisan]

lol same here they are the best

[@KatieElizabeth13]

"not bad for just documenting your day to day life" How dare she shay has to spend hours editing along with looking after 5 kids ,keeping track of trixin and also recording and writing the book with gavin I think he does a lot more than you honey all you need to do is sit in front of a camera and read a script.

[@samokeefe8100]

Well said that is right

[@musicbangers5674]

amen they just feel like shit because they probably feel that its not fair that they are on the news everyday and not getting the kind of money shay is getting.What they dont realize is shay has been vloging for years along with restless nights with edediting along with 5 kids and owning a very succecful company.He deserves millions if dollars and everything they own.People love them for who they are and i personaly think they are an amazing family.Also ik that because I have watched their videos since day one.I love and respect the shaytards and they should too.And yes your right all they do is ist infront of a camera and read a damn script while their getting their little touch ups of makeup and hairspray.Shay actually wirked hard to get that far and im proud if them

[@youtubefan2909]

Thank you for sticking up for Shay and his family. Don't think she realizes what you stated about them

[@Rebekahlavy]

i am so proud of them this just shows me that i can change my ways i am kid now at 14 and have been watching them since i was 9 in 2009 and my family isn't perfect and when i have kids i am gonna try and have my family life like theirs i love shay so much and seeing him starting from nothing to what he owns now in just 5 YRS is amazing to me

[@lillyhummer4997]

I love the shaytards they have change my life they r my 2 family

[@mlifemylife]

same here

[@shynncat9647]

Shaytards are the best!!! I'm so glad they have this hugs succes in their life!

[@connorstubbs2469]

Shay is right when I clicked on his video for the first time I started watching the vlogs every day instresting family

[@somiaabdulghafoor6292]

I've been watching them exactly 5 years almost 6 wow we ❤️shaytards

[@Rebekahlavy]

same

[@VlogEpicness]

Will we ever see another Shaytard's video again???

[@karlam3220]

Oh wow just seeing this was amazing I love the shaytards and there wonderful family

[@stellacook6206]

I have been watching the Shaytards for three and half years! They have taught to stay happy and look at the bright side!! They are truly an inspiration to me!! Hopefully I can make it to vidcon 2k 16

[@madisongasper]

The Shaytards are my idol! They are so dearly loved. I watch them everyday all day for the past couple years. If i could ask for anything it would be to meet them. :)

[@Elizabeth-0303]

Did they say blog! ITS VLOG

[@gracelyncx]

Your picture is amazing XD

[@Elizabeth-0303]

thank you 💙Gracelyn Gaming💙

[@SocalBabayy]

We love you shaytards!

[@oliviahall8646]

I'm so happy for them!

[@robvarela9978]

The shaytards met a really good goal,you guys d the best!!:)

[@SmilePeaceLoveLive]

It kills to watch this after the scandal

[@nitreecajeannoel3719]

I LOVE the shaytards I watch them every single day :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)

[@brookelyncrank4935]

I absolutely love the shaytards!!❤️

[@wolfteamnub]

Shaytards is love, Shaytards is life. Been watching Shaytards for almost like 3 to 4 years. #ShayTardsRebellionites

[@ashleyrock8064]

my life was made form you i love you best peple ever you have changed my life since you started youtube thankyou you are the best peple ever you have changed my life and your making it better you are the best peple ever and agin thankyou so much for changing my life

[@sheanharewood3576]

Shaytards are awesome🎉🎊🎉✨✨✨💫

[@kzkkhan23]

Americans needed channel like this for future generation

[@Realdealpeels]

Shaytards:) so exciting to be on the news!!!

[@dominiquerobertson9221]

OMG Iam so proud of the shaytards😘

[@evabusola]

Love love love the shaytards lol videos are so funny😀😀😀😊😊😊☺☺😇

[@legendshaytards1395]

I wish I can spent a day with them, they are so amazing:)

[@jadeforsyth6731]

i love them so much, they have changed my life so much!

[@jadoreux]

Shay looks just like Logan in this!! Never really noticed it before but he really does!

[@henryedge2489]

They said it's been 7 years since they started vlogging it is just about to be six years

[@rylieallison3375]

I caught that too.

[@RoisinColette]

Shay used to vlog on his Shaycarl channel originally . So he means its about to be six years on the Shaytards channel - if that makes sense

[@taylorjenson9901]

This is my area and it was watching the news and this came up I cried i was so happy!

[@raychall3]

Have to watch them every single day

[@FIELDSROBERT]

They are so relatable!!

[@mileswoodworth]

i love these people. great vid.

[@sofiagarcia8285]

Omg I looked at this video and maybe started crying because I have been there for the whole journey

[@EZee213]

Shaytards= The First Family of KZbin

[@shaunamartin4391]

We are VIEWERS not fans!

[@agsunset7082]

No we are FAMILY MEMBERS

[@lovelylouro]

Disney bought Maker for $1Billion??!! OMG. Wow.

[@BJ-69]

No it was 500million

[@jenniferp5256]

Still. Lots of money

[@nickquick2272]

I watch their videos every day

[@stuartmaddocks5568]

Shaytards viewer from the United Kingdom

[@opticminecart7073]

I even though I am Christian I need to see their videos everyday after school.

[@cusinsforever45gymnast22]

they have changed my life

[@ANIKKABRYNN]

They've changed my life

[@jessicakhoshaba4851]

God bless your family I love u guys

[@ishasidhu]

Shaytards are sooooooooo amazing

[@R621-v8k]

They have 2 billion views now! :)

[@kaylaisomega]

We aren't fans, we are family!

[@brilana189]

i love you SHAY

[@carlobeirnes5593]

I love the shaytards

[@MonsterPipelinePunch]

shaytards are the best

[@mandyliu246]

I love you shaytards!

[@memyselfnlooms1711]

Not 7 years 5 years

[@tarrahgaris]

I love the Shaytards !

[@MsBigD212]

Shaytards for life

[@Yami7171]

i love u guys im proud of u guys!!!!

[@kristenleiker6638]

what is the vlog at 1:53 Someone please tell me Thank You

[@shaytardsbiggestfan1641]

The shaytards are my life!!!

[@ashehansen9908]

Love you guys soooooooooooo much

[@Theebestest86]

Love them!!!

[@Saranr-tu6gr]

I love the shaytards❤️

[@jewls73184]

THis might be an old clip!! BUT I LOVE THIS FAMILY!!

[@MissShaneice]

man this is awsome

[@cattastic8775]

The shaytards always remings me of pinkypie cause how there all ways happy

[@kaitlynb5324]

Wow I' m so happy for you, Shaytards. You're so successful. So that this News Report didn't do you Justice.

[@MaleahSophia]

Does anybody know the exact camera they use? Please help

[@kelvin-xc7fb]

OMG!! THEY ARE ON THE NEWS!!!

[@deborahhan3561]

I LOVE THEM!

[@sydneyfimbres9851]

And there throwing this all away

[@Mayzie205]

Happy Humble Homestead just be happy they make videos there not deleting the channels there just taking a break it's their choice choice

[@markv3107]

I love these guys so much but they deserve a break they dont seem as happy any more and it shows in the vlogs...

[@NicoleEire]

Sydney Fimbres

[@lyna.shanel]

No , now theyre back😛😛

[@wolfluver6749]

they made my like abetter place when im sad i wach the shaytrads

[@emmastewart590]

Don't get confused by shays whimsical personality he is a savy businessman 😒serecly. Ps I am a really bad speller

[@badnewskellyleak5974]

Shaytards are the best.

[@rosannesim9591]

am a shaytards fan !!!

[@rugile.r4272]

Don't get me wrong I love the shaytards but they aren't daily anymore because they got there money and don't need this anymore😶no offence though just my opinion🐶

[@camerongrant568]

+Bakingprincess yeah plus it has to end someday. I think their vlogs will continue for a long time but the whole "daily vlogs" thing where they need to film themselves everyday and make videos entertaining to watch must get harder as the years go on. So it kinda makes sense why they would stop doing videos every single day especially as they no longer need to financially

[@shelhark323]

they didn't do a Thanksgiving vlog 😭

[@shelhark323]

what if they don't do a Christmas special vlog😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@samokeefe8100]

The kids will carry it on for God sake man they have 5 kids one of them has to carry it on they all live being in front of the camera and lives to make other people laugh and smile..

[@therichgang8382]

+Shel Hark They did both

[@jordiezimmerman9104]

They made my life better

[@abbylake6865]

I LUV U SHAYTARDS!!!!!!

[@noahsark1962]

Yah I'm hooked.:)

[@haileymatts77]

Omg I thought at the beginning he said "little old guy" 😂😂😂 ded