Camryn Cossette’s Guide to Going Viral (While Staying 100% You)
When did you first launch your TikTok? How do you reflect on your early content, and what was the most surprising challenge when you first started out?
I’ve had my current TikTok for three years. I used to have a personal one, but after watching other creators, I wanted to restart and create content for fun—so I did!
Listen, I love to consume content so much. I would and still do constantly enjoy content all the time. I was out here from the beginning, I was here from the Musical.ly days. When I was young, maybe when I was in the sixth grade I was already out filming myself. When everything became about TikTok, I was ready.
When I first started out, it felt so competitive, because it is! But also, I didn’t know what kind of content I wanted to lock into. I feel like this is what people struggle with the most in the social media world. Finding your niche… finding your audience who genuinely likes and relates to your content? Most difficult thing. It took me a ton of trial and error. And on top of this, everything is evolving constantly. What worked for me then, might not now etc. Every month actually, I will scroll to the bottom of my feed and literally go through each video and decide if it’s relevant and funny enough to keep. If it’s not, I delete it.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of being a content creator? Is there a specific moment or message from your followers that stands out?
I really like interacting with my followers through comments. I love it when people relate to the comedy I create, or my personality or my interests. I am aware that some of my interests are seen as “nerdy” or weird but since the internet is such a broad place, I’m able to find people who relate to me. Also, I never feel like I have to be anything else other than myself on the internet. People are on my pages to interact with me, not some masked version of me. I am very much more myself on the internet.
It’s interesting because people will see sides of me I would have never noticed on my own. One instance that sticks out in my mind is how many people have commented on how I look like actress, Kathryn Newton. I see it and I wouldn’t have if my followers had not pointed it out.
Can you recall your earliest memories of social media? Was there a particular moment or creator that pushed you to make the leap into creating content?
Do you remember the editing style on Musical.ly that was super twitchy and almost stop motion-y looking? That was my thing! I was so obsessed with it on Musical.ly. That evolved into me doing my makeup online. I can really see how far I’ve come by looking at my older stuff.
I grew up watching beauty gurus all the time on YouTube, and this one specifically, Adelaine Morin. I’ve been watching her since the fourth grade. I still watch her videos all the time! She was also from a small town outside of Toronto and started making videos out of her own bedroom, doing makeup, just like me. I’ve watched her progress, start her own whole business, move to LA… All of these major milestones she has achieved through social media is so inspiring.
Where did you find the confidence to share your personality and talents online? Was there a key moment that made you say, “I’m ready to put myself out there”?
I’ve always felt comfortable because all of this stuff is on my terms. I create in my own home where I feel safe, and create when I feel like creating. I’m on my phone, in my room. I have zero anxiety around it. It’s different from, say performing live. If you were to see me on the street you would see a very quiet and reserved version of me, whereas on my socials I’m super outgoing and talkative. I feel much more like myself on TikTok.
What does your creative process look like from idea to finished video? Do you follow a specific routine, or does it vary depending on your inspiration?
There is not much of a set structure but I do naturally seem to have these habits that are consistent. If I have an idea I will pull my phone out and shoot it without reservation. If I feel like I’m overthinking it too much, I don’t feel like it’s 100% reflective of me. Again, I do constantly watch other creators and love being inspired by different types of content too.
You’ve had quite a few viral moments! How does it feel when a video takes off, and how do you handle the pressure of following up on that success?
I always post for myself first. If others like it or not, it won’t affect me personally. I gain from posting simply because I enjoy the process.
Beyond TikTok, you also play games on Twitch. How do you balance content creation across these platforms, and what excites you the most about streaming live on Twitch?
I again, do not have any set rules for myself. These platforms genuinely reflect my interests as a person. I will naturally just end up posting evenly across my interests. Each platform is a different part of who I am as a person.
Your growth has been incredible in a short amount of time. As you look ahead to the rest of 2024, what are some goals or projects you’re excited to pursue?
I am so excited to post in relation to Halloween. I am so stoked to post makeup stuff but meshed in with cosplay, comedy and Halloween themes. I already have sounds and everything ready for the spooky season. All I have to say is, stay tuned for something involving American Psycho.
Which bands or artists are on your current playlist? How do they influence your mood or creativity?
Right now my phone is propped up against a Sabrina Carpenter vinyl- so yes Sabrina is on my top, top, top right now along with Chappell Roan. I have been playing Chappell Roan on repeat since February. I really like strong female pop artists who I can really relate to and idolize. I love lyrics that are written about life experiences. It’s a good feeling to be able to relate to an artist’s personal experiences.
Who is your celebrity crush, and what makes them your ideal?
Pedro Pascal. He is such a good actor! I’ve seen him in so many different kinds of roles and in every single role, you cannot compare it to his past role. They are so different. Each character is really its own person. It’s also so good to see him be himself, and open about his anxiety. It’s very human and healthy for us to see him acknowledge this part of who he is.
What’s your all-time favorite game, and why does it stand out from the rest?
My favorite game would be Minecraft- I grew up with and beside Minecraft. From my ipod to my iphone to my XBOX to my PC, I’ve been playing it every step of the way. We both have grown up so much, it feels like it’s been evolving with me. The game is so nostalgic to me, Minecraft has been around during my best moments, and my worst moments- it’s always been around for me.
Your makeup skills are amazing! How did you first learn, and are there any makeup artists or tutorials that helped you along the way?
I know I mentioned earlier, I love watching beauty gurus. However, I first started practicing by secretly going through my mom’s makeup. I would do it by myself when I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup. Eventually she did find out and she saw how this was something that made me really happy. She ultimately became super supportive of me. By the seventh grade I was waking up an hour before I was supposed to go to school so I could do my own makeup. It’s a great way for me to express my creativity.
Have you ever considered cosplaying? If so, what character would you love to bring to life?
I would 110% do cosplaying. On my old Musical.ly I used to cosplay just a little bit actually! I have so much respect for cosplayers and those who participate in comic con. Going to a comic con is on my bucket list. One character that I am dying to do is Jinx from Arcane, from League of Legends. I love the animation art style and also the character’s background.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about being a content creator? Is there anything you wish more people understood about your job?
It’s a real job and it’s hard work. Especially where I live, people do not understand this. Social media takes so much out of you, the judgment and everything can be incredibly draining.
TikTok trends come and go quickly. How do you decide which trends to follow and which to pass on, while still staying true to your style?
Sometimes, I will completely miss a trend- they sometimes come and go so quickly! If I don’t feel motivated to follow a trend, I won’t. I don’t force anything from myself. If it feels right, I try to go for it asap.
How do you deal with burnout or creative blocks? Do you have strategies to keep the creativity flowing?
These moments happen alllll the time! Luckily I feel like I never get stuck too long because I unwind and recharge by watching inspiring art. My habits really lead to creative work. When I am relaxed and happy the ideas start flowing again.
From a different angle, something that gives me burnout is overstimulation. As a person with anxiety, this is something I really need to be mindful of. Prevention of burnout is something I do try to do my best with. I sit myself down and prioritize what I need to do and then just take everything one step at a time.
If you could collaborate with any creator or brand, who would it be and why?
I would say this brand called, “Named Collective”, they are an edgier yet elevated clothing brand. The label has these baggy oversized pieces but with a twist… Like a normal zip up hoodie would be covered in rhinestones. That kind of thing. I feel their stuff fits my personality. And ofcourse in terms of people? Adelaine Morin.
What’s been the biggest learning experience in your journey so far? Any mistakes or setbacks that turned into important lessons?
It’s that same subject we were talking about earlier, the constant trial and error. It’s a constant challenge to be coming up with new things to try out if something is not working etcetera. Maybe it’s not a giant thing but it is definitely ongoing.
How do you engage with your followers and build that sense of community?
I feel very in tune with my audience. I look forward to interacting with them and I actively will do so in my comments sections. If they are not respecting my space and boundaries I will not interact but for the most part I really do like the friendship aspect of my interactions and the fact I have this opportunity to do so. I’ve found, as long as I am being consistent, meaning in this case being true to just being myself, I’m able to maintain a sense of community.
Last Question: “Is there anything you want to tell us about yourself, it can be anything”
I am a big animal person. I love animals and have a menagerie of pets- some are considered very odd pets. I have two cats, three lizards, a tarantula… Its very much a zoo here.
