Early Career and YouTube Beginnings
Chris Chann started his YouTube channel in 2009, when he was still a teenager. At first, the channel was mainly a way for him to share his skateboarding progress and tricks with a small community. He quickly stood out due to his impressive technical skills, particularly his expertise with flip tricks, which set him apart from many other skateboarders.
One of the earliest videos that gained him significant attention was his “Dragon Flip” (360 Dolphin Flip) attempt in 2014. This incredibly difficult trick involves a 360-degree flip combined with an underflip. Chris was among the few skaters attempting it at the time, and his success in landing it earned him wide recognition in the skateboarding world.
Rise in Popularity
As Chris’s channel grew, his content expanded beyond just skateboarding tricks. He began incorporating vlogs, challenges, and collaborations with other YouTubers and professional skateboarders. His laid-back, humorous personality shone through, helping him connect with fans who might not have been die-hard skateboard enthusiasts. His ability to combine entertainment and high-level skateboarding made his channel a go-to for both casual viewers and serious skaters.
Throughout his career, Chris has collaborated with various famous YouTubers, such as Danny Duncan and Aaron Kyro (of Braille Skateboarding). These collaborations not only expanded his reach but also helped cement his reputation as one of the most creative and talented skateboarders on the platform.
Partnerships and Sponsorships
As his fame grew, Chris attracted the attention of major skateboarding brands. He became sponsored by major companies like Sk8Mafia (a well-known skateboarding company) and Grizzly Griptape. These sponsorships allowed him to solidify his status as a professional skateboarder. Over time, he also began working with other well-known brands, gaining a wider platform for his skateboarding content.
Expansion into Mainstream Media and Competitions
Though Chris initially gained fame through YouTube, he has also competed in professional skateboarding competitions. He participated in events like Street League Skateboarding (SLS), which is one of the most prestigious skateboarding contests in the world. Though he’s better known for his creative content and tricks, his competition presence demonstrates that he can hold his own in professional skateboarding circuits.
In addition to competing, Chris has appeared in mainstream media. He’s been featured in skateboarding magazines and shows, bringing his unique blend of entertainment and skill to a broader audience outside of YouTube.
Transition to Broader Content Creation
While skateboarding remains the core of his channel, Chris Chann gradually diversified his content to include more general entertainment. He posts videos involving stunts, comedy, pranks, and collaborations with other well-known YouTubers. This transition has helped him maintain his popularity even as the landscape of online video content continues to evolve. His personality-driven content allows him to appeal to a wider audience beyond the skateboarding community.
Current Status and Influence
As of now, Chris Chann continues to be a prominent figure in both the skateboarding and YouTube communities. He has amassed millions of subscribers and his videos consistently receive millions of views. He remains an active skateboarder, regularly posting new tricks, challenges, and adventures.
In addition to his YouTube success, Chris has expanded his brand through merchandise, skate collaborations, and appearances at skateboarding events and exhibitions. His impact on skateboarding is seen through his influence on younger skaters and content creators who look up to him as a pioneer of blending professional skateboarding with online content creation.
Key Highlights of Chris Chann’s Career:
- YouTube Start: Began uploading skateboarding videos in 2009.
- Breakout Trick: Became widely recognized for his successful “Dragon Flip” (360 Dolphin Flip) attempt in 2014.
- Collaborations: Worked with fellow YouTubers and skaters like Danny Duncan and Aaron Kyro.
- Competitions: Participated in Street League Skateboarding and other professional competitions.
- Sponsorships: Signed with major brands like Sk8Mafia and Grizzly Griptape.
- Content Evolution: Transitioned to include vlogs, comedy, and challenges alongside skateboarding content.
