Vansh Upadhyay: I Stopped Chasing Views and Started Building Trust [Lifestyle & Humour Creator, 80K+ Followers]

Vansh Upadhyay Interview

Vansh Upadhyay believes sustainable influence isn't built by chasing views—it's built through authenticity and vulnerability. His biggest insight challenges a common stereotype: opening up isn't a weakness; it's one of the strongest things a creator can do.

Q. For readers discovering you for the first time, who is Vansh Upadhyay beyond the Instagram handle @butwhyvansh?

I was born and raised in Lucknow in a middle-class joint family. Growing up, I was always one of the toppers in school, but life wasn't without its challenges. We didn't have much, and many of the odds were stacked against us.

The person who shaped me the most was my mother. She taught me that no matter what your circumstances are, you should never stop working hard. That mindset helped me lose 40 kilograms when I was just 16. After turning 18, I worked as a delivery executive, cleaner, and took on other minimum-wage jobs to support my expenses while completing my bachelor's degree on a 100% scholarship.

I don't see my journey as a sob story. Like everyone else, I've had my share of ups and downs, but I've also been fortunate to receive opportunities exactly when I needed them. Looking back, I'm grateful for every experience that brought me here.

Q. What has been the most unexpected opportunity content creation has brought into your life?

Content creation has opened doors I never imagined. I've had the opportunity to work with brands I genuinely admired long before becoming a creator.

One experience that stands out was a fully sponsored trip to Goa with my partner, Ella, through a collaboration with a camera brand. It remains one of the most memorable moments of my journey because it felt like a dream turning into reality.

Q. You've built a loyal audience in an increasingly crowded creator economy. What makes people stay?

I believe it comes down to three things: authenticity, relatability, and having one or more clear niches.

Audiences can tell when someone isn't being genuine. People naturally gravitate towards creators they relate to—people who feel like they're part of the same tribe. For example, someone passionate about fitness may enjoy watching a bodybuilder because they see a reflection of their own interests. If that same creator also shares food content or other aspects of life, they naturally expand their audience while remaining authentic.

Ultimately, people stay because they connect with the person behind the content, not just the content itself.

Q. Your content often reflects Gen Z culture. What do you think your generation understands better than previous generations?

I'm Gen Z, so it's only natural that my content reflects my generation.

One thing I genuinely admire about Gen Z is our willingness to be honest—with ourselves and with others. We often hear people say, "Gen Z is too soft," simply because we're more open about anxiety, depression, or emotional struggles.

I see it differently. Previous generations also experienced stress, fear, and uncertainty, but many felt pressured by the constant thought of "Log kya kahenge?" As a result, they often stayed in relationships they didn't enjoy, chose careers they didn't truly want, and kept their struggles to themselves.

Opening up about vulnerability isn't weakness. It takes courage. I believe acknowledging what you're going through is one of the strongest things a person can do.

Q. Looking back at your earliest videos, what's one mistake newer creators should avoid today?

In the beginning, I created content without speaking on camera and mostly focused on making random memes that generated high views.

I became obsessed with numbers instead of building a meaningful connection with my audience.

Over time—and with a lot of credit to Ella—I learned that lasting influence comes from creating content people genuinely remember, not just content that performs well for a day. That shift completely changed my perspective.

Today, I firmly believe in quality over quantity.

Q. If your followers had to describe you in just three words, what do you think they'd choose? And what three words would you choose for yourself?

My audience would probably say: Green flag, handsome, and funny.

I would describe myself as: Handsome, funny, and loving.

Bio

Vansh Upadhyay is a digital creator, influencer, and storyteller known for his relatable humor, lifestyle content, and engaging short-form videos. Through his social media presence under the handle @butwhyvansh, he has built a loyal community by blending everyday experiences, light-hearted comedy, and authentic personal moments. His content resonates strongly with Gen Z audiences, who appreciate his candid personality, sharp observations, and effortless screen presence.

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Interviewed By Tarunanshi Sharma