Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonathan Rocci. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jonathan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

At the beginning of my content creation journey in 2020, I started with no clear goals, aspirations, or expectations. Like many, I turned to content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when options for entertainment were limited, and social distancing kept us apart from loved ones. In the midst of isolation and the challenges of mental health, content creation became my lifeline, helping me stay connected to the world.

I began streaming on Twitch in May 2020 with a simple goal: to bring a little joy to people’s lives. As someone new to the world of streaming, I knew my journey would be one of growth and learning from the ground up. I set out to build a community, or as I call it, the “Saxter Fam,” where each member could find a reason to smile, even during such challenging times. As my channel grew, from becoming affiliated to achieving partnership just over a year later, I realized that I was onto something meaningful.

Reflecting on my journey, I wish I had diversified my content across multiple platforms from the start. Content creation is about finding your niche and doing what you love. It’s easy to burn out when you focus solely on rapid success, rather than the passion for the craft. Growth is important, but staying grounded and remembering why you started is crucial.

In today’s landscape, utilizing multiple platforms and not relying on just one is vital. The rise of short-form content on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram has shifted the focus, but there remains a strong need for long-form content as well. Livestreams offer a unique opportunity to engage with your community in real-time, fostering both meaningful and enjoyable conversations. For those looking to grow, I recommend embracing short-form content and repurposing it across all platforms. YouTube, in particular, offers a powerful combination of long-form content and vertical livestreams, which can boost your visibility in the algorithm. The same goes for TikTok.

Building a community is about more than just streaming. Platforms like Discord allow you to stay connected with your audience even when you’re offline, serving as a hub for your content and fostering deeper connections. It’s important to remember that we’re all human and that content creation is a learning process. Every day brings new lessons and opportunities to grow.

There’s a common misconception that you need the best setup or technology to succeed. While great equipment can help, it’s your passion and creativity that truly make your content special. I started with just an iPad Pro, a controller, and a pair of Apple earbuds, and that’s when I realized the power of doing something you genuinely enjoy.

Content creation is all about trial and error. Tools like Wondershare Filmora and CapCut are fantastic for editing, and they’re free to use. With patience, appreciation for the journey, and a love for what you do, success will follow. It’s not just about the big picture; it’s about celebrating every small achievement along the way. Staying humble, taking risks, and trying new things are key to growth in this ever-evolving field.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Born Jonathan R near Toronto, Canada, and known online as JSaxter, I discovered my passion for content creation at the age of 8. With my parents’ guidance, I began my journey by making fun and silly dance videos in my basement, which I uploaded to YouTube primarily for my family to enjoy. My early supporters were my biggest fans—my family, especially my cousins, who would always watch, subscribe, and encourage me to keep going.

Over the years, I experimented with various types of content, from dance videos and vlogs to reaction channels. I’ve gone through many phases, trying out everything, but what I loved most was livestreaming, creating videos where I had complete creative control, and engaging with my community, the “Saxter Fam.” For me, content creation isn’t just about posting videos; it’s about the art, the creativity, and most importantly, the passion behind it.

I particularly enjoy making short-form videos on YouTube, often using a green screen to create relatable POV content that resonates with both existing Saxter Fam members and new viewers. The green screen allows me to explore endless possibilities, bringing my ideas to life in ways that feel limitless. I take pride in every green screen video and POV I create because they capture a specific essence in a short amount of time. Being able to tell a compelling story in such a brief period is something I’m truly proud of.

My passion lies in content creation, whether it’s short-form, long-form, or livestreaming. Livestreaming holds a special place in my heart because it allows me to connect with some of my favorite people in the world—The Saxter Fam. I’m incredibly grateful for my supportive family and community, who inspire me every day to continue doing what I love. While I create content because I enjoy it, my ultimate goal is to bring smiles to their faces and make the world a little brighter, one day at a time.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a content creator in the public eye, one challenge I’ve often faced is others using against me the fact that I am a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m incredibly proud of who I am, and I firmly believe that the first person you need to make happy each day is yourself. We are all born unique, beautiful, intelligent, creative, and filled with countless wonderful qualities. There’s no one else we should aspire to be other than our true selves. However, being in the public forum, you inevitably encounter both positive and negative feedback. People may insult you or call you names, but it’s important to remember that words only carry the value we assign to them.

If someone treats you poorly, it’s not a reflection of your worth; it’s a reflection of their own unresolved issues. I always hope that those who bully others can grow and change because I believe in the potential for personal growth. But it’s crucial to recognize that bullies don’t hold the power—we do. If they see that their words or actions don’t affect us, they’re less likely to continue. Instead, they might take a step back and reflect on their behavior.

One message I consistently share with The Saxter Fam and fellow content creators who face hate is this: Treat your channel, livestream, or page like your home. You wouldn’t allow someone unkind or unpleasant into your home, and if you do, they certainly wouldn’t be invited back. The ban and block buttons are your security system, your way of protecting your space. Your channel is your home—a place where you and others should feel safe. It’s essential to maintain that positive, protective energy, ensuring that your space remains special and secure.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I love this question because its extremely important… The most rewarding aspect of being a content creator/creative is that I get to put a smile on everyone’s faces every single day. Knowing that I can utilize my platform for good and allow everyone in The Saxter Fam to smile. to laugh, to allow ourselves to be silly and unapologetically ourselves is exactly why I do what I do. There is so much negativity and toxicity on the internet, and I want to utilize my platform to speak positivity into existence and allow for vulnerable and honest conversations where we can support one another and we can feel safe. The Saxter Fam is truly a safe space fo everyone and for as long as I do this — hopefully the rest of my life — that will forever be the most rewarding aspect of my journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jsaxter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsaxter/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560808983559
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-r-825576299/
• Twitter: https://x.com/SaxterJ
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JSaxter
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@saxterj