Nine months ago, Chris Hardwick‘s Nerdist YouTube channel was a subscriber-free blank slate with nothing more than a heap of YouTube money and a dream. In that time period, Hardwick has brought more than 350,000 subscribers to the nerd culture-oriented channel, making it one of the most successful entries in the YouTube Original Channels Initiative. Given Hardwick’s rapid video success, it’s not surprising to hear the upcoming Streamys host talk about how at home he feels on YouTube.
Hardwick sat down with Shira Lazar on the latest episode of What’s Trending to discuss his hosting gig. “It’s not like I’m a guy who’s on TV where they’re like ‘Do you want to host these awards?’ and I’m like ‘What is this in?'” quipped Hardwick. “I make content like you. This is my world, and so I’m actually honored to host the Streamys with all these amazing content creators.” Sure enough, Nerdist’s rapid rise has made Hardwick one of the kings of YouTube; only 15 of YouTube’s Original Channels have more subscribers.
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Hardwick is a fitting Streamys host not just because of his success, but because of what he represents. Nerdist’s numerous web series have featured a host of Internet stars, and it seems like every week another big name from the YouTube community joins Hardwick on his All-Star Celebrity Bowling program. His efforts to collaborate with all sorts of creators embodies the spirit of online video, one that will be celebrated at Sunday’s awards.
As far as hosting duties are concerned, it also doesn’t hurt that he has those piercing green eyes, which you see if you tune in to the Streamys, starting Sunday, February 17th at 3 PM PT/6 PM ET.
