A plumber, who has become a social-media sensation after creating videos explaining how to carry out DIY jobs, wants to inspire the next generation of plumbers. Matt Marciniak, from King's Stanley in Gloucestershire, has more than one million followers on YouTube and Instagram, with about one billion views on his videos. He said he loves showing people the work he does and has recently visited his former college, SGS College, to motivate students to take up the skill.
"I try to create videos where people can learn how to do something useful," he said. Mr. Marciniak, who has been working as a plumber for 17 years, only started making social media videos in 2024. They range from "how to quickly fix a leaking tap" to "easy steps to repairing a toilet."
"I first started taking pictures of my work because I thought it was good," Mr. Marciniak said. "I saw a video on Facebook saying 'how to solder a copper pipe,' and it must have had four million views. I thought I could definitely do that." He has since made more than 800 videos, which have been watched by more than one billion people.
"Because I do things in a way where you don't hear me talking, it's the noise of the tools, the audience can be worldwide," Mr. Marciniak said. "I think when you create content, you need to provide some sort of purpose that someone can actually get something from," he added. He said over time, he figured out which videos would do well on social platforms. "When you've done it for a long period of time, as you're editing the video, you see the clips and think they're really going to like that bit," Mr. Marciniak said.
As of April 19, 2025, YouTube is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The platform has transformed how users consume video content, making it easier to share and embed videos. The first video uploaded to YouTube was titled "Me at the Zoo" and featured co-founder Jawed Karim. Over the years, YouTube has hosted some of the most significant and viral videos, including "Charlie Bit My Finger" and "Baby Shark Dance," which has amassed 15.7 billion views as of November 2020.
Reflecting on the evolution of YouTube, it is evident that the platform has become a cultural staple, with content ranging from music videos to DIY tutorials. In 2024, the trailer for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI broke the record for the most views in 24 hours, showcasing the platform's continued relevance in the entertainment industry.
Meanwhile, in Jackson, Mississippi, local content creator Bradie Hightower, also known as Super Mac, has gone viral for using his platform to address ongoing issues in the city. Hightower, a lifelong resident, expressed his frustration with problems being overlooked. "They call me Super Mac. I’m saving the city, and we ain’t just stopping in Jackson. We’re going worldwide," he said.
Hightower gained national recognition for creating content centered around addressing concerns in the capital city. He shared a personal experience that sparked his activism: "I woke up one day, I had to go buy a tag for my car, and it was as high as a giraffe’s tail. So, I said, ‘You know what, I need to see where my money is going.’” He visited the local zoo and pointed out the potholes and other issues plaguing the city.
In response to community concerns, a member of the Zoo Area Progressive Partners (ZAPP) reported that the group recently held a cleanup project in April 2025. "We had over 90 people come out and help us out with the event. We did things such as cut the grass, weed-wacked, and organized the stakes that were falling down," said Ray McCants, a ZAPP member. The group was able to complete 15 of the 19 tasks they set out to accomplish.
Hightower remains committed to using his social media platforms to shine a light on issues in Jackson. "We going to get the whole city. Everybody that got these contracts and getting this money and ain’t doing nothing, it’s time to have some fun, get your equipment and come on!” he declared. City officials have stated they are working to provide solutions to as many issues as possible in the near future.
As we look back at the past two decades of YouTube and the rise of content creators like Marciniak and Hightower, it’s clear that social media has become a powerful tool for education and advocacy. From DIY plumbing tips to community activism, these creators are leveraging their platforms to inspire change and engage audiences worldwide.
