Zay Dante engages with an extraordinary volume of music, and it reflects in his creations. His TikTok clips concerning the Drake and Kendrick controversy and his humorous takes on mainstream tracks resonate due to his informed perspective that lends them significance. This commitment has enabled him to amass over 2.5 million followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.

Dante is not merely discussing music; he is producing it. He unveiled his first EP, TBTV, on March 27, receiving largely favorable feedback. At VidCon 2025, we conversed with Dante, a spotlight creator, regarding his journey into music, sources of inspiration for his videos, and his rise to nearly two million followers on TikTok.

**How has social media influenced your entry into the music scene?**

It’s a straightforward link. I began producing parody tracks around 2020, though not with much seriousness. After my initial parody song gained traction, I recognized that I should pursue this path. Following the EP’s release, I was pleasantly surprised by its affirmative reception. I’m aware that parody music often carries a stigma, but several tracks on my EP focused on pure music-making rather than humor. I was elated that people appreciated it and eager to create more.

**How much time do you dedicate to listening to music? Are you using Spotify?**

Last year, I spent 50,000 or 60,000 minutes on Spotify, but I also utilize Apple Music. I enjoyed Apple Music but missed out on Spotify Wrapped. I couldn’t tolerate the feeling of being excluded.

**When creating those videos about Kendrick and Drake, did you feel any apprehension?**

Absolutely. I was anxious and aimed to be balanced. I never wished for Kendrick to act as he did or for Drake to face such a significant loss, but it unfolded that way.

**Has anything this year caught you off guard?**

Pusha T’s latest album launch has been incredible. I didn’t foresee making content related to it, but it’s been thrilling.

**Who do you want to collaborate with the most?**

Naturally, Kendrick. If Drake were more agreeable, him too. Tyler, The Creator. SZA. The Weeknd. All of them.

**How do you generate your ideas?**

I browse through and observe what discussions are happening, but I also reflect back to the 2010s.

**Can you describe your creation process?**

I employ the Notes app for songwriting and CapCut for editing purposes. I also utilize CapCut for tracks that reference original music. Producers craft the beats, but I produce reference tracks within CapCut.

**I anticipated you would mention Logic.**

My producer, Demko, works with Ableton, but I’m not familiar with it. I have a setup in my garage where I jot down notes, use my MacBook, headphones, and phone to lay down vocals over the beats and refine them.

**What type of headphones do you utilize?**

I use Sony over-the-ear headphones.

**I admire the quality of your headphones, yet you’re editing in CapCut.**

I’m pushing CapCut to its extremes. It frequently shuts down, but I remind myself I’m undertaking tasks that are out of the ordinary.

**Do you back up your work on a drive?**

No.

**I’m quite worried for you.**

I store YouTube videos and long-form content on a drive, but I can create short-form videos anytime on TikTok.

**When did you come to the realization that content creation could become a full-time career?**

I began in 2020 and recognized it could be a profession about a year in when I reached around a million followers. Back then, hitting a million followers meant relocating to LA, so I did.

**Yeah, I’ve heard that’s a rule.**

Yeah, it’s mentioned in TikTok’s privacy guidelines. One million followers? You have to move to LA.

**Were you earning income solely through the Creator Fund?**

Yes, from the Creator Fund and brand partnerships.

**What was your inaugural brand collaboration?**

What Do You Meme? was my first significant deal. I had previously engaged in smaller arrangements involving free products, but this was my first paid venture, based on viewership, which facilitated my move to LA.

**Do you incorporate AI in your content creation?**

No, I don’t get involved with it.

**Why is that?**

I’m not a fan. It makes me uneasy. As AI evolves, I foresee myself resembling an older individual unable to convert things into PDFs.

**Do you have suggestions for creators aiming to produce viral content?**

Be authentic. It’s a cliché, but online, everyone is feeding into an algorithm in an unnatural way. Create what you find amusing, rather than what you assume will go viral.

**Do you have advice for those grappling with the embarrassment of content creation?**

Persist. Sometimes videos may not perform well, but most people won’t notice. You’re not the central figure online. If it underwhelms, who cares? If it succeeds, excellent. Do more of that.