Think Like a Creator

Why Every John Nellis Video Goes Viral


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If you watch football content on YouTube, there's no way you haven't seen John Nellis.

In just 12 months, he went from 1 million to 10 million subscribers.

That's not just growth. That's a phenomenon.

Behind every viral video, every perfectly crafted hook, every retention-optimized second—there's a system.

And today, we're pulling back the curtain on exactly how it works.

John Nellis and his business partner Alex have cracked the code on YouTube football content.

They've built a lean, obsessive, best-in-class operation that consistently delivers videos with tens of millions of views.

From cooking a steak in a football stadium to spending 100 hours trying to meet Messi, their ideas are simple, universal, and engineered for virality.

But the real magic isn't just in the ideas—it's in the execution.

This episode is a masterclass in retention science, storytelling structure, and the forensic attention to detail that separates good content from generational content.

We discuss why packaging is everything, how they script every line with surgical precision, and why they'll delay a video for five months just to get the perfect payoff.

John and Alex break down their journey from 6,000 subscribers to over 11 million, the delusional confidence it took to quit their jobs, and how they generated 400 million views during the 2022 World Cup.

We explore their partnership structure, why they work with YouTube strategist Seb Losardo, and how they've built a team of just six people that competes with channels backed by hundreds.

From the importance of holding the viewer's hand to why every thumbnail is tested relentlessly, this is the blueprint for modern YouTube success.

If you're a creator, this is required viewing.

If you're trying to understand the creator economy, this is your education.

John Nellis isn't just making videos—he's building a generational publishing business.

And it's only just beginning.

Welcome to Think Like a Creator 🧠💭

Your guide to the creator universe.

No flashy set. No gimmicks. No fluff.

Just a show with one goal: be the bridge between the worlds of business and content.

As the Manager of the Sidemen, I've been navigating these worlds longer than most.

No matter which side you come from, it can be confusing. So I'm here to help.

I want businesses to think more like creators and creators to think more like businesses.

Whether you're a YouTube nerd or you've never even heard the term 'Creator Economy' - I've got you covered.

Right here. Every Thursday.

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Think Like a CreatorBy Jordan Schwarzenberger