How Tubby Nuggets creators built a 14-million-follower community without chasing the algorithm
The duo behind Tubby Nugget built a massive following by prioritizing community, authenticity, and a whole lot of silliness.
Tubby Nugget, a tiny animated blob, has grown into a character brand with over 14 million followers, plushies, music videos, live appearances, and ambitions that extend beyond the social feed. Started as an inside joke between creators Jenine Pastores and Josh Jackson, the character has become synonymous with wholesome, silly, and optimistic content.
Pastores and Jackson attribute much of Tubby Nugget's success to staying true to the character's original spirit, even as their audience grew. They emphasize the importance of paying attention to the people already showing up, engaging with comments before worrying about larger numbers, and not letting audience size diminish authenticity.
The creators recommend meeting fans in person, as it changes perspective and fosters gratitude. When asked about algorithm considerations, they admit they don't think about it much, as their best content comes from being comfortable and true to themselves. The duo encourages new creators to reply to all comments, as this builds community, and emphasizes enjoying the process and community rather than constantly chasing numbers.
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