You may have seen dance videos on the streets, in shops, or at train stations, but we can guarantee that you have never seen a dance video like Sugapuff. Sugapuff is a social media content creator who enjoys expressing himself and entertaining others through the power of social media – particularly on Instagram and TikTok.
After gaining millions of views on his TikTok videos, Sugapuff continues to surprise his followers through his dance videos which are captured in different locations in London. Our exclusive interview goes deeper into who Sugapuff is, how he gained thousands of followers within days, and where he gets his confidence from.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you became an online influencer?
SP: I’m Sugapuff, an Entertainment Presenter from London. During the pandemic, I started creating dance videos as a way to keep myself active. I’ve interviewed some of the biggest stars in music, tv, film, and fashion. My aim is to spread love, kindness, and positive vibes around the world with my content.
When Instagram Reels launched I got my first viral on Instagram to Taylor Swift’s 22 with 6.5 Million views – that made me realise I should start creating more content of me dancing. I wouldn’t describe myself as an influencer. I like to share things that I enjoy creating while having fun at the same time. Recently I’ve been keen to show more of myself so my supporters get to know me more.
2. You have over 14k followers on IG but it seems as though you blew up on TikTok. What was your reaction to the quick growth on TikTok?
SP: As mentioned before, when Instagram Reels launched I got my first viral on my Instagram with Taylor Swift’s 22 its reaching 6.5 Million views. My followers and interactions grew on TikTok after having the viral on Instagram, and my first viral on Instagram gave me the push to do more.
When I read the sweet comments, it does make me feel happy that I contributed to someone feeling a positive emotion. All my virals have been my dancing TikToks and recently, clips from parties and launches that I attend have been doing well on TikTok. I think people enjoy how people react to my upbeat personality.
3. What video made you go viral and why do you think it did so well?
SP: Many years ago I had viral interviews with Ariana Grande and Fifth Harmony and a few British groups. That’s how my face was seen worldwide for the first time but that was in my freelance days when interviewing was the only thing I did. Clips from these interviews go viral on various pages every year.
This year on TikTok I achieved my highest views with 13.5 Million views to Duke & Jones and Louis Theroux – Jiggle Jiggle. That video got me on LadBible, Puberty, The Arch Bishop Of Banterbury, and several other social media pages. I think that video did really well as it was filmed from a CCTV screen while I was filming my TikTok. The train stops while I am dancing.
@sugapuffofficial Caught on camera #public #sugapuff #dance #funny ♬ Jiggle Jiggle – Duke & Jones & Louis Theroux
4. Do you have a social media strategy? How do you plan your content or get ideas for your videos?
SP: I assign filming days around my schedule. On these days I ensure I stay off social media so I can fully immerse myself in creating authentic content. With some of my content, I visualise it before filming so I know how to film and edit before it is even filmed.
My body moves the way I vision it.
5. Some may say that you are fearless and super confident as most of your dances are done in public with people watching on the train or passers-by. How do you do it and what is your secret or key to being confident?
SP: I do it because I like entertaining. People come up to me telling me I made their day, and knowing I can have that effect on someone’s day gives me the confidence to make these videos and put on a live show.
The key to being confident is knowing that you are an individual, knowing what you have to offer the world, and accepting the way you look and sound. It all has to do with being comfortable within yourself and who you are then you will have the confidence to do anything. Confidence was not always there, as a plus-size man I have been through my own struggles.
6. Describe yourself in 3 words
SP: Fun, thoughtful, and caring.
7. Some people may feel self-conscious about their weight, but you embrace it and show that it doesn’t matter what size you are. Even in your name “Sugapuff” you can see the light-heartedness and slight humour. What is it that you want people to feel when they watch or see your content and what is the goal for you?
SP: My goal is that I want to inspire people to not be afraid of people. Everyone should be treated equally. No one should make anyone feel negative because of how different they are from you.
8. What advice do you have for those who want to get into content creation but are too self-conscious?
SP: You just have to go for it and own it. Give yourself pep talks, and read up on inspirational people. You would be surprised to know most people have insecurities of some type but they overcome them. You have to overcome your fears too and will have to work on them for yourself by looking into people’s stories of how they overcame how they felt about themselves.
Never let people put you off as that is how it was for me. People will always have something to say. Believe in yourself, and don’t question yourself too much but it is important to self-reflect to see how you can be better at what you’re trying to achieve.
9. Who is your favourite influencer or celebrity that you are inspired by when you see their work?
SP: My inspirations are the people. I have crossed paths with many in the Entertainment Industry who are now known worldwide. They give me hope for me to do bigger and better things and also are an example of anything that can be done with hard work, practice, and gaining knowledge.
10. What exclusive news can you tell ITP Live and when is your next trip to Dubai?
SP: An exclusive I can give you all is, I am currently setting up a set of celebrity interviews for the new year and of course bringing you all more dancing TikToks. When I get more followers from Dubai I can come and visit. Unless someone wants to book me or the Tourism Board of U.A.E. reads this and would like to invite me!
Follow Sugapuff @SugapuffOfficial on Instagram and TikTok for entertaining and fun content! Stay updated to more of our interviews by subscribing to the ITP Live newsletter or clicking the bell icon on the page.