Kenyan content creator Presenter Ali has candidly shared his struggle with depression, revealing that financial milestones and growing online fame did not bring him the fulfillment he anticipated. In a recent interview, Ali explained how reaching major subscriber and income goals on YouTube left him feeling empty and overwhelmed.
From Urban Planning to YouTube Stardom
Ali, whose full name is Muslim Ali, began his YouTube journey after losing his job at a television station. Though he studied Urban and Regional Planning at Nairobi University, his passion for media pushed him to create a channel with just a phone and a microphone. His early work ethic was intense, often uploading up to five videos daily, conducting street interviews, and managing every aspect of production himself.
Within three months, Ali’s dedication paid off—he reached 100,000 subscribers. At the peak of his success between 2020 and 2021, he reported earning substantial income, sometimes up to half a million Kenyan shillings a month. Yet, even at these milestones, Ali struggled with depression.
The Hidden Struggle Behind the Numbers
Reflecting on the day he hit the 100,000-subscriber mark, Ali recalled feeling profound emptiness rather than elation. The physical exhaustion from constant filming and editing, combined with the pressure to maintain and grow his audience, left him questioning the purpose of his work. “I was actually empty because I didn’t get a concrete reason as to why I was doing this,” he admitted.
Redefining Content With Purpose
The turning point came when Ali decided to shift his content strategy. He moved away from gossip-focused material and began producing videos that offered real value, highlighting personal stories and tangible experiences. Feedback from viewers revealed that his content had meaningful impact, such as helping people find jobs, which provided him with a renewed sense of purpose.
Today, Ali primarily focuses on financial content, especially forex trading, and recently celebrated half a million subscribers. He also hosts what he describes as the largest trading podcast in Africa, producing educational content that empowers his audience.
Mental Health Advocacy
Having navigated personal struggles—partly through costly therapy sessions—Ali is now a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. He emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from being “of service to others,” noting that helping people provides the sense of purpose he lacked during the early years of his YouTube career.
Ali’s story underscores the pressures behind online success and highlights the importance of mental health, purpose-driven work, and genuine connection with audiences in the digital age.
