Vitaly "VitalyzdTv" is a controversial streamer known for his daring and outrageous content. He has a career that spans multiple platforms, from his early days collaborating with Fousey as a prankster on YouTube to more recently livestreaming on Kick, which now rivals Twitch.
Vitaly, who is based in Florida, was born on March 8, 1992, which makes him 32 years of age as of writing. He currently averages more than 28,000 viewers per stream. These broadcasts involve the content creator, often accompanied by celebrities, "catching predators" and holding them accountable through extreme and humiliating punishments.
This article explores various aspects of Vitaly's life and career, including his background, rise to fame, controversies, and more. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this feature reveals the complexities of a figure who continues to push the boundaries of online entertainment.
Early life and background
Vitaly was born in Murmansk, Russia, but his family later relocated to Florida, where he spent most of his childhood. The Russian-American personality apparently involved himself in social experiments and pranks at an early age. This was an interest that translated into his YouTube and Kick career.
Vitaly started his YouTube career in 2011 and would primarily make prank-related content, which quickly gained traction due to their daring nature and often controversial themes. One of his early viral videos, titled "Miami Zombie Attack Prank!," garnered millions of views and featured the streamer frightening unsuspecting pedestrians while posing as a zombie.
Vitaly also pioneered the "Gold Digger" style of prank videos, setting him aside from the rest of his competition. By the end of 2014, his YouTube channel had over 7 million subscribers.
Career highlights
On YouTube, the "VitalyzdTv" channel has over 10 million subscribers as of July 2024, cementing Vitaly as one of the most popular pranksters on the platform.
Vitaly started streaming on Kick early in 2024. He now has over 250,000 followers on the website. His move to the platform has allowed him to explore new content formats and connect with his audience in real time. His streams often involve live pranks, interactive Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes looks at his pranks, offering a more intimate and unfiltered glimpse into his life.
Vitaly's controversies
Vitaly has been surrounded by some form of controversy at almost every stage of his career. Early on, he was accused of faking pranks by fellow YouTuber Fousey. This caused a fallout between the two, who were previously good friends.
The content creator has also had encounters with law enforcement several times. He was taken into custody in 2014 after he ran onto the field during Brazil's FIFA World Cup final. The streamer also ran into legal problems in 2016 after scaling the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.
In addition to earning him fines, community service, and even jail time, these incidents have enhanced Vitaly's reputation as a rebellious content creator.
Apart from this, the Kick star has allegedly been manipulative in his extreme pranks. In 2019, he convinced his then-girlfriend Kinsey Wolanski, a model, and social media influencer, to streak at the UEFA Champions League final in Madrid. He later said in an episode of the No Jumper podcast with Adam "Adam22" that he told Kinsey he would break up with her if she did not go through with the stunt.
Check out the episode below:
[Timestamp - 7:10]
In 2020, Vitaly reportedly attacked a woman and was arrested for it. This raised questions about how far the streamer would go just for attention.
More recently, the content creator was accused of being racist when rapper Quavo failed to appear on his stream after being paid to make an appearance. He referred to Quavo's behavior as a "Black people thing."
Despite all these controversies, Vitaly maintains a strong fanbase that appreciates his bold and unapologetic approach to entertainment.
Other personal information Vitaly has made public
Vitaly has faced a number of struggles in his personal life. He once revealed that he found it difficult to cope with his family's transition from Russia to America.
In a video released in 2022 on his Facebook page, the streamer talked about his struggles with addiction, burnout, and recovering from past mistakes, stating that he's making an effort to be a better person and aims to do better in his community.
In the realm of internet entertainment, Vitaly is a polarizing figure. His approach to content creation and his many controversies have made him one of the most talked-about online figures. He never stops pushing the limits of social experiments and online pranks, whether he is applauded for his extravagant stunts or criticized for his insensitivity at times.