A 13-year-old Belfast boy has become the youngest ever YouTuber to crack the coveted 1 million mark for subscribers with his football-mad channel.
Leo Barnes hit the milestone in December and, with his channel still growing rapidly growing, already boasts another 200,000 subscribers just a month later.
Speaking to Belfast Live, mum Janet said she couldn't be more proud of her talented boy's achievement after he was awarded the highly sought-after Gold Play Button from YouTube for his engaging content.
Read more: Derry Youtuber Adam B lands cameo in upcoming Hollywood movie
Read more: New documentary to feature NI schoolkids making First Communion
The channel features various skits and sketches, including a five-minute segment on "football referee stereotypes" and another where Leo and his friends attempt to recreate all-time classic goals from the European Football championships.
Asked why his channel has proven so popular, Leo told Belfast Live his is likely the only football focused YouTube channel for children that's also made by a child.
"I think it's because it's, like, unique," he said. "There's really never been like a kid football YouTuber that's made all his own videos, by himself."
On the Gold Play Button award he picked up in December, Leo said: "It's something I've always wanted. When I was younger I always saw the bigger YouTubers getting one, so it's a really big achievement."
Speaking to Belfast Live with his proud dad, Mark, the Belfast boy said he found it "really weird" when he was recognised by some German and Dutch kids while on holiday in Spain.
Mum, Janet, said he's keeping his feet on the ground despite the "surreal" and "inspirational" success her son has gained.
"To see him progress through his editing skills and the growth of the channel has been brilliant," she added. "I'm just really proud of him. He taught himself how to use the editing app and he's worked hard at it, and improved his skills.
"He's still pretty grounded. Whenever we go out he does get recognised and he does enjoy it, but he stills keep his feet on the ground."
On the football side of things, she said: "He just plays as much football as he can. He plays for Ridgeway Rovers. He's football mad. He loves to learn new skills."
Asked about his future career plans, Janet said: "If you go on his channel you'll see, his slogan is 'dream big' and he does have big dreams. He wants to be a professional footballer but now that the YouTube channel is taking off he is thinking about a career in media."
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
English (United States) ·