Walk and talk"I did it as a complete secret!"

From early days of YouTube to the Berlin fashion scene, Marcus Butler talks about his evolutions from a boy from Brighton, UK to being one of the biggest influencers online.

By Nayeun Kim

25 July 2025 · 2 min read

The year is 2013, you’re on YouTube and your favourite channel just dropped a new video. The person facing you on the other side of the screen is YouTube sensation Marcus Butler. Next to him is his mate Alfie Deyes, and they’re back, attempting a new Guinness World Record. This was Butler’s idea of “joking around, having fun,” he would say.

Fast forward to 2025, Butler isn’t active on YouTube anymore, but he’s been busy offline. Outside of the rectangular frame with the red play button, his entire surroundings have changed since “quitting” YouTube. Since his peak fame on the video platform, he has published a bestseller book Hello Life!, made appearances on TV, modelled for major campaigns, fell in love, made new friendships, but most unexpected of it all, found his home in Berlin.

“Balanced” is how Butler describes himself in the present. As one of the first wave influencers, he set the blueprint for brand collaborations and turning self-produced videos into monetisable business. Years on, Butler continues to gravitate towards untapped projects — but now, one that directly correlates to what he values in his private life. What that looks like is ANTE Berlin — a part lifestyle, part running brand — stylish, athletic apparel that you can work out in, or just chill out in.

From his early YouTube beginnings to the present, in Walk and Talk, Butler opens up about cringing at your past, the similarities between YouTube and starting a fashion brand, and taking a chance on yourself and so-called “silly” ideas.

Marcus Butler’s edit

“No one cares as much as you think.”

- Marcus Butler

Marcus Butler’s guide to self-care:

Favourite thing to do when you’re offline? Go running

Favourite ‘slow’ activity? Trip to the sauna

One small change that makes a big difference? Being nice, doesn’t cost anything but goes a long way

A quote that always motivates you? No one cares as much as you think

How do you celebrate when you’ve achieved one of your goals? Depends — if it’s been achieved with co-workers then I like to celebrate all together, a nice dinner

Best comfort food? Korean fried chicken

Best comfort movie? The Social Network

Best comfort song? “The Spins” - Mac Miller

Favourite ice breaker? Game of padel

Favourite place to visit for inspiration… New York

My biggest supporter is… Myself

My safe space is… Listening to music

Without my community of friends, I would be… Feeling a lot less at home in Berlin