YouTube sensation PewDiePie talks with Long Island kids

We met Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg. Who, you may ask? It’s PewDiePie, the YouTube star who has the “most subscribed channel.” We met him at the Barnes & Noble store at Union Square in Manhattan. When we arrived, the line was already wrapped around the block and across the street. He just published his first book: “This Book Loves You” (Razorbill Publishers).

Why did you write a book about inspiration and what have you gone through writing it?

Because I just want to inspire people and I know people will be inspired by this book. And I know it was a long journey, a long hard journey to write this book. But I hope it’s worth it.

Do you feel like you’re the King of YouTube like everyone is saying?

I don’t know. I don’t mind it. Who doesn’t want to be king of YouTube? I haven’t got a crown yet so maybe once I have that I’ll have the official title.

Do you have a YouTube idol?

Me? I watch a lot of YouTubers. They’re all so great but I don’t think I have one in particular.

What would you do if you hadn’t started your YouTube channel?

Probably something [else] creative.

How did you get into YouTubing and how did you come up with your name?

I got into YouTube because I love playing video games and I wanted to record myself playing them. My name comes from Pewda, [the sound when] you shoot a laser. And then you get shot and then you die. That’s the name.

How old were you when you did your first YouTube video?

19 or 20. Probably 20.

Is it life-changing having 40 million plus subscribers on YouTube?

For sure. It’s such a huge milestone. I never thought I would hit it. I was happy with 40. Just 40 was cool. 40 million is unreal.

Since your first language is Swedish, was your first video Swedish or English?

I thought about it at the beginning if I should do Swedish or English, but I’m glad I selected English because otherwise I wouldn’t be here.

Did somebody make you famous?

No. It’s kind of been my own journey. My fans helped me.

What’s your favorite thing about having a social media outlet?

I love the interaction with fans and I can get their comments right away. They’re all so supportive and so nice and it’s really cool to have so many people supporting what you do.

What do your parents call you?

Felix, That’s my first name. Well actually my mom likes to make fun of me she calls me Felicia instead. I think she wanted me to be a girl.