Nick Shirley's journey from a teenager with a camera to the most influential citizen journalist in America is one of the most remarkable stories in independent media. Here's every major milestone.
Started YouTube Channel — Age 13
Nick Shirley creates his YouTube channel as a 13-year-old in Utah. Early content includes lifestyle and commentary videos, building the foundation for what would become a citizen journalism powerhouse.
First Video Uploaded
Nick uploads his first publicly available video, beginning to develop the direct, on-the-ground reporting style that would later define his investigative work.
Graduated Farmington High School, Utah
Nick graduates from Farmington High School in Davis County, Utah. Despite his young age, he's already developing a growing audience on social media.
LDS Mission — Chile
Nick pauses his content creation to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile. This experience broadens his worldview and deepens his understanding of different cultures and communities.
Return to YouTube
After completing his mission, Nick returns to YouTube with a sharpened focus. He pivots toward investigative citizen journalism, covering government fraud, taxpayer abuse, and public accountability. The content immediately resonates.
100,000 YouTube Subscribers
Nick crosses the 100K subscriber milestone on YouTube, earning the Silver Play Button. His investigative style — showing up at locations, knocking on doors, and asking hard questions — is attracting a massive audience.
Inside CECOT — El Salvador's Mega Prison
Nick gains exclusive access to CECOT, El Salvador's maximum-security mega-prison built by President Nayib Bukele. The resulting video garners over 6 million views, establishing Nick as a serious investigative journalist willing to go where mainstream media won't.
NYC Migrant Crisis Investigation
Nick travels to New York City to document the migrant crisis firsthand. His on-the-ground reporting reaches over 1 million views and draws national attention to conditions in migrant shelters and the strain on city resources.
White House Roundtable on Antifa
Nick is invited to the White House to participate in a roundtable discussion about Antifa and domestic extremism with President Trump. A major recognition of citizen journalism's growing influence in national policy discussions.
Named Citizen Journalist of the Year
James O'Keefe, founder of Project Veritas and OMG Media Group, names Nick Shirley the Citizen Journalist of the Year at a ceremony at Mar-a-Lago. The award recognizes Nick's extraordinary impact on accountability journalism.
Congressional Testimony
Nick is called to testify before Congress about his investigative findings on alleged fraud in Minnesota's childcare system. His testimony provides firsthand evidence supporting legislative action against taxpayer fraud. Rep. Eli Crane introduces a bill for Nick to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.
California Fraud Investigation
Nick turns his attention to California, launching a sweeping investigation into alleged billion-dollar fraud schemes across the state. The investigation builds on his methodology proven in Minnesota.
Active and Expanding
With 1.7M+ YouTube subscribers, 200M+ total views, and investigations spanning all 50 states, Nick Shirley continues to be the most prolific citizen journalist in America. His work has driven legislative action, federal investigations, and a national conversation about government accountability.