Chimp Stories is my passion project. It’s a digital monkey persona that lives on the internet and serves as a platform to express my humor, creativity, and ideas. The project originally started in Spanish, with the intention of becoming a YouTube channel focused on commentary and storytelling. However, after gaining unexpected traction on Instagram, I shifted the focus to illustration and audience interaction.
This led to the creation of a recurring segment called “Changuificación”, a made-up word that loosely translates to “monkeyfication.” I would draw my followers as monkeys, creating personalized illustrations that resonated with the community. This approach helped the project grow to over 80k followers and built a highly engaged audience.
I started this project to learn firsthand what it really takes to succeed on social media. By working across both Instagram and YouTube, I gained a deeper understanding of what captures attention, what drives engagement, and how to build a recognizable digital identity.
Chimp Historias - Instagram Project
The idea of drawing followers took off quickly. I began monetizing it by charging $5 per drawing and featuring the buyers in upcoming reels. But demand grew so much that my system couldn’t keep up. I had to manually respond to DMs, collect reference images, and handle payments through PayPal. It became too time-consuming and inefficient to maintain.
Explanation of "CHANGUIFICACIÓN™"
Availability and scarcity of each rank for a "CHANGUIFICACIÓN™"
To fix this, I learned to use Shopify and launched an online store. I raised the prices and streamlined the process so users could upload their photos and pay directly. I also created a website to showcase the drawings, turning followers into part of a digital monkey universe. The site added perceived value to being drawn, served as a hub for the shop and content, and also became a source of revenue through ads.
The project peaked at 80,000 followers on Instagram. However, for personal reasons, I decided to bring the Spanish version to a close. Moving forward, I chose to focus on building an English-speaking audience, which offers greater potential for growth and higher profit margins. My current efforts are centered around developing a YouTube channel as the primary platform for Chimp Stories, the English evolution of the project.
Chimp Stories – YouTube Project
Role: Creator, Writer, Editor, Voice Actor, Strategist
I decided to relaunch the concept in English, focusing primarily on long-form content for YouTube. This pivot was driven by the goal of tapping into a global audience and exploring the platform’s stronger monetization potential.
The English-language version grew rapidly. By my second video, I had already reached YouTube's monetization threshold, largely thanks to a video that went viral and surpassed 100,000 views. This early success was the result of intense research, iteration, and a deep focus on what makes content perform on YouTube.
What I Learned on Youtube:
YouTube Strategy & Optimization:
I learned how to write clickable titles, design effective thumbnails, and optimize metadata to increase visibility and engagement.
I learned how to write clickable titles, design effective thumbnails, and optimize metadata to increase visibility and engagement.
Storytelling & Scripting:
I focused on writing structured, compelling narratives with strong hooks and pacing to boost audience retention.
I focused on writing structured, compelling narratives with strong hooks and pacing to boost audience retention.
Editing & Post-Production:
Handled all editing myself, improving my skills in timing, rhythm, transitions, and motion graphics to keep content engaging.
Handled all editing myself, improving my skills in timing, rhythm, transitions, and motion graphics to keep content engaging.
Voice & Audio Work:
Developed voice acting and audio mixing skills to bring the Chimp character to life with energy and clarity.
Developed voice acting and audio mixing skills to bring the Chimp character to life with energy and clarity.
Trend Research & Idea Generation:
I scouted niches and topics by analyzing trends, comments, and online discussions, helping me identify ideas with viral potential.
I scouted niches and topics by analyzing trends, comments, and online discussions, helping me identify ideas with viral potential.
New Website for the English audience immortalization of their image as monkeys now called "Wall of Fame"