IBella’s path to becoming one of YouTube’s prominent female gaming creators began with her sister’s obsession with Roblox. What started as innocent playtime at the age of four matured into content creation by the time she was just eight years old. 

“Of course, at that age, I didn’t fully understand what I was doing, and I couldn’t afford a computer or proper equipment. But I did what I could with what I had, and I just tried to make it work.”

Her first viral moment occurred during this early period with a speed build video in Bloxburg [a Roblox game], which remains on her channel today. Despite the success, family skepticism temporarily derailed her creator ambitions. “I remember telling my mom, ‘If you sign these papers, I can actually make this my job.’ At the time, she thought I was joking, mainly because of how young I was and she didn’t yet understand that it was truly possible to earn a living through social media.”

After years away from consistent content creation due to school and age limitations, Bella made a decisive return at 16. “I was genuinely passionate about it and felt like I owed it to myself to give it another shot. I wanted to see if I could turn it into a real career, so I started posting consistently, and by the time I was 16, I was already doing it full time.”

Her breakthrough came through strategic content adaptation rather than original concepts.”One of my first viral videos was actually a remake of a Sim GM Productions skit. They were one of my favorite YouTubers at the time; they made hilarious parodies, including a Kardashian skit that I found so funny. I decided to recreate it in Roblox, and that video really took off.”

The video’s success was immediate. “I posted it, and within a week, it started going viral. Then I shared it across my other socials, and everything began growing quickly. That’s when I realized, ‘Wow, I need to lean into this and show more of my personality and create more fun, silly content like this,’ because it was something I genuinely found funny and entertaining.”

What began as childhood play has become a full-time career with over 4 million subscribers on YouTube and recognition, including a Kids Choice Awards nomination from Nickelodeon.

Content Creation Strategy and Platform Management

Building on her viral breakthrough, Bella developed an understanding of content adaptation and platform-specific strategies. Her approach centers on finding content that resonates with her personally, then translating those concepts into her Roblox niche.

To establish a presence on multiple platforms, Bella had to carefully consider each platform’s unique characteristics and the expectations of its audience. “I’m currently on all major social media platforms as iBella. While I’m known for being a gamer, I’m also working on building a real-life social media presence because I want people to get to know me beyond just Roblox,” she explains.

Her platform-specific strategy is based on the thesis that successful content varies across different social media environments. “Like many creators, I often repost the same content across platforms because it’s more efficient. However, I also create platform-specific content when it makes sense. I believe some ideas naturally perform better on Instagram than they would on TikTok or YouTube.”

On Instagram specifically, Bella focuses on relatability and shareability. “For example, on my main feed, I focus on curated content, but on my personal Instagram, I like to share moments from my life, mainly highlights, of course. I believe Instagram isn’t really about everyday updates, so I post my favorite experiences, such as traveling, spending time with friends and family, and things that reflect who I am and what I enjoy. It gives people a small glimpse into my life beyond content creation. So that way, they have what I call a little slice of my life.”

From Challenges to Milestones

Like many of her colleagues, Bella has faced the challenges that the creator economy is known for, prompting her to adapt constantly. 

“One of the biggest challenges for me is how quickly social media evolves. It’s so trend-driven and fast-paced, something can be viral one day and completely forgotten the next. So, it’s really about keeping up and staying where the audience’s attention is, which can definitely be a challenge.”

This trend-focused environment creates pressure for creators to constantly monitor and respond to shifting audience preferences. “As a content creator, it’s important to keep in check with everything that’s going around,” Bella notes, while acknowledging the irony that creating content often leaves little time for consuming it. “Most of the time I’m creating the content, so I’m not always the one watching.”

Aside from trend management, Bella has also dealt with inconsistent performance despite consistent effort. “Sometimes, content doesn’t perform the way you hope. You can put a lot of time and effort into something, and it still might not land. But I think that’s what sets real creators apart. I believe, if you’re truly passionate, you keep going, even through the setbacks. You don’t let a little rain stop the possibility of your creation blooming into something bigger.”

Looking at the other side of the coin, reaching 100,000 subscribers represented a major breakthrough: “It truly felt like a dream. I believed in myself and knew I could make it happen, even when there were moments of doubt.” The subsequent achievement of 1 million subscribers confirmed her upward trajectory: “And then when I reached 1 million, it felt even more surreal. “

Breaking Gender Barriers in Gaming Competitions

Bella’s experience competing in “RB Battles,” a creator-focused Roblox competition, highlighted both her capabilities and the gender-based challenges she faces in the gaming industry. Her performance in the competition became a defining moment that illustrates the broader issues facing women in gaming spaces.

“I actually made it to the final three. I was so close to winning. I remember before the competition, I received a lot of negative comments. People were doubting me, saying things like, ‘You’re just a girl, you’re not going to make it far,’ or ‘You can’t win.’ But I used that doubt as motivation.”

Rather than discouraging her, the criticism became fuel for determination and purpose. “That motivated me to push even harder and show others that it doesn’t matter whether you’re a boy or a girl, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. As long as you try your best and give it your all, it’s absolutely possible.”

VidCon and Women in Gaming Advocacy

VidCon is an annual convention for influencers, fans, executives, and online brands that primarily features prominent video stars from across the internet, founded by veteran YouTube creators John and Hank Green and later acquired by Viacom (now Paramount) in 2018 and Informa in 2024. This year’s event takes place at the Anaheim Convention Center from June 19-21, where IBella will appear as a featured creator with a two-hour meet and greet and a panel discussion on “Game Changers: Women Leveling Up Online Gaming.”

This year marks Bella’s third VidCon attendance, but her first as a featured creator. “My first year, I was in the audience. The second year, I was invited as a guest, and then this year, I’m featured.”

Each year brought increased recognition and access. “Last year, even though I wasn’t officially featured, I was still meeting so many fans at the event. It was such a cool experience, just knowing that so many people came out to see me, even without being part of the official lineup, meant a lot to me.”

At the centerpiece of her VidCon participation, she’ll join fellow female creators including CaptainPuffy, Hannahxxrose, Kat Buno, Leah Ashe, and MeganPlays. The panel focuses on sharing experiences, challenges, and victories in the gaming world, from building inclusive communities to breaking barriers in content creation and esports.

“My topic is about women in gaming,” Bella explains. “What I want the audience to take away is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a boy, a girl, or however you identify, there’s a place for everyone in the gaming community. I want to highlight female empowerment and show that representation matters, and that we all deserve to feel seen and supported in this space.”

She adds that the timing of this panel feels meaningful, given her competitive gaming experiences and the challenges she has witnessed firsthand. “We have a lot of younger audiences watching us, and I feel a responsibility to share something meaningful with them, not just to entertain, but also to teach and inspire in a positive way.”

Bella views gatherings like VidCon as essential infrastructure rather than optional networking opportunities. “As creators, I think it’s important to support events that also support us. The entire concept of VidCon revolves around bringing the community together, connecting with other creators, learning more about content creation, and meeting people in person, not just online. It’s a space where real connections can happen.”

The networking opportunities have directly impacted her career trajectory through both personal and professional connections. “If it weren’t for VidCon, I probably wouldn’t have met some of my closest friends. I even met my talent agency team there. It’s played a huge role in my journey and has truly helped me grow, both personally and professionally.”

Her perspective on creator events goes beyond personal benefit to community building for the broader creator ecosystem. “Even as an attendee, it’s such a fun experience. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see their favorite creators, meet new people, and connect with others who share the same interests? It’s a great way to make like-minded friends and be part of the community.”

Expanding Creative Horizons and Future Ventures

Beyond her VidCon commitments, Bella is actively diversifying her creative pursuits and exploring new opportunities across entertainment sectors. 

Her recent Nickelodeon nomination connects her childhood viewing experiences with her current career success. “I still can’t believe it, it feels surreal. My younger self would be screaming right now! I grew up watching Nickelodeon, so it was incredible to go from being a fan to actually being there myself and even being nominated for an award. It’s absolutely crazy. I never imagined this would be part of my journey, and I am so grateful.”

Her plans encompass multiple entertainment sectors beyond gaming content. “Right now, I primarily create gaming content, but I’m gradually branching into lifestyle as well. I’m also really interested in exploring acting and voice acting more consistently. I’d love to try a little bit of everything and see where it takes me.”

Bella aims to document her VidCon experience this year, hinting at potential in-person content. “I’ve always wanted to become more of an IRL creator. I’ve been to so many amazing places and events, but because I genuinely love living in the moment, it can be hard for me to remember to document everything.”

Looking to the future, Bella’s message to her community reflects both gratitude for the current support and a commitment to continued growth.

“Thank you so much, genuinely. None of this would’ve been possible without them. My supporters are the reason I’m here today. I’ll continue doing my best to create fun and meaningful content while inspiring others along the way. As long as they’re watching, I’ll keep showing up, staying true to who I am, and giving it my all.”