The law impacts every aspect of our lives, from guaranteeing our rights as citizens to determining how politicians are held accountable for their actions. Yet, complicated legal processes are often shrouded in mystery.
Thankfully, the rise of the internet has helped bridge the gap between the general public and the legal world. One such source of information is LegalEagle, also known as Devin Stone.
But what qualifies Stone to speak on these subjects, and why are his videos so popular? Let’s find out.
Meet LegalEagle: The Lawyer Who Took YouTube By Storm
With over 3 million subscribers on YouTube, Stone has earned himself the title of ‘YouTube’s lawyer.’ A civil lawyer turned YouTuber, Devin Stone’s journey to fame is an interesting one. After graduating from UCLA School of Law in 2008, Stone began posting short videos to YouTube giving advice to current and prospective law students.
Over time, Stone’s content evolved, and his star began to rise. A few years into his content creation journey, he started a popular series called ‘Real Lawyer Reacts,’ in which Stone commented on the accuracy of legal dramas and movies from the perspective of a real-life lawyer.
One of these videos (Real Lawyer Reacts to Suits) is his most–watched upload, with over 11 million views at the time of writing. Combining pop culture with legal expertise, the LegalEagle channel soon became the go-to source for those who want to know how the U.S. legal system works.
Today, Stone still reacts to fictional representations of law, but he’s diversified his content further, branching into the analysis of legal cases that are dominating new headlines around the world. He also runs a business called Eagle Team, which connects people to lawyers FOR FREE. Pretty cool, right?
But what is it about his content that’s won Stone such a loyal following?
Why is LegalEagle so popular?
There are many reasons why viewers flock to the LegalEagle channel. Here’s how LegalEagle became known as a reliable source of legal knowledge in the crowded YouTube space.
1) He makes complex topics accessible
Who knew the law could be made engaging and relatable? Stone has a unique knack for transforming dense legal topics into informative yet entertaining content by blending his expert commentary with humor. He avoids unnecessarily complex jargon and uses relatable examples, ensuring his content is accessible to all without patronizing his audience.
2) He uses pop culture as a teaching tool
Analyzing the legal accuracy of our favorite TV shows and deep-diving into real-life events is an incredibly clever strategy for two reasons. First, these reaction videos draw fans of these media to his channel. Second, it turns entertainment into an educational experience!
3) His uploads are consistent and high-quality
When legal scandals dominate news headlines, LegalEagle dominates the YouTube homepage. Yet, even when he’s filming and editing multiple videos a week, every upload is consistently well-researched, scripted, and edited.
4) He delivers on his word
Stone’s channel has always been about educating the masses first. While his platform has helped millions of people understand the law better, he goes a step further, offering free help to those who need help hiring lawyers.
What can creators learn from LegalEagle?
Stone isn’t the only lawyer on YouTube, but he is the biggest. So, those wanting to build a platform as an educator and trusted source of information can learn a lot from LegalEagle.
Here are our top four takeaways for aspiring creators:
- Lean into your expertise. Stone is funny and engaging, but he’s also an expert in his subject. By leveraging your professional expertise and combining this with a unique personality, you can create a niche for yourself.
- Prioritize accessibility. If Stone only ever spoke legalese, he wouldn’t have amassed over 3 million subscribers. By demystifying the law through accessible language and explanations, he’s educated millions and made complex topics relevant to a wide audience.
- Leverage pop culture. Stone uses popular movies, TV shows, and celebrity drama to draw in a more mainstream audience and make niche topics relatable and engaging. You can apply this strategy to almost every discipline.
- Build trust. In the post-truth era, trust is more important than ever. This is especially true for creators building a platform on their legal or medical expertise. To build trust amongst your audience, you, like Stone, should ensure every video is well-researched and accurately sourced.
