Learning is an ongoing process, especially in this rapidly changing world. However, with more points interjecting the scene, it is difficult to find reliable sources. Shivanshu Agrawal emerges as a beacon of hope, who presents complex ideas in simplified manners. He covers a range of topics including business studies, economics, geopolitics and current affairs. Holding a professional degree from the Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, his content is a product of extensive research and in-depth learning.
Shivanshu Agrawal’s credibility as a content creator is cemented by his stellar social media presence where he has 1.2 million followers on Instagram and 442K subscribers on YouTube. He ranks number 11 on Forbes India’s list of Digital Stars and is appointed as the Culture Brand Ambassador by the Government of India. The team at Social Nation had the honour to know Shivanshu better. Presenting the exclusive interview with the knowledge powerhouse.
SN: What first drew you to content creation around Business, Geopolitics & Economics? How did you embark on this journey?
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Shivanshu: Even as a student, I was captivated by the world of content creation. My first foray into it happened in 2017, during my first year at college when I posted a couple of videos.
After college, my full-time job as a consultant ignited my realization that a corporate job was not my calling. So I jumped into content creation.
I was always applauded for my class presentations on business case studies, which coupled with my passion for entrepreneurship in school, led me to apply the same style to my videos. As my audience grew, I noticed their interest in geopolitics and economics, which inspired me to broaden my scope.
SN: Could you give us an inside look into your content creation process, from research to filming a reel?
Shivanshu: The core of my content creation process lies in being an avid consumer of quality content. My team and I are constantly reading news publications, newsletters, and Twitter threads, and watching videos for inspiring content ideas.
After cherry-picking ideas, we dive into intensive research across multiple sources to draft a robust script. The reel is then shot as per the script, and the raw footage is sent to our editing team. They bring it to life with relevant B-rolls, animations, and music. This intricate process typically spans 2-3 days per reel.
SN: How did you feel being ranked 11th on Forbes’ list of Top 100 Digital Stars?
Shivanshu: When I received the mail from Forbes, I initially dismissed it as a scam and did not respond for several weeks.
Later on, realizing the authenticity was an astonishing experience. The joy and pride my family felt is what truly mattered to me.
I had to order the magazine online as it wasn’t locally available in my town. It took an extra week to get my hands on it.
SN: Is there a specific reason why you create your Reels in Hindi?
Shivanshu: Growing up, I was influenced by Hindi YouTubers which made Hindi a natural choice for me. I also believe that Hindi has the capacity to connect with a wide swath of the Indian population.
SN: Where do all your information and knowledge come from? Do you have any go-to sources for content?
Shivanshu: My knowledge base is essentially built by absorbing high-quality content. I frequently rely on Indian Express, Times of India, and The Diplomat, among others. For my long-form videos, I often delve into books to glean more detailed insights.
SN: Would you consider a future in formal teaching?
Shivanshu: I already view my current role as somewhat analogous to teaching, but I see myself more as a friend sharing interesting content with my audience, rather than an instructor or teacher.
SN: What advice would you offer to a novice content creator?
Shivanshu: First, brace yourself for a challenging journey.
Secondly, prioritize the quality of your content.
Third, Focus on content ideas. The success of a video hinges 90% on the strength of the content idea and 10% on the technical aspects like camera quality, audio, setup, etc.
SN: What are your goals for the next 5 years?
Shivanshu: My vision is to solidify my position as the best infotainment creator in India.
SN: Given the opportunity, who would be your dream collaborator and why?
Shivanshu: Without a doubt, it would be Johnny Harris.
I find his dedication to Video Creation profoundly inspiring, and his humble demeanour, despite his monumental success, truly resonates with me.
SN: Do you have any messages for your fans in your hometown of Katni, Madhya Pradesh?
Shivanshu: The message I’d like to impart is not exclusive to Katni, but to anyone hailing from a smaller town: never perceive your origins as a disadvantage. Especially now that you have the Internet.
The internet can be your gateway to learning invaluable skills. Observe industry leaders, draw inspiration from their success, and strive to make it big.
SN: What new developments can your audience anticipate on your feed? Are there other niches you’d like to explore?
Shivanshu: My audience can look forward to more in-depth and polished long-form content in the future. The research quality and post-production aspects will see substantial improvements, making the topics even more engaging.
Shivanshu Agrawal holds the key to the world where information meets entertainment. His content fosters a community that emphasises consistent learning by delivering valuable and well-researched subjects. Shivanshu’s ability to shape opinions, spark conversations, and contribute to a more informed society is inspiring and thought-provoking.
