19-05-2025
Legendary YouTuber quits channel after becoming too famous for his family to have a 'normal life'
Popular YouTube creator Luke Nichols, who runs the channel Outdoor Boys, has quit the platform after 11 years - citing the need to spend more time with his family.
Nichols, who had almost 15 million followers on his channel, rose to fame by showcasing his outdoor adventures like camping and fishing - as well as sharing survival skills and exploration.
However, in a five-minute video posted on Saturday, the father-of-three said he is now stepping back from making a content 'for a little while' to spend more time with his family.
In the video - aptly titled Goodbye - the creator explained he has gained almost 12 million of his followers in the past 18 months alone, adding that the sudden rise to fame has been difficult on his personal life.
'It's been a wild ride,' Nichols explained in the video.
'The amount of time and energy that I've dedicated to making YouTube videos is hard to communicate,' he continued.
'So many late nights editing and packing and unpacking camping with pneumonia building log cabins while injured, but it's been a tremendous adventure and it's allowed me to provide for my family while making wonderful memories with my wife and kids,' the outdoorsman said.
Despite the enjoyment he has achieved from making content, the thrill seeker admitted that 'even good things can be taken too far.'
'I think I'm starting to reach that point,' he added.
Nichols went on to explain that the public attention he and his sons, Tommy, Nathan and Jacob, and wife Rebecca, now receive is 'overwhelming,' and they have 'real concern' about what the fame could do to their family.
'The sheer volume of fans trying to contact me, trying to take pictures with me, or just trying to come up and talk to me in public can be a bit overwhelming at times,' Nichols said.
'And my wife and I, we both have real concerns about what this will do to our family if I keep growing my YouTube channel at this pace,' he said of his decision.
The doting dad pointed out, 'the time to stop is before this problem gets so out of hand that my family and I can't live normal lives.'
'I still enjoy going on adventures but it's time to start focusing on other thing,' he said passionately.
'I've spent so much time focusing on me and my family and growing my business, it's time to step back and focus on helping other people for a change and I'm excited to see where that takes me,' he said.
Nichols he still has some extreme camping trips and travel adventures that have been in the works for 'the last six months.'
He assured fans if he does decide to film and finish his future adventures he will post the videos on his channel in 'one big dump' at the end of the year.
While comments were turned off on YouTube, followers took to Instagram to share their sorrow.
'Thank you for all the memories man, I'm so happy you were able to retire on a high note,' one user commented.
'Luke, Rebecca, Tommy, Nathan and Jacob! What a nice family you are. It's been fun getting to know your personalities on your videos,' wrote another.
'And what wonderful memories you've made for your kids! You all are excellent at showing how families can get outdoors and have fun visiting places around the world. My family and I hope to follow your example.'
'Enjoy what you've created, Luke. Congratulations for being yourself in each piece of content and sharing your adventures with your family, many times I felt like a part of. hasta siempre!' wrote another.
