6 inspiring APAHM creators making waves on YouTube Shorts
May 07, 2025 – [[read-time]] minute read
In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're turning the spotlight on our incredibly talented Shorts creator community.
Tiger Lapis
Tiger Lapis is a multifaceted filmmaker, actress, cosplayer, host, writer/producer, and motivational speaker inspiring through her YouTube film projects and opportunities for Asian creatives. Known for epic fan films like "Spider-Woman vs Doc Ock" (all Asian lead cast) and cinematic cosplay with her own stunts, she gained Hollywood attention for her viral concept trailer of the original "Deadly Chess Royale," a gothic Live Action Anime thriller starring strong Asian female leads battling in chess to choose who dies. Overcoming adversity to create this series, Tiger's engaging YouTube Shorts, including one with over 7.4 million views and a collaboration with Devon Rodriguez, have built a large following for her long-form content. Founder of Independence Studios, Tiger Lapis continues to produce impactful stories rooted in love and compassion, proving that "Nothing is Impossible."
Thong Quoc Vo
Steven is a Vietnamese-American actor, activist, and content creator. Since early childhood he has actively pursued the spotlight to share his passion for storytelling and performing to an audience. By blending both his love for creating content and acting, Steven has redefined the meaning of "building your own path" with his personable voice acting videos and his optimistic viewpoint on life. From voice covers to on-screen acting performances, he hopes to show people through his journey that no matter the limit of your reach, your heart is enough to pave your way to your dreams and more.
Minute Mon
Derek Mon is the creator behind Minute Mon, a YouTube channel dedicated to making the world of wristwatches accessible, inspiring, and engaging for all. As an Asian American watch enthusiast, small business owner, and podcast co-host of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Mon shares his passion for horology across multiple platforms. He helps run Carat & Co., his family-owned, multi-generational business and an Authorized Retailer of Fine watches and jewelry. Mon started making Shorts to distill the beauty, craftsmanship, and stories behind timepieces into bite-sized videos that anyone can enjoy—whether you're a seasoned collector or just discovering the hobby. What began as a personal passion project has grown into a space where the watch community can connect, learn, and celebrate the art of horology, one minute at a time.
Tiffany Yu
Tiffany is the youngest daughter of a Taiwanese immigrant and a refugee from the Vietnam War. At the age of nine, she became disabled in a car accident that also took the life of her dad. Tiffany started making Shorts as a way to expand her advocacy as someone with a paralyzed arm and disability advocate. She created a series on Shorts and across social media on disability allyship called "The Anti-Ableism Series," which has over 300 parts and 5 million views and inspired her book, The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World.
Amy Wang
Amy Wang is a productivity and education creator who helps students succeed not just in school, but in life. Through Shorts, she shares mindset shifts and motivating stories inspired by her own family’s journey—how education transformed their lives, starting from her grandfather who was a farmer in rural China. Amy now passes on her family’s values, rooted in both experience and Chinese philosophy. These stories spark something deeper in her viewers, giving them perspective and purpose. Her audience often shares how her content has shifted not only their academic habits but their entire outlook. Amy is passionate about continuing to spread hope and meaningful motivation to students globally.
Camille de la Cruz
Camille is a Filipino-American singer-songwriter who loves creating hilarious parodies about her teenage life with her dad! She also releases music hoping to create a deeper connection with the people who follow her. Her goal is to write music that truly resonates with her generation—especially young girls—offering them a voice and a sense of understanding through the ups and downs of growing up. Camille sees herself evolving into not just an artist, but a storyteller and role model whose songs reflect both vulnerability and strength, helping her audience feel seen, supported, and inspired. Through shorts, she’s been able to promote her music, as well as mix two things she loves: comedy and music!