Amanda Golka, the content creator behind Swell Entertainment, has earned a reputation as the “big sister of the internet” through her candid commentary on products, media, events, and trends. With over half a million followers across multiple platforms and an impressive 84 million engagement rate, Amanda has carved a niche where authenticity reigns supreme. However, her rise to prominence wasn’t without challenges—she endured a two-year health hiatus and the skepticism of those closest to her. Now, Amanda is not only thriving as a creator but also expanding her horizons with plans to write screenplays, novels, and nonfiction books.

A Vision Born from Honest Curiosity

Amanda’s content journey began when she was just 16 years old, motivated by the dream of becoming famous. But it wasn’t until 2018, following her break from content creation, that Swell Entertainment evolved into what it is today. The breakthrough came with the launch of her popular “I Tried It So You Don’t Have To” series—a cornerstone of her channel, where she delivers in-depth product and event reviews with an honesty her audience has come to trust.

One of Amanda’s most successful videos was a review of A Little Late with Lilly Singh, a project that encapsulates her distinct approach. Rather than reacting to the show’s episodes like most commentators, Amanda attended several tapings in person. This commitment to fully experiencing the subject she critiques resonated with viewers and established the foundation for her storytelling approach—giving events and products a fair chance, while offering thoughtful critique when necessary.

Creating Across Platforms—and Loving the Chaos

While YouTube remains Amanda’s primary platform, she creates on nearly every major social media channel, including Instagram, Twitter (X), TikTok, Twitch, and more. When asked which platform she enjoys most, she notes that Twitch has recently become a favorite. “It’s unlocked a new kind of dialogue with my audience,” she says, explaining how live streaming allows for spontaneous interaction and deeper connections with her followers.

Her content creation process? Delightfully chaotic. Amanda never scripts her videos, preferring instead to gather relevant material and dive into filming organically. “I find a more improvised style works best for me,” she shares, explaining how scripted videos often distracted her from making her point. “Being a creator while remaining a student of content keeps me motivated.”

Balancing Business with Creativity

Navigating the business side of content creation comes naturally to Amanda, thanks in part to her upbringing. “I was raised by a businessman, so balancing creativity with practicality feels second nature,” she explains. Early in her career, when making content was just “an expensive hobby,” Amanda learned how to budget effectively for projects—especially event reviews, which can carry high costs.

Amanda’s grounded approach extends to brand partnerships, where she places authenticity over profit. “I have a rule—no more than one ad a week, even if I have several videos ready. I don’t want to constantly sell to my audience,” she says, underscoring her commitment to maintaining trust with her viewers.

Staying Motivated Through the Highs and Lows

Like many creators, Amanda has faced moments of stagnation, or “plateaus,” where growth slows and views decline. For her, staying consistent during these periods is key. “It’s easy to get caught up in trends to escape the slump, but that rarely works in the long run,” she shares. Instead, Amanda focuses on creating content she feels proud of, even during the tough times.

Her solution to burnout? Structure. Since 2020, Amanda has posted a new video every Tuesday at 10 AM PT, building a routine that keeps her grounded. “I treat YouTube like a job,” she says. But at the heart of it, she simply loves what she does. “If I didn’t love the creative process, I probably would have quit by now.”

A Passion for Storytelling—On and Off the Screen

Beyond YouTube, Amanda is pursuing her long-held passion for writing. From childhood dreams of becoming an author to majoring in creative writing in college, storytelling has been a lifelong love. “I wrote my first short story in elementary school about a witch named Miranda and her cat,” she laughs. Her passion deepened in high school film classes, where she fell in love with screenwriting, and she has continued to explore both fiction and nonfiction projects ever since.

For Amanda, writing offers the opportunity to dive deeper into stories than YouTube videos allow. “Sometimes, there are details I want to keep in, but I just can’t,” she says. Her excitement for her upcoming book projects hints at what’s to come—nonfiction ideas that extend her storytelling talents into new realms.

Fashion, Beauty, and Travel: What’s Next for Amanda Golka

Amanda’s sense of style reflects her personality—warm, cozy, and effortlessly chic. She’s particularly excited about the arrival of autumn in Los Angeles, which allows her to break out her beloved sweater collection and lean into seasonal trends. Gold jewelry, layered looks, and soft peach blushes are her go-to staples, alongside beauty products like Color Wow’s Dream Coat and Urban Decay’s Perversion eyeliner.

Amanda’s love for adventure also extends beyond the screen, with several racing events, including Formula One, lined up on her calendar. Travel is not just a passion but also an integral part of her content. As she shares glimpses of her journeys with her audience, each new destination adds another layer to the Swell Entertainment experience.

The Future of Swell Entertainment

Though Amanda has already achieved impressive milestones, she believes her journey is just beginning. With plans to expand into screenwriting, novel-writing, and nonfiction, she’s exploring new creative avenues while continuing to grow Swell Entertainment. Her content will undoubtedly evolve, but her mission remains the same—providing thoughtful commentary, honest reviews, and a little bit of humor along the way.

Her biggest takeaway from this journey? The power of authenticity. “I’ve always been critical in my reviews, but I try to offer solutions, too,” Amanda explains. Whether she’s talking about an event, a TV show, or a product, her goal isn’t to tear things down—it’s to help make them better. That philosophy has resonated with viewers, earning her the affectionate title of “big sister” to her audience.

And while Amanda insists that the nickname started as an inside joke, it fits perfectly. After all, who better than a big sister to help you navigate the chaos of the internet—and life—with honesty, wit, and just a little bit of sass?

Photography Credit
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Anna Schilling
Hair/Makeup: Blondie