Louis Cole (FunForLouis)

From Food Stunts to Travel Pioneer

Louis John Cole, better known by his YouTube handle FunForLouis, has transformed from a controversial content creator into one of the world's most recognized travel influencers. Born on April 28, 1983, in Surrey, England, Cole initially gained notoriety through his original channel FoodForLouis, where he filmed himself eating unusual and sometimes live animals ^[1]. However, after facing criticism from animal rights organizations, Cole made a pivotal decision to remove these videos and rebrand his content toward a more positive message ^[1]. The transition proved transformative for Cole's career. He launched his FunForLouis channel on December 31, 2012, beginning what would become a legendary daily vlogging streak that documented his life and adventures around the globe ^[1]. This commitment to daily content creation helped establish him as what many consider the "godfather of daily travel vlogging" ^[3].

Building a Global Community

Cole's dedication to consistent content creation has resulted in impressive audience growth across multiple platforms. His FunForLouis YouTube channel has amassed nearly 2 million subscribers, with over 339 million total video views as of 2025 ^[4]. Beyond YouTube, Cole maintains a strong presence on other social media platforms, with over 1 million followers on Instagram and more than 722,000 followers on Twitter ^[5]. The content creator's approach focuses on sharing authentic travel experiences while promoting his motto "Live the Adventure." His videos typically feature a mix of adventure activities, cultural exploration, and personal reflections, all delivered with his characteristic enthusiasm and positivity ^[2]. Cole's ability to connect with audiences through genuine storytelling has earned him recognition as one of Forbes' top travel influencers ¹⁴.

Professional Recognition and Partnerships

Cole's influence in the travel and digital content space has attracted attention from major media companies and organizations. In 2015, Discovery Communications signed Cole to its Digital Seeker Network, bringing his FunForLouis channel to the company's travel-focused digital platform ^[6]. This partnership demonstrated the growing recognition of travel vlogging as a legitimate form of entertainment and educational content. The content creator has also been selected for prestigious programs that highlight creators making positive social impact. YouTube chose Cole as a UK ambassador for its Creators for Change initiative, which recognizes creators around the world who use their platforms to inspire social good ¹¹. Additionally, Cole was nominated for Vlogger of the Year at the Shorty Awards, further cementing his status as a leading figure in the vlogging community ^[2].

Beyond Borders: Ambitious Filmmaking

One of Cole's most ambitious projects came to life in 2017 with "Beyond Borders," a documentary that saw him and pilot Juan-Peter Schulze fly to 22 cities across six continents over a period of 60-90 days ^[1]. The project began in Kern Valley, California, and aimed to celebrate global diversity while exploring what connects people across different cultures ¹³. The documentary project garnered significant support from Cole's community, with a Kickstarter campaign successfully raising over $111,564, surpassing its $100,000 target ^[5]. The completed film later became available on Discovery+ streaming platform, showcasing Cole's evolution from daily vlogger to serious filmmaker ^[1].

Social Impact and Entrepreneurship

Cole's commitment to creating positive change extends beyond his content creation. In 2007, he purchased and renovated a double-decker bus, transforming it into the "Boombus" - a mobile center designed to help homeless youth access music and video game facilities ^[1]. The project proved successful enough to receive ongoing funding from local council wards ^[5]. In 2016, Cole co-founded The Solvey Project with fellow creator Dave Erasmus, an initiative focused on funding social entrepreneurs around the world ^[1]. The project involved traveling to eight cities in 30 days to identify "compassionate problem solvers" who could make positive differences in their communities ²³. The vlogs documenting this journey accumulated over 3 million views on YouTube, demonstrating the audience's interest in purpose-driven content ²³. Cole also founded The Social Good Club, an organization that supports influencers in using their platforms to inspire social change ¹². The organization serves as a bridge between the impact and creative communities, bringing together content creators, community organizers, and artists to work on meaningful projects ¹².

Personal Evolution and Current Life

Cole's personal life has evolved alongside his professional journey. He is married to fellow content creator Raya Encheva, and together they operate a joint YouTube channel called "Raya and Louis" ^[3]. The couple welcomed their son Neo in April 2023, marking a new chapter in Cole's life ¹⁹. In recent years, Cole and his family have embraced a more sustainable lifestyle, moving to an eco-village in Costa Rica where they live in a converted school bus ¹⁸. This transition reflects Cole's growing interest in conscious living and environmental sustainability, themes that have become increasingly prominent in his content ^[3].

Navigating Controversy

Cole's career has not been without challenges. In 2016, he faced significant backlash for his 10-part video series documenting a trip to North Korea ²². Critics accused him of creating propaganda for the North Korean regime by presenting an overly positive portrayal of the country without addressing its human rights issues ²². Cole responded to the criticism by clarifying that his trip was not government-sponsored and emphasizing that he was sharing his personal observations rather than conducting investigative journalism ²².

Current Status and Influence

As of 2025, Cole continues to maintain his position as a significant figure in the travel and lifestyle content space. His FunForLouis channel reports nearly 2 million subscribers with consistent engagement, though his content output has evolved from daily vlogs to more curated, quality-focused uploads ^[4]. Analytics platforms estimate his monthly YouTube earnings in the range of hundreds to low thousands of dollars, reflecting the ongoing monetization potential of his established audience ^[4]. Cole's influence extends beyond simple subscriber counts. His award-winning content creation work has earned him recognition as having an online audience of over 5 million across all platforms ^[3]. His merchandise line, featuring "Live The Adventure" branded items, continues to serve his community of followers who resonate with his message of exploration and positive living ²⁵.