William Osman
William Osman
The Engineering YouTuber
William Osman has carved out a unique niche in the YouTube creator landscape as an engineer who transforms everyday challenges into entertaining scientific experiments. Born on June 8, 1991, and based in Ventura County, California, Osman combines his mechanical and electrical engineering background with a distinctive comedic approach to content creation [1]. His channel, launched on November 25, 2013, has grown to become one of the most recognizable names in science and engineering content on the platform [2].
With over 3 million subscribers and nearly 470 million total video views as of 2025, Osman has established himself as a prominent figure in the STEM content creator community [3]. His content philosophy centers around what he describes as "dubious quality, questionable integrity, unethical delivery," noting that "sometimes the best lessons teach what not to do" [4].
Educational Background and Early Career
Osman's journey into content creation began during his time at Foothill Technology High School, where he collaborated with his longtime friend and cameraman John Willner on short skits and video projects [5]. His passion for engineering was evident early on when he created a Stirling Engine capable of converting heat into mechanical energy for the 2009 California State Science Fair [5].
After high school, Osman pursued higher education at California State University, Northridge, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2014, majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering [5] [6]. Before transitioning to full-time content creation, he applied his engineering expertise in various professional roles, including work with non-magnetic MRI equipment, aircraft ground support equipment, and experimental military equipment [7] [8].
Rise to YouTube Fame
Osman's early YouTube content primarily featured his custom-built 80-watt laser cutter, dubbed the "RetinaSmelter9000," which he used to test the laser-cutting properties of unconventional materials [1] [5]. This unique approach to engineering content helped distinguish his channel from other science-focused creators on the platform.
The creator achieved viral success in March 2017 with a video that would become one of his most recognizable works. Responding to a viewer's unusual request to "sculpt a bust of Vin Diesel using laser-cut cross-sections of laser-sliced ham," Osman created an elaborate ham and cheese sandwich sculpture using 90 slices of meat [1]. The project, which he designed using Autodesk Maya and Fusion 360, garnered over 100,000 views within two days and helped establish his reputation for tackling absurd engineering challenges [1].
Notable Viral Projects
One of Osman's most talked-about projects came in 2021 when he built his own X-ray machine after receiving a hospital bill for $69,210.32 [9]. Using a $155 X-ray vacuum tube from eBay and a 60,000-volt power supply costing $400, he successfully created a functional X-ray machine for a fraction of the hospital's charges [9]. The project, while generating impressive results, drew both praise and concern from medical professionals who noted the radiation safety risks involved [10].
Other popular videos include his collaborations with fellow creators, such as working with Simone Giertz to modify her Comuta-Car to function as a computer mouse, and partnering with Mark Rober on a Volkswagen-sponsored project involving a lemon battery made from 1,232 lemons [1]. His content often features egg drop competitions with other YouTubers and various unconventional engineering experiments that blend education with entertainment [11].
Professional Collaborations
Osman's engineering expertise has led to significant collaborations with major content creators. He worked behind the scenes on MrBeast's widely successful Squid Game recreation video, contributing technical expertise for special effects equipment including explosives and fake blood systems [12]. Despite the project's ultimate success, Osman described the experience as challenging, noting the intensive timeline and technical requirements involved in creating custom devices for the production [12].
He has also partnered with the U.S. Navy as part of their recruitment campaign, participating in egg drop competitions against Navy sailors [1]. These collaborations demonstrate how his unique blend of engineering skills and entertainment value has attracted attention from both fellow creators and established organizations.
Open Sauce Convention
In 2023, Osman expanded his influence beyond YouTube by founding Open Sauce, a convention dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) [13]. The inaugural event, held at San Francisco's Pier 35, attracted over 10,000 attendees and featured 150 exhibitors [13].
The convention's success led to rapid growth, with the 2024 event moving to the larger Cow Palace in Daly City to accommodate over 20,000 attendees, 150 creators, and 500 exhibitors [14] [15]. Featured creators have included notable figures such as Adam Savage from MythBusters, Mark Rober, NileRed, Michael Reeves, and many other prominent science and engineering content creators [14].
According to Osman, the convention was created because he "felt there was not a place in the world for science and engineering fanatics to get together and share what they're passionate about, and celebrate the people who are the most exciting in that space" [14]. The event has become a significant gathering point for the STEM creator community and continues to grow annually.
Content Creation Challenges and Personal Struggles
Despite his success, Osman has been open about the challenges of content creation. In 2021, he published a video titled "I'm done," where he discussed the mental health challenges associated with being a public figure on YouTube [16]. He described feeling "exhausted" and living in "a constant state of criticism," noting how the pressure to create content had affected his well-being [16].
Osman also faced significant personal challenges when his home was destroyed in December 2017 during the Thomas Fire in Ventura County [17]. A GoFundMe campaign organized by family friend David Willner raised over $120,000 from more than 6,300 donors to help the Osmans rebuild their lives [17]. The experience demonstrated the strong community support surrounding his content and personal brand.
Current Projects and Influence
As of 2025, Osman continues to maintain an active presence across multiple platforms. He co-hosts the "Safety Third" podcast alongside fellow science YouTubers NileRed, The Backyard Scientist, and Allen Pan [18] [19]. The podcast, which has produced over 100 episodes, focuses on discussions among YouTube scientists and occasionally features guest appearances [19].
His main YouTube channel maintains steady viewership with over 169 videos uploaded and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of views per video [3]. Analytics platforms report that his content generates an estimated monthly income ranging from $911 to $2,700, though these figures represent conservative estimates based on typical creator revenue models [4].
Osman operates a secondary channel, "William Osman 2," which has accumulated over 600,000 subscribers and focuses on more casual content and behind-the-scenes material [20]. This diversification of content across multiple channels has helped him maintain audience engagement while exploring different creative formats.
Impact on STEM Education and Creator Economy
Through his unique approach to engineering content, Osman has influenced how STEM education is presented on digital platforms. His willingness to showcase failed experiments and "what not to do" scenarios provides valuable learning experiences that complement traditional educational content [4]. Industry observers have noted that his content fills a unique niche by making engineering concepts accessible through humor and practical demonstrations [21].
His creation of Open Sauce has also contributed to the broader creator economy by providing a physical space for digital creators to connect with their audiences and collaborate with peers [13]. The convention's growth from 10,000 to over 20,000 attendees in just one year demonstrates the demand for creator-focused events in the STEM community [14].