We talked with one of the biggest female YouTubers in the Arab world

Growing up, I was always into sports and living a healthy lifestyle. But as I got into my teen years, that wasn't enough to get the body I wanted. After many years of doing everything I could to lose weight, I developed an eating disorder. Despite this, I spent most of my time researching the science behind losing weight. 

I knew there had to be some "simple truth" behind it so I started doing intense research for around 2 years. When I finally learned the truth behind the myths, I decided I needed to share them with the world. And Ta-Da! My Youtube channel was born.

I came to realize that people don’t relate or connect to videos that are preachy or involve pure facts. The audience might see that informative video, learn a thing or two and then never come back.  

What I found was that they are more interested in seeing how I apply the tips I talk about and learn from someone's real life experiences. Ever since, I started vlogging my lifestyle, and with more and more requests to incorporate my personal life into it, which I began to do as well.

 I think it’s very important to listen to your audience but always create the content you want. My channel is still health and fitness based but has a little more spice to it to keep the audience engaged. 

Management! As a YouTuber, you are the entire crew. You are the producer, director, presenter, editor etc... This gets tough to manage at times so I have to be super organized. 

That would have to be the feedback. Subscribers may seem like just numbers until you look through the comments and messages. 

When I read comments from people telling me how I’ve deeply impacted their lives or that I’m the reason they overcame an eating disorder, it's unbelievable and greatly humbling. 

Honestly, it doesn't bother me anymore. I mean, everyone has their own opinion about every single thing in this world. It’s impossible to please them all so why let it get you down? 

I believe it’s the fact that I’m always as natural as I can be, and the audience really relates to that. I’m a dorky person and I don’t hide it. I’m also told it’s because I’m very positive. 

I wouldn’t call it pressure. The audience grows to feel like you’re their best friend so they constantly want to see more of you. I create as much content as I can, around 2 videos per week, and they’re very understanding. 

I hope it’ll be one of the leading female channels in the Middle East, empowering and enlightening more and more women. 

Haha! Yes, I grew up wanting to be a TV presenter and her job was exactly what I wanted to do. I would love to work with her. 

I think it would be interesting to make YouTube videos on my channel about the experience of having such a job. A mix between social media and traditional media would be so entertaining.  

Hit me up, Rayya ;) 

Be yourself. The audience can always tell when you're faking it or aren't being real. As long as you're natural (as natural as you can be with a camera) people will feel like you're being real with them and that builds trust between you and your audience.

To take over the world! Haha, nah! But Ramadan is just around the corner. Since it is prime time for content consumption, I’ll be releasing videos much more often. They’re going to be great, so don't forget to subscribe!