SYED Abdullah Syed Abdul Rahman, better known as Spacedollah, recently shared his experience and more about his life as a content creator. In an interview with Sarawak Tribune, Syed revealed the ups and downs and also shares his tips on how to gain a big following on social media platforms.
Can you share about yourself?
My real name is Syed Abdullah Bin Syed Abdul Rahman (Spacedollah). I’m 35, the third one in my family, with retired parents and 4 siblings. I studied aviation and aerospace in Malaysia and the US, but while in the States, I kind of lost focus, and I got caught up in the lifestyle. I joined Sigma Chi, bought a huge bike, and even rode it to Vegas. But my passion for space education really took off after seeing a rocket launch up close near my uni.
I came back to Malaysia in 2018 and worked a bunch of odd jobs — from sales to marketing. But nothing felt right. Nothing made me happy. Then everything changed when I worked at this “will-not-be-named” company. I still remember it like it was yesterday. My ex-boss cursed at me in front of everyone — in a shared office, no less. He made me feel so disrespected, and at that moment, I knew I’d had enough.
So, I quit my job and became a full-time Grab driver. For two years, I drove passengers around and created content at the same time. For eight months straight, I posted one video a day. I spent seven hours driving daily, and the rest of my time I did scripting, editing, and posting videos.
Everything changed after those eight months when I made my first US$1 on YouTube. That moment was life-changing.
Twelve months later, I was earning enough to quit Grab and become a full-time content creator. Looking back, it was tough, but it was all worth it.
Can you share more on your life as a content creator?
Being a content creator as Spacedollah is a journey full of creativity, challenges, and endless learning. My life revolves around sharing knowledge and inspiration with my audience, whether it’s about space, digital creativity, or personal growth.
Every day is about brainstorming ideas, scripting, filming and editing to create something meaningful.
At the heart of it all is my passion for storytelling and education. From my first video to now, I’ve always aimed to show that with an open mind and a willingness to learn, anyone can explore the universe — both literally and metaphorically. Being Spacedollah isn’t just a role; it’s a mission to inspire others to dream big, even in the vastness of space.
Why did you start, and what type of content did you create?
I started creating content three years ago from my bedroom with just a camera and an idea. My goal was simple: to share my passion for space, science and creativity in a way that inspires curiosity and sparks a sense of wonder. Over time, what began as educational content evolved into full-scale documentaries with some of the most fascinating tribes and cultures around the world.
For example, my recent documentary in Indonesia with the Torajans took me on a profound journey. In the video, I lifted the body of the dead, lived in a cave surrounded by 800 corpses, and even handed a cigarette to a preserved corpse.
Experiences like these allow me to uncover the extraordinary beliefs and traditions that shape humanity, showcasing the rich diversity of our world.
Fun fact: I didn’t start with Spacedollah. My first attempt was a channel called Truedollah, where I did reaction videos and some gaming content. And guess what? All 47 videos flopped hard — not even hitting 300 views per video. It was rough.
Then I rebranded to Spacedollah, and even then, it wasn’t an instant success. I posted over 80 videos before I started seeing any real results.
But I never gave up. I kept experimenting, learning, and pushing through, and eventually, things clicked. It’s proof that success doesn’t happen overnight — it’s all about consistency, passion and resilience.
Why do I do this? Because I can! I’m tired of the obscene content dominating the platforms. I want to be different. I want to show the world that it’s okay to be unique; it’s okay to be weird. More importantly, I want to prove that as a content creator, you can make a real difference in the world. It’s not just about following trends — it’s about creating something meaningful that inspires and impacts lives.
What is your daily routine like?
Every Monday, I write scripts and shoot eight videos — four for my Bahasa Malaysia channel and four for my English channel. After that, I edit these videos throughout the week and post them consistently. It’s not exciting, but it’s the grind that makes success happen.
When I started, I thought being a content creator would mean a relaxed, chill life compared to my 9-to-5. That was a BIG, FAT LIE. As a content creator, there are no days off. I work every day — creating content and teaching others how to become content creators through Spacedollah Learning on spacedollah.com.
What are the software and tools that you used to edit the content?
Surprisingly, the tools I use are super basic: just iMovie and Canva. Nothing fancy. But here’s the thing — I strongly believe that editing isn’t the key to great content. What truly matters are two things: character and storytelling. If you can connect with your audience and tell a story that resonates, no amount of fancy editing can beat that.
While my routine leaves little room for a social life, it’s all worth it. After 35 years, I finally wake up every day happy. I’m not rich — not even close — but I’m living my passion, and that’s priceless.
What are the challenges that you faced as a content creator?
The biggest challenges I face as a content creator are the waves of negativity and hate that come my way. Because I do things that are unconventional — like documenting and celebrating the beauty of other religions and cultures as a Muslim — I’ve been bashed, called a kafir, and labelled in countless ways. It hurts to see people misinterpret my work and use it to spread hate instead of understanding.
But here’s what I’ve learned, and it’s something I want to share with everyone:
As a content creator, you can’t win everyone’s heart. Your focus should be on the people who love and appreciate what you do. They’re the ones who matter. Everyone else? They’re just noise.
If you want to truly change the world with your content, you need to embrace the hate — it’s a sign that you’re challenging norms and making an impact. Over time, the negativity stops affecting you. In fact, I’ve started to see it differently. Every hate comment is just free help for the algorithm, pushing my content higher and wider.
To all the haters, I should be saying thank you for taking the time to write those comments. You’re helping me reach more people, and for that, I’m grateful.
What is some advice for those who want to start as a content creator?
I have two big pieces of advice for aspiring content creators. Throw out the norms. Forget what you’ve heard about originality when you’re just starting. It takes too long to succeed with zero knowledge, so here’s my shortcut:
Master copying and reverse-engineering content
Find three content creators you admire and ask yourself, “Can I do what they do?” Look at their storytelling, editing, and character. Then, duplicate their top 30 videos. Yes, you heard me — copy them. By the time you’ve completed those 30 videos, you’ll have developed your own character, refined your storytelling, and gained a solid understanding of social media.
This is the shortcut to success. Originality will come naturally once you’ve mastered the basics.
Be on ALL social media
When it comes to platforms, don’t limit yourself. The lesson from platforms like Bigo is clear: nothing lasts forever. As a content creator, your goal is not just about money or fame — it’s about building a brand. To achieve this, you need to be everywhere. Each platform has its unique audience, and by mastering all of them, you’ll create a stronger, more enduring presence.
Remember, it’s not just about creating content — it’s about leaving an imprint. Your brand should exist everywhere, so no matter where people look, they’ll find you. That’s how you build something that lasts.
Can you share some of your future visions?
I will change the world. I’m tired of seeing humanity divided by race and religion, tired of wars and hatred over differences that should be celebrated, not feared. My mission is to unite the human race and remind everyone that in the grand scheme of the universe, we are nothing more than a speck of dust — tiny, fragile, and fleeting.
For my fellow Malaysians, it’s time to move past labels like Melayu, Cina or India. We are Malaysians. Full stop. Let’s rise above the divisions and come together as one.
I know it’s a big dream, to change the world — but if I don’t try, who will?
Remember, in the vastness of the universe, our existence is minuscule. So, let’s unite, build, and love unconditionally.
Because only through unity and compassion can we truly leave a mark on this tiny, beautiful planet we call home.
