Tragedies cannot be monetized, but this man’s video of the Los Angeles wildfires was very popular: more than 673 million views!

Reuters tells the story of Alex Choi, a well-known social media personality. When wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, he chose to record the unfolding disaster.

While riding his dirt bike through fire-ravaged areas, Alex captured some captivating scenes of burning homes, embers swirling in the air, and an elderly man using a garden hose to protect his property. Choi’s snaps, shared on Snapchat, have reached a staggering 673 million views. In contrast, some companies estimate that the Los Angeles wildfire disaster cost $250 billion in damages.

Using his dirt bike, Choi reached areas that were difficult to reach, including neighborhoods near Will Rogers State Park, which were destroyed by fire. He encountered a house that remained untouched, thanks to an old man who decided to stay and protect it.

Although Choi was encouraged to leave, the man stayed behind and successfully defended his property.

Choi explained that he carefully considers the age of his viewers when creating content. It aims to deliver impactful news that doesn’t upset younger audiences, yet provides them with valuable insights.

The man is also known for his daring car stunts which have sometimes gotten him into legal trouble; He is now turning his attention to real-world storytelling, the report continues.

He sees social media, especially Snapchat, as a vital tool for connecting younger generations with current events. With Snapchat boasting more than 443 million daily users, primarily between the ages of 13 and 24, it has become a major platform for news consumption alongside TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.