With a slew of digital content creators commenting on the latest tea spilled on celebrity drama and whatnot, Spill Sesh stood out for its attention-grabbing take on issues pertaining to the hubbub surrounding Youtubers, influencers, and relevant pop culture. For years, people wondered who the brains behind YouTube’s top drama channel were. Lo and behold, after a few years, Kristi Cook, came out in the open to her spot in the limelight.
As a second-generation Taiwanese-American, Kristi is out to prove she can be as good as her counterparts, if not better. Her platform serves as a stage where she dissects the internet’s most significant controversies and scandals involving prominent online personalities & celebrities. Through Kristi’s insightful commentary, she navigates through the complexities of online drama, offering millions of viewers a nuanced understanding of the events unfolding within the digital sphere and in pop culture news.
In this exclusive digital cover, Eletom interviewed Kristi about her beginnings and plans for the future.
What inspired you to start Spill Sesh, and how did it all come together?
A: The channel started pretty casually, but when I discovered a whole community on YouTube talking about internet drama, I was shocked—in the best way. I knew I had to be part of it because I’d been obsessed with YouTube for so long, watching it more than actual TV. It felt like there was finally a space for people just as invested as I was in discussing online creators, the same way traditional media covers celebrities. My passion for this work is what drives me every day.
Over time, the channel has evolved to cover YouTubers and celebrities, TikTokers, and more. But at the core of it all, my love for YouTube and online culture has always been the reason Spill Sesh exists.
Your channel has evolved significantly over the years. How do you decide which topics to cover, and what do you hope your audience takes away from your commentary?
A: Over the years, I’ve developed a sense of which stories my audience will be most interested in, so I’m always keeping track of what’s happening throughout the week and deciding what’s worth covering in a video. I want my audience to feel confident in the information I share while also getting that casual, FaceTime-with-a-friend vibe—like I’m just filling them in on the tea in a fun and relatable way.
“Spilling The Tea” is often associated with gossip, but how does your approach differ from other social commentators?
A: I don’t like getting things wrong, so I always make it clear when something is just a rumor and might not be accurate. But honestly, I don’t love covering those kinds of stories because people want to be able to tell their friends, Omg, did you hear about ___? with full confidence. I do my best to gather all the information available, scouring the internet for every detail. My commitment to accuracy is unwavering.
Most of the stories I cover involve events that have already happened, are currently unfolding, or have been directly addressed by the people involved. I also like to wait things out sometimes to see if more information comes out before jumping on a topic, making sure I’m giving the most accurate take possible.
You maintained anonymity for years before revealing your identity in The New York Times. What led to that decision, and how has it changed your experience as a creator?
A: It honestly just started super casual—I saw text-based YouTube videos talking about internet drama and thought, That looks easy; I could do that. I’ve always loved internet culture and finally found a space to discuss it. Eventually, I realized spelling wasn’t my strong suit, so I switched to voiceovers, and that format just stuck. Staying anonymous made me feel more comfortable, like how people sing better when no one’s watching—it gave me the freedom just to be myself.
But as Spill Sesh grew, I felt anonymity was holding me back. If I wanted to be at events, report firsthand, and connect with other creators, revealing my identity was the next step. Since then, so many new opportunities have opened up, and it’s helped me take Spill Sesh to a whole new level.
How has being an AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) creator shaped your perspective on internet culture, and what role do you think representation plays in the digital media space?
A: Being an AAPI creator has shaped my reporting on internet culture. Representation in digital media is not just important, it’s crucial. It influences the narratives we see and whose voices get amplified. I am mindful of different perspectives and ensure that my content reflects a well-rounded view of the topics I cover. As an AAPI creator, I also recognize the importance of visibility and fair representation. I want to contribute to a more inclusive space where diverse voices are not just heard, but valued.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced with your channel, and how have you overcome it?
A: Time management has been my biggest challenge. I strive to post on all platforms consistently—ideally at least once a day—without burning out. I’ve learned to prioritize my time effectively, setting clear boundaries and making space for breaks, social time, and self-care to manage this. Finding that balance has been crucial in keeping my content fresh while maintaining my well-being and creativity.
What are you most proud of in your journey as Spill Sesh, and what impact do you hope your platform has on your viewers and the broader digital community?
A: When I started this channel in my childhood bedroom, I never imagined that one day I’d be expanding my content in the way I am now. The idea of hosting podcasts, conducting interviews, and building my own media outlet—one I once dreamed of working for—still feels surreal. Every day, I pinch myself that this is my job, and I’m incredibly excited to grow Spill Sesh into a full-fledged business, creating even more beyond what I do now.
I hope my viewers can see the evolution of my content without feeling like they’ve lost what they originally loved. My goal is to make Spill Sesh more accessible across different platforms while solidifying it as a credible media outlet. At the same time, as Kristi, I want to build something bigger—expanding beyond just Spill Sesh to create even more projects that align with my vision for the future.
Social media platforms are increasingly scrutinized for their role in amplifying controversies. What responsibilities do you think creators and platforms have in shaping online discourse?
A: It’s essential to present all sides of a story because, no matter how much backlash someone faces online, people will always be defending them. Acknowledging different perspectives—even unpopular—helps ensure that audiences can form their own opinions rather than feeling led to think a certain way. As creators, we are responsible for providing balanced narratives, while platforms should foster an environment that encourages thoughtful, well-rounded discussions rather than amplifying outrage for engagement.
As someone who bridges digital and traditional media, how do you envision your role evolving?
A: The digital space is constantly evolving, making it difficult to predict the future. I focus on staying informed about digital and traditional media trends while paying attention to where my audience—and my friends—are consuming news. With so many platforms available, adapting and finding the best ways to report and engage is crucial. Diversifying content across different formats and platforms will be key to staying relevant and reaching audiences effectively.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring creators who want to make meaningful content, what would it be?
A: Make the content you are most passionate about. Whatever you are constantly talking to your friends and family about, that’s precisely the kind of content you should be making. People crave authenticity and want to consume content from someone who genuinely loves what they’re doing.
To know more follow @spillsesh
Talent: Kristi Cook | Photographer: Hunter Cohen |Hair: Caitlin Krenz | Makeup: Samantha Vaughn
Styling: Hannah Viselli | Production: Emily Blair Media | EIC Natalie Steger | Managing Editor Cyan Leigh Dacasin
