ICYMI Meet The Professional Clout-Chaser
Mar 18, 2026
Nadira Goffe, Slate staff writer who covers viral personalities and internet culture, breaks down the rise of a ubiquitous social media figure. Short takes cover his TikTok origins, industry ties, surprising corporate and entertainment moves, and the idea of a professional clout-chaser. Expect lively parsing of why this kind of personality succeeds and how it affects journalism and celebrity access.
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Why Jake Shane Is Everywhere Not Just Famous
- Jake Shane built influence by being everywhere across formats rather than a single craft.
- He moved from TikTok octopus skits to viral celebrity cameos, a podcast on Netflix, TV cameos, Broadway, and a Hulu development deal.
Oscars Red Carpet Moment Got Him Schooled
- At the Oscars red carpet Jake Shane repeatedly asked a playful question about the movie If I Had Legs I'd Kick You and was rebuked by Julia Fox.
- The exchange triggered debate about influencers on red carpets and whether they belong in press spaces.
From Octopus Reviews To Celebrity Rooms
- Jake Shane started as OctopusLover8 reviewing octopus dishes and using a catchphrase before viral impersonation skits in 2023.
- His early videos featured Julia Mervis and Alice Grange who had WME and Universal ties that opened doors to celebrity collaborations.