Broadcasting together. The biographical trajectories of YouTube conspiracy theory micro-celebrities

Social media platforms like YouTube are often seen as gateways for the spread of conspiracy theories. While much of the research has focused on why people consume conspiracy theory content, little attention has been given to how individuals become creators of such content. This paper addresses this gap by examining how conspiratorial online practices emerge from social and cultural contexts mediated by social media platforms and communities of practice. Drawing on 22 in-depth interviews and ethnographic fieldwork, this study explores the biographies of conspiracy YouTubers, revealing three key moments in their trajectories: the reinterpretation of pre-existing worldviews, integration into a community of practice, and the pursuit of self-promotion and branding. The findings not only contribute to understanding the life experiences that draw people to the conspiracy milieu but also underscore how online environments cultivate and sustain such conspiracy micro-celebrities.