Zach “ZHC” Hsieh has been confirmed as the new host of YouTube Originals show Instant Influencer just weeks after it was announced James Charles would not be returning for Season 2.
Last month Youtube confirmed James’ departure amid allegations the creator was grooming a 16-year-old fan. In a statement to Variety, a spokesperson for YouTube said the show would “take a new creative direction, including a new host.” They continued, “We thank James for a great first season, and look forward to building on the show’s success by expanding the opportunity to showcase a diversity of creators across the YouTube platform in our upcoming season.”
It seems YouTube is making good on their promise of taking a “new creative direction”, announcing ZHC as the new host of the YouTube Original series. A creative artist with over 20 million subscribers, Zach joined Youtube in 2013 and gained popularity showcasing his creative designs and art tutorials. More recently, he has become known for his bold “customisations”; painting on iPhones, Teslas and houses, as well as his generous giveaways. In the past year he has collaborated with TikTok stars, including Charli D’Amelio, Addison Rae and Chase Hudson.
“I am super excited to host Season 2 of ‘Instant Influencer,’” Zach said in an exclusive to Variety. “I’m so grateful for this huge opportunity given to me by YouTube to pay it forward to other up-and-coming artists. I can’t wait to show everyone our first YouTube Originals show!”
Fans can look forward to eight episodes in the new season, where 10 up-and-coming artists will compete in a variety of new creative challenges for the title of “Instant Influencer” and a $100,000 USD prize.
“We are excited to expand upon the beauty and makeup themes of the first season and introduce a more diverse cast of competitors that are artists in a variety of different mediums,” said Susanne Daniels, YouTube’s Global Head of original content. “It was always our vision to incorporate different artistic points of view into the series, and we can’t wait for viewers to see all new forms of creative expression.”
Season 2 of Instant Influencer is set to premiere later this year on Zach’s YouTube channel.