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Segun Oladapo-Ogunsanya, popularly known as Kagan, is a tech content creator with an Instagram following of over 348,000. He tells FAITH AJAYI about his love for creating tech-themed content
What can you tell us about your background?
I am a tech content creator, whose intention was to go to school and become a medical doctor. How I ended up so far from that plan is a mystery to me. But at the same time, I believe I also found purpose in helping people with my content or simply teaching different things on the Internet.
When did you become active on social media?
That was in mid-2022. That was the first time I downloaded TikTok and made a note of posting daily on Instagram. But in reality, I have been on and off the Internet since I first had access to it in 2006. Those were the days of social media sites like Hi5 and MySpace. Back then, I was building free websites and writing codes for all sorts of designs and uploading them to all sorts of free hosting spaces.
What informed the type of content you create online?
It was mostly borne out of just noticing a dearth of that kind of content. When I first downloaded TikTok, I did not see any Nigerian tech creator teaching anything on the platform. Everyone was mostly just trying to go viral, following trends and being sensational. I thought, perhaps, it was time to offer some real value to the audience and it worked out.
From being a music producer, how were you able to transition into the tech industry; and what sparked your interest in technology, especially Apple products?
I think the trick was that there was no transition. I had always been interested in technology so I just sort of grew into this. Being a music producer for a while did not stop me from becoming a blogger, an SEO specialist and a web designer. It all just kind of went together, because I have always been a serial learner.
What inspired your shift from traditional tech roles to becoming a content creator?
This may sound weird but I believe it has always been in my nature to not answer to anyone, so any opportunity to not work for other people, I jump at it. I guess the transition from people telling me things like, “we need this changed and that changed, and this done like this” to only working for myself and using all the skills I had developed over the years to build my own personal brand was a very easy decision to make.
What are the biggest challenges you face in creating the kind of content you do?
They are not much different than the challenges everyone else faces in their day-to-day lives. It has become really expensive to do anything, including acquiring equipment, getting constant electricity, and even fuel. In fact, the barrier of entry into becoming a top content creator is so high now that most people don’t even bother to try; and I completely get it.
How have you been able to deal with those challenges?
One cannot really deal with skyrocketing prices; one simply lives with it. One just has to adjust and buy what one needs and then scream into a pillow if needed for some of cathartic release, and one will be fine. For electricity, I mostly run on solar panels and inverters, and switch to other sources of power when necessary. This has drastically cut down my use of generators at work. Even though it is not completely zero yet, it is much better than what obtained about a year ago.
How do you stay updated with the latest tech trends and ensure your content remains relevant and engaging?
I try to stay on top of what’s trending and what’s most useful to my audience, so I do not fade into obscurity, and that happens to a lot of people more often than we like to admit.
What is your creative process like, and what determines the topics you choose to talk about per time?
In the past, I mostly just sat down and spoke from my heart. On some days back then, I never knew what I was going to talk about before I sat on my chair and faced the camera. But, thankfully these days, my team has expanded to include a content research analyst who actually helps with ideas and expands on creative things we can bring to the audience. As for the process, I only need to be told what to talk about and two minutes later, I would have a reel ready to go.
One unpopular fact about my videos is that they are usually shot in one take with no script. It surprises a lot of people when they watch me create.
What have been the highlights of sharing your tech knowledge through video content?
That would be people reaching out to thank me for one thing or the other that I shared that saved their life. That always surprises me. I find it hard to believe that a random tip or tool I shared in under three minutes could save someone’s life, or got them out of a bad situation. But, that happens.
Cyber bullying is rampant on social media these days. How do you handle negative feedback or criticism of your content?
Constructive criticism is always welcome, but you would hardly find anyone bold enough to troll in my comments these days. My best friends will frustrate anyone that tries it (laughs). My community is strong, and they don’t joke with things like that.
What strategies do you use to improve yourself and your content over the years?
I never stop learning. I believe that once one stops and gets too comfortable, one dies. It’s really that simple.
Could you talk about a particularly challenging project or video you’ve worked on?
Because I like what I do, I don’t see anything as a challenge. As far as I’m concerned, anything we struggle with is an opportunity to learn something new, acquire new equipment, or grow into creative ways to solve a problem.
In what ways has your experience in tech influenced the type of content you create?
I think it makes it easier to be more connected to the real issue with various areas of tech, and then offer solutions to them as well.
What tools and technologies do you use to produce your videos, and have these evolved over time?
Oddly, I still use the same video editing software I started with in 2017— Final Cut Pro. It is what everyone uses at work. The only thing that changed recently is that we no longer have to work on audio. We received a Rodecaster Pro II as a gift and have since acquired more, because it eliminates the need for any sort of audio editing in post.
How do you balance technical accuracy with making your content accessible and easy to understand for a broader audience?
There is no point in being all technical and having knowledge or sharing it if no one understands one. Whenever I make a video that I feel like a grandma won’t understand, I won’t post it. I would keep redoing until it gets to a point where everyone can understands it. That is actually a very useful hack if one wants to grow as a creator. It is like comedy; while it is very subjective, one will never get international acclaim if one’s jokes are only understood by one’s family members or the people in one’s small village.
What advice do you have for aspiring tech content creators looking to make an impact in the industry?
Find your own thing and don’t try to be like anyone else. When you disrupt an industry, you have more legitimacy; as opposed to being referred to as just another content creator. It is important to find one’s voice.
What are your future ambitions for your career?
The plan is to continue being the biggest and most influential tech content creator. Whatever innovations, adjustments or anything else I need to imbibe to keep being in front, I’m up for it. I will just take things one day at a time.
What is your favourite meal?
That is a complicated question. I like good creamy pasta, but I’m lactose intolerant. So, let’s just say a chicken club sandwich.
How do you like to dress?
To be honest, I don’t like to dress. With a singlet, a pair of shorts and my Crocs, I am off to wherever I want to go.
When you are not working, how do you relax?
Most times, I relax with more work. I really enjoy my work but I also play my Xbox (video game) ever so often.
