It All Started with a Dream
On February 14, 2014, when social media and YouTube were still in their early stages in Vietnam, a group of young friends—Trần Đức Viễn, Vinh Râu, Thái Vũ, Huỳnh Phương, and Ribi Sachi—founded FAP TV. At that time, none of them imagined they would one day run one of the biggest YouTube channels in Vietnam. They were simply driven by a shared passion for acting and filmmaking.
With very little capital, FAP TV had no studio, no professional crew, just an old camera and pure enthusiasm. They shot their first videos in small alleys and familiar streets of Saigon. The early episodes, such as Cơm Nguội and other short skits, were rough in quality but brought natural and relatable humor to the audience.
Struggles in the Early Days
The biggest challenges for FAP TV in those early days were not just financial constraints but also skepticism from people around them. “Can you make a living from YouTube?”, “Who will watch these homemade comedy videos?”—these were the questions they often faced. But instead of giving up, they chose to push forward, improving their content day by day.
Each member took on multiple roles—acting, directing, scripting, and filming. Without money for proper sets, they used their own homes, cafes, or random street corners as filming locations. Despite many obstacles, every video they uploaded received increasing support from the online community.
A Defining Turning Point
In 2015, some of FAP TV’s videos began to go viral on Facebook and YouTube, attracting hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Productions like Cơm Nguội and Yêu Ư? Để Sau helped the group establish its signature comedy style—simple yet witty, relatable yet carrying meaningful messages.
From a small group with nothing but an old camera, FAP TV gradually became a well-recognized digital content brand. Their first major milestone came when they reached 1 million subscribers, opening doors to brand collaborations and pushing them toward a more professional path.
11 Years and the Road Ahead
What started as a bold idea in 2014 has now spanned over a decade, leaving a significant mark on Vietnam’s digital entertainment scene. Looking back, it’s clear that passion, perseverance, and the strong bond between the members helped them overcome every challenge to become one of the country’s most successful YouTube channels.
Although they have come a long way from their humble beginnings, the spirit of those early days—creativity and dedication—remains the guiding force for FAP TV’s journey into the future.