In this series of short profiles, Capital Current introduces key persons of influence in the city to the community.
Who is he?
Gabriel Yorke is a fourth-year marketing student at Carleton University. His social media garners the attention of almost 145,000 followers. This social media influencer is most popular for his TikToks about Ottawa and university life.
What’s his background?
Yorke began making content as a child, filming himself playing video games. His passion was reignited during the pandemic when he made exercise videos “just out of boredom. That’s where I really discovered that I enjoy making these videos.”
Yorke said his success did not happen overnight. “I kind of thought the videos would stop once I got to university,” he said, but after the first video he made on campus caught some attention, he continued. Today Yorke has some 144,800 followers on TikTok and 34,000 on Instagram.
What is he known for in Ottawa?
Yorke’s videos challenge the stereotype of “boring” Ottawa, said one Charlatan article. “I try to branch off of what people are feeling, and put a funny spin on it,” Yorke said. His satirical videos have caught the attention of many university students and others in Ottawa.
What do people say about him?
Yorke has become a recognizable figure on campus. “When I applied, [Gabriel Yorke] is like the first person who pops up when you look up Carleton University,” said third-year psychology student Marina Prgesa.
“A lot of people have told me that [my videos] are helpful,” Yorke said about his image. “People have told me that I’m the reason they came to Carleton University and it’s always great to hear,” he added. “His videos are genuinely helpful, they give tours and show you the campus,” Prgsa said.
What is a lesser known fact about them?
Yorke has been working since he was 12 years old when he got a job at a breakfast restaurant. “I worked there every summer for three years,” Yorke said.
