Just 2 months ago Nathan Apodaca, a.k.a Doggface208, was living out of his RV.
He was working as a laborer at a potato warehouse in Idaho.
Nathan went viral on TikTok when he took just a few seconds to film himself drinking some Ocean Spray cranberry juice while long-boarding to work to the tune of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.”
His life changed.
Since posting the video, he’s made thousands from sponsorships and recently paid $320,000 for a new house – all in cash.
He also just got engaged to his girlfriend of 14 months, who he met at the potato warehouse where they both worked.
Yes, this is an isolated case and no one can predict what will go viral on social media but believe:
Something good is always coming your way.
The story of Nathan Apodaca, better known as Doggface208, vividly demonstrates the unpredictable nature of social media and the life-changing potential it holds. In a world where millions of videos are uploaded daily, Apodaca’s simple, authentic moment captured the hearts of millions and catapulted him from obscurity to internet stardom overnight.
Apodaca’s journey began in the humble setting of Idaho, where he worked as a laborer in a potato warehouse. Living out of his RV, his life was a far cry from the glamour and luxury often associated with social media influencers. His daily routine involved long-boarding to work, a necessity born out of circumstances rather than choice. Little did he know that this mundane commute would become the backdrop for his viral fame.
The video that changed everything was remarkably simple: Apodaca, cruising on his longboard, sipping Ocean Spray cranberry juice straight from the bottle, and lip-syncing to Fleetwood Mac’s classic hit “Dreams.” There was no elaborate setup, no carefully crafted script, just a man enjoying a moment of simple pleasure on his way to work. This authenticity resonated with viewers in a way that polished, over-produced content often fails to do.
The impact of the video was immediate and far-reaching. It not only went viral on TikTok but also spread across other social media platforms, garnering millions of views and sparking a trend that even saw Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac recreating the video. The song “Dreams” experienced a surge in popularity, re-entering music charts decades after its original release. This phenomenon highlighted the power of social media to not only create new trends but also to revive and recontextualize cultural touchstones from the past.
For Apodaca, the consequences of his newfound fame were life-altering. Sponsorship deals started pouring in, with Ocean Spray being one of the first to capitalize on the viral moment by gifting him a new truck filled with cranberry juice. The financial windfall allowed him to make a significant life change – purchasing a $320,000 house in cash. This transition from living in an RV to owning a home outright is a dramatic illustration of how quickly fortunes can change in the age of social media.
But the benefits of Apodaca’s viral fame weren’t just material. His personal life also took a positive turn with his engagement to his girlfriend of 14 months, whom he had met at the same potato warehouse where he worked. This personal happiness, coupled with his financial success, paints a picture of a life transformed in multiple dimensions.
Apodaca’s story is particularly compelling because it challenges the notion that social media success is reserved for the young, the beautiful, or the already privileged. Here was a working-class man in his 40s, facing everyday struggles, who became an unlikely social media star. His success serves as a reminder that authenticity and relatability can be more powerful than polished perfection in capturing the public’s imagination.
