If your Instagram algorithm knows you love funny animal videos, then chances are you’ve encountered Chunk the Groundhog’s page. While the page is named after the OG groundhog Chunk, there is an entire family of groundhogs documented across the infamous Instagram, entertaining half a million people daily. Jeff the Gardener, as he's known, noticed that his veggies were going missing back in 2019 and decided to set up some cameras to see what was happening - lo and behold, he discovered the now-beloved Chunk, munching away.
What started as Jeff’s personal IG account soon became a public figure in Chunk’s page, after sharing his very first video of the groundhog chewing snacks from his garden. Since Chunk’s first taste of viral fame via a Reddit post, the account has seen the birth of new groundhog family members, with a few of them even receiving Makeship Plushies (including Chunk, of course).
Jeff spoke with us for Creator Catch-Up about how he manages the account, and obtains all his quirky groundhog footage.
Hi team Chunk! So let’s start with the basics: tell us when and why you first started Chunk’s IG account. How did it come to fruition?
It was at first my personal account that I switched over to Chunk the Groundhog after I posted a video of a groundhog eating from my garden. Chunk became so dear to my heart that I decided to keep it going and set a goal to do a daily post every day! To this day my streak is over 3 years without missing a daily Instagram post!
Were you into social media at all prior to starting Chunk’s account?
Not much. I had a personal account and a music account for my band. But nothing like the Chunks before.
How did the account start to grow? Was there one post in particular that led to growth or was it consistency over time?
Our first viral video was posted on Reddit. I posted a link to Chunk’s Youtube Channel and it went viral. From there we worked with The Dodo, Kelly Clarkson and various new platforms that spread our channel around the world.
“Our first viral video was posted on Reddit. I posted a link to Chunk’s Youtube Channel and it went viral.”
Is maintaining Chunk’s IG account a full-time job or just a very time-consuming hobby at this point?
It is something I like to do on the side. My real job is an IT Professional. I have my girlfriend and family and friends to help out too.
How do you film content of Chunk and friends, is it all just captured on surveillance video? Is there a strategy or calendar around filming?
I have a motion detection camera system that is running 24x7. I look at videos everyday (0-500+) and scrub the good footage. Then compile that into a huge repo where I pick daily posts from. When the Chunks’ are not in hibernation, footage is upwards of 500+ clips a day!
How has working with Makeship benefited you and Chunk?
It gave me an opportunity to bring the Chunks into the fans' households. Fans travel with Chunk. They snuggle with Chunk. It is a win-win situation.
“Learn your fanbase. Learn what brought them to you. Focus on what works for you and them. Grow organically. Those are the fans that will follow you and support you and want to have that super special limited release Plushie.”
We’d love it if you could share one final piece of advice for a creator in a similar lane to you that’s just starting out!
Stay true to your mission. Have a plan and stick with it. Do not worry about the negative side of being a creator. Focus your energy on the positive side. Like fans' reactions, accomplishing goals and what makes “You” feel good. Afterall, your creativity is an extension of you so embrace that and do what makes you feel good. But learn your fanbase. Learn what brought them to you. Focus on what works for you and them. Grow organically. Those are the fans that will follow you and support you and want to have that super special limited release Plushie. Do not pay for fans. Avoid scams. Definitely use 2-factor authentication. Do not be quick to jump on things without checking them out completely. One hack and all your hard work is gone! Be smart. Take two to think it through. If it sounds too good to be true it most likely is. Remember nothing is gained without your efforts! It is not going to be easy. It is a lot of work but you get in what you put in. Don’t hang your head on trying to keep up with the trends that really have nothing to do with you. Set your own trend. If it's meant to happen it will in time. Stay true. Your real fans will appreciate you for that! Build trust. Be engaged. Engagement is key. Fans will feel so special if you take the extra time to engage with them and make them feel special. And do not pour from an empty cup. Remember to try to keep a balance between creating and life. What really helps me now is not dropping everything to do this IDEA I have in my head. I now write it down and make plans to do it later. And remember this Golden 6 P’s Rule: “Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance” You got this!!
