How I turned TikTok moment with my partner into a career – Ocean Vibes

What started as a light-hearted TikTok prank between two sweethearts has blossomed into one of Nigeria’s most inspiring digital love stories. Tola and Ola, the couple whose playful videos once amused a few friends, now command the attention of thousands across social media.

Their content is a blend of humor, affection, and everyday realities that has earned them millions of followers across social media and brand partnerships that many creators only dream of. But behind the laughter and viral moments lies a story of consistency, creativity, and authenticity.

In this interview, Bello Alliy Adetola popularly known as Ocean Vibes opens up about his unexpected journey from studying Sociology to becoming a full-time content creator, how he and his partner, Ola built their brand from scratch, and why staying true to their love story has kept their audience glued to their screens.

You studied Sociology but you ended up as a content creator, how did that happen?

Honestly, it just happened naturally. I’ve always been curious about people — why they act the way they do, what makes them laugh, what connects us. Studying Sociology actually helped me understand human behavior better, and I think that reflects in my content. So even though I’m not in a traditional Sociology career, I’m still studying people — just through creativity and entertainment.

Tell us about your educational background.

I completed my primary and secondary education in Lagos State, Nigeria, before proceeding to University of Lagos (UNILAG), where I earned a degree in Sociology. My time in school played a big role in shaping my curiosity about people and how society works, which eventually influenced the kind of content I create today.

Can you take us back to the very beginning — how did that playful TikTok prank with Ola come about?

It all started with that playful prank where Ola called one of my friends to see if he’d cover for me even though I was sitting right there with her. It was just one of those random, funny moments we always have, so we decided to record and post it on TikTok. We honestly didn’t expect much, but people found it super relatable and couldn’t stop sharing it. That one video went viral and opened a new chapter for us. From there, we just kept creating — turning those real, everyday moments into content people could laugh about and connect with.

At the time, did you have any idea the video would go viral and mark the start of your content journey?

Not at all. Honestly, I just posted as a normal TikTok video post with no planning, no expectations. It was one of those moments you record and move on from. So when the video started blowing up, we were shocked. I remember refreshing the app and watching the numbers climb like, “Wait, what’s happening?” That’s when it really hit me that people actually connect with real, simple relationship moments. That reaction inspired me to take content creation seriously and start building something consistent from it.

What was the first moment you realized that content creation could actually become a career path for you?

The first time it really hit me was after that prank video went viral. I started getting messages from people saying how much they laughed, how they watched it with their partner, or how it reminded them of their own relationship. That kind of response made me realize this was more than just content, it was connection. As more videos started gaining traction and brands began reaching out, I knew it wasn’t just a hobby anymore. That was the moment I decided to treat content creation like a real career and put my full energy into it.

After your first viral video, how did you handle the sudden presence on TikTok compared to other platforms, why is that?

It was definitely a big change at first. Going viral came with a lot of attention, and I had to quickly learn how to balance creating more content and know what type of content people actually want to see me do.. I didn’t want to start chasing trends just to keep numbers up — I wanted to build something that felt real and consistent.

TikTok became the main platform for me because it’s where everything started. It’s a space that allows me to experiment, be spontaneous, and connect directly with people through relationships, couple moments. The audience there loves authenticity, and that’s exactly what I enjoy giving. It’s just easier to express creativity and personality on TikTok, and from there, I build and share across other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

How did your family react to your type of content?

They were actually cool with it from the start. My family has always known I’m a creative person, so when I started making videos, they just let me do my thing. They’d laugh at the funny ones and sometimes even share ideas. As things grew, they became even more supportive — they love seeing how far it’s come.

Nigeria’s digital space can be competitive even though we don’t have many people doing relationship content – how do you ensure your content stays unique and authentic?

Yeah, the digital space here is definitely competitive, but I think what keeps my content unique is that it’s real. I don’t try to force ideas or copy what’s trending — most of what I post comes from real moments between Ola and I. We just take everyday experiences that couples go through and tell them in a funny or relatable way. I also pay attention to the little details — the emotions, the reactions, the timing because that’s what makes people feel connected. At the end of the day, I think authenticity is what people relate to the most, and that’s what I always focus on.

You and Ola seem to have a strong chemistry both on and off camera — how does your relationship influence your content?

Honestly, our relationship makes everything easier. The chemistry people see on camera is just how we are in real life. We have fun together, and that energy naturally shows in our videos.

How do you balance your personal relationship with the demands of creating consistent, engaging content?

It’s all about balance and communication. We make sure our relationship always comes first, no matter how busy content gets. When it’s time to create, we give it our full energy, but we also take time off-camera to just be ourselves. We’ve learned to separate work from our personal moments so we don’t lose that real connection. At the end of the day, the content works because the relationship is solid.

Do you both brainstorm content ideas together, or does one of you take the lead creatively?

I usually take the lead when it comes to brainstorming and creating ideas. I enjoy coming up with concepts and visualizing how everything will look, but Ola adds her own touch to make it better. Sometimes she brings fresh perspectives or funny twists I wouldn’t have thought of. So even though I take the lead, it’s really a team effort — we balance each other out.

Have there been moments when social media attention affected your relationship — either positively or negatively?

Not really. We just do our thing and focus on our strength as a couple .

I know there are challenges, can you talk about some and what keeps you going despite those challenges?

There are definitely challenges, like dealing with pressure to stay consistent or trying to keep ideas fresh. Sometimes it can get overwhelming, but what keeps me going is the love for what I do and the support from people who enjoy the content. Seeing how much people connect with our videos makes all the hard work worth it.

Who are those creators who inspire you guys?

We get inspired by a few creators who do similar couple content. The Teach Family on YouTube and Blaise and Alexia on TikTok are some of our favorites. We love how natural they are and how they show real moments while still keeping things fun. There are also a few other amazing couples we watch from time to time who just give that good energy.

And who are those creators you love to collaborate with, in Nigeria and abroad?

In Nigeria, there are creators I already know and would love to work with. Abroad, I’d really love to collaborate with Blaise and Alexia, and The Trench Family. I like their energy and how they create content that feels real and entertaining at the same time. Working with people who have that same vibe would be amazing.

You’ve worked with several brands, what do you look for before agreeing to a partnership?

Content creation can be very profitable, especially when you treat it like a real business. It’s not just about posting videos, it’s about building trust and value. I’ve been blessed to work with several brands, but before agreeing to a partnership, I always check if the brand fits my personality and audience. I only work with brands I genuinely connect with, because I want my audience to feel that what I promote is real and not forced.

How do you ensure that your sponsored content still feels genuine and connects with your audience?

I make sure every sponsored video still feels like something I’d normally post. I don’t change my style or force the message. I just find a way to blend the brand naturally into my usual kind of content. That way, it still feels real and fun, and my audience can connect with it the same way they do with my regular videos.

What are some of the most memorable brand collaborations you’ve had so far?

I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing brands like Sprite, Close Up, AddMe, Infinix, and Tecno, among others. Each collaboration was special in its own way because they all allowed me to be creative and still stay true to my style. I really appreciate brands that give creators the freedom to express their ideas and that’s what makes the projects memorable for me.

How do you think social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have changed opportunities for young Nigerians?

Social media has changed everything for young Nigerians. It has opened up opportunities that didn’t exist before, now you can build a brand, a career, or even a business just from your phone. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have given young people the chance to show their talent, connect with others, and reach a global audience. It’s really about creativity now, not just connections or location.

What kind of feedback do you receive from your followers?

The feedback has been really positive. A lot of people tell me how much they enjoy the videos and how they can relate to them. Some say our content reminds them of their own relationships or makes them smile after a long day. Messages like that really motivate me to keep going and keep creating.

You’ve been in a loving relationship since 2021 and built a career around it — what have you learned about love and creativity along the way?

We’ve been together since 2021, and it’s been an amazing journey. One thing I’ve learned about love and creativity is that they actually work hand in hand. When you’re in a healthy, supportive relationship, it inspires you to create more and do better. Love keeps you grounded, and creativity keeps things exciting and that balance has really helped both our relationship and our content grow.

What do you say to people looking to get into the content-creation industry?

I’d say just start. Don’t overthink it or wait for everything to be perfect — learn as you go. Be consistent, stay true to your style, and focus on what makes you different. It takes time, but if you’re passionate and genuine, people will connect with your content. Most importantly, enjoy the process and keep improving.

What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to ten years?

In the next five to ten years, I see myself growing even more as a creator and storyteller. I want to build a strong brand that goes beyond social media — maybe produce shows, collaborate with bigger global brands, and create content that inspires people worldwide. I also want to use my platform to support other young creators and show that you can really turn your passion into something great.

When are you getting married?

Haha, that’s the golden question! We’re taking things one step at a time and just enjoying the journey together. When the time is right, everyone will definitely know, we’ll make it a content moment for sure!