Giuseppe Di Cicco is one of those creators who have just one goal: resist. Here he began to tell online neighborhoods, habits and difficulties, building a community that followed his videos and his attempt to change life. Today his story has become part of his work: a route made of racing, savings, forced return and stubbornness.
Let’s start from the beginning: how did you get to New York?
I was looking for an opportunity. I’ve been a rider in Italy for five years, but I wanted to change my life. My passion was content, so I came here with the idea of staying two or three months and bringing video to YouTube. The first time I interviewed many Italians, I showed Harlem, the Bronx, and in parallel I published vertical videos on Instagram and TikTok with tips on where to eat, walk, see sunset. This thing really liked and created an audience.
How did you fund your first trip?
I saved what I could do in Italy. I put aside the money and invested them in those first three months here. Then I went back to Italy, but I realized I wanted to go back: I went to work in Malta for three months, I saved again and left.
On the second trip you also toured the United States, right?
Yes. After ten days in Italy they are departed. I did five days in New York and then a twenty-day trip: Chicago, Texas, New Mexico, all Central America. When I came back, I decided I’d live for a time in New York.
And here came the collaboration with Outpost.
That’s right. A New York company, Outpost, through the manager, also Neapolitan, allows me to live in their homes in exchange for videos. I don’t have to pay the accommodation and this makes me live with less anxiety.
Your community seems very fond of your personal story.
Yes, because I started by telling that I wanted to stop being a rider, go to America and change my life. It’s not easy to make your way here, especially for documents. The fact of tightening your teeth, saving, showing even the daily difficulties created a kind of typhoid around me. Not just for New York, but for the route.
You also refused donations.
Always. I thought there were more important causes. I wanted to do it with my strength, and that was appreciated.
Why New York?
The first time I was three days and I immediately realized that this city runs at my own pace. In Naples I felt “too fast” compared to everything. I feel right here.
Your dream has two stages: the first is getting documents. What’s the second?
Create a bridge between Italy and New York. Many people write to me to live a less touristy and more authentic holiday. I am building collaborations with Italian agencies: in April we will bring a group here with a different itinerary, type Central Park by bike, Harlem by bike, Yankees game, rooftop all together. Not an organized trip, but a friend business. And I want to do the opposite: bring Americans to Italy.
What was the most difficult time on this route?
When I returned to Italy after the first three months and had to fold on Malta. There were so many criticisms, and for a moment I thought New York was just a passing experience. Then I went back to work, day and night, to try again. And obviously the family is missing: I’m going home alone, I’m almost never going out here, I’m just doing video, I’m sleeping a little bit. It’s the hardest part.
In your opinion, the older one is struggling to understand social media. Where are companies and people wrong?
They often do not know the means and therefore do not understand the potential. For me the real secret is constancy. Not the motivation, because that ends. I’ve been in a public year six or seven videos a day. Now a little less because I have 150-200 videos ready to use from Italy. But the key is to do something and do it well.
Is there no fixed rule on how many content to publish?
I don’t think so. Count Constancy and how you tell things: storytelling is everything.
Three little-known places in New York that you particularly love?
The first is Weehawken, New Jersey, who has a crazy view of Manhattan. Then Dumbo, in the part of the football fields in front of the skyline. And Greenpoint made me fall in love. If we talk about skyscrapers, for me Top of the Rock and Empire State Building remain unbeatable.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This experience has made me realize that everything is possible. In five years I see myself as a reference figure for Italians in New York. With humility, but with the ambition of being part of this city.
Article The story of Giuseppe Di Cicco, who tries to build a life in New York starting from social media comes from IlNewyorkese.
