‘I knew I’d be famous’: Hong Kong cabby’s YouTube videos attract viewers, inspire others to drive taxis too

David Lam Tung-wai, a resident of Hong Kong, believes that his YouTube videos have motivated at least 100 individuals to pursue a career as taxi drivers this year. The 30-year-old has been recognized by a taxi-hailing platform for his efforts in recruiting others to join the taxi industry. He is confident that his influence has led to an even greater number of new taxi drivers.

Previously a double-decker bus driver, David maintains a YouTube channel where he posts videos about his young daughter, his home, and his recommendations for places to visit and dishes to try in Shenzhen. Earlier this year, he was in search of a fresh topic for his videos. He decided to enroll in a course for aspiring taxi drivers, where he learned the ins and outs of the profession, from checking his taxi's engine oil level to navigating through congested traffic. He documented his experience in a video, which unexpectedly amassed 70,000 views within a month.

Since his initial video in March, David has produced approximately 20 more videos detailing his experiences as a taxi driver. His YouTube clips, captured from a camera mounted in his vehicle, serve as a visual journal of his daily life. He shares information about his daily earnings, interactions with passengers, and instances when he had to settle for a cold bread lunch while waiting in a lengthy taxi queue. He also provides insights on operating taxis, offers advice on locating customers, and demonstrates how to effectively utilize navigation applications. His most popular videos, which have garnered over 108,000 views to date, depict his first day on the job as a taxi driver, explaining the use of the meter and handling an unexpected glitch.