The Full Story Of Magnus Midtbø 

Magnus's last line, "People who watch my videos actually know me pretty well, they fell like they watch a friend" is spot on. I believe it's a huge part of the reason why he has been so successful to date and as long as he stays grounded in that kind of philosophy I am sure he will continue to see success. Thanks for creating this great interview.

The climbing “purists” that say Magnus sold out are the same people that think you should be unemployed, broke, and live in van. Nothing wrong with that lifestyle, but it isn’t feasible for most. It’s okay to monetize your climbing abilities. I’ll make a bold statement here… Magnus has done more for popularizing climbing than the olympics did. This means more new gyms, more new brands, and more new established crags. It’s weird to dislike that progress.

I don't call Magnus a RU-vidr or an influencer. I call him a passionate climber. One that was able to show how passionate he is and how to transmit that passion to others.

This dude is REAL and I am glad he chose to go with this journey after retiring from competitions.

Magnus is just the best man. He is like the climbing messiah bringing climbing to the masses. He, among a few other big names we all know, are why I climb. I really do feel like he is my friend. Like we could have a session at the gym no problem if he showed up. It's weird feeling legitimately like the friend of a person you've never met.

Don't understand how people could hate this dude. Seems very likeable and driven

I’m not a climber, never have been, but Magnus’s personality and his chilled out persona draws you in! Watching his videos has led to recommendations for your channel, which I have also started watching. All of this has led me to want to give climbing a go!

Magnus has really worked hard to sort out RU-vid . He has put a great amount of effort into getting better. Tom ( Juji ) helped him a lot. The collaboration did a lot to bring new subs. His vids got a lot better , partly because Tom was willing to share ideas with Magnus. The main one being each vid needed to tell a story.

Magnus is THE reason I started climbing 3 years ago. Since then I’ve fully fallen in love with the sport and now work at a fantastic wall in Swindon, UK (Rockstar Climbing) and will soon become a fully qualified instructor. I’d love to meet Magnus one day to say thank you personally but even if I don’t, just watching his videos and following his journey nowadays is enough for me. 🙏😊

If Magnus was just some average climber who happened to have a winning personality, I could possibly resent him some for being essentially the face of climbing on youtube, but to have such a fantastic climber get so popular is great, in my eyes. His dedication to climbing is as real as it gets. Love the Wide Boyz as well.

It’s wild to realize how deeply magnus thinks about his own videos and how they’re perceived. Often times I find myself lost in the general attraction of the video, being purely entertained and not thinking so much as to whether or not magnus himself is happy. If he posted different style videos without climbing, I’d still watch. I think there would still be a massive audience that would view those videos, it just may not be the same audience that only comes to watch climbing. I think his age and energy will determine when that happens

Magnus was a huge influence with my journey into climbing! It was him that really set the stage for excellence and made me strive to be a better climber!

I am married to a professional mountain guide, so climbing has always been a part of our lives. But I usually just tagged along, not too enthusiastic about it too be honest. I also never trained to get better. Until I discovered Magnus's RU-vid channel. He inspired me so much and all of a sudden I started to train systematically. I have never been as good a climber than I am now. Love Magnus and his videos. Nice background info on him. Thanks!

I’ve seen magnus struggle with ego, but in a way that he’s trying to grow and not put so much pressure on himself. Being ok with not being perfect and not always feeling the need to impress everyone. Doing things he’s bad at. Letting us see him fail. It makes me feel like anyone can get to his level i if they care enough

This was such a great interview thanks Tom. The charm of Magnus is that you get the impression watching him that his on screen personality is the same as in real life - understated, hardworking and someone who really throws himself into climbing or whatever challenges he takes on. It's awesome to hear from him here that he wants to keep his videos free for his audience and have that honest relationship with us :)

"Remove some of the other distractions to have more time just for youtube" - shows a video of marte

Good to hear a candid interview with Magnus. Been awesome to see him grow throughout the years. Keep doing what you're doing Climbers Crag! You too Magnus!

Magnus' channel was the first one I subscribed on RU-vid. He is one of the main reason why I climb today, giving me so much inspiration. Plus, all his videos are filled with enthusiasm for climbing, and a true honesty and humbleness. Fully agree when he says "people should feel like they watch a friend", I have this strange feeling that if I was to meet him in a gym, I could discuss with him like a long-time friend, while bouldering and chilling !

I love getting a behind the scenes glimpse at Magnus’s experience as a content creator. Would love to hear more!

Far and away the best interview video you have done. Smooth editing, good pacing.

It's really refreshing to hear a creator say "the viewers feel like they're watching a friend, and that's how it should be". All the other RU-vidrs only talk about how creepy it is to have so many people feel like they know you, kind of trying to make us feel bad for feeling a connection to them through their work. I mean... if we didn't feel that, you'd be homeless.

I've been watching Magnus' channel throughout the pandemic and now that things are getting better in my country this man was the main reason why I decided to start climbing

Magnus is one of my favorite RU-vidrs because he always comes across as so genuine. He really leans into the inherent parasocial aspect of RU-vid, which in part works well because of how friendly the climbing community is, but also works because of how Magnus acts. That parasocial side often times is negative in other communities, but because of how genuine Magnus is, I see it as a positive. Good video 🤙

Hard to find another person that is so competitive and at the same time so approachable for us ordinary people. Meeting him in person was definitely a highlight for me. Put all the things these motivational and self-optimizing RU-vidrs promise into one person and you would get Magnus.

magnus is so down to earth.i am not even a climber, only a fellow fittness guy, and i watch his content just because he is so relatable. and all of this stuff is really cool and expants my horizon on what is possible when you are dedicated and sadly talented of course.

Not even a climber but I love your content Magnus. The way you view life and interact with people is inspiring and genuine. Definitely feels like a friend when I watch. It makes me want to go run marathons, go do big jumps skiing and push myself to the limit. Even try out some climbing gyms. I've gotten pretty lazy during covid, but your videos inspire me to go do things I haven't done before. You're awesome man, keep it up!

One of the 'purer' (maybe 'purest') youtubers out there. Always fascinating and always coming off as totally honest. Love MM's stuff.

As someone who hasn't climbed anything since I was a child, I watch Magnus' videos because he seems like a genuine guy, the content is interesting regardless of whether you know anything about climbing or not, and the skills they display are amazing.

After an accident with a tablesaw a few years back badly damaging my left hand, my climbing days are now over. No regrets, but I loved all the great years I climbed indoors and outdoors here in Australia. Thanks to Magnus, I can continue to enjoy climbing now in a different way. Cheers and thanks for a great interview, from Sydney - Dave

Well Magnus, I don't know whether or not you finished highschool, but I think you are a great athlete and I really admire you. I'm a American myself, and a retired university professor, and you are doing a great job. At 75 I'm a bit old to start on the "wall" but I wish. Keep it up, you're doing great. P.S. The only reason for someone to hate you is because they're jealous. Keep it up, you're doing great.

He is a natural in font of camera, intense but sincere. People underestimate how difficult it is to be in front of camera talking. He does it well with enough charisma, never appears to be too slick.

Meeting Magnus it the best way to understand him. He's just such a humble man and so positive in general

Lots of love for Magnus!!! Super inspiring for me to hear about his drive and motivation to create his own freedom!

Magnus was the first person that showed me how fun can climbing be, and how you can callange yourself in an really entertaining way. Been following for years.

magnus is a huge inspiration to me as a climber and i think it's the same for other people, keep up the good work man!

Magnus's passion & dedication is why his video quality & content is top-notch! As a beginner climber, Magnus has been a great introduction to the climbing world & an inspiration for me to keep climbing! Great work & keep it up Magnus! 👍

Wow the editors on this are probably the best on RU-vid

Magnus is amazing. I watch every video at least once. Magnus is successful because he is 100% genuine. He’s very gracious to the audience. The video of him free climbing with Alex Honnold is one of my favorites.

Yep, the last sentence; we that watch his videos are considering him like a friend. I never even knew about all this climbing stuff. I got to his channel through the Juji channel, and got hooked to his honest, modest way of doing things and communicate with people. And now I have to admit, there are some episodes that are left in my memory like no other youtube channel do. People that follow his page know the ones I'm talking about. Anyhow, RU-vid became THE site to go for all kinds of next gen independent documentary, and Magnus is having great mix of both education, documentary, reality, challenge, shows, and famous people in casual friendly interaction that not many pro's ion entertainment industry can touch. His biggest advantage is not just personality, but skill which he can match any athlete he's visiting.

I just started climbing/bouldering because of Magnus, I think he genuinely seems like a great person and someone who would be great as a friend

Love seeing more content from Magnus! He's awesome!

What a solid interview! Props to all involved

Thank you, Magnus, for all the effort and insight and thanks to Climbers Crag for the interview.

Magnus, thank you for putting out such a vulnerable video. I think this is absolutely incredible, refreshing, and just plain important. Since COVID I feel more and more people are understanding the importance of how we relate to others and ourself in society. These are the most fruitful types of conversations we can be having in our society. A week doesn't go by where a neighbor or someone else I know doesn't share with me they are seeing a therapist to work on themselves. Social media has an immense power to connect people, but it also has a dark side... It can encourage constant comparison of one's self relative to others. This "I am better than...." or "I am less than ..." mentality, especially if you have haters out there. The important part of the vid to me was the things you said at the end of the first minute: "I don't do much for pleasure. I take things really seriously. If I find something I like I will stick to that. I have no interest in trying other things. I want to get even better at things that I am already pretty good at. As soon as I started climbing that was the only thing I did." In some sense Magnus, you are lucky. You found a passion at a very early age. You could focus on that in early years where your body had the most potential for physical growth. I have only found my passion at the tender age of 37 and had to rewire my brain and perspective on the world before feeling ready for that journey. It made absolute sense for you to double down and hyper-focus on this beacon of positivity in your life. You have had more success in that than more people could dream of. A lot of the hate you get on social media is likely envy driven... people just want something you have and are projecting their own frustrations. However, most people also aren't so lucky to be natural good at something that distinguishes us so intensely. We are forced to do really uncomfortable things in order to get better or even scratch at your heels. We bang our heads on the wall trying to figure out what is going wrong. That is,.. we work on our weaknesses. In fact, we obsess on our weaknesses. If we want real rocket fuel in life, we do this inward as well. This is a skill set in itself and if done in the wrong way, can create a spiral of negativity. However, if done in a healthy way can be a path to wholistic wellness and improved fitness. Your words and this video just made we wonder if you ever gave yourself the space to develop that skill. If what you are doing is working (more followers, more money, more success, etc), why focus efforts anywhere else?" It is clear to me that you currently are trying new things, so I don't feel your words at the beginning are no longer true. Just by sharing this video and being so vulnerable, we are witnessing someone who defines himself by his strength, admit his weaknesses. That has to be immensely difficult. More than any 1 finger pullup record, I believe this is the most important video you have made so far. We love you, and I hope you find your slice of heaven. -Max

I love the energy and down to earth authenticity Magnus brings us!

It really does feel like I’m watching a friend when I watch your videos. Please never stop making them!!🤗

Easily my favourite youtuber. Easily my favourite athlete. I'd follow anything he does.

Excellent content and editing. Magnus is the RU-vid friend he thinks we are. 😉

I've gained Interest in climbing after watching Magnus and now on a weekly basis me and my friends go climbing on the weekend thank you Magnus!

I discovered this amazing interview just now. It's spot on. I feel like watching a friend. Mangus's positive attitude and respect to anyone he talks to is really inspiring. I like his videos, his approach and his personality. I hope he's happy, he deserves that!

i watched magnus so much in his initial days on youtube when he was really small and have been subscribed since then, the algorithm took me away from climbing vids for ages but it brought me back recently and it was the cutest thing when i clicked on his most recent vid and heard marte behind the camera. the last vid i remember seeing is the one where he introduced marte to the channel and seeing them together when i came back was the cutest shit

Thank you Magnus for all of your work. I enjoy each and every one of your videos. I live in Japan and love climbing the mountains. You got me and my kids into bouldering. Keep up the good work. You are a legend in my eyes.

great interview!! and mag is right, part of the draw and feeling watching the videos is because it's like watching a friend. i'd add that one thing that pulled ME in is that he's humble and feels like a genuine and good person. that's lacking in the world today so it's hard to NOT wanna watch it. plus, his way of instruction feels so wholesome and encouraging. if only we could all have teachers like that! (and who know what they're doing)

started climbing/ watching magnus abt a year ago and to have just ran into this video is really cool. magnus kept his promise and is delivering great content!

Nice to see some unique questions answered by Magnus!

watching magnus go on expeditions would be an amazing development of his channel!

Great video. In a world full of attention seeking influencers, over dramatic and hyper-actove RU-vid personalities and so on Magnus is a breath of fresh air for me. Very likeable, knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated. I don't climb anymore, haven't for years, yet I share his videos with other friends and family who've never climbed simply because he's so good at what he does, so calm and pleasant to watch. And his videos constantly get better for me, which is impressive in itself.

Magnus you are awesome! I’ve enjoyed your content for years now, and you’ve inspired me and my kids to get into climbing.

I've climbed a few times indoors and outdoors but I don't climb. I watch most of his videos. Quality entertainment from a genuine person. Loved this, thank you.

Great conversation/Q&A. I wish Magnus all best and hope he continues with same style of videos. Some expeditions would be nice to follow him on

I watched him from the beginning and it brought climbing into my life . I could never thank him enough

Keep doing the great videos Magnus. You're one of us and you're an inspiration to watch. I think its human nature to be inspired by others.

i am really not the biggest fan of "interviews" per se but i really like the choice of questions in this one - well done!

I wonder how many people started climbing because of Magnus. I know im one of them. He introduced me to a lifestyle that I really enjoy and I don't see myself stopping.

Thanks for sharing this. I'm a hard core climber but I have a couple other passion, too. So a bit like you. I would watch only hard core climbing videos, although there is plenty of that on line. But you've constantly searched for new angles, and from my point of view, with success. I will watch pretty much anything you put out. Plus you have a pretty engaging personality. So, I will remain a loyal fan.

He hit the nail on the head. To people who actually watch Magus videos, it just feels like watching a friend. Personally I’m not into climbing and I’m not into fitness. I found Magnus’ channel really randomly, but have watched nearly all his videos and learned a lot but I watch mainly for him. And he actually is a really good editor. I know he’s a world class climber and it’s amazing to see what he can do, but I’m here for the videos. They are always really fun challenges or really chill laid back vibes with great visuals. It sounds really weird, but it’s just like hanging out with Magnus. The world needs more chill and wholesome content like this and more good people like Magnus

I stumbled across a magnus video years ago, he pretty much single handed reignited my love for climbing.

THIS VIDEO SHOULD BE IN HIS CHANNEL TOO. This makes his youtube channel GENUINE. Good interview.

I absolutely love Your personality , integrity and outlook on creative content. Greetings from U.K brother .

'People that watch my RU-vid videos they feel like they watch a friend' I totally agree with you Magnus and also when you told us you are very introverted and all you social life is through your camera and channel. I exactly feel the same way. Cheers men! You won a faithful follower. If you come to Switzerland, let me know and we will do some summiting or hiking together.

I love this guy and his story is so strong and interesting so thanks for sharing!

I've been climbing for just over one year now and I've been watching Magnus' videos for just about that amount of time as well. I completely feel like if we were to hang out and climb, it would feel like hanging out with a friend I'm already chill with. It's a huge reason why I love watching his videos. He's super candid and seems to be totally himself in his videos. You're a beast!

Nice insight. Keep up the great work!

Magnus has a lot of good points to take note of in this and shed a lot of light on the struggles of having a streaming career. Very enlightening / good stuff!

Realy good interview. Thanks.

ure doing great and keep your good work and most important is u share the real experience with real friends👍

I honestly don’t have much interest in climbing. I found Magnus’ channel through JujiMufu’s channel and chose to subscribe because I really love Magnus’ honesty and determination. I enjoy watching the collaborations and his athleticism. It’s so impressive and such a genuine channel. No matter what he tries he seems to succeed with little experience. I also love to watch the collaborations with his girlfriend Marte.. she’s a strong and lovely lady. This is a very positive and heartwarming channel! ❤️

Magnus is authentic and hard working. That is why we love his channel. Thanks for the interview.

I’m not a climber, but I enjoy watching and really really enjoy the outdoors and backpacking. I’m from Southern Norway 🇳🇴 myself… and I love your content! I wish I had more experience climbing, but only been hiking and backpacking around Norway, like the Setesdalsheiene Mountains, Dovre, Rondane and Jotunheimen.

Nice guy + hard work = A Well Deserved Success. Congrats & Thanks for all the Great Videos.

Bro I have absolutely nothing to do with climbing. I just stumbled upon your channel. Your an interesting guy and I liked hearing you just talk . Very relatable and down to earth

Call him, The Magnus. Such a legend. Really enjoy his videos, his voice, insight, and the people he has in his video.

Great interview!

Magnus has become a role model and inspiration for many young and not very young people all over the world. I think it is more important than even his very successful career as a competitive climber.

I love Magnus, gives me inspiration and every video brings some joy to the day ❤ thank you for the interview!

One of the most interesting channel out there ! Are you going to talk about the risk of breathing chalk ? It's a very important public health matter. In norway, there is no prevention about that in the climbing centers

Well produced video!

I came for the climbing, and stayed for the groundedness, grounded-ness …ness. As a viewer you get a real sense that, “what you see is what you get.” Magnus appears on camera to be very genuine and real. No BS. It’s a pleasure to watch. …and the climbing is pretty good too. ;)

From all the videos from Magnus that I watched, I think he comes out as a real and passionate person who is into climbing and fitness.

Love Magnus. Warm personality with a lot of passion.

Magnus is spot on with what he says near the end of this video. “I want people who watch to feel like they’re watching a friend”. And it does feel like that purely because of how genuine Magnus comes across. Every video is interesting and Magnus is always dreaming up videos I never even knew I wanted to watch so much. Looking forward to all of his future content and where the journey he’s on takes him! A big thank you to Magnus for putting so much effort into content creation for us and especially for not hiding it behind a paywall! You deserve every penny you get from RU-vid Magnus❤x

Keep on doing your great stuff. I enjoy it digitally and also analog. OKS is my favorite place in Oslo 👌

Good interview, thank you

Where's the extended version?

Magnus seems like a good guy, he didn't get me into rock climbing but he seems like that guy at the crag that applies lugom to everything in his life

hes my new fav youtuber found him when he did the free solo vid and cant stop watching

Great vid ! Hope I get some of that merchhhh

"To remove distractions", *cuts to footage of gf*

What a great interview. As a super newbie to climbing I love watching his video's, even though his level seems impossible to reach I do learn a lot from watching how he tackles a problem.

Amazing video! Love Magnus, he is the king 👑