Captive Rust

I make engaging short format videos that get millions of views for brands in the automotive, do-it-yourself, home improvement, hand tool, cordless tool, and mechanic tool space on TikTok [@captvierust], Instagram [@CaptiveRust], and Youtube [@newtoolsdaily].

About Me

I studied mechanical engineering and economics, and for most of my career, I have owned and operated businesses in retail, light manufacturing, real estate, consumer products, and food & beverage. [I have ADHD, and my resume really shows it.] My wide-ranging background and education allow me to explain the benefits of a wide variety of products and services with a thorough and deep understanding and a business-minded outlook.

I split my time between Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. I own businesses in both cities and travel between them frequently, but if it's summer, I'm probably in Pittsburgh, and if it's winter, you'll find me in LA.

This year marks my 20th year working on cars. I've owned all kinds of cars, trucks, and motorcycles and have a small collection of Datsuns and vintage motorcycles.


 Tool Review and Demonstration Videos

@captiverust The pneumatic needle scaler uses a pneumatic piston to hammer on 12 hardened steel pins helded in a retainer. This rapid repeated concentrated hammering removed rust, loose paint,mill scale, and welding slag. #newtoolsdaily #newtools #toolreview #amazonfinds #toolboxtour #mechanictools #diyautorepair #rustrepair ♬ How`s Your Day - aAp Vision
@captiverust If you get a good crimp with these hard plastic connectors, they can be reliable, but most people dont and they are ugly either way. #12volt #vintagecars #datsun #datsunroadster #vintagejapanesecars #tools #handtools #amazontools #crimptool #carelectronics #toolreviews ♬ Aesthetic - Gaspar

How-To Videos

@captiverust When I bought this Honda Grom, it didnt have a light for the license plate or rear turn signals because the previous owner did a tail delete. He just had the plate mounted on some bent brackets. I bought these turn signals and mount on Amazon—link in bio. #hondagrom #gromtok #minimoto #diyauto #diy #amazonfinds #custommotorcycle ♬ Vlog Video work Fashionable BGM(847726) - Tsuyoshi_san
@captiverust I replaced my first stereo in my first car 20 years ago. 😨 What happened to time? Why do I refuse to buy any car built after I graduated high school. 😬 #carstereo #carplay #toyotapickup #toyotatundra #12volt #diy #diyautomotive #stereoinstallation ♬ Moonlight - Villano

Audience Stats

1m+ views a month, 16 months running.

Age Breakdown:

18-24 26%
25-34 39%
35-44 19%
45-54 11%
55+ 5%

Captions

Accessibility is essential to reach as many consumers as possible. You'll notice that not only do I include captions on every video, but they are also manually edited and formatted to increase effectiveness.

Over 100 studies have suggested that close captioning can increase viewers' attention, memory, and comprehension. According to Stagetext and Sapio Research, 80% of young viewers aged 18-25 said they use subtitles all or part of the time. According to the most recent data from the National Health Interview Survey, about 15.5% of American adults 18 years and over, or 40 million people, have trouble hearing.

Without captions, you're missing out on MILLIONS of potential customers.

Rates

I enjoy working with small brands and companies. I offer flexible packages starting at $500 without a minimum view guarantee and $1200 with a minimum view guarantee in the mid-5 digits, based on product fit.

Working with creators can be daunting for many brands because it can feel like a gamble. To help minimize risk for you, I offer minimum view guarantees— if a piece of content doesn't perform, I will continue to produce and publish until the set minimum view count is reached. Almost no creators do this because social media platforms are unpredictable and can create a lot of extra work. I do it because it makes the decision to work with me much more straightforward.

As a business owner, I've been fooled more than once by a content creator who just couldn't deliver. So I will set what I believe are reasonable expectations based on your budget, and I will pass on working with you if I don't think I'm the right fit or I don't believe your expectations can be met.

Gift POLICY

I do not create content in exchange for gifts.

I do welcome gifts. However, no assurances are made of any type regarding the production or publication of content in exchange for gifts. Many gifts I receive are included in videos, but there is no exchange for services derived from sending a gift.

Unfortunately, US tax law states all gifts made in exchange for content are taxable as income. If I accepted every gift offered to me in exchange for videos, I would owe thousands of dollars in additional taxes every year.