A Devon father of six is part of the growing army of pandemic-era “dad-fluencers” bringing light-hearted parenting comedy to TikTok. Dave Ogleton started making funny videos and memes about being a father after COVID-19 hit, writes Charlotte Cowles for The New York Times.

The content, which was posted on the account @fitdadceo was centered on making “dad jokes” with his kids. The videos caught wind, and Ogleton’s TikTok accrued 1.1 million followers over the years. What started as a pandemic-era hobby has earned him deals with Netflix, Disney+, Procter & Gamble, and Pampers.  

“I’m a full-time content creator now, and it allows me to spend a lot more time with my kids,” he said. “Just being around them gives me ideas. It’s a double bonus.” 

This newfound passion also caused Ogleton to look inward and helped him realize that he could be pitching in more when it came to household chores.  

“Now I understand why my wife gets frustrated and run down sometimes,” he said. “As dads, many of us have a lot to learn and do at home, but I think there’s been a shift,” he said.  

Read more about Dave Ogleton in The New York Times.  

A compilation of videos from Fitdadceo.

Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on VISTA Today in June 2023.