What Happened to Steve Will Do It After YouTube Ban? 2026

What happened to Steve Will Do It after his shocking YouTube ban in 2022? This question has haunted millions of fans who watched the social media sensation rise to fame alongside the NELK Boys.

Stephen Deleonardis, known globally as SteveWillDoIt, went from having over 4 million YouTube subscribers to being permanently banned overnight.

His journey took an unexpected turn when YouTube deleted his channel for violating community guidelines related to gambling content promotion. However, the story doesn’t end there.

In late 2025, Steve made a triumphant return to YouTube after a three-year exile, marking one of the most dramatic comebacks in social media history.

Quick Facts About SteveWillDoIt

Category	Details
Real Name	Stephen Deleonardis
Date of Birth	August 26, 1998
Age	27 years old (as of 2026)
Nationality	American
YouTube Ban Date	August 1, 2022
YouTube Return Date	December 24, 2025
Reason for Ban	Gambling content promotion (Stake URL violation)
Original Subscribers	4+ million (before ban)
Current Subscribers	1+ million (new channel)
Net Worth (2026)	$10-12 million
Primary Income Sources	Happy Dad Hard Seltzer, Full Send merchandise, sponsorships
Social Media Following	4M+ Instagram, 1M+ Twitter/X
Associated Groups	NELK Boys, Full Send Entertainment
Current Status	Active on YouTube, Rumble, Instagram

The YouTube Ban That Shocked Millions

On August 1, 2022, SteveWillDoIt’s world came crashing down. YouTube permanently deleted his channel without warning, removing years of content and millions of dollars in potential revenue.

Steve received an email from YouTube stating he had “severe or repeated violations” of the platform’s Community Guidelines. The notification was vague and didn’t specify which exact content triggered the ban.

His main channel, which had accumulated over 4 million subscribers and 280 million views, was deleted instantly. Both his second channel and YouTube Shorts channel were also removed from the platform.

The ban eliminated a revenue stream worth between $29,100 and $466,300 annually according to Social Blade estimates. This represented a massive financial blow to the young creator.

Steve immediately took to social media to share the news with his fans. He posted a screenshot of YouTube’s termination email on Instagram, expressing shock and confusion about the deletion.

The NELK Boys addressed the ban during their Full Send podcast. They called the situation “shocking” and “crazy,” expressing support for their fellow creator and friend.

The Real Reason Behind the Ban

For weeks, the exact reason for Steve’s ban remained unclear. YouTube’s generic violation notice didn’t provide specific details about what content crossed the line.

In August 2022, Steve appeared on Bradley Martyn’s Raw Talk podcast to reveal the truth. He explained that his second channel, where he posted gambling content from Mexico and the Bahamas, led to his downfall.

An editor accidentally uploaded a video showing an unblurred URL for Stake, a gambling platform. This violated YouTube’s strict policies against promoting gambling websites and services.

While that specific video was taken down, YouTube still proceeded to delete all of Steve’s channels. The platform took an all-or-nothing approach to enforcement.

John Shahidi, president and co-founder of Full Send, confirmed in January 2025 that the gambling policy violation was the exact issue. YouTube had told Steve’s team this information over the phone.

Steve’s frustration grew when he noticed NELK continued advertising Stake without consequences. He publicly criticized YouTube’s double standards, pointing out the unfair treatment.

Steve’s Response and Public Outcry

Steve didn’t accept the ban quietly. He reached out to YouTube in June 2022 to contest the decision, insisting he hadn’t intentionally broken any guidelines.

YouTube responded on Twitter, directing Steve to check his email for details about the ban. They suggested he could appeal “if you think it was a mistake.”

Steve revealed in his defense that his channel had zero community guideline strikes before the deletion. Typically, YouTube issues strikes before resorting to permanent bans.

His mother spoke out in January 2025, calling YouTube’s actions “unjust” and “not right.” She emphasized the years of hard work Steve put into building his channel.

Fellow NELK Boys members rallied around Steve, expressing their desire to see him reinstated. They highlighted his philanthropic content where he gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Steve’s fans launched social media campaigns demanding his return. The hashtag #FreeSteveWillDoIt trended multiple times across Twitter and Instagram.

Life After the YouTube Ban

Despite losing his main platform, Steve refused to disappear. He immediately pivoted to alternative content platforms and business ventures to maintain his income.

In October 2022, Steve announced he would “break the internet” by moving to Rumble. This alternative video platform welcomed creators banned from mainstream sites.

His first Rumble video premiered on October 25, 2022, drawing massive attention. Fans flocked to the new platform to continue following his content and challenges.

Steve maintained his massive Instagram following of over 4 million users. He used Instagram to promote his content on other platforms and stay connected with fans.

Twitter/X became another crucial platform for Steve. He regularly posted updates, engaged with fans, and shared behind-the-scenes content about his life.

Steve’s presence on social media platforms outside YouTube proved his brand extended beyond any single platform. His personality and content style attracted audiences wherever he went.

Building a Business Empire Without YouTube

The YouTube ban forced Steve to diversify his income streams. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise for his overall net worth.

Steve became a key face and equity holder in Happy Dad Hard Seltzer. This alcohol brand disrupted the industry and became the fourth-largest seltzer brand in America.

Happy Dad’s success generated substantial revenue for Steve. The brand’s growth contributed millions to his net worth during his YouTube exile.

Full Send Clothing continued thriving with Steve as a prominent brand ambassador. The merchandise line generates approximately $70 million in yearly profits.

Steve’s involvement with Roobet, a cryptocurrency gambling platform, provided significant income. Research by YouTuber Coffeezilla revealed Steve profited from every bet made through his referral.

Brand sponsorships continued flowing despite the YouTube ban. Companies recognized Steve’s massive social media reach extended far beyond one platform.

Steve invested in real estate, purchasing properties in Los Angeles and Florida. These investments provided passive income and long-term wealth building.

The Controversial Gambling Connections

Steve’s relationship with gambling platforms became central to his story. These partnerships proved both lucrative and controversial throughout his career.

He openly promoted Roobet on his social media channels. This cryptocurrency-based gambling service isn’t legal in the United States, raising ethical questions.

Coffeezilla and SomeOrdinaryGamers exposed how Steve profited from gambling referrals. Their investigative series revealed the financial mechanics behind his gambling promotions.

Steve frequently posted content showing himself gambling in Mexico and the Bahamas. These locations allowed legal gambling that he couldn’t access in the US.

His second YouTube channel specifically focused on gambling content. This separate channel was meant to keep gambling material away from his main audience.

The accidental Stake URL exposure that triggered his ban highlighted YouTube’s strict gambling policies. Even unintentional violations resulted in severe consequences.

Steve criticized YouTube for allowing NELK to continue promoting gambling while keeping him banned. He pointed out NELK videos featured minute-long Stake advertisements without repercussions.

Net Worth and Financial Success

Despite platform challenges, Steve’s net worth grew substantially. Multiple financial sources estimate his 2026 net worth between $10 million and $12 million.

This represents significant growth from early 2023 estimates of around $5 million. His diversified income streams enabled continued financial success.

Celebrity Net Worth lists his value at $5 million, but more recent analyses suggest higher figures. The discrepancy comes from difficulty tracking all revenue streams and private investments.

Steve earns between $29,240 and $40,600 monthly from social media platforms alone. This translates to annual earnings between $396,000 and $548,560.

His actual earnings likely exceed these figures significantly. The estimates only account for social media income, not his business equity and investments.

Happy Dad Hard Seltzer represents his most valuable business asset. As an equity holder, Steve benefits directly from the brand’s explosive growth.

Some Reddit users speculate his net worth could be $50-100 million when accounting for luxury giveaways and gambling activities. However, these claims lack verified financial records.

The Trump Connection and Reinstatement Efforts

In January 2025, Steve made a bold move to get his channel back. He publicly called on former President Donald Trump for help.

Steve tagged Trump on X (Twitter), suggesting that with Trump back in office, YouTube might give him a second chance. He strategically timed his appeal with Trump’s inauguration.

A mini-documentary was created showing Steve’s side of the story. The video featured interviews with NELK members, Steve’s family, and business partners.

Steve’s appeal emphasized his philanthropic content. He highlighted the hundreds of thousands of dollars he gave away to people in need through his videos.

The public campaign gained significant traction on social media. Fans shared Steve’s story widely, putting pressure on YouTube to reconsider the ban.

Steve expressed how much creating YouTube content meant to him. In January 2025, he stated he’d rather make YouTube videos with zero dollars than have millions without creating content.

The Triumphant Return to YouTube

On December 24, 2025, the moment Steve’s fans had been waiting for arrived. YouTube unbanned his account after three years of exile.

Steve announced his return on social media with massive fanfare. He promised high-production “TV-style” challenges and his signature million-dollar giveaways.

His new YouTube channel quickly attracted subscribers. Within weeks of his announcement, the channel reached over 20,000 subscribers and continued growing rapidly.

Steve announced a one-million-dollar giveaway to celebrate his return. A single subscriber would receive the entire amount once his new channel hit 1 million subscribers.

This “all-or-nothing” marketing strategy is classic Steve. It signaled to the world and search algorithms that he had the liquidity to drop seven figures casually.

Fellow YouTubers celebrated his return. MrBeast, Bradley Martyn, and others expressed excitement about Steve’s comeback to the platform.

As of January 2026, his new channel has surpassed 1 million subscribers. His content focuses on high-production challenges and maintaining his philanthropic reputation.

The MrBeast Controversy

Steve’s return to YouTube wasn’t without drama. He quickly found himself in controversy with YouTube’s biggest star, MrBeast.

During a November 2025 appearance on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, Steve called MrBeast “fake.” He claimed Jimmy ignored him when he asked for help getting unbanned.

Steve felt betrayed that MrBeast, who has significant influence at YouTube, didn’t assist with his reinstatement efforts. This led to public criticism of the mega-YouTuber.

On January 8, 2026, Steve released a diss track featuring rapper 6ix9ine. The song, titled “I made a Mr. Beast diss track,” echoed his claims about MrBeast being fake.

The lyrics included direct attacks: “Who the f**k is MrBeast? You be sucking off the Sheikhs. Everything about you is fake. I can see right through it.”

The diss track garnered approximately 1.2 million views quickly. It generated significant controversy and discussion across social media platforms.

Whether this feud will continue or resolve remains uncertain. Steve’s willingness to publicly challenge YouTube’s biggest creator shows his confrontational approach hasn’t changed.

The Logan Paul Podcast Incident

Steve’s appearance on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast became one of the most talked-about interview moments. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions between the creators.

During the interview, Steve made controversial statements about MrBeast. His comments about feeling ignored and betrayed set a tense tone.

Logan Paul and co-host Mike Majlak grew uncomfortable with Steve’s direction. The atmosphere became increasingly awkward as Steve continued his criticisms.

Steve was ultimately asked to leave the podcast before the interview concluded. This mid-interview ejection became viral content across social media.

Mike Majlak later revealed he “protected” Steve after the YouTuber walked off. He suggested they tried to handle the situation diplomatically despite disagreements.

The incident demonstrated that Steve’s unfiltered personality could create problems. His willingness to speak his mind sometimes crosses lines for other creators.

Videos of the incident spread rapidly on TikTok and Twitter. Commentary channels analyzed the awkward exchange and debated who was in the right.

Relationship with NELK Boys

Steve’s connection to the NELK Boys defined much of his early career. The Canadian prank collective gave him massive exposure and opportunities.

He joined NELK and quickly became a fan favorite. His willingness to do extreme challenges fit perfectly with NELK’s content style.

Some of NELK’s most popular videos featured Steve. His collaborations brought millions of views and helped grow both his and NELK’s audiences.

The “Buying a $10 Million Yacht in Bitcoin” video became iconic. This NELK collaboration featuring Steve garnered over 5 million views.

NELK publicly supported Steve during his YouTube ban. They called the situation unfair and expressed hope he’d return to the platform.

However, tensions arose when NELK continued promoting gambling while Steve remained banned. He publicly questioned why different rules seemed to apply.

As of 2026, Steve maintains his NELK affiliation. He appears in Full Send content and remains connected to the brand despite his independent success.

Current Social Media Presence

Steve’s social media empire extends across multiple platforms. His presence ensures he’s never dependent on any single company’s policies.

Instagram remains his strongest platform with over 4 million followers. He regularly posts photos, videos, and updates about his life and business ventures.

His Twitter/X account has over 1 million followers. He uses the platform for quick updates, engaging with fans, and promoting content.

TikTok videos featuring Steve regularly go viral. While he doesn’t post directly, fan accounts and clip channels spread his content widely.

His new YouTube channel is growing rapidly toward 1 million subscribers. The return to YouTube represents a major victory after three years banned.

Rumble continues hosting Steve’s content for fans who prefer alternative platforms. He maintains his presence there despite YouTube reinstatement.

Steve’s website stevewilldoit.com serves as a central hub. It features his merchandise, latest videos, and updates about upcoming projects.

The Happy Dad Success Story

Happy Dad Hard Seltzer represents Steve’s biggest business success. The brand disrupted the competitive alcohol market and achieved remarkable growth.

Steve became a key face and equity holder in the company. His social media promotion drove massive brand awareness and sales.

Happy Dad quickly became the fourth-largest seltzer brand in America. This achievement came within just a few years of launching.

The brand’s success contributed millions to Steve’s net worth. As an equity holder, he benefits directly from every sale and revenue increase.

Happy Dad’s marketing strategy perfectly aligned with Steve’s persona. The brand embraced the party lifestyle and bold personality Steve embodies.

Celebrity endorsements and social media campaigns fueled growth. Steve’s influence brought attention from younger consumers seeking alternatives to traditional beer.

The brand continues expanding distribution and product lines. Happy Dad’s success proves Steve’s business acumen extends beyond content creation.

Philanthropy and Giveaways

Steve built his reputation partly on incredible generosity. His giveaways and philanthropic content endeared him to millions of fans.

He regularly gave away cars, including Teslas, to random people. These surprise gifts often went to fans or people he encountered in public.

Cash giveaways ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars became signature content. Steve’s willingness to part with massive sums shocked viewers.

His philanthropic videos often performed best. Audiences loved seeing genuine reactions from people receiving life-changing amounts of money.

Steve’s generosity wasn’t limited to content creation. He helped people behind the scenes and supported various charitable causes.

His mother emphasized this aspect when advocating for his YouTube return. She highlighted how much of his content involved giving back to those in need.

The million-dollar giveaway for his YouTube comeback continues this tradition. It demonstrates his commitment to maintaining his generous reputation.

Personal Life and Relationships

Steve’s personal life has been relatively public through his social media presence. Fans have followed his relationships and personal developments closely.

He was in a long-term relationship with Celina Smith. The couple frequently appeared together in content and on social media.

In 2025, Steve opened up about breaking up with Celina. He explained the emotional reasons behind their split during a podcast appearance.

Steve hinted at possible future reconciliation and even marriage. Despite the breakup, he spoke positively about Celina and their relationship.

A July 2024 social media post claimed Steve was in jail. His family posted that they were working to get him out, causing fan concern.

The jail incident details remained somewhat unclear. Steve addressed it later but the full circumstances were never completely explained publicly.

As of 2026, Steve appears focused on his career comeback. His social media suggests he’s single and prioritizing business and content creation.

Controversies and Legal Issues

Steve’s career hasn’t been without controversy. His extreme content and lifestyle choices have led to several problematic situations.

In 2020, Steve was arrested along with other NELK members. They were charged with disturbing the peace while filming a prank at a Mississippi Target store.

This wasn’t Steve’s first arrest. He’s discussed multiple run-ins with law enforcement in his videos over the years.

The gambling promotion controversy extended beyond YouTube. Questions arose about the ethics of promoting gambling to young audiences.

Steve’s extreme drinking challenges raised health concerns. Videos showing him chugging full bottles of alcohol worried some viewers and health professionals.

The Coffeezilla investigation into Roobet connections created negative publicity. Exposing the financial mechanics behind gambling promotions damaged his reputation somewhat.

Despite controversies, Steve maintained his fanbase. His authentic personality and willingness to address issues directly helped him weather storms.

Impact on Content Creator Industry

Steve’s story offers important lessons for content creators. His experience highlights both opportunities and dangers in the digital content world.

His ban demonstrated platform vulnerability. Creators relying solely on one platform risk losing everything overnight.

Steve’s successful pivot to alternative revenue streams showed resilience. Diversification into business ventures, merchandise, and multiple platforms proved essential.

The gambling content issue highlighted policy enforcement inconsistencies. Steve’s experience with different rules for different creators sparked important discussions.

His return after three years became a case study in persistence. Steve never gave up on his YouTube comeback despite years of rejection.

The story shows how personal brand value transcends individual platforms. Steve’s loyal fanbase followed him wherever he created content.

His business success during the ban proved content creation can lead to entrepreneurship. Steve transformed from YouTuber to business mogul.

Lessons from Steve’s Journey

Steve’s journey offers valuable insights for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs. His experiences teach important lessons about resilience and adaptation.

Never rely on a single platform for income. Steve’s YouTube ban would have destroyed him financially if not for diversification.

Build equity in businesses rather than just taking sponsorships. Happy Dad ownership provided far more value than one-time brand deals.

Maintain direct relationships with your audience. Steve’s social media presence outside YouTube kept fans engaged during his ban.

Be prepared to adapt and pivot quickly. His immediate move to Rumble and focus on business showed quick strategic thinking.

Authenticity builds lasting loyalty. Steve’s unfiltered personality created deep connections that survived platform changes and controversies.

Don’t burn bridges even when treated unfairly. Steve maintained relationships that eventually helped secure his YouTube return.

Persistence pays off in the long run. Three years of requesting reinstatement finally succeeded in late 2025.

Future Prospects and Plans

Steve’s future looks bright as he enters 2026 with YouTube access restored. His plans suggest ambitious growth across multiple fronts.

YouTube content will focus on high-production challenges. Steve promises consistent uploads at the same time each week.

The million-dollar giveaway for hitting 1 million subscribers continues. This marketing strategy should drive rapid channel growth throughout 2026.

Happy Dad expansion remains a priority. The seltzer brand will likely introduce new flavors and expand distribution nationally.

Full Send merchandise continues generating substantial revenue. Steve will remain a key face promoting the clothing line.

Additional business ventures are likely coming. Steve’s entrepreneurial mindset suggests he’ll invest in or launch new projects.

Potential collaborations with other major creators could happen. Despite the MrBeast controversy, Steve’s network includes many influential figures.

Some speculate a reality show or larger media projects. Steve’s personality and story could translate well to traditional media formats.

Steve’s Message to Fans

Throughout his journey, Steve has remained grateful for fan support. His messages consistently emphasize appreciation for those who stuck with him.

In his YouTube return announcement, Steve thanked everyone who believed in him. He acknowledged the three-year wait was difficult for everyone.

Steve frequently emphasizes his passion for content creation. He’s stated he’d rather make videos with no money than have millions without creating.

His social media posts often encourage fans to chase their dreams. Steve’s comeback story serves as inspiration for those facing setbacks.

Steve promises to make the YouTube return worth the wait. He’s committed to delivering his best content and biggest giveaways ever.

The message is clear: Steve Will Do It isn’t just a username anymore. It’s a testament to determination, resilience, and never giving up.

The Broader YouTube Policy Discussion

Steve’s case highlighted important questions about YouTube’s community guidelines enforcement. His story sparked broader conversations about platform policies.

Many creators questioned whether enforcement is consistent. The fact that NELK could promote gambling while Steve was banned raised fairness concerns.

YouTube’s vague violation notices create frustration. Creators often don’t know exactly what they did wrong, making it hard to avoid future issues.

The strike system’s purpose was questioned. Steve having zero strikes before permanent deletion seemed to contradict YouTube’s stated progressive enforcement.

Appeals processes need improvement, many argued. Three years to overturn a ban suggests the system doesn’t work efficiently.

Platform power over creator livelihoods is immense. YouTube can destroy careers with a single decision, raising concerns about accountability.

Alternative platforms benefit from YouTube controversies. Rumble and others gained credibility by welcoming banned creators like Steve.

Comparison to Other Banned Creators

Steve isn’t the only major creator to face YouTube bans. His experience shares similarities and differences with other high-profile cases.

Alex Jones was permanently banned for hate speech and harassment. Unlike Steve’s gambling violation, Jones’ ban involved more serious policy violations.

David Dobrik faced demonetization and massive backlash. While not fully banned, his situation showed how quickly fortunes can change on YouTube.

Keemstar has faced multiple controversies but avoided permanent bans. His experience shows that some creators navigate policy enforcement differently.

Jake Paul was temporarily banned from monetization. Like Steve, Paul’s content pushed boundaries, but he avoided permanent deletion.

Many smaller creators face bans without the resources to fight back. Steve’s story received attention partly because of his fame and connections.

The difference in outcomes suggests factors beyond just violations matter. Influence, legal resources, and public support play roles in reinstatement.

Industry Reactions and Commentary

The content creation community watched Steve’s situation closely. Industry figures offered various perspectives on his ban and return.

Many creators expressed support for Steve publicly. They recognized that platform policies could affect anyone regardless of size.

Some criticized YouTube’s handling of the situation. The three-year ban for an editor’s mistake seemed excessively harsh to many.

Commentary channels analyzed every development. Each update in Steve’s story became content for drama and news channels.

Business partners defended Steve’s character. NELK members and others vouched for him personally despite content controversies.

Critics pointed to the gambling promotion ethics. Some argued Steve deserved consequences for promoting gambling to young audiences.

The return was celebrated widely. Even those critical of some content acknowledged the unfairness of the three-year exile.

What 2026 Holds for SteveWillDoIt

As we move through 2026, Steve’s trajectory points upward. Multiple factors suggest this could be his biggest year yet.

YouTube growth will accelerate rapidly. His new channel should easily surpass 1 million subscribers within months of the return.

Revenue from all sources will likely increase. The YouTube reinstatement opens up sponsorship opportunities that were closed during the ban.

Happy Dad will continue expanding market share. Steve’s renewed YouTube presence provides perfect advertising for the seltzer brand.

New business ventures may be announced. Steve’s entrepreneurial track record suggests he’s always looking for the next opportunity.

Controversies will probably continue. Steve’s unfiltered personality means drama and headlines will remain part of his story.

The MrBeast situation might escalate or resolve. How this plays out could significantly impact Steve’s 2026.

Long-term platform stability seems likely. Having learned from the ban, Steve will probably be more careful about policy compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

What happened to Steve Will Do It is a remarkable story of resilience, adaptation, and ultimate triumph. After YouTube permanently banned his channel in August 2022 for gambling content violations, Steve faced what could have been a career-ending setback.

Instead, he transformed the crisis into an opportunity, building a multi-million dollar business empire through Happy Dad Hard Seltzer, Full Send merchandise, and strategic partnerships.

His three-year exile from YouTube became a period of enormous financial growth, proving that platform dependence isn’t necessary for success.

The December 2025 reinstatement marked a triumphant return, with Steve promising bigger giveaways and better content than ever before.

As of 2026, SteveWillDoIt stands as a testament to the power of persistence, diversification, and building genuine connections with your audience.

His journey from banned creator to business mogul offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating the unpredictable world of digital content creation.