FOX 26 anchor Caroline Collins has gained nearly 41,000 YouTube subscribers since April.
FOX 26
Caroline Collins has more than 1.7 million followers on TikTok and another 404,000 on Instagram. But when the FOX 26 Houston anchor decided to conquer another social media platform, she had to start from scratch.
On Monday, Collins revealed that she’s been quietly building her YouTube channel since April, amassing nearly 41,000 subscribers in just six months. Despite her massive following elsewhere, she admitted she was initially intimidated by the idea of starting over.
Article continues below this ad
“I was scared and embarrassed that I was starting from zero on a social media platform,” Collins said in an Instagram video. “Starting from nothing is literally scary.”
Unlike TikTok, which Collins joined in 2019 when the platform was still relatively new, YouTube had been around for years. Collins said she was almost ashamed she hadn’t taken advantage of it sooner. But after one of her first videos performed well, she was encouraged to keep posting.
Collins told Chron that she frequently draws on her master’s degree in communication technology, with a specialization in social media, to build her online presence.
Article continues below this ad
“Optimizing digital media and continuing to grow and engage my audience has become a passion of mine that really goes hand-in-hand with reporting the news,” she said.
Most of Collins’ YouTube content consists of Shorts and videos repurposed from TikTok and Instagram. However, over the past three weeks, she’s started experimenting with longer videos, giving fans a more personal look at her life and career.
Recent uploads include behind-the-scenes footage from her lavish April wedding and candid discussions about the major changes unfolding at FOX 26.
What’s changing at FOX 26?
Her latest video tackles questions viewers have been flooding her with, including what happened to her show with fellow anchor Rashi Vats and why she’s suddenly doing so many jobs at once during live broadcasts.
Article continues below this ad
“Let me tell you, there’s been a lot of changes happening,” Collins said. “That’s the nature of the business. It changes, it evolves and you just buckle up and you get ready for the ride.”
Collins and Vats launched their digital show, Caroline & Rashi, in January 2024. The lighthearted program featured the two friends discussing everything from pop culture and relationships to personal struggles. Within months of its debut, it had become the top-streamed show on the FOX Local app.
FOX 26 anchors Caroline Collins and Rashi Vats previously hosted the digital show “Caroline & Rashi” together.
FOX 26 Houston
Collins reassured fans that the two remain close, explaining that Vats now works an earlier shift, leaving them with less time together at night.
Article continues below this ad
“Rashi and I, we are still great friends, and I still see her at work all the time,” Collins said.
Collins also addressed FOX 26’s controversial new streaming setup, which has sparked debate among journalists nationwide. The system requires anchors to direct video, manage audio and graphics, conduct interviews and gather breaking news, all while hosting a live broadcast.
Collins said the station’s push toward nearly around-the-clock live coverage has made the transition necessary, though juggling so many responsibilities has tested her.
“It’s been very challenging because I feel like my brain’s going in 16 different directions,” she said.
Article continues below this ad
Collins added that her biggest concern is maintaining accuracy while simultaneously handling technical duties and collecting new information.
Stay informed, and entertained.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms Of Use and acknowledge that your information will be used as described in our Privacy Policy.
Beyond discussing the changes at FOX 26, Collins hopes to eventually expand her YouTube content to include more in-depth interviews. She has plenty of room to grow on the platform. Former KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse has built a YouTube audience of more than 1.9 million subscribers.
Article continues below this ad
“I don’t know what this is gonna turn into,” Collins said of her channel. “I do miss doing in-depth interviews with people, so I would love to get some cameras and do some interviews.”