Why viral star Megan Batoon thinks her fans are her 'best friends'

It doesn't matter if you're Vine famous or if you craft viral YouTube videos, for anyone big in the social media space their success is always because of their avid fans. It's why so many social influencers take hours out of their daily schedule to speak with their incredible followers and connect with them on a more personal level. And for professional dancer and YouTube sensation Megan Batoon, that level of interaction has led her to create a long-lasting bond with her fans. In fact, she doesn't even consider them "fans" anymore.

As she notes, "That's the greatest thing about being on the Internet in a situation I'm in -- I feel like I have 500,000 best friends all over the world." So it comes as no surprise that when Megan has the opportunity to meet the people who made her career possible in person, it's just as fun for her as it is for them.

We recently spoke with Batoon about what her relationship is like with her fans, what it's like to meet them in person, and more!

YouShouldKnow is a feature that showcases up-and-coming social stars. To see more of past interviews, including more Megan Batoon features, click here.

How would you describe the relationship you have with your fans as?
I think if I just had to say it in one word it would be personable. I think they really understand who I am and what I'm like. I don't really hide too much and I share a lot. I'm also constantly commenting, tweeting, or replying to them. It's an actual relationship which is so important. No one would be where they are without the people supporting them. So it's super pertinent to keep that open relationship going and make them feel like they are your best friend. That's the greatest thing about being on the Internet in a situation I'm in -- I feel like I have 500,000 best friends all over the world and they never sleep so I always have someone to talk to.

What's it like for you meeting your fans in person?
It's amazing! It's so cool and it's so exciting to meet them because they're so willing to tell you everything they think. They also will bring stuff they know I like. I was obsessed with Nutella for so long and they would send me it nonstop every place I would go for two years. It's so beautiful to hear how much you've impacted people you've never met before just by being you. And the fact you can change people's live is so hard to grasp but so awesome to know.

What's the one piece of advice you wish you received before making it big on social media?
No one has ever told me this -- but I wish they would have. I wish someone said if you don't like something, don't do it. That would have been really good to know. But it's a learning experience and you don't know what you like until you get into situations where you realize you do. I think when I started out and before I could make my own visions , I would do everything becauseI thought more was more. Now knowing that I should focus on what I truly believe in, I realize that I don't have to do anything else.

YouShouldKnow is a feature that showcases up-and-coming social stars. To see more of past interviews, including more Megan Batoon features, click here.