Utah’s Matthew Watts Turns Quirky TikToks Into Global Storytelling Phenomenon

In Utah, we’re no strangers to creativity sprouting in unexpected places. From indie filmmakers in Provo to muralists in Ogden, local voices often find ways to make a national splash. But few have done it with as much charm, humor, and heart as Matthew Watts. His TikTok videos—ranging from playful “food surgeries” to deeply personal queer storytelling—have built an audience of millions, proving that sometimes the quirkiest ideas carry the most universal truths.

Watts didn’t set out to become a viral sensation. His process is much simpler. “For me, the decision usually comes down to what feels fun and sustainable,” he said. What started as a short experiment, like the “Discount Dentist” series, grew into layered projects with unexpected humor, drama, and even moments of tenderness. A braces appointment video turned into a storyline about pride-colored braces. A silly “fruit surgery” on a kiwi evolved into a full-blown saga, complete with weddings, pregnancies, and even a funeral.

This is the secret to Watts’ work—it’s weird, but it sticks. People may click for the oddness, but they stay because of the characters. Fans know Mr. and Mrs. Kiwi as well as they’d know a TV sitcom couple. They come back not just for laughs, but for a story they can follow.

Why does this resonate so widely? Watts believes it taps into something deeper. “As kids, surprise comes naturally. As adults, we lose that sense of wonder,” he said. With food surgeries and unexpected plot twists, he offers a reminder that the world can still catch us off guard in delightful ways. That sense of surprise is part of why his videos have racked up more than five billion lifetime views.

But for Watts, it’s not just about making people laugh—it’s about healing. Comedy, he says, can help people let go of painful experiences. A joke or absurd scene gives us distance from the weight of old memories, letting us see growth instead of just pain. “Comedy isn’t just about a laugh,” he explained. “It’s about helping people feel lighter, freer, and more open to possibility.”

That message extends through his commitment to inclusivity. Growing up in Utah, Watts knows what it feels like to hide parts of yourself. His videos don’t lean on stereotypes or heavy-handed lessons. Instead, queer characters appear naturally, woven into his storytelling. In one hospital scene, a spontaneous kiss between two background actors—real-life partners—wasn’t scripted, but it stayed. It worked because it felt authentic.

Representation in Watts’ world isn’t a billboard, it’s a heartbeat. It’s in the little moments that make a story feel both personal and universal.

The impact goes beyond screen time. Watts still remembers a fan message after a “fruit patient” was saved from dying of a broken heart. The viewer had just gone through a breakup. The bizarre little video gave them comfort, reminding them that healing comes in unexpected ways. “That’s what keeps me creating,” Watts said.

From a Utah living room to screens across the world, Matthew Watts is proving that local creativity can carry global weight. His videos may be playful and strange, but the stories underneath are about connection, resilience and the surprising ways humor can bring us together.