Who is ANATOLY? Why are his videos popular on YouTube?

If you've spent any time on fitness YouTube or gym-prank TikTok, you've almost certainly come across Anatoly, an unassuming janitor or skinny cleaner who suddenly lifts crazy amounts of weight and shocks everyone around him. But Anatoly isn't actually a janitor. He's Vladimir Shmondenko, a Ukrainian powerlifter and digital creator who has turned clever disguises, real strength, and wholesome humor into one of the internet's biggest viral formulas.

Who is Anatoly?

Anatoly, The Janitor via ShopBuilder

Anatoly is the comic alias of Vladimir Shmondenko, born in 1999 in Ukraine. He started as a competitive powerlifter before he became a content creator. For many years, he built an online persona where he pretended to be :

• A gym cleaner

• A novice, who is still learning to lift

• an old man or frail worker

• A confused newbie asking for "help"

Twist: He's super strong, and the reactions of onlookers when he lifts massive weights with ease become the core of the content.

Today, he runs several YouTube channels, uploads all over the world, and has millions of followers across platforms. He has also launched his own fitness brand and merchandise, expanding from creator to entrepreneur.

Why are Anatoly's videos so popular?

1. The surprise factor

Every Anatoly video hinges on the dramatic reveal. A weak-looking or inexperienced character suddenly deadlifts professional-level weight: it's a shock that never gets old and drives endless replayability.

2. It's Comedy + Skill Combined

Many prank videos just rely on jokes. Anatoly's content is backed by real athletic ability. Viewers respect the fact that he can genuinely lift 200–300+ kg, making the pranks feel as though they might actually occur rather than be staged.

3. Universal, Wordless Humor

Most of his videos? All about face magic—funny expressions, silly reactions, a dash of slapstick. You hardly need to understand any language to catch the joke. That’s the real trick: anyone—from a grandma in Peru to a kid in Japan—can follow along. No subtitles, no mix-ups, just straight-up universal humor.

4. Feel-Good, Not Mean-Spirited

Anatoly’s videos? Totally wholesome. No one’s being embarrassed or made fun of. You get smiles, good energy, maybe even a bit of faith in people brought back. Folks usually end up laughing or are honestly just happy to be part of the fun.

5. Algorithm-Friendly Format

On top of that, his clips are perfect for the scroll-life. Short, snappy, with a clear setup and a great punchline at the finish. TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reels—they love this kind of content. Anatoly just knows how to play the algorithm.

The bottom line

Anatoly isn't just a prankster; he's an internet personality, comedian, and powerlifter who figured out the perfect recipe for viral gym content. By blending authenticity, humor, and incredible strength, he's built one of YouTube's most recognizable brands in the world of fitness.

Don’t scroll away just yet. The ScreenLight got more of the videos, moments, and internet stuff that make us all hit replay.