Going Viral with Stand-Up Comedy: James McAliney’s Secrets to Success
What does it really take to go viral as a stand-up comedian in 2025?
In this episode of The Zack Lyman Podcast, I sat down with comedian, show producer, and video essayist James McAliney—the mind behind Roux Comedy, a rising platform known for its smart live shows and punchy viral clips.
James isn’t just a great comic—he’s also a content creator who understands how to translate the energy of a live set into something that hits on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok. Whether you’re a stand-up comic trying to grow your audience, or just a fan of comedy who loves seeing how it all works behind the scenes, this conversation is a goldmine.
Going Viral with Stand-Up Comedy: From the Stage to the Screen
A big part of our conversation focused on how James captures and edits live stand-up sets to make them work online. He breaks down what makes a moment “clippable”—and it’s not always what you’d expect. Sometimes it’s a big laugh that you need to cut. Sometimes it’s a subtle reaction. But the key is knowing your audience and delivering a quick, authentic moment that hooks viewers fast.
We also talked about how Roux Comedy builds community through shows and online content—turning audience members into fans, and fans into followers.
Producing Live Comedy Shows in a Digital World
As the founder of Roux Comedy, James has produced tons of shows in different venues. He shared how running a live comedy show isn’t just about booking comics—it’s about setting a tone, creating a space people want to return to, and being ready for all the chaos that can come with running a live event.
And of course, the overlap between producing shows and building content is strong. The most successful comedians today are often producers and marketers too. James gets that—and shares how he balances it all while staying creatively fulfilled.
Why You Should Watch (or Listen)
If you’re interested in::
- Creating short-form video that actually performs
- Going Viral with Stand-Up Comedy
- Producing live shows that people talk about
- Learning what really works on YouTube, TikTok, and Reels
Then this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📺 Watch the full episode on The Big Laugh YouTube Channel
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