Max Balegde

Max Balegde, born Max Trobe on January 9, 1999, is an English social media creator, podcast host, and television presenter. Raised in Lancashire, England, he first achieved widespread recognition through short-form comedy videos and commentary on TikTok. Renowned for his candid storytelling, humorous celebrity commentary, and relatable personality, Balegde has built a massive online following that spans multiple digital and broadcast platforms.

Early Life and Online Beginnings

Growing up in Darwen, Lancashire, Balegde attended local schools before pursuing higher education at Newcastle University, where he initially aimed for a career in digital marketing. In January 2020, he created his TikTok account under the handle @max_balegde, selecting the username in reference to a viral pop-culture clip. His early content featured random comedy lists, personal anecdotes, and lighthearted commentary on celebrity culture. His humorous "things celebrities have done that are questionable" series quickly went viral, propelling him to online fame during the 2020 lockdowns.

Rise to Fame and Media Career

As his popularity grew, Balegde expanded beyond short-form videos into long-form digital entertainment and traditional broadcasting. On YouTube, he established his channel @max_balegde, launching popular original series such as "Performance Review," where he interviews high-profile actors, musicians, and internet personalities in a mock-HR format. He has conducted red-carpet and junket interviews with prominent international stars including Zendaya, Louis Theroux, and Millie Bobby Brown. Balegde has also appeared on television, hosting BBC's "Date Me At My Worst" and participating in reality programs including the Australian version of "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" and the UK edition of "The Celebrity Apprentice".

Podcasting and Personal Life

In addition to his individual content, Balegde co-hosted the popular comedy-dilemma podcast "The Useless Hotline" alongside fellow creator George Clarke. Beyond entertainment, Balegde is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, frequently using his platform to promote equality and social justice initiatives. In November 2023, he organized a major fundraising event in London supporting trans rights, and in June 2025, he was awarded the Online Influencer award at the British LGBT Awards. He currently resides in the United Kingdom, where he continues to create digital content, host podcasts, and present across digital and broadcast media.