SHARI FRANKE

Shari Franke: A Detailed Biography of the Former YouTube Star

Shari Franke, born on March 3, 2003, in Logan, Utah, is the eldest child of Ruby and Kevin Franke, known for their now-defunct family YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. Raised in a devout Mormon household, Shari's early life was extensively documented online, a practice that would later become a source of contention.

Early Life and Family Background

Growing up in Springville, Utah, Shari was part of a family that gained significant attention through their YouTube presence. Her parents, Ruby and Kevin, began the 8 Passengers channel in 2015, sharing aspects of their family life with millions of subscribers. Shari, along with her five younger siblings—Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve—was featured prominently in the videos.

Personal Interests and Early YouTube Endeavors

From a young age, Shari demonstrated a keen interest in activities such as softball and solving puzzles, including the Rubik's Cube. At 14, she launched her own YouTube channel, where she shared content like makeup tutorials, unboxing videos, and personal vlogs. However, her involvement in the family channel meant that her personal content was often subject to parental oversight.

The Shift Away from Family Vlogging

As Shari matured, she began to question the ethics of family vlogging. She has publicly stated that the experience "ruined [her] innocence," highlighting the pressures and invasions of privacy that come with being featured in online content from a young age. This sentiment was echoed in her testimony before a Utah Senate committee, where she advocated for greater protections for child influencers.

Memoir and Advocacy

In January 2025, Shari published her memoir, The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom. The book delves into her experiences growing up under the scrutiny of the public eye and the challenges she faced within her family dynamics. Through her writing, Shari aims to raise awareness about the potential harms of family vlogging and to support other young individuals who have faced similar situations.

Current Life and Future Plans

Currently 22 years old, Shari is pursuing a degree in comparative politics at Brigham Young University. She has become an advocate for ethical practices in online content creation and continues to speak out about the importance of safeguarding children's rights in the digital age. Shari's journey reflects a transition from a public life shaped by family vlogging to a more private and purpose-driven path focused on personal growth and advocacy.

Through her memoir and public statements, Shari Franke has emerged as a voice for those affected by the pressures of online fame from a young age, striving to ensure that future generations can navigate the digital world with greater awareness and protection.