If you’ve spent any time in the chaotic, slime-filled world of YouTube family vlogging, you know the face. You know the laugh. Michael Ryan, better known to millions as Mike or Skylander Boy, has basically grown up inside a digital aquarium.
Honestly, it’s a bit wild when you think about it. Most kids get a photo album; Michael from Funnel Vision got a multi-channel media empire. But lately, people are asking a lot of questions. Is he still making videos? What’s his real name? Is the family "retiring"? There is a lot of noise out there, and frankly, some of it is just plain wrong.
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Who Exactly Is Michael from Funnel Vision?
Let’s clear up the identity stuff first. His full name is Michael Smith Ryan (though you’ll sometimes see "Carter" floating around due to some family naming quirks/pseudonyms used in early legal filings). He was born on November 13, 2008.
That makes him a teen in the thick of it now. He’s the second oldest of the four siblings—Lexi is the older sister, while Chase and Shawn are the younger brothers.
Back in the day, Michael was the "Skylander Boy." That was his brand. If you were a kid in 2012 or 2013, you probably remember him unboxing those plastic figurines with a level of hype that felt like he’d just won the lottery. He wasn't just a kid in front of a camera; he was the primary energy source for the FUNnel Vision and TheSkylanderBoy AndGirl channels.
The Shift from Funnel Vision to FGTeeV
Around 2018, the family started shifting gears. The original FUNnel Vision channel—the one with the vlogs, the "scare cams," and the messy kitchen challenges—sort of took a backseat to FGTeeV.
Why? Because gaming exploded.
Michael transitioned from "toy unboxer" to "competitive gamer." He became the guy often paired with his younger brother Chase. They have this specific dynamic where Michael is the slightly more serious, competitive one, and Chase is the chaos agent. Michael’s "rage moments" in Roblox or Fortnite became legendary among the fanbase. They weren't just playing; they were performing.
The Biggest Misconceptions About Michael
One thing that drives fans crazy is the "quitting" rumors. You’ve seen the thumbnails. Huge red text saying "WE ARE QUITTING!!" or "GOODBYE FOREVER."
They’ve been doing that for years. It’s a trope.
The reality is that Michael and the rest of the FV Family have just gotten older. You can't do "toddler toy reviews" when you’re 16. Michael has been through several "rebrands" within the family ecosystem. He’s gone from the kid playing with Skylanders to a teen who probably wants to spend as much time on his own interests as he does on his dad’s (Vincent, aka Duddy) filming schedule.
Another weird rumor? That he doesn't get along with his siblings. Look, anyone with three brothers and sisters knows you’re going to fight. Especially when your dad is filming a "hide and seek" challenge in a dark warehouse at 11:00 PM. But if you watch the behind-the-scenes stuff on the FV Family channel, the bond is pretty obvious. Michael is often the one helping the younger kids with the mechanics of a game or making sure a skit actually lands.
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Why Michael Still Matters to the Brand
It’s easy to dismiss family vloggers as a flash in the pan. But Michael is part of the first generation of "YouTube Kids" who have successfully navigated the awkward teenage years without the whole thing collapsing.
Think about the sheer volume of content he’s in:
- Music Videos: He starred in several family rap battles and songs like "The Song" (yes, that was the actual title).
- Graphic Novels: The FGTeeV family released a series of books, including Into the Game! and The Big Shrink. Michael’s character in these is basically the "hero" archetype—brave but a little bit of a hothead.
- Mobile Games: He’s featured in games like Ape Chase and Goozy.
He’s a 16-year-old with a resume that looks like a marketing executive’s fever dream.
What’s Happening Now (2025-2026 Updates)
As we’ve moved into 2026, the content has changed. It’s less "look at this cool toy" and more "how we survived this crazy travel vlog." Michael has been more involved in the InTeLL R3VIZED projects and the family's podcasting attempts.
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There’s been a noticeable shift toward "story-driven" content. Vincent (Duddy) recently teased a documentary-style project about the family's history. Michael is a huge part of that because he’s been there for almost every major milestone since he was a toddler. He isn't just a "character" anymore; he’s essentially a veteran of the platform.
Michael’s Personal Growth
Fans have noticed Michael is more selective about his appearances lately. It’s the natural progression of a child star. He’s into high-end cars—remember the Tesla vlog for his 12th birthday?—and he’s clearly carving out an identity that isn't just "the kid who likes Skylanders."
He’s also stuck by the family's pivot toward faith-based and "clean" entertainment, which is a big deal in an industry that usually gets more scandalous as the kids get older.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following Michael's journey or trying to keep up with the FV Family circus, here is how to stay in the loop without falling for the clickbait:
- Check the FV Family Community Tab: This is where they post the most "real" updates about Michael’s school, birthdays, and actual life events that aren't scripted for a gaming video.
- Watch the Podcasts: If you want to hear Michael speak like a normal human and not a "YouTube persona," the podcast clips are your best bet.
- Ignore "Quitting" Thumbnails: Unless it's a 20-minute video with no editing and a very serious tone, it’s probably just a hook for a new season of content.
- Look for the Books: If you want the "lore" of Michael’s character, the FGTeeV graphic novels are actually well-written and give him more of a personality than a standard 10-minute Roblox video.
Michael Ryan has managed to do something most child stars fail at: he stayed relevant without losing his mind. Whether he stays in the family business or strikes out on his own, he’s already left a massive dent in YouTube history.