If you’ve spent more than five minutes in the "herbally inclined" corner of YouTube, you know Thomas Araujo. Most people just call him Yola. He’s the guy who turned a personality and a penchant for storytelling into a massive digital empire. But lately, people keep asking the same thing: how old is Dope as Yola? It’s a fair question because he’s been around the block. He feels like that older cousin who always has the best stories, yet he’s clearly young enough to navigate the chaos of the creator economy.
Let’s clear the air. Thomas "Dope as Yola" Araujo was born on January 27, 1990. As of right now, in early 2026, he is 36 years old.
He’s a 90s kid. That matters. It explains his specific brand of hustle. He grew up right on the edge of the analog and digital worlds, which is exactly why he knows how to market to both Gen Z and Millennials. It’s not just about a birthdate; it’s about the era that shaped him.
The Timeline of a Storyteller
Yola didn't just wake up with millions of subscribers and a successful brand like The High Road or HHC products. It took a long time. Like, a really long time. He started his journey when the internet was a very different place. Back then, you couldn't just talk about "glass" or "culture" without getting banned instantly. He had to learn the dance.
He’s originally from Merced, California. If you know anything about the Central Valley, you know it’s a place where you either find a way out or you get stuck. Yola found a way out through a lens. By the time he was in his mid-20s, he was already becoming a fixture in the scene.
What’s wild is that his age—being 36—puts him in a sweet spot. He’s old enough to have real-world business experience and young enough to understand why a 15-second vertical video is more powerful than a 30-minute documentary in 2026. He’s seen the rise of Instagram, the death of Vine, the explosion of TikTok, and the "Adpocalypse" on YouTube that almost wiped out his entire niche.
Why We Care About How Old Dope as Yola Is
It’s about longevity. In the influencer world, 36 is basically "elder statesman" status. Most creators flame out by 25. They get a bit of money, buy a car they can’t afford, and disappear when the algorithm shifts. Yola didn't do that.
He’s been transparent about his life, his struggles with weight, his legal hurdles, and his wins. That transparency is why his audience grew up with him. If you were 18 watching him hit a massive rig five years ago, you're 23 now. You're entering the workforce. You're a different person. Yola has managed to evolve his content so it doesn't feel like he's a 36-year-old trying to act 19.
Honestly, it’s refreshing.
Most people in his position try to hide their age or use filters to look like they’re still in their early 20s. He just leans into it. He’s the "Dope as Yola" guy, sure, but he’s also a business owner, a partner, and a dude who cares about his community. That maturity is his secret weapon. It’s why brands trust him and why his own brand, Pushin’ P’s and everything else under his umbrella, actually succeeds.
The Business of Being Thomas Araujo
You can’t talk about his age without talking about the "Storytime" era. That’s what put him on the map. He wasn't just showing off products; he was telling stories about getting chased, weird encounters, and the general absurdity of his lifestyle.
Being in his 30s gives him a massive library of stories to pull from. If he were 21, he’d run out of material in six months. But at 36? He’s lived. He’s had the jobs, the setbacks, and the "almost-made-it" moments that make for great content.
- He understands the legal landscape of his industry.
- He knows how to pivot when platforms change their Terms of Service.
- He’s built a team that keeps the machine running.
It’s a masterclass in personal branding. He’s essentially the Joe Rogan of his specific niche—not in terms of politics, but in terms of being the "guy you want to have a beer with" (or whatever else).
Addressing the Rumors and Misconceptions
People often get his age wrong because he’s been a "public figure" for so long. Some think he’s in his 40s because he’s been around since the early days of "weed-tube." Others think he’s younger because of his energy and the way he dresses.
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Let's be clear: 36 is the number.
There’s also this weird misconception that he just got lucky. It’s a common thing people say about anyone who makes it on social media. But when you look at the timeline—starting from nothing in Merced to owning multiple successful companies—luck has very little to do with it. It’s about being 30-something and having the discipline to treat your "fun" hobby like a 9-to-5 job. Or, in his case, a 24/7 job.
Staying Relevant in 2026
The landscape for creators is harder than ever. AI is flooding the zone with fake content. Algorithms are more restrictive. Consumer attention spans are measured in milliseconds.
Yola has stayed relevant by being a real human being. He doesn't feel like a polished corporate bot. When he talks about his age or his health journey, it resonates because it’s a struggle we all have. We’re all getting older. Even the "Dope as Yola" guy gets back pain and has to watch what he eats.
His age is actually his competitive advantage now. He has the "OG" status. You can’t buy that. You can’t fake it. You either were there when it started, or you weren't. He was there.
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What’s Next for the 36-Year-Old Mogul?
If you think he’s slowing down because he’s mid-30s, you haven't been paying attention. He’s actually accelerating. He’s moved beyond just being a YouTuber. He’s a brand architect.
Look at his partnerships. Look at the way he handles live events. He’s moving into the space where he’s no longer just the talent; he’s the owner. That’s the "30s" move. You stop working for the man and you become the man.
Actionable Takeaways from Yola's Career Path
If you’re looking at Yola and wondering how he did it, or if you’re just a fan who wants to support him, here’s the reality of his success:
- Consistency is King: He didn't post once a month. He flooded the zone for years until the world had no choice but to notice him.
- Own Your Narrative: He never let others define what "Dope as Yola" was. He defined it himself through his stories.
- Diversification: He didn't rely on YouTube ad revenue. He built physical products, apparel, and a podcast. If one thing gets banned, he has five other ways to make a living.
- Authenticity (Actually): Don't use the word "authenticity" as a buzzword. Actually be the person you are on camera. Yola is the same guy whether the red light is on or off.
To wrap this up, Thomas Araujo is 36. He’s a January Capricorn. He’s a Central Valley native who turned a niche lifestyle into a mainstream success story. Whether you’re here for the stories, the products, or just because you were curious about his birthday, the truth is that his age is exactly why he’s winning. He’s got the experience of an adult and the passion of a kid.
Keep an eye on what he does next. Usually, when creators hit their mid-30s, they either disappear or they become legends. Given his track record, Yola is leaning heavily toward the latter.
Next Steps for Fans and Creators
- Check out his podcast: If you want to see the "business" side of his brain, his long-form interviews are where the real gems are hidden.
- Follow the business moves, not just the content: If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, watch how he launches products. It's a clinic in building hype.
- Verify your sources: In the age of AI and deepfakes, always double-check creator stats on verified platforms or their own official channels.