Popular Pokemon YouTuber Criticizes Meta for Allowing Instagram User to Steal Content

Popular Pokémon TCG content creator, Deep Pocket Monster, known as Pat Flynn, has publicly criticized Instagram and its parent company, Meta, for their inaction against a user who has been unlawfully using his content. This situation involves the user operating under the handle shortpocketmonster123, who continues to exploit Flynn’s work without authorization while impersonating him in interactions with his audience.

In a recent post on Twitter/X, Flynn voiced his frustration over Meta’s lack of response regarding the infringement. His statement highlighted the absurdity of the situation, noting that Meta appears to condone the actions of the impersonator despite the blatant copying of his content. He expressed exasperation at paying for premium support services that have not yielded effective results.

Oh look, it’s @instagram and @Meta literally saying that this fake account on IG (shortpocketmonster123) that’s STEALING my content 100% with zero credit and reaching out to my audience while impersonating me is totally okay. Fantastic. And I pay for premium support too.… pic.twitter.com/8tSjCCMdFR

— Deep Pocket Monster (@DeepPocketMnstr) January 10, 2025

The account in question, shortpocketmonster123, has managed to garner over 6,500 followers on Instagram by sharing Flynn’s original content. In response to an inquiry regarding this breach, Meta’s support team indicated that the content does not violate community standards, thus avoiding any actions to remove the account.

Pat Flynn gained popularity within the Pokémon community through his engaging YouTube series titled “Should I Open It or Should I Keep It Sealed?” In this series, he opens vintage packs in hopes of discovering high-value cards. His entertaining challenge also involves collecting complete sets under strict timelines, a task that becomes even more pressing if he fails, as he must then part with them to his viewers.

Flynn’s main YouTube channel boasts over 1.3 million subscribers, complemented by an impressive following of around one million on TikTok. The value of the collectibles he pursues often runs into thousands of dollars, showcasing a distinctive niche that is challenging for competitors to mimic. Moreover, some of the historical booster packs he opens in his series can command prices upwards of $500, making the decision by Instagram to allow this impersonating user to remain particularly frustrating.

As of now, Meta has not made any public comments concerning Flynn’s allegations or the decision to leave the infringing account intact. This scenario raises significant concerns about content protection and accountability on social media platforms.

For further insights and details on this unfolding situation, check out the full coverage here.