Ahhh, the phenomenon of "coming out". Terrifying and liberating in equal measures, it’s a moment faced by gay folks the world over. But there's no set way to kick down the closest door and proceed to live your life in the open – maybe you choose to corner your mom in the kitchen when she's still in her slippers and a bit groggy, or turn up to a family gathering in full drag. These days though, more and more people in the public eye are choosing to use the medium of YouTube to tell their story. It's a direct, honest and often very moving method to come out, not to mention modern and convenient. Let's take a look at some of the cutest coming out moments on "the YouTube", as your mom might call it.

1. George Shelley

One-time The X Factor contestant and boy band member George Shelley chose to use YouTube to answer consistent speculation about his sexuality. His concise message is endearingly honest and straightforward, and certainly serves as inspiration for young people struggling in the same situation. Too bad he got kicked out of the band Union J shortly after for so-called “diva behaviour”. Well, he's allowed to be as diva as he likes now he's out and proud, right boys?

Top quote: "I've not changed, I'm still me. I'm still the same person I always was. I'm just a bit less scared of being myself."

2. Sam Tsui

YouTube star and singer Sam Tsui announced on the platform that brought him his fame and followers to talk about his beau (shortly after plugging his new single). Having clearly wrestled with the best way to reveal the truth to his followers, Sam sends a lovely message that refers directly to his partner Casey Breves (whose single also gets a little plug – cheeky). He tops it off with the news that he and Casey are getting married, just to put the cherry on top.

Top quote: "I am incredibly proud of who I am, and very proud of my relationship."

3. Randy Phillips

In a story that built up over time, gay soldier Randy Phillips, using the handle “are you surprised?”, previously made videos that obscured his face, in the midst of the Don't Ask Don't Tell controversy. When the law was finally repealed, he chose that very day to come out to his father whilst being filmed live, and upload the video onto YouTube shortly after. This was an incredibly brave course of action that sent a strong message to gay military personnel all over. It didn't hurt that he turned out to be quite the hunk.

Top quote: "Can you tell Mom for me?"

4. Ryan Waechter

A beautiful and original video that's not just a coming-out story but an honest and personal account of growing up different. The clever images and symbols are an effective way to make common experiences of coming out incredibly vivid and relatable. Ryan basically combines coming out with pictionary in the best possible way.

Top quote: "Woah, I just came out. People know about me. It's weird... it's a weird feeling."

5. Troye Sivan

With a huge online following and an established acting career, Troye reveals the inspiration he received from watching people coming out on YouTube – proving not only how important a platform YouTube has become in inspiring people, but how bloody young Troye Sivan is. He talks candidly of the struggle he felt and the relief of acceptance, and how he wants to serve as inspiration for those in a similar position. Good lad.

Top quote: "My message is... you could have a smooth, smooth sail out of the closet".

6. Tom Daley

Last on the list is everyone's favourite twinktastic Olympic diver, Tom Daley. His YouTube video went proper viral – over 11 million views and counting – and made headline news in the UK. His coming out story is all the more important because of the precious few gay mainstream athletes in the public eye, blazing a trail for those coming after him (so to speak). He says he chose YouTube to share his story to avoid his words getting twisted by the press, and he continues to use it for all kinds of videos, including convincing his fellow Olympians to dance outlandishly.  

Top quote: "I met someone, and they make me feel so happy, so safe, and everything just feels great. And that someone is a guy."