Joey Graceffa, a prominent American YouTuber, actor, and author, has captivated millions with his engaging online content and candid approach to life. While his career has seen him transition from vlogging to producing hit web series like "Escape the Night," his romantic life, particularly his long-term relationship with Daniel Preda, has also been a significant part of his public narrative, offering fans a glimpse into his personal journey of love and self-discovery.
Graceffa's romantic history largely became public following his rise to YouTube stardom. Before his most significant relationship, details of his dating life were largely private or unconfirmed. However, his journey toward self-acceptance and eventually, openly sharing his sexuality, paved the way for his most public and impactful relationship.
The pivotal relationship in Joey Graceffa's life, and the one most widely known to his audience, was with Daniel Christopher Preda. Preda, a model and fellow content creator, entered Graceffa's life in 2014. Their initial connection began online, a fitting start for two internet personalities. Graceffa reportedly discovered Preda through Instagram's "Explore" page, was immediately drawn to him, and initiated contact by following him on both Instagram and Twitter. Preda quickly followed back, leading to direct messages and the blossoming of a new romance.
Their relationship began privately, as Graceffa had not yet publicly come out as gay. This period of secrecy allowed their bond to strengthen away from the intense scrutiny of the public eye. However, as their connection deepened, Graceffa made the decision to share his truth with his audience. In May 2015, he released the music video for his song "Don't Wait," which symbolically depicted a same-sex love story, featuring Daniel Preda as his on-screen love interest. Two days later, Graceffa officially came out in a deeply personal YouTube video titled "YES I'M GAY," a moment that resonated profoundly with his millions of subscribers and marked a significant milestone in his life and career.
Following his public coming out, Joey Graceffa and Daniel Preda gradually made their relationship more public. On Valentine's Day 2016, they officially confirmed their romance in a YouTube video titled "OUR LOVE STORY!", sharing details of their journey and solidifying their status as a beloved YouTube couple. Their relationship became a cornerstone of Graceffa's content, with Preda frequently appearing in his vlogs, challenges, and collaborative videos. The couple's dynamic was often praised by fans for its authenticity and warmth.
Over the course of their six-year relationship, Graceffa and Preda shared many milestones with their audience. They often traveled together, collaborated on creative projects, and even co-parented their beloved dogs, who became honorary members of their YouTube family. Preda's presence in Graceffa's life extended beyond personal vlogs; he also appeared in Graceffa's popular YouTube Premium series, "Escape the Night," further integrating their personal and professional lives. Their public appearances and social media posts consistently portrayed a loving and supportive partnership, making their bond a source of inspiration for many in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
However, in July 2020, after six years together, Joey Graceffa and Daniel Preda announced their separation in an emotional YouTube video titled "We Broke Up." They revealed that they had actually ended their romantic relationship several months prior, in April 2020, but had continued to live together during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Graceffa explained that the quarantine period, while not the direct cause, amplified issues that had been building over time, leading them to realize that parting ways was the best decision for their individual happiness.
"It definitely hasn't been an easy decision for me, it's obviously easier to stay," Graceffa stated in the breakup video, reflecting on the difficulty of their choice. Preda echoed this sentiment, adding, "This has been really, really hard and a very uncomfortable decision." Despite the breakup, both expressed a strong desire to remain in each other's lives as friends, emphasizing their continued bond and mutual respect. They also made arrangements for the shared custody of their dogs, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a familial connection.
Since their split from Daniel Preda, Joey Graceffa has remained largely private about his romantic life. As of recent reports, he is currently single. He has continued to focus on his YouTube channels, creative endeavors, and personal growth, sharing snippets of his life with his audience while maintaining a more discreet approach to his dating status. His journey reflects a common experience in the public eye: navigating significant relationships, celebrating love, and gracefully moving forward after a chapter closes, all while maintaining a connection with the community that has supported him throughout his career.