You’ve probably seen it. Maybe it was in the background of a TikTok, or draped over a lofted bed in a messy dorm room. It’s that bright, borderline-neon Sam and Colby flag that looks like a pink version of the American stars and stripes.
Honestly, if you aren't deep in the XPLR fandom, it looks like a glitch in the Matrix. Why is it pink? Why does it say "Jake and Johnnie" on some versions? And is it even official merch?
The truth is a mix of internet subculture, weird "ship" names, and the sheer power of a fanbase that treats ghost hunting like a lifestyle. This isn't just a piece of fabric. It’s a badge for people who spent their 2023 watching the Conjuring House series and argued for hours on Reddit about whether Cody and Satori were actually faking those knocking sounds.
What Actually Is the Sam and Colby Flag?
Basically, there are two versions of this thing floating around.
First, there’s the official XPLR (Explore) branding. Sam Golbach and Colby Brock have spent years building a massive apparel empire under the XPLR name. Their official flags usually feature the "X" logo—the one with the slash through it that some people (somewhat hilariously) thought looked like a weird secret symbol. It’s not. It’s just an "X" that stands for exploring the unknown. Simple.
But the one blowing up on sites like AliExpress and Etsy? That’s the "Pink American Flag" version.
This design replaces the traditional red, white, and blue with shades of pink and white. Instead of 50 stars, many of these flags feature the names of their friends or inside jokes. It’s become a sort of "fan-made" uniform. It’s the kind of thing you buy when you want to show you’re part of the community without necessarily dropping $60 on a limited-edition drop from the official XPLR shop.
The "Jake and Johnnie" Mystery
If you look closely at these flags, you’ll often see the names Jake and Johnnie stitched where the stars should be.
If you’re a casual viewer, you’re probably thinking: Who the heck are they?
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Jake Webber and Johnnie Guilbert are frequent collaborators and best friends of Sam and Colby. They’re part of that wider "trap house" era of YouTubers. The flag is essentially a tribute to the whole friend group. It’s a nostalgic nod to the days when they all lived together and made chaotic content before everything became about high-production paranormal investigations.
Fans started making these flags because they wanted to celebrate the "core four" dynamic. It’s less about patriotism and more about a very specific era of YouTube history that feels like home to millions of Gen Z viewers.
Why Pink?
There’s no deep, spooky paranormal reason for the color. Honestly, it just looks "aesthetic."
The pink color palette fits the "pink Pilates princess" or "coquette" room decor trends that have dominated Pinterest lately. It makes the gritty, ghost-hunting vibe of Sam and Colby feel a bit more curated and bedroom-friendly. It’s a vibe.
Is This Official XPLR Merch?
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: Most of the pink flags you see on Amazon, Walmart, or AliExpress are third-party creations. Sam and Colby’s official site, shopxplr.com, focuses more on high-quality streetwear—think heavy hoodies, "Seeing Signs" tees, and "Paranormal Hotline" gear.
They don't usually sell pink American flags.
However, the duo has never really gone after fans for making these. In the YouTube world, fan-made merch is often seen as a sign that you’ve "made it." When people are custom-printing your name on a flag to hang in their bedroom, you’ve reached a level of fame that most creators only dream of.
Why the Flag Still Matters in 2026
The Sam and Colby community has been through a lot. The 2023 Conjuring House controversy—where two guests, Cody and Satori, were accused of faking their "toe-popping" communication method—nearly tore the fandom apart.
People felt betrayed.
But as we’ve seen over the last couple of years, the core fanbase stayed. Hanging the Sam and Colby flag is a way for fans to say they’re still here for the journey, despite the skeptics. It’s a symbol of the "XPLR" mindset: keep looking for answers, even when the truth is messy.
How to Spot a Quality Version
If you’re looking to grab one for your own space, don't just buy the first $5 one you see. Here’s what to look for:
- Grommets: Make sure it has at least two brass grommets. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to use thumbtacks, which will eventually rip the polyester.
- Double Stitched Edges: These flags are usually made of thin 100D polyester. Without double stitching, the "fly end" will fray within weeks just from the air conditioning in your room.
- The Names: Check the spelling! You’d be surprised how many "Sam and Colbie" or "Jonnie" typos exist on cheap knockoffs.
Your Next Steps for the XPLR Look
If you're trying to deck out your room like a true investigator, the flag is just the starting point.
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Grab some LED strips. The flag looks ten times better when it’s backlit with purple or deep blue light. It gives it that "investigation in progress" feel.
Mix official with unofficial. Hang your fan-made flag, but maybe pair it with an official XPLR "Exploring the Universe" poster or a signed photo from a recent drop. This shows you support the boys directly but also have your own style.
Check the dimensions. Most of these are 3x5 feet. That’s big. Measure your wall before you buy, or you’ll end up covering your window and living in total darkness—which, actually, might be exactly the vibe you’re going for.