They Make How Much For Doing That?
Ever since YouTube hit the internet scene in 2005 it’s been doing remarkable, unimaginable things for pop culture and social media alike. Many would even say that it helped play the biggest part in giving rise to the social media influencers we know very well today. But what you probably didn’t know is that some of the most viewed personalities on YouTube live some of the most lucrative lives in the digital media landscape.
Young adults in their early to late 20’s and even young adolescents in their teens and tweens have all jumped at the opportunity to get their piece of the YouTube pie. And if you were wondering what kind of money these individuals are making it’s not just in the thousands or hundreds of thousands -- but in the MILLIONS! With that kind of earning potential it’s a mystery to me why I don’t pick up the closest camera next to me and start vlogging myself! In this blog, Hollywood Branded talks about the current top 10 highest paid YouTube stars, and shares more information on how brands can get involved with social influencers.
#10 Lilly Singh (iisuperwomanii) $10.5 Million
At number 10 we have Lilly Singh who made $10.5 million according to Forbes' 2017 list. Singh began making YouTube videos in October of 2010 and has not let up ever since.
Her main channel goes by the username of superwoman which contains hilarious comedy sketches, music videos, and other media, and currently has close to 14 million subscribers. She also has another channel that details her daily life as a YouTube star aptly named SuperwomanVlogs which is currently sitting at 2.5 million subscribers. Singh is also the only female YouTuber that was able to make it onto this list.
#9 Smosh $11 Million
Coming in at number 9 is the sketch comedy channel Smosh with $11 million made in 2017. Smosh originally began as a website in 2002 created by one half of the duo Anthony Padilla who was later joined by his good friend Ian Hecox.
Once YouTube came onto the scene in 2005 they instantly started posting videos and easily became one of the most viewed channels on the format. However, in 2017 the duo went their separate ways when Anthony Padilla decided he wanted go out on his own and start his own channel.
#8 Ryan ToysReview $11 Million
In number 8 we find the most unlikeliest and quite possibly the most enviable YouTube star of this list in Ryan ToysReview. This little guy is just 6 years old and already making 11 million dollars a year with a little help from his family.
His videos consists of him unboxing and reviewing the newest toys aimed at his demographic. The channel skyrocketed to fame in such a short amount of time from its start in 2015 to now having 14 million subscribers. Once Ryan’s mom saw that the channel was really taking off she decided to quit her job as a high school chemistry teacher in order to focus on making the videos full time.
#7 Jake Paul $11.5 Million
You may have heard of this comedy sketch star once before along with his older brother on the now defunct Vine app, but he has also managed to make a big name for himself on YouTube as well.
At number 7 we have Jake Paul, younger brother of Logan Paul, with over $11 million made in 2017. Jake’s channel consists of none other than comedy sketches, music videos, and vlogs which he broadcasts to his over 15 million subscribers.
#6 Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie) $12 Million
This next youtuber’s popularity is a little hard for me to wrap my head around but then again I don’t follow most of the personalities on this list so I guess you could say I’m a little unhip to the YouTube universe. At number 6 there’s Felix Kjellberg whose YouTube channel goes by the name PewDiePie.
Felix is a video game commentator which basically means he uploads videos of him playing video games while offering real time commentary to the viewer at the same time. You’d think most people wouldn’t be interested in his content but he currently has the most subscribers out of any channel on the platform at 64 million subscribers.
#5 Mark Fischbach (Markiplier) $12.5 Million
In the same vein as PewDiePie Mark Fischbach who goes by Markiplier is also a youtuber focused on gaming. His channel currently has 21 million subscribers and well over 4 thousand videos to his name.
He also currently voices a main role in the Cartoon Network Mexico series Villainous and has admitted that he wants to make the push into acting and music.
#4 Logan Paul $12.5 Million
In 4th we have the infamous Logan Paul who quite recently became the subject of some controversy when in a show of insensitivity recorded suicide victims in the middle of a Japanese forest and also was shown tasering two rats in a recent video.
We’ll have to wait and see if this affects his current payload of $12.5 million dollars from 2017 and his follower count of 17 million.
#3 Dude Perfect $14 Million
Dude Perfect is a channel from twins Cory and Coby Cotton and their three best friends from their time at Texas A&M. Their videos consist of them doing epic sports related stunts and also comedy sketches that make fun of sports stereotypes.
#2 Evan Fong (Vanossgaming) $15.5 Million
Vanossgaming is also a channel dedicated to you guessed it…..gaming. Although Evan does distinguish himself from all the other gaming channels by putting a comedic spin on is gaming videos.
His subscriber count to date is at a little over 23 million subscribers. Aside from his videos he also has his own YouTube Red series called Paranormal Action Squad.
#1 Daniel Middleton (DanTDM) $16.5 Million
And finally at number 1 the highest paid YouTube star of 2017 is Daniel Middleton --otherwise known by his channel name DanTDM. Daniel’s main focus is on the hit video game Minecraft but he does spend some time on other popular titles as well. Aside from gaming on YouTube he also has his own graphic novel, a YouTube Red series, and tours occasionally.
What Are You Waiting For??? The Next Step... Influencer Marketing For Your Brand
Well in conclusion folks I think it’s pretty safe to say that if this list doesn’t make you think you chose the wrong career path nothing will. In the meantime I guess you can just enjoy the many videos these personalities have to offer and maybe one day you can get inspired to start your own channel and share your unique ideas with the world. Or you could start thinking about how you can get your brand involved in these and other influencer's channels!
There are a lot of creative ways to get your brand out there, and one is partnering up with an influencer. Check out some of our other blogs below:
- 4 Reasons Why Influencer Marketing Still Works
- 7 Secret Social Acronyms Brands Need To Know For Influencer Posts
- 10 Ways To Create More Successful Instagram Posts
- 5 Steps For Brands To Stand Out On Instagram
- How To Create A Safety Net With Celebrity Endorsement Investment
- 8 Steps To Leverage Celebrity Talent To A Brand’s Advantage
Our team has pulled together some of our educational guides to create comprehensive course options built around how your brand can better work with influencers. Check out the class options below!
