When it comes to earning money on YouTube, some individuals have managed to turn their channels into lucrative businesses. In 2019, several YouTubers have made significant financial gains through their content creation efforts. In this article, we will explore the top earners on YouTube, discussing their sources of income, brand partnerships, and strategies for success.

1. Ad Revenue

One of the most common ways YouTubers generate income is through ad revenue. YouTube’s Partner Program allows creators to monetize their videos by displaying ads before, during, or after the content. The revenue generated is based on factors such as the number of views, engagement, and ad format.

As the top earner, Ryan’s World (formerly Ryan ToysReview) has generated a substantial portion of his income through ad revenue. With billions of views and millions of subscribers, his channel attracts advertisers seeking to reach his young audience.

2. Sponsored Content

Another significant income stream for YouTubers is sponsored content. Brands collaborate with popular channels to promote their products or services in exchange for payment. This type of partnership often involves the creation of dedicated videos or product placements within the content.

PewDiePie, known for his gaming commentary and comedy, has successfully integrated sponsored content into his channel. By selecting collaborations that align with his audience’s interests, he has been able to monetize his influence while maintaining authenticity.

3. Merchandise Sales

Many YouTubers establish their own merchandise lines to supplement their income. From t-shirts and hoodies to accessories and collectibles, these products allow fans to support their favorite creators while showcasing their affiliation.

Jeffree Star, a beauty and makeup enthusiast, has built an empire through his YouTube channel and his successful cosmetics line. By leveraging his online presence, he has cultivated a loyal following that eagerly purchases his products, contributing to his overall earnings.

4. Patreon and Fan Support

Some YouTubers rely on direct support from their fans through platforms such as Patreon. By offering exclusive content, early access, or personalized interactions, these creators incentivize their audience to contribute financially on a recurring basis.

Casey Neistat, a vlogger and filmmaker, has a Patreon page where he offers exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and Q&A sessions. This direct support from his audience allows him greater financial stability and independence in his content creation.

5. Book and Product Deals

Established YouTubers often receive offers for book deals, where they have the opportunity to expand their brand beyond the platform. These deals involve writing memoirs, self-help books, or specialized content that resonates with their audience.

Michelle Phan, a beauty and lifestyle vlogger, has released a book and launched her own line of beauty products. These ventures have diversified her income streams, making her less reliant on YouTube ad revenue.

6. Live Events and Tours

Many popular YouTubers organize live events and tours, allowing them to connect with their audience and monetize their popularity offline. These events often feature performances, meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise sales.

Dan and Phil, known for their comedy and entertainment content, have successfully toured globally with their live shows. By offering a unique experience to their fans, they have been able to generate significant revenue outside of their YouTube channel.

7. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another strategy employed by YouTubers to generate income. Creators include affiliate links in their video descriptions or promote products and services in their content, earning a commission for each sale made through their referral.

Rhett and Link, the hosts of Good Mythical Morning, often feature sponsored products and include affiliate links in their videos. By leveraging their audience’s trust, they have become successful affiliates and earn a percentage of each sale made with their referral code.

8. Licensing and Syndication

Some YouTubers opt to license their content or syndicate it with other platforms, allowing them to reach new audiences and earn additional income. This strategy involves partnering with networks, production companies, or media outlets to distribute their videos.

The Try Guys, a group of former BuzzFeed employees, have built a strong YouTube presence. They have expanded their reach by partnering with streaming platforms and networks, enabling them to monetize their content beyond traditional ad revenue.

9. Brand Deals and Endorsements

Brand deals and endorsements offer YouTubers significant financial opportunities. These partnerships involve promoting products or services through dedicated videos, mentions, or product placements, often commanding hefty fees based on the creator’s reach and influence.

Jake Paul, a controversial YouTuber known for his pranks and lifestyle content, has collaborated with several brands, including big names like Coca-Cola and Disney. These partnerships have contributed to his sizable earnings, despite the mixed reception he often receives.

10. Crowd Funding and Donations

Some YouTubers rely on crowd funding and donations to support their channels. Services like Kickstarter or GoFundMe enable creators to finance specific projects or receive contributions from their audience to sustain their content creation.

CGP Grey, an educational content creator, has successfully utilized Patreon and other platforms to receive regular donations from his audience. By offering additional perks and benefits, he has been able to maintain a stable income while producing high-quality educational videos.

Conclusion

The highest-earning YouTubers in 2019 utilize a combination of strategies to generate substantial income. From ad revenue and sponsored content to merchandise sales and brand deals, these creators have effectively monetized their influence and cultivated loyal fan bases. However, it’s important to note that the income generated varies significantly based on factors such as subscriber count, engagement levels, and industry niches.
References:

1. “How Do YouTubers Make Money?” by Digital Trends

2. “How Do YouTubers Make Money? A Guide to Monetization” by VidIQ

3. “The Highest-Paid YouTube Stars of 2019” by Forbes

About the Author:

John Smith is a digital marketing specialist with expertise in content creation and social media management. He has been researching and analyzing the YouTube industry for over five years and has authored multiple articles on the subject. The accompanying image is an original creation by the author, showcasing the wide range of YouTubers and their sources of income.