In the fiercely competitive world of YouTube, there are a few standout creators who have managed to turn their channels into lucrative businesses. These individuals have not only mastered the art of engaging content creation but have also effectively monetized their channels to generate substantial incomes. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top earning Youtubers of 2017 and explore the various factors that contribute to their financial success.

1. Subscriber Base

The number of subscribers a Youtuber has is a significant factor in determining their earnings. Successful YouTubers such as PewDiePie, with his massive subscriber base of over 100 million, have a wider audience to market products and content to. This allows for better brand partnerships and higher ad revenues.

Similarly, YouTubers like T-Series, who focus on Bollywood music, have a dedicated subscriber base that is interested in their specific genre. This targeted audience provides better opportunities for engaging sponsorships and brand collaborations.

2. Ad Revenue

Ad revenue constitutes a substantial portion of a YouTuber’s income. The more views a video receives, the more ads are displayed, resulting in higher earnings. YouTubers who consistently produce high-quality content and have a large viewer base, like Dude Perfect, command higher ad rates due to their ability to reach a broader audience.

Moreover, YouTubers like Ryan’s World, who primarily target a young demographic, have a higher likelihood of attracting advertisers looking to reach this specific market. Advertisers are willing to pay a premium for ads directed at a young demographic who are more likely to engage with and purchase their products.

3. Sponsored Content

Many YouTubers collaborate with brands to create sponsored content, which provides a boost to their income. These collaborations include product placements, brand integrations, and dedicated sponsored videos. YouTubers with a strong personal brand, such as Jake Paul, often receive lucrative sponsorship deals due to their ability to endorse products effectively.

In addition, YouTubers who have built a reputation for their expertise in a specific field, like beauty guru Jeffree Star, are in high demand for sponsored content within their niche. Brands value the trust and influence these experts have over their audience, resulting in lucrative sponsorship opportunities.

4. Merchandise and Brand Extensions

Many successful YouTubers create their own merchandise, ranging from clothing lines to lifestyle products, to capitalize on their brand’s popularity. Marques Brownlee, for instance, sells customized tech accessories, which cater to his audience’s interests and preferences. The revenue generated from merchandise sales can be substantial, especially for YouTubers with a loyal and engaged fan base.

Furthermore, YouTubers often expand their brand beyond YouTube by launching books, hosting events, or creating mobile apps. These brand extensions offer additional revenue streams and help solidify their position as successful entrepreneurs.

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another lucrative avenue for YouTubers to earn money. By promoting products and providing affiliate links in their video descriptions, YouTubers earn a commission for every sale made through these links. Review channels, like Linus Tech Tips, leverage affiliate marketing by recommending products and providing purchase links to their viewers.

Moreover, YouTubers who have established themselves as experts in a particular niche, like fitness enthusiast Athlean-X, often collaborate with fitness brands and earn a commission on sales generated through their unique discount codes.

6. Patrons and Crowdfunding

Some YouTubers turn to platforms like Patreon to generate additional income by offering exclusive content to patrons who support them with a monthly subscription fee. This model allows creators to establish a more direct and intimate relationship with their most dedicated fans.

Others, like Vsauce, rely on crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter to fund special projects or documentaries. The support from their audience provides the necessary resources to produce high-quality content while maintaining creative control.

Conclusion

The top earning YouTubers of 2017 have mastered the art of content creation while leveraging various revenue streams to generate substantial incomes. With factors such as a large subscriber base, diverse monetization strategies, and effective brand collaborations, these creators have cemented their positions as financial powerhouses within the YouTube community. As the platform continues to evolve, so too will the opportunities for YouTubers to monetize their channels and achieve financial success.

References:

1. Forbes – “Highest-Paid YouTube Stars 2017: Gamer DanTDM Takes The Crown With $16.5 Million”
2. CNBC – “The highest-paid YouTube stars of 2017”
3. Business Insider – “YouTube’s highest-paid stars in 2017 earned a combined $127 million”

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