When it comes to making money on YouTube, there are several factors to consider. From ad revenue to sponsored deals and merchandise sales, YouTubers have found multiple ways to turn their online content into a lucrative business. However, determining which Youtuber makes the most money in 2018 requires a careful analysis of various aspects. In this article, we will examine 10-15 key factors that contribute to a Youtuber’s income, shedding light on who tops the list in terms of earnings.
1. Subscriber Count
One crucial aspect that determines a Youtuber’s income is their subscriber count. With a larger subscriber base, the potential to earn more through ad revenue and sponsored deals increases significantly.
A prime example is PewDiePie, who boasts over 110 million subscribers as of 2018. His massive subscriber count has allowed him to secure lucrative partnerships, making him one of the highest earning YouTubers.
2. Views per Video
The number of views per video is another vital factor. Youtubers who consistently generate high numbers of views have the advantage of attracting more advertisers and securing better deals.
For instance, YouTuber Ryan’s Toy Review has gained incredible popularity with his toy unboxing videos, garnering millions of views per video. As a result, his channel has become a magnet for toy companies to advertise their products, earning him substantial amounts of money.
3. Ad Revenue
Ad revenue plays a significant role in a Youtuber’s earnings. YouTubers earn money through the ads displayed on their videos, with the amount varying depending on factors like the viewer’s location, engagement, and the advertiser’s budget.
Popular Youtubers like Jeffree Star, who focuses on makeup and beauty content, benefit from high ad revenue due to their specific target audience, leading to substantial income.
4. Sponsored Deals
Collaborating with brands and securing sponsored deals is a profitable avenue for YouTubers. These partnerships can include endorsing products or creating sponsored content.
Beauty guru James Charles, for example, partners with major makeup brands, not only promoting their products but also creating exclusive lines. Such collaborations provide a significant source of income for James Charles and contribute to his presence on the list of high-earning YouTubers.
5. Merchandise Sales
Many successful YouTubers expand their revenue streams by selling merchandise related to their brand or content. Merchandise sales can be highly lucrative, with fans eager to support their favorite YouTubers through purchases.
Youtubers like Logan Paul have capitalized on this by creating clothing lines and other merchandise, resulting in substantial earnings alongside their main revenue sources.
6. Brand Partnerships
Another way in which YouTubers can monetize their popularity is through brand partnerships. These may involve creating sponsored content or becoming ambassadors for a particular brand.
For instance, Rhett and Link, hosts of the Good Mythical Morning show, have secured partnerships with various brands, promoting their products and generating income outside of traditional ad revenue.
7. Live Events and Tours
Organizing live events, such as concerts or meet-and-greet sessions, can be highly lucrative for YouTubers. Fans are often willing to pay for the opportunity to meet their favorite content creators.
One prime example is Tyler Oakley, who embarked on a successful international tour, further boosting his income while strengthening his bond with his dedicated fanbase.
8. Book Deals
Many prominent YouTubers have taken their success to the publishing world by signing book deals. These books often provide a deeper insight into their personal lives or offer advice to their loyal followers.
Zoe Sugg, known as Zoella on YouTube, has not only gained immense popularity but also authored successful books, adding to her already impressive earnings.
9. Patreon and Fan Donations
Some YouTubers utilize crowdfunding platforms like Patreon or directly accept donations from their fans. This provides an additional source of income, allowing content creators to offer exclusive perks to their supporters.
Philip DeFranco, a news commentator on YouTube, utilizes Patreon to fund his show, granting his patrons various benefits while ensuring a stable income to support his content creation.
10. Multiple Revenue Streams
Many successful content creators diversify their income streams by investing in different platforms. They may explore podcasting, streaming on platforms like Twitch, or engaging in brand endorsements outside of YouTube.
David Dobrik, a popular vlogger, expands his revenue sources by podcasting and leveraging his massive online presence to secure lucrative brand collaborations.
Conclusion
While pinpointing the exact Youtuber who makes the most money in 2018 is challenging, factors like subscriber count, views per video, ad revenue, sponsored deals, merchandise sales, brand partnerships, live events, book deals, Patreon donations, and multiple revenue streams contribute to significant earnings in this industry. Each factor plays a crucial role in determining a Youtuber’s position on the list of high-earning content creators.
References:
1. Forbes: “Highest-Paid YouTube Stars 2019: PewDiePie To Ryan’s World, These Are The 10 Highest-Earning YouTubers”
2. Business Insider: “Here’s How Much Money YouTubers Make To Unbox Disney Toys”
3. Influencer Marketing Hub: “How To Make Money On YouTube: 9 Effective Ways To Monetize Your Channel”
About the Author:
John Smith is a digital marketing specialist with a keen interest in influencer marketing. He has closely followed the rise of YouTubers and their monetization strategies. The author’s own image was used as the source for the original artwork in this article.
