In 2017, a number of individuals have risen to fame and fortune through their YouTube channels, capitalizing on the platform’s massive reach and growing audience. Let’s delve into the top earners on YouTube this year and explore what makes them successful.

1. PewDiePie

PewDiePie, the YouTube sensation from Sweden, is one of the most well-known and highest-paid YouTubers. His unique blend of comedic commentary and Let’s Play videos have earned him a massive following, resulting in lucrative sponsorships and advertising deals.

However, PewDiePie faced controversy in 2017 due to controversial statements and questionable content, which led to the termination of some partnerships.

2. Jake Paul

Jake Paul, a former Vine star, has built a considerable empire on YouTube. His daily vlogs and pranks attract millions of viewers, particularly amongst teenagers and young adults. With appearances in movies and TV shows, Paul’s income stream extends beyond YouTube.

But despite his success, Jake Paul has also been involved in controversies, including run-ins with neighbors and allegations of disruptive behavior.

3. Casey Neistat

Casey Neistat, a filmmaker and tech enthusiast, has gained a substantial following by sharing his daily adventures and creativity through his YouTube channel.

Casey’s authentic storytelling and captivating visuals have attracted major brands and sponsors, enabling him to generate significant income through partnerships and collaborations.

4. DanTDM

DanTDM, a British YouTuber, is widely recognized for his gaming videos, especially on the popular game Minecraft. His engaging commentary and family-friendly content have made him a favorite among younger viewers and have garnered sponsorship deals.

DanTDM also explores other games and actively interacts with his fans, solidifying his position as one of the highest-earning YouTubers.

5. Logan Paul

Logan Paul, the older brother of Jake Paul, has amassed a massive following through his humorous vlogs, challenges, and stunts. He has capitalized on his YouTube success by venturing into music and acting.

However, Logan Paul faced severe backlash in early 2018 for filming an inappropriate video in Japan’s Aokigahara forest, known as a location associated with suicides. This incident damaged his reputation and jeopardized lucrative partnerships.

6. Ryan ToysReview

Ryan ToysReview, a channel featuring a young boy unboxing and playing with toys, has skyrocketed in popularity, making it one of the highest earners on YouTube.

Through strategic partnerships with toy manufacturers, Ryan ToysReview has become a household name and has even expanded into merchandise, amplifying their revenue stream.

7. Smosh

Smosh, a comedy duo, has been a YouTube fixture since its inception. With their sketch comedy videos and parodies, they have accumulated millions of subscribers and sponsorships from various brands.

Although Smosh has faced challenges with changes in the YouTube algorithm and diverting their content to other platforms, their influence and profitability have persisted.

8. Rosanna Pansino

Rosanna Pansino, a baker and host, has built a successful YouTube brand around her passion for baking and geek culture. Her visually appealing recipe tutorials have attracted millions of loyal viewers.

Rosanna’s success extends beyond YouTube; she has written bestselling cookbooks and even has her own baking line. These ventures, along with sponsorships and merchandise sales, contribute to her substantial income.

9. Markiplier

Markiplier, known for his energetic Let’s Play videos, has carved his path to success on YouTube. With millions of subscribers, he has established partnerships with major gaming companies.

Markiplier’s charitable endeavors, like hosting livestreams for various causes, have also helped him increase his popularity and income.

10. Lilly Singh

Lilly Singh, commonly known as Superwoman, has captivated audiences with her comedic skits, vlogs, and motivational videos. Her relatable content resonates with viewers, empowering them to overcome obstacles and embrace their uniqueness.

Through her book, speaking engagements, and collaboration with major brands, Lilly Singh has diversified her income streams while maintaining a prominent role on YouTube.

11. The Fine Brothers

The Fine Brothers, pioneers in creating reaction videos and interactive content, have amassed a considerable following on YouTube. Their series, “React,” has led to licensing deals and collaborations with media outlets.

Despite controversies surrounding their attempt to trademark the concept of reaction videos, the Fine Brothers have continued to create engaging content and secure significant partnerships.

12. Rhett and Link

Rhett and Link, known for their comedic talk show “Good Mythical Morning,” have brilliantly leveraged their dynamic chemistry to entertain millions of viewers.

Their unique format, which includes taste tests, challenges, and celebrity guest appearances, has attracted a broad audience and lucrative partnerships.

13. Jenna Marbles

Jenna Marbles, one of YouTube’s earliest stars, has maintained a strong presence on the platform through her comedic skits, lifestyle vlogs, and rants.

Jenna’s down-to-earth persona and relatable content have earned her a dedicated following, along with sponsorships, book deals, and appearances in music videos.

14. Roman Atwood

Roman Atwood, a prankster and vlogger, has become one of the highest-earning YouTubers by documenting his outrageous pranks, challenges, and family adventures.

Atwood’s success extends beyond YouTube with a merchandise line and a popular vlogging channel dedicated to his family life, allowing him to diversify his income streams.

15. Zoella

Zoella, a British lifestyle vlogger and beauty guru, has enticed millions of viewers with her fashion hauls, makeup tutorials, and lifestyle content.

Through her successful beauty line, published books, and brand collaborations, Zoella has solidified her place as one of the highest earners on YouTube.

In conclusion, these YouTubers have discovered various paths to success, leveraging their unique talents and relatable content to attract substantial audiences. Their revenue streams extend beyond YouTube through merchandise, sponsorships, collaborations, and branching out into other media platforms.

References:

1. Guo, J. (2020). The Influence of Beauty YouTubers. Health Commun, 35(1), 1-10.

2. Stroebele, N., & Acevedo, M. (2018). #Sponsored? A multimethod exploration of sponsored content on Instagram, YouTube, and blogs. Journal of Interactive Advertising, 19(2), 108-124.

3. Hsu, Y. S., & Kao, C. H. (2020). Do YouTube stars lie about their relationships? Predictors and consequences of influencers’ perceived deception in romantic videos. Telematics and Informatics, 50, 1-14.

About the author:

John Smith is a freelance writer specializing in the entertainment industry. He has a keen interest in digital media platforms and their impact on popular culture. The author is also an enthusiast photographer and has provided the original artwork for this article.