With the rise of social media and online platforms, many individuals have found success and fame, especially on YouTube. YouTube has become a goldmine for content creators, allowing them to monetize their videos and earn substantial incomes. In 2014, several YouTubers emerged as the highest earners in the industry. Here, we explore the top 10 YouTubers who made the most money in 2014, based on multiple revenue streams and endorsement deals.

1. PewDiePie

PewDiePie, a Swedish YouTuber known for his gaming commentaries, was at the top of the list. With millions of subscribers and billions of video views, PewDiePie reportedly made millions through ad revenue, brand partnerships, and merchandise sales. His success can be attributed to his entertaining content, engaging personality, and diverse range of gaming videos.

Felix Kjellberg, PewDiePie’s real name, capitalized on his massive following by partnering with numerous brands and even launching his own line of merchandise. This allowed him to diversify his income streams and maximize his earnings, placing him firmly at the top of the list.

2. Smosh

Smosh, a comedy duo consisting of Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, ranked second on the list. They gained fame through their hilarious skits and parodies, attracting millions of subscribers. Smosh monetized their content through ad revenue and also collaborated with brands for sponsorships, increasing their revenue substantially.

Their success can be attributed to their ability to consistently produce high-quality content that resonated with their audience. By staying true to their unique style and expanding their reach beyond YouTube, Smosh solidified their position as one of the highest-paid YouTubers in 2014.

3. The Fine Brothers

The Fine Brothers, Benny and Rafi Fine, achieved massive success through their innovative “React” series, where they filmed people’s reactions to various videos and topics. The duo’s ability to capture genuine and relatable reactions resonated with audiences, resulting in a significant increase in their subscriber count and video views.

By collaborating with brands on sponsored videos and leveraging their popularity to create spin-off series and merchandise, the Fine Brothers successfully monetized their content and secured a spot as one of the top-earning YouTubers in 2014.

4. Jenna Marbles

Jenna Marbles, whose real name is Jenna Mourey, gained fame through her comedic vlogs and satirical videos. Her relatable and humorous content resonated with millions, resulting in a vast subscriber base and high engagement on her videos.

Jenna Marbles leveraged her popularity to create brand partnerships and merchandise lines. Her unique and entertaining approach allowed her to generate substantial revenue through ad revenue and endorsement deals, securing her position as one of the highest-paid YouTubers in 2014.

5. CaptainSparklez

CaptainSparklez, also known as Jordan Maron, is a gamer who gained popularity through his Minecraft gameplay videos and music parodies. His infectious enthusiasm and engaging content attracted millions of viewers and helped him build a dedicated fanbase.

CaptainSparklez capitalized on his online presence by collaborating with other YouTubers and launching a line of merchandise. This diversification of income streams allowed him to make a significant income through ad revenue and sponsorships, earning him a spot as one of the top-earning YouTubers in 2014.

6. Michelle Phan

Michelle Phan, a beauty guru, achieved tremendous success through her makeup tutorials and skincare advice. Her expertise and engaging personality appealed to millions of viewers, resulting in a vast subscriber base and high viewership.

Michelle Phan monetized her channel through ad revenue, brand partnerships, and her own makeup line. By leveraging her influence and expertise to create successful collaborations and ventures, she secured her position as one of the highest-earning YouTubers in 2014.

7. Ray William Johnson

Ray William Johnson gained fame through his YouTube series “Equals Three,” where he provided humorous commentary on viral videos. His witty and entertaining approach resonated with viewers, resulting in a massive subscriber base and high engagement on his channel.

Ray William Johnson capitalized on his online presence by collaborating with brands and producing his web series. These ventures, along with ad revenue, allowed him to generate significant income, making him one of the highest-paid YouTubers in 2014.

8. Ryan Higa

Ryan Higa, known by his YouTube username “nigahiga,” gained popularity through his comedy skits and music videos. His comedic timing and creativity attracted millions of viewers, resulting in a robust subscriber count.

Ryan Higa monetized his channel through ad revenue, merchandise sales, and partnerships with brands. His ability to consistently produce high-quality and entertaining content allowed him to secure a spot as one of the highest-earning YouTubers in 2014.

9. KSI

KSI, a British YouTuber known for his gaming and comedic content, gained fame through his FIFA gameplay videos. His comedic persona and engaging style resonated with viewers, resulting in a vast subscriber base.

KSI leveraged his online presence by launching a music career, collaborating with other YouTubers, and producing his merchandise. This diversification of income streams allowed him to generate significant revenue through ad revenue and endorsement deals, making him one of the top-earning YouTubers in 2014.

10. Rhett and Link

Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, known as Rhett and Link, gained popularity through their comedic songs, sketches, and talk show-style videos. Their unique style and witty content appealed to millions of viewers, resulting in a substantial following.

Rhett and Link monetized their channel through ad revenue, brand partnerships, and merchandise sales. By expanding their reach to television and podcasting, they diversified their income and earned a spot as some of the highest-paid YouTubers in 2014.

These 10 YouTubers were at the forefront of the industry in 2014, with their engaging content, loyal fanbases, and innovative approaches to monetization. Their success serves as a testament to the power of YouTube as a platform for fame and fortune.

References:

1. Forbes (www.forbes.com)
2. Business Insider (www.businessinsider.com)
3. The Guardian (www.theguardian.com)

About the Author:

John Smith is a digital media expert with a focus on social media and online content creation. As a freelance writer, he shares his insights and expertise on various platforms, including his blog. He has a deep passion for the online landscape and continually explores the latest trends and developments. The cover image used in this article is an original creation by the author.