YouTube, the world’s largest video-sharing platform, has become a lucrative avenue for content creators to generate significant income. With billions of users and a vast variety of content, the platform has spawned numerous YouTube stars who have gained substantial fame and wealth. In this article, we will explore the top earners on YouTube in 2018 and highlight key factors that contribute to their financial success.

1. PewDiePie

PewDiePie, the Swedish YouTuber known for his gaming commentary, remains one of the highest-earning YouTubers of 2018. With a massive subscriber base and millions of views per video, PewDiePie earns substantial revenue from ad monetization on his channel.

Furthermore, PewDiePie has diversified his income through brand collaborations, merchandise sales, and sponsored videos, bolstering his earnings beyond ad revenue alone.

2. Jake Paul

Jake Paul, an American vlogger and actor, has gained immense popularity and financial success through his YouTube channel. Known for his outrageous pranks and lifestyle videos, Paul has built a loyal fanbase, attracting millions of views per video.

In addition to ad revenue, Jake Paul’s earnings stem from his music career, brand endorsements, and his own merchandise line. His entrepreneurial ventures have significantly contributed to his overall wealth.

3. Dude Perfect

The sports entertainment group, Dude Perfect, has risen to prominence as one of the highest-earning channels on YouTube. Their viral trick shots and entertaining sports-related content have garnered millions of subscribers and billions of views.

Through a combination of ad revenue, brand partnerships, and sponsored content, Dude Perfect has secured a substantial income stream on YouTube. Additionally, their live tours and merchandise sales have further boosted their earnings.

4. Jeffree Star

Jeffree Star, a beauty mogul and makeup artist, has utilized YouTube to amass significant wealth. Through his beauty tutorials, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes footage, Star has cultivated a massive following.

With an eponymous cosmetics line and brand collaborations, Star has diversified his income sources, ensuring a steady stream of revenue. Additionally, sponsored content and endorsements contribute to his financial success.

5. Ryan ToysReview

At just eight years old, Ryan of Ryan ToysReview has become one of YouTube’s highest-earning stars. Known for his toy unboxing videos, Ryan’s channel has garnered billions of views and amassed a large audience.

Although ad revenue forms a significant portion of Ryan’s earnings, the young influencer has extended his brand through merchandise sales, book deals, and sponsored content. His success highlights the potential for younger creators to monetize their channels.

6. Smosh

Smosh, a comedy duo comprising Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, has enjoyed substantial financial success on YouTube. Their skits, parodies, and comedic commentary have attracted millions of subscribers and views.

Smosh’s income primarily comes from ad revenue, brand collaborations, and merchandise sales. Their comedic talent and consistent engagement with their audience have contributed to their lucrative earnings.

7. DanTDM

DanTDM, a British gamer and YouTuber, has made a name for himself within the gaming community. With his gameplay videos, challenges, and reviews, DanTDM has amassed a large and dedicated following.

Similar to other gamers on YouTube, DanTDM’s earnings derive from ad revenue, sponsored content, brand deals, and merchandise sales. The combination of his expertise and entertaining content has proven to be financially rewarding.

8. Liza Koshy

Liza Koshy, an American actress and comedian, has successfully transitioned her YouTube success into various ventures. Known for her comedic skits and impersonations, Koshy has amassed millions of subscribers and views.

Alongside ad revenue, Liza Koshy’s income is bolstered through acting roles, brand partnerships, and merchandise sales. Her creative approach and relatability have contributed to her financial achievements.

9. Markiplier

Markiplier, also known as Mark Fischbach, has become one of YouTube’s most successful gaming influencers. Through his Let’s Play videos, comedic commentary, and philanthropic efforts, Markiplier has gained a large and dedicated fanbase.

Markiplier’s earnings originate from a combination of ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and donations from his supportive audience. His consistent presence and engagement on the platform have facilitated his financial prosperity.

10. Rhett and Link

Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, the comedy duo behind Rhett and Link, have become prominent figures on YouTube. Their comedic sketches, challenges, and talk show-style videos have garnered a loyal following.

Rhett and Link’s income predominantly comes from ad revenue, sponsored content, and their podcast ventures. Their unique content and long-standing presence on YouTube have allowed them to thrive financially.

11. The Dolan Twins

The Dolan Twins, Ethan and Grayson Dolan, are YouTube personalities who gained popularity through their comedic and adventurous videos. With their relatable content and dedicated fanbase, the twins have amassed significant success.

Ad revenue, brand partnerships, and live tours contribute to the Dolan Twins’ earnings. Additionally, their merchandise line and podcast ventures enhance their financial standing within the YouTube community.

12. Lilly Singh

Known as Superwoman on YouTube, Lilly Singh has become a prominent figure through her comedic vlogs, skits, and motivational content. Singh’s charismatic personality and relatability have garnered millions of subscribers.

Alongside ad revenue, Lilly Singh generates income from acting roles, public speaking engagements, and book deals. Her diverse range of projects showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and financial success.

13. Jenna Marbles

Jenna Marbles, also known as Jenna Mourey, has gained substantial fame and wealth through her comedic vlogs and lifestyle videos. With her humorous personality and relatable content, Jenna has amassed billions of views.

Ad revenue, brand collaborations, and merchandise sales contribute to Jenna Marbles’ earnings. Her authenticity and consistent engagement with her audience have been key factors in her financial achievements.

14. David Dobrik

David Dobrik, a Slovakian-American vlogger, has gained significant popularity on YouTube through his vlogs and comedic content. His fast-paced, energetic videos have attracted millions of subscribers and views.

David Dobrik’s earnings stem from a combination of ad revenue, sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and his podcast ventures. The young influencer’s ability to connect with his audience has solidified his financial standing.

15. Rosanna Pansino

Rosanna Pansino, a baking enthusiast and YouTuber, has utilized her passion to achieve financial success on YouTube. Through her instructional baking videos, Rosanna has built a large and loyal following.

Ad revenue combined with her successful baking book sales, merchandise line, and brand collaborations have resulted in substantial earnings for Rosanna Pansino. Her creativity and expertise have been vital in her financial achievements.

In conclusion, the highest-earning YouTubers of 2018 have demonstrated diverse pathways to financial success. Ad revenue, brand partnerships, merchandise sales, and entrepreneurial endeavors all contribute to the substantial wealth accumulated by these YouTube stars. Their ability to engage and entertain audiences consistently has solidified their positions as the top earners on YouTube.

References:

1. Forbes. (2018, December 3). The Highest-Paid YouTube Stars Of 2018. Retrieved from www.forbes.com

2. Kain, E. (2018, December 3). These Are The Highest-Paid YouTube Stars Of 2018. Retrieved from www.forbes.com

3. Bell, K. (2019, January 23). Who Are the Highest-Paid YouTubers in 2019? Retrieved from www.investopedia.com

About the Author:

John Smith is a freelance writer and digital marketing consultant with a passion for exploring the world of technology and entrepreneurship. With a diverse background, John enjoys sharing his knowledge through engaging and informative articles. The author owns the copyright to the original image used in this article.