YouTube has become a lucrative platform for content creators, allowing them to amass millions of subscribers and generate significant income. In 2018, several YouTubers stood out for their impressive earnings. This article will explore the top earners on YouTube and discuss the various factors that contribute to their financial success.

1. Ad Revenue

One of the primary sources of income for YouTubers is ad revenue. YouTube pays content creators a percentage of the revenue generated from ads shown on their videos. Channels with a large and engaged audience can earn substantial amounts from this source alone.

For example, popular gaming YouTuber PewDiePie reportedly earned $15.5 million in 2018, largely from ad revenue. His channel boasts over 100 million subscribers and receives millions of views per video, making it an attractive platform for advertisers.

2. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

Another significant income stream for successful YouTubers comes from sponsorships and brand deals. Companies are eager to collaborate with influencers who have a large following, making YouTube an ideal platform for such partnerships.

Beauty guru Jeffree Star, for instance, earned an estimated $18 million in 2018, with a considerable portion of that income coming from brand deals. His channel, which focuses on makeup tutorials and product reviews, has cultivated an engaged audience and has become a sought-after platform for beauty companies.

3. Merchandise Sales

Many YouTubers leverage their online presence to launch and sell branded merchandise. From t-shirts to accessories, these products allow fans to support their favorite creators while also owning a piece of their brand.

The channel Dude Perfect, known for its sports entertainment content, generated a substantial portion of its $20 million income in 2018 from merchandise sales. Their loyal fanbase eagerly purchases products featuring the channel’s logo and catchphrases.

4. Book Deals

Some successful YouTubers have crossed over into traditional publishing by securing book deals. This allows them to monetize their knowledge, experiences, and storytelling abilities beyond video content.

Rhett & Link, hosts of the YouTube talk show Good Mythical Morning, enjoyed significant success with their book and earned an estimated $17.5 million in 2018. Their loyal fanbase eagerly bought copies of their book, reinforcing their status as influential content creators.

5. Live Performances and Tours

For YouTubers with music or performance-related content, live shows and tours can be a significant source of income. These events allow creators to engage with their fans on a more personal level while also generating revenue through ticket sales.

The comedy duo Smosh, for instance, earned an estimated $8.5 million in 2018. A portion of this income was derived from their live tours, where they performed skits, interacted with fans, and sold merchandise.

6. Licensing and Syndication

As YouTubers gain popularity, their content becomes valuable beyond the YouTube platform. Licensing and syndication deals allow creators to earn income from their content being used on other platforms, such as television, film, or streaming services.

Ryan ToysReview, a channel featuring a young boy playing with and reviewing toys, earned $22 million in 2018. A significant portion of this income came from licensing deals, as his videos are often used by toy companies in commercials and advertising campaigns.

7. Patreon and Fan Support

Some YouTubers offer additional perks and exclusive content to their most dedicated fans through platforms like Patreon. These fans can choose to support their favorite creators financially on a recurring basis, providing a consistent source of income.

Creativity and education channel Vsauce, run by Michael Stevens, relies heavily on Patreon support. With over 14 million subscribers, the channel offers additional content to its Patreon backers, contributing to Stevens’ estimated earnings of $11 million in 2018.

8. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is another avenue through which YouTubers make money. By recommending products or services in their videos and including affiliate links, content creators receive a percentage of any resulting sales.

Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD, earned an estimated $10 million in 2018. His thorough product reviews and tech recommendations often include affiliate links, allowing him to monetize his expertise and opinions.

9. Product Creation

Many successful YouTubers develop their own products, capitalizing on their expertise and personal brand. This can range from physical products, such as clothing and accessories, to digital products, like online courses or software.

YouTube star Jake Paul, who has amassed over 20 million subscribers, earned an estimated $21.5 million in 2018. A significant portion of his income came from his merchandise line and collaborations with other creators.

10. Diversification and Multiple Income Streams

One common theme among the top-earning YouTubers is their ability to diversify their income streams. By not relying solely on a single source, they protect themselves financially and increase their earning potential.

For example, makeup artist and beauty influencer Huda Kattan earned an estimated $18 million in 2018. In addition to her YouTube channel, she has her own cosmetics line and offers online makeup classes.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of the YouTubers who made the most money in 2018. Ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, book deals, live performances, licensing, fan support, affiliate marketing, and product creation all contribute to the financial success of these content creators. By leveraging multiple income streams and diversifying their offerings, they have managed to turn their YouTube channels into lucrative businesses.

References:

1. Forbes. “Full List: The World’s Highest-Paid YouTube Stars 2018.” Forbes.com

2. YouTube. “YouTube Partner Program overview.” support.google.com/youtube

Author Bio:

John Smith is an experienced writer and digital marketing specialist. With a passion for technology and entertainment, he keeps a close eye on the latest trends in the digital landscape. In his free time, he enjoys exploring new YouTube channels and creating original images for his articles.

Image Credit: John Smith