There is a lot of money in YouTube if you can build a big enough audience.
It’s been some time since folks had to be stars in traditional media — like TV, film, and music — to rake in the big bucks. Influencers and YouTubers, especially, can make millions upon millions of dollars creating content. That’s because YouTube has a direct correlation between views earned and dollars made and provides a platform to build a loyal fanbase.
Here are 10 of the highest-earners in the YouTube space, in no defined order, and how they’re making their money.
MrBeast
There can hardly be a list of rich YouTubers without mentioning MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson. His main schtick is giving away tons of money while also, you know, making tons of money. Forbes estimated he made $82 million in 2023.
To be clear, the MrBeast brand is hardly limited to YouTube. He’s launched snack foods and burger restaurants and inked a deal with Amazon Prime Video. But still, his bread and butter is his YouTube channel, which has a record 317 million subscribers.
Jake Paul
The Paul brothers have long been stalwarts of the internet, having first garnered an audience on Vine and then on YouTube. Jake Paul certainly hasn’t slowed down in popularity. Forbes estimated he made $34 million last year. Paul has reinvented himself more than a few times, though recently, he’s focused on a career in the ring. As a professional boxer, he’s scheduled to fight Mike Tyson—yes, the Mike Tyson—live on Netflix in November.
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Rhett and Link
While YouTube — and being online, in general — often thrives on controversy, lifelong friends Rhett and Link have thrived on a more wholesome image. Rhett James McLaughlin and Charles Lincoln “Link” Neal III are comedians who’ve basically created a mini-empire. Their company, Mythical, puts out their shows Good Mythical Morning and Mythical Kitchen and a number of podcasts. Forbes estimated they made $35 million last year.
Ms. Rachel
If you have young children — or even if you have friends with toddlers — then Ms. Rachel is a household name. The former teacher makes educational videos for young kids that captivate their attention. Ask any parent, and they’ll espouse their love for Ms. Rachel’s work. Her videos rack up hundreds of millions of views since toddlers often watch the same thing over and over. Social Blade estimated she could make up to $16.5 million yearly on her videos.
Ryan Kaji
As we said for Ms. Rachel, there is money to be made in making content geared toward kids. Kaji is a child creator who gained popularity testing out toys. His channel, Ryan’s World, has nearly 38 million subscribers. His videos rack-up millions of views, but he also makes money via endorsements, brand deals, and his own game/toy company. Forbes estimated the 12-year-old made $35 million last year.
Vlad & Niki
Again: Kids’ content makes bank on YouTube. Vladislav “Vlad” Vashketov and Nikita “Niki” Vashketov have a channel with 125 million subscribers. Their videos, obviously, focus on kids activities, typically playing games or trying out toys. They even have a toy line at Walmart. Parents noted they make $54 million per year, though even for YouTubers, that seems like it could be on the high end of what’s possible.
Logan Paul
Just like his younger brother, Logan Paul remains a stalwart online. His YouTube channel has nearly 24 million followers, but he also got into fighting in the ring and beverages with the uber-popular PRIME — a line of sports and energy drinks. Forbes estimated he made $21 million last year.
Markiplier
Markiplier, real name Mark Edward Fischbach, has a super-popular YouTube channel with 37 million subscribers that focuses mainly on gaming and tech. But, as Forbes noted, he also makes a lot of money running his Cloak clothing brand and via his podcast deal with Spotify. The outlet estimated he made $30 million last year.
Dude Perfect
What started as a bunch of bros doing trick-shots has turned into a major business. The college roommates began posting videos in 2009 and, more than a decade later, have more than 60 million subscribers. Axios reported they’d bring in around $50 million in revenue in 2024, while also receiving a $100 million investment from the firm Highmount Capital.
Marques Brownlee
Brownlee is perhaps the leading tech reviewer online. His videos are widely respected and his views can help shape public opinion on products — if you like tech, you’ve probably seen him at every major event. Decades of doing it has paid off, with his channel garnering nearly 20 million subscribers. Forbes estimated he made $8.5 million last year.