An important part of any teenager’s day is going online to find more than just endless cat videos but also interesting personalities entertaining their subscribers. YouTube has grown into a unique culture driven by the diverse group of YouTubers and their subscribers. Popular names in this industry include PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg), JennaMarbles (Jenna Mourey), Tyler Oakley, and Bethany Mota. Just as YouTube is evolving, so are many YouTubers who are growing past YouTube into even bigger things. One YouTuber, Shane Dawson, is famous for his comedy sketches and vlogs (video blogs) and he has recently directed and starred in his movie Not Cool, coming out September 19th. This past August, YouTube “Queen” Tyler Oakley, a gay, funny, outgoing YouTuber, won the Choice Male Web Star award at the Teen Choice Awards after having been on red carpets and interviewing other celebrities. On the female end of the spectrum, the famous “makeup guru” Michelle Phan has recently reached a billion views on her channel and in the past year released her own makeup line, Em-Cosmetics.
But perhaps you’re wondering just how these YouTubers even get to where they are? It all begins with starting their channel, reaching a good standing, and becoming a YouTube partner. After becoming a partner, a YouTuber’s videos will feature short commercials in the beginning of them that, if watched, pay the YouTuber. Currently the most subscribed-to YouTuber is PewDiePie, or Felix Kjellberg who has recently reached 30 million subscribers, or “bros” as he refers to them. At only 24 years old he is believed to make millions annually off of ad sales, which accompany his hilarious gaming videos. As YouTubers grow in popularity online, they often become more popular in real life, walking red carpets, appearing at movie premiers, and being interviewed.
All over the world diverse YouTubers create original content to be shared with the Internet society. These YouTubers’ activities range from filming funny sketches, to vlogging, to how-tos, to gaming and more. YouTube does not only entertain, it also educates and gives back. Last week, YouTube started the School of YouTube, which aims to teach random lessons while providing for children who live in poverty-stricken areas and do not receive a quality education. Money is being raised and donated by making a pledge through text. YouTube has transformed into a hub of education and laughter. As it grows it only gets better along with the YouTubers who have helped to change it.