YouTubers Earning: How Much Money Top YouTubers Earn?

Today we will discuss top YouTubers’ earnings.

YouTube has revolutionized the entertainment world, allowing individuals to express themselves creatively, share their experiences and thoughts with others, and build a following of subscribers who enjoy their content. 

With over two billion monthly active users, of which approximately 15 million are YouTube creators, YouTube has become one of the largest platforms for video content creators. The platform has also opened up a new avenue for people to earn a living, with many YouTubers becoming millionaires thanks to their content.

While many people have heard about YouTubers and their massive earnings, there still needs to be more clarity about how much they earn. This article will explore the world of YouTube and examine how much the top YouTubers make. 

What is YouTube?

YouTube is an American video-sharing platform that allows users to upload, share, and view videos. Founded in 2005 by former PayPal employees, Google acquired YouTube in 2006, and it has since grown to become one of the largest websites in the world. As a result, YouTube has become a hub for content creators who produce videos on various topics, including beauty, gaming, music, travel, and more.

How Do YouTubers Make Money?

YouTubers make money through many means. However, one of the most common ways YouTubers make money is through the Google AdSense program. 

This program allows YouTubers to earn money by placing ads on their videos. Then, the YouTuber earns ad revenue when a viewer clicks on an ad.

Besides the AdSense program, YouTubers can make money through brand deals, merchandise sales, and Patreon subscriptions. 

Brand deals are partnerships between YouTubers and companies where the YouTuber promotes the company’s product or service in their video. Merchandise sales allow YouTubers to sell branded products like T-shirts, hats, and phone cases. 

Patreon is a subscription-based platform where fans can support YouTubers by paying a monthly fee for exclusive content or perks.

How Much Money Do Top YouTubers Earn?

The amount of money that top YouTubers earn varies depending on various factors, including their niche, audience size, and content type. However, many top YouTubers earn millions of dollars annually from their channels.

Here are some examples of the top-earning YouTubers and their estimated earnings:

#1. MrBeast – 54 million USD

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is a twenty-four year old YouTuber known for his elaborate stunts and challenges. He began his channel in 2012, but it was not until 2018 that he gained mainstream attention with his “MrBeast Challenges” series. In this series, MrBeast challenges his friends and strangers to compete in outrageous challenges, with winners receiving enormous sums of money.

In addition, MrBeast has also become known for his philanthropy, often using his channel to promote charitable causes, and donating large sums of money to organizations and individuals in need. 

As a result, Mr. Beast is the most individual channel subscribed to and is the fourth most followed YouTube channel. In 2022, MrBeast’s estimated earnings were 54 million, making him one of the highest-earning YouTubers of the year.

I have written a detailed article on Mr. Beast’s life and YouTube success. You will find the blog on our website.

Mr. Beast Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 136 Million

Mr. Beast Total Views as of February 2023 – 23,040,938,264

#2. Ryan Kaji – 26 million USD

Ryan is a ten year old YouTuber who has become one of the highest-earning YouTubers in the world. He began his YouTube channel, Ryan’s World, in 2015 when he was three. Ryan’s World features videos of Ryan playing with toys, doing science experiments, and going on adventures. The channel has over 29 million subscribers and over 50 billion views.

Ryan’s World has become so popular that it has expanded into a brand, with a line of toys, clothing, and home goods sold at major retailers. Ryan Kaji’s estimated earnings in 2020 were $29.5 million, making him the highest-earning YouTuber of the year. And it is estimated that his net worth was 100 USD in February 2023.

Ryan Kaji Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 34.4 Million

Ryan Kaji Total Views as of February 2023 – 54,074,381,187

#3. PewDiePie – 64 million USD

PewDiePie, whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, is a thirty-three  year old YouTuber from Sweden. He began his channel in 2010, initially producing videos about video games. Over the years, PewDiePie has expanded its content to include commentary on various topics, vlogs, and comedic sketches.

PewDiePie has been among the most popular YouTubers for years, with over 111 million subscribers as of February 2023. However, he has also faced controversy over the years, including accusations of racism and anti-Semitism. As of 2023, PewDiePie’s estimated net worth was 64 million USD.

For now, PewDiePie has taken retirement from YouTube; however, that does not mean he has quit YouTube. Instead, it only means he is not aggressively active on YouTube, and currently, he is enjoying his new life with his wife in Japan.

I have written an article on PewDiePie’s net worth and his life. If you are interested to know, check that article on our blog.

PewDiePie Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 111 Million

PewDiePie Total Views as of February 2023 – 28,929,012,963

#4. Dude Perfect – 20 million USD

Dude Perfect is a group of five friends from Texas who create sports and trick-shot videos. They began their channel in 2009, and since then, they have gained over 58.9 million subscribers and over 15 billion views. As a result, Dude Perfect has also expanded into a brand with a line of merchandise and a TV show on Nickelodeon.

As of February 2023, Dude Perfect’s estimated earnings were 20 million USD, making them one of the highest-earning YouTubers of the year.

Dude Perfect Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 58.9 Million

Dude Perfect Total Views as of February 2023 – 15,565,608,867

#5. Rhett and Link – 30 million USD

Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal are a comedy duo from North Carolina. They began their channel, Rhett & Link, in 2006, producing comedic sketches and music videos. Over the years, they have expanded their content to include podcasts, documentaries, and a TV show on YouTube Premium.

Rhett & Link have  also become known for their brand partnerships, creating branded content for companies such as Wendy’s, Red Bull, and Amazon. As of 2023, Rhett and Link’s estimated earnings were 30 million USD, making them one of the top YouTubers.

Good Mythical Morning Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 18.1 Million

Good Mythical Morning Total Views as of February 2023 – 8,514,669,561

#6. Jeffree Star – 40 million USD

Jeffree Star is a thirty-seven year old beauty YouTuber and entrepreneur. He began his channel in 2006, producing makeup tutorials and reviews. Over the years, he has expanded his brand to include his makeup line, Jeffree Star Cosmetics, which has become one of the most popular makeup brands.

Jeffree Star has also faced controversy over the years, including accusations of racism and sexual assault. As of February 2023, his estimated net worth is 200 million USD, most of which comes from her cosmetics brand. Out of which 40 million USD came from YouTube.

Jeffree Star Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 15.9 Million

Jeffree Star Total Views as of February 2023 – 2,599,525,297

#7. DanTDM – $16.5 million

DanTDM, whose real name is Daniel Middleton, is a thirty-one  year old British YouTuber known for his gaming content. He began his channel in 2012, producing Minecraft gameplay videos. Since then, he has expanded his content to include vlogs, challenges, and live streams.

DanTDM has also written a book, “Trayaurus and the Enchanted Crystal,” which became a New York Times bestseller. His net worth is 35 million USD, and in 2017, his estimated YouTube earnings were $16.5 million, which crowned him as the highest-paid personality of that year.

DanTDM Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 26.6 Million

DanTDM Total Views as of February 2023 – 19,077,182,507

#8. Markiplier – $19.5 million

Markiplier, whose real name is Mark Edward Fischbach, is a thirty-three year old YouTuber known for his gaming content. He began his channel in 2012, producing Let’s Play videos of horror games. Since then, he has expanded his content to include vlogs, comedic sketches, and collaborations with other YouTubers.

Markiplier has also been involved in charitable initiatives, raising money for organizations such as the American Cancer Society and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2020, his estimated earnings were $19.5 million, and he has an estimated net worth of 40 million USD.

Markiplier Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 34.5 Million

Markiplier Total Views as of February 2023 – 19,696,098,337

#9. Preston Arsement – $16 million

Preston Arsement, also known as PrestonPlayz, is a twenty-nine  year old YouTuber known for his gaming content. He began his channel in 2010, producing Minecraft gameplay videos. Since then, he has expanded his content to include vlogs, challenges, and collaborations with other YouTubers.

Preston Arsement has also launched its merchandise brand, TBNR, and partnered with Hot Wheels and Chex Mix. In 2020, his estimated earnings were $19 million, down to 16 million USD in 2022.

Preston Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 23 Million

Preston Total Views as of February 2023 – 7,628,949,533

#10. Like Nastya – 80 million USD

Anastasia Radzinskaya, or Nastya, is a nine  year old YouTuber from Russia. She began her channel in 2018, producing videos about toys, games, and daily life. Since then, she has become one of the most popular channels on YouTube, with over 104 million subscribers and over 58 billion views as of 2021.

Anastasia Radzinskaya has also become a brand with her line of merchandise and partnerships with companies such as Legoland and Dannon. As of 2023, her estimated net worth is 260 million USD, of which 80 million USD comes from YouTube. 

Preston Total Subscribers as of February 2023 – 104 Million

Preston Total Views as of February 2023 – 88,174,469,176

Factors That Affect Earnings on YouTube

While the top-earning YouTubers make millions of dollars each year, most creators on the platform make much less. In fact, according to a study by the Pew Research Center, only 3% of YouTube channels generate the most views on the platform.

So, what factors determine how much money a YouTuber can earn? Here are a few key factors:

#1. Ad Revenue

One of the major ways that YouTubers earn money is through ad revenue. When a viewer watches a video on YouTube, ads may appear before or during the video. YouTube shares a portion of the revenue generated by those ads with the video’s creator.

The amount of money a creator can earn through ad revenue depends on several factors, including the type of ads shown, the location of the viewer, and the number of clicks or views the ad receives.

#2. Sponsorships and Brand Deals

Many YouTubers earn money through sponsorships and brand deals. For example, companies may pay YouTubers to promote their products or services in their videos or to create sponsored content.

The amount of money a creator can earn through sponsorships and brand deals depends on several factors, including their audience size, niche, and engagement rate. 

#3. Merchandise Sales

Some YouTubers also earn money by selling merchandise. For example, they may create their line of products, such as clothing or accessories, and sell them to their audience.

The amount of money a creator can earn through merchandise sales depends on several factors, including the quality of the products, the size of their audience, and the marketing efforts they put in.

#4. Views and Engagement

Ultimately, the amount of money a YouTuber can earn depends on how many views and how much engagement their videos receive. The more views and engagement a video receives, the more money the creator can earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

However, it is important to note that building a large and engaged audience on YouTube takes time and effort. Many successful YouTubers have spent years creating content before making significant money on the platform.

Conclusion

The top-earning YouTubers make millions of dollars each year, but most creators on the platform make much less. While ad revenue is a major source of income for YouTubers, many also earn money through sponsorships, brand deals, and merchandise sales.

Becoming a successful YouTuber takes time and effort. Building a large and engaged audience requires consistent content creation, marketing efforts, and an understanding of your niche.

If you are interested in becoming a YouTuber, it is important to have a strategy for monetizing your content. This may include a combination of ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and other income streams.

It is also important to note that YouTube’s policies and algorithms constantly develop, affecting how much money YouTubers can earn. For example, changes to YouTube’s ad policies or algorithm can affect the number of ads shown on a video or the visibility of a creator’s content, which can affect their earnings.

Despite these challenges, many creators continue to succeed on YouTube and earn significant money from their content. If you are passionate about creating content and building a community, YouTube can be a rewarding platform to pursue your creative and financial goals.