What do the following social media millionaires have in common (aside from being very rich)? They leveraged the popularity of their homemade YouTube channels into money-minting, multi-dimensional businesses.
Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg (aka PewDiePie)
Known for: His wacky video game commentaries that have earned him 46 million subscribers -- the most on YouTube
Net worth: $61 million
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Businesses: His channel alone earns an estimated $7.5 million a year. This year, he launched Revelmode, a video production, game development and merchandise network backed by Disney. He’s also the author of the best-selling book This Book Loves You.
He said it: “Don’t be a salad. Be the best damn broccoli you could ever be.”
Shay Carl Butler (aka ShayCarl)
Known for: Chronicling the misadventures of his family the “ Shaytards”
Net worth: $53 million
Businesses: Three YouTube channels with more than 6 million subscribers. Co-founder of Maker Studios, a multichannel network purchased by Disney for $500 million. Owns Trixin, an online clothing company.
He said it: “It's not about finding out who you are, it's about creating who you are.”
Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla (aka Smosh)
Known for: Singing and joking their way into YouTube megastardom with 22 million subscribers and 5 billion views
Net worth: $11.8 million
Businesses: Five YouTube channels, a website, music albums, apps, merchandise and a feature film
They said it: “We weren't seeking fame or recognition in any way. It all just came out of nowhere really.”
FunToyzCollector and BluCollection
Known for: Being YouTube’s most popular and most mysterious toy reviewers that are rumored to be a married Brazilian couple in Florida
Net Worth: $11 million
Businesses: The FunToyzCollector and Blue Toys Club Surprise channels snag more than 300 million views a month
They said it: They’ve never been interviewed or photographed.
Lindsey Stirling
Known for: Making the violin cool for the dubstep set
Net worth: $10 million
Businesses: Sold 350,000 copies of her debut album on her own label -- Lindseystomp Music (she’s now signed to Universal). Her second album debuted at number two on the Billboard chart. She’s done two sold-out World Tours.
She said it: “The only reason I am successful is because I have stayed true to myself.”
Freddie Wong (aka FreddieW)
Known for: Visual effects wizardry behind such online hits as Video Game High School
Net Worth: $6 million
Businesses: Co-founder of RocketJump Studios, a website and production company for digital and TV series, including Rocket Jump: The Show on Hulu
He said it: “It’s very easy to underestimate the amount of effort it takes to take something from 98 percent to 100 percent. That last 2 percent takes a tremendous amount of time and resources just to get that to a level that you are satisfied with.”
Benny and Rafi Fine (aka TheFineBrothers)
Known for: Their “ React” video series, which feature kids, teens, adults and even pets reacting to pop culture
Net worth: $5.7 million
Businesses: Fine Brothers Entertainment, a production company that creates online videos, TV shows and feature films
They said it: “From early on we really looked at the internet as a whole new way to provide storytelling and entertainment.”
Michelle Phan
Known for: Her pioneering beauty tutorials, such as the Lady Gaga Bad Romance Look, have been watched more than 1 billion times
Net worth: $5 million
Businesses: Partner in The ICON Network, a talent and production network. Founder of Ipsy, a beauty product retailer valued at $500 million.
She said it: “Influence is the new power. If you have influence, you can create a brand.”
Grace Helbig (aka ItsGrace)
Known for: One of the first YouTube vloggers to cross over into mainstream media
Net worth: $5 million
Businesses: The Grace Helbig Show on E! YouTube channel with 3 million subscribers. Not Too Deep podcast. Actor in two feature films, and author of two best-selling books.
She said it: “Smart people ask for help because it’s a much more efficient way of doing things than wasting time doing it the wrong way.”
Ray William Johnson
Known for: His snarky commentary on viral videos made him the first YouTuber to reach 5 million subscribers
Net Worth: $5 million
Businesses: Equals Three Studios creates popular web series such as The Equals Three Show, his album sold 1.2 million copies, and he’s the co-creator of film production company, Mom & Pop Empire
He said it: “Be yourself, build meaningful relationships, follow your dreams.”
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