YouTube is a surprisingly lucrative platform for those who know how to use it [1]: the top earners on the video-sharing platform earn well into eight digits for their content [2]. While the majority of the top 10 richest stars on YouTube are video game channels, dedicated to game play, gaming hacks, and gaming commentary, there are a handful that are more personality-based or review other products. It's also become a haven for stars migrating from other social media platforms, such as the now-defunct Vine [3]. Every year, Forbes ranks the top 10 earners on YouTube [4] — ahead, check out the major names who made the most recent list.
Logan Paul: $14.5 Million
The controversial YouTuber lost some ground in 2018 after filming a disturbing video showing a "suicide forest" in Japan. Even so, his legion of fans kept coming back for more of his prank and "comedy" videos.
Logan Paul Vlogs on YouTube [5]
PewDiePie: $15.5 Million
Another YouTuber surrounded by controversy — this time, for anti-Semitic content and becoming a meme among the far-right — the Swedish gamer remains the most-subscribed channel on YouTube, posting copious videos of himself playing video games and opining on other YouTube drama.
PewDiePie on YouTube [6]
Jacksepticeye: $16 Million
Jacksepticeye, aka Irish gamer Seán McLoughlin, is a little more foul-mouthed than some other video game commentary channels. His videos are typically energy-filled reviews and commentary on gaming, with the occasional personal video thrown in.
Jacksepticeye on YouTube [7]
VanossGaming: $17 Million
Evan Fong, a Canadian gamer, runs this channel, which mainly consists of him playing popular video games and compiling "funny" moments in gameplay as well.
VanossGaming on YouTube [8]
Markiplier: $17.5 Million
Another video game channel, this one focuses on PlayStation 4 gameplay; Markiplier's channel also includes some personal and comedy-style videos.
Markiplier on YouTube [9]
Jeffree Star: $18 Million
Unlike most of the names on this list, Star isn't a gamer but a makeup artist and full-fledged beauty mogul, with a channel packed with product reviews and makeup tips, plus info about his own beauty brand.
Jeffree Star on YouTube [10]
DanTDM: $18.5 Million
Daniel Middleton, a British-based gamer, has a standard video game channel, but with a twist: most of his recent videos focus on just one game, Minecraft (although other games pop up as well).
DanTDM on YouTube [11]
Dude Perfect: $20 Million
Instead of featuring just one personality, this playful channel features a crew of five guys who collaborate on elaborate trick shots and clever setups.
Dude Perfect on YouTube [12]
Jake Paul: $21.5 Million
The younger Paul brother is the higher-earning and less controversial of the two, at least right now. His channel focuses on "pranks" and personal videos, plus the occasional music.
Jake Paul on YouTube [13]
Ryan ToysReview: $22 Million
The highest-earning star on YouTube isn't even old enough to manage his own millions — he's only 7 years old! Ryan stars in a series of toy reviews and play videos that have racked up over 20 million subscribers.
Ryan ToysReview on YouTube [14]