YouTube is one of the most popular sites online. In some instances, the name has actually come off as synonymous to internet itself. The site ranks no. 3 among the top 500 websites on the web globally, only behind Google.com and Facebook, as per Alexa rank.
It is the online platform of choice where one can view videos from others, or upload one of your own to share with your loved ones and friends or connect with an audience. For many of its users, their YouTube channel has also became a source of online-generated income.
You would get blown away knowing that there are actually individuals who were able to crack the internet code in terms of money-making by posting videos online to the tune of as much as $12 million per annum. And, what's even more amusing is the fact that most of these guys are merely doing what they love, showcasing their talents, and just having the time of their lives out there.
And just recently, Forbes came up with their first-ever list of YouTube's top earners, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. The earnings were based on gross income, which may still include management fees and taxes. Forbes also considered data from Nielsen, IMDB and other sources. Some people who are pertinent to the data gathering were also interviewed, including the stars themselves. So, here are some of the YouTube stars who made it to Forbes' World's highest-paid in 2015.
PewDiePie - $12 million
The highest earner for 2015 comes from Sweden and his real name is Felix Kjellberg. He is a video-game player cum commentator. While playing numerous video games, PewDiePie also gives commentaries and willingly answers questions from his so-called "Bros." He has 40 million subscribers to boot.
Smosh - $8.5 million
Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla are childhood BFF's from one of the neighborhoods in Sacramento, California. They have gotten a lot of attention for their live-action comedy skits based on Pokemon games. They currently have 5 YouTube channels.
Fine Brothers - $8.5 million
Brothers Benny and Rafi Fine are the online stars behind the hit React video series where they film various individuals and how they react when showed viral videos.
Lindsey Stirling - $6 million
Well, it's a lot of help that you are one talented person to make it to the list. Lindsey can play the violin and dance at the same time. And, boy can she do it well.
Also included in the list are engineers/comedians Rhett McLaughlin and Charles Lincoln Neal III ($4.5 million), teenage videogamer Olajide "KSI" Olatunji ($4.5 million), makeup artist Michelle Phan ($3 million), singer/comedian Lilly Singh ($2.5 million), online prankster Roman Atwood ($2.5 million), and self-trained chef Rosanna Pansino ($2.5 million).
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
