Assume A-list actors are raking within the massive bucks? Assume once more. For a number of well-known faces, fame—and fortune—is now being pushed extra by YouTube than their Hollywood initiatives. With huge subscriber counts and diversified income streams, these creators are turning views into critical revenue, usually eclipsing their conventional careers. Whether or not you’re chasing advert income or model offers, it’s clear that YouTube earnings are rewriting the foundations of fame. Under are ten celebrities who’ve harnessed the facility of YouTube to out-earn their previous careers—typically by fairly a bit.
1. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson)
Picture Supply: YouTube/Good Morning America
MrBeast isn’t only a viral sensation—he’s a billionaire content material titan. With over 413 million subscribers and movies that hit tons of of tens of millions of views, his YouTube earnings are staggering. Between YouTube and all of his partnerships, he’s raking in round $700 million a 12 months. Past advert income, his empire consists of MrBeast Burger, Feastables, and philanthropy. He’s even launched a serious Amazon Prime present, displaying how deep digital fame can go.
2. Dhar Mann
Dhar Mann skyrocketed to fame with feel-good, moral-driven movies that dominate social media feeds. Ranked #2 on Forbes’ Prime Creators listing in each 2024 and 2025, his YouTube earnings reached an estimated $50 million this 12 months. He’s now partnered with main manufacturing outfits like Studio71 and CAA, however his digital revenue dwarfs any conventional media earnings. Mann’s story proves that emotionally resonant content material might be extraordinarily profitable.
3. Sam & Colby
Paranormal explorers turned content material moguls, Sam and Colby, have amassed round 14 million subscribers. They generated $20 million in annual income because of their YouTube presence, merchandise, and media growth. That determine eclipses many TV actuality stars and area of interest movie star incomes. Their success showcases how one area of interest—haunted investigations—can grow to be a digital empire nicely off the Hollywood radar.
4. PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg)
As considered one of YouTube’s earliest megastars, PewDiePie nonetheless earns spectacularly. With 110 million subscribers and 29.5 billion views, his YouTube earnings have reached tens of millions per 12 months whilst he stepped away from mainstream media. His 2014 revenue peaked close to $12 million. That places him nicely inside putting distance of many conventional movie and TV personas, solidifying his place as a digital billionaire in all however title.
5. Lilly Singh
Picture Supply: YouTube/Lilly Singh
As soon as a YouTube sketch-comedy standout, Lilly Singh translated her platform into late-night internet hosting gigs—however her success launched on YouTube. With over 14.7 million subscribers, she earned $10.5 million in a peak pre-TV 12 months. Whereas her NBC collection confirmed up on broadcast, her YouTube income stays a cornerstone of her profession. Her earnings underscore that digital beginnings can supply greater rewards than conventional shops.
6. Jacksepticeye (Seán McLoughlin)
Prime Irish YouTuber Jacksepticeye has carved a powerful profession with gaming and charitable livestreams. He earned $27 million in 2023 and $18 million in 2024, all from digital efforts—not blockbuster movies. His annual “Thankmas” streams alone raised over $10 million for charity, capping off a digitally pushed revenue that places many display screen actors to disgrace.
7. Philip DeFranco
Philip DeFranco has anchored popular culture commentary on YouTube for over a decade. Whereas he’s not a Hollywood actor, his media-savvy movies usher in constant income by means of advertisements and sponsorships. His model offers and promoting income frequently exceed what on-line information present hosts made in conventional media. With over 2 million subscribers and 30 million views month-to-month early in his run, YouTube earnings are his core enterprise.
8. Will Smith
Sure, the Contemporary Prince himself is incomes massive on YouTube too. His channel faucets into his star energy, providing behind-the-scenes glimpses and motivational content material. Monetized through advertisements, merch, and sponsorships, he’s turned his movie star right into a multi-platform revenue supply. Whereas his Hollywood roles nonetheless pay nicely, YouTube offers a direct-to-fan channel with highly effective earnings potential.
9. Kylie Jenner
Actuality TV turned cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner additionally monetizes YouTube by boosting her model. She combines advert income with glitzy product launches and merch, pushed by her huge social media presence. Her channel promotes Kylie Cosmetics, making YouTube not simply leisure—however a main advertising platform. Product promotion has remodeled her channel right into a money-maker that competes along with her TV earnings.
10. Butch Hartman
Picture Supply: YouTube/Butch Hartman
Animation legend and creator of Nickelodeon hits, Butch Hartman, now runs a preferred YouTube channel. With content material starting from cartoon commentary to tutorials, he faucets into model offers and advert income. That channel revenue rivals—and in some instances surpasses—what conventional animators earn by means of TV contracts. Hartman exemplifies how business creatives can pivot to digital and are available out forward.
The New Rulebook for Fame
YouTube has remodeled how fame pays—and quick. These creators exhibit that YouTube earnings can outshine Hollywood salaries, providing autonomy and viewers connection. The platform’s flexibility—advertisements, merch, sponsorships—lets skills construct profitable ecosystems past contracts. For anybody chasing fame, these 10 examples supply proof: typically your largest paychecks come from views, not field places of work.
Which considered one of these creators stunned you essentially the most? Have you ever subscribed to any and seen their impression? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. She incessantly writes for a handful of blogs and likes to share her personal private finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time along with her daughter, son, husband, and canine. Throughout her free time, you’re prone to discover her along with her nostril in a e book, mountaineering, or taking part in RPG video video games.
