Top 100 Successful YouTubers and Their Business Models: How They Make Money

Top 100 Successful YouTubers and Their Business Models: How They Make Money

YouTube has become one of the most lucrative platforms for content creators, offering endless opportunities to build massive audiences and generate significant revenue. From gaming and tech enthusiasts to beauty influencers and lifestyle vloggers, successful YouTubers leverage a variety of business models to monetize their channels. In this list, we dive deep into the top 100 YouTubers and explore the diverse income strategies they use, including ad revenue, brand sponsorships, merchandise, affiliate marketing, and exclusive content subscriptions. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply curious about the inner workings of YouTube stardom, this guide will shed light on how some of the most influential personalities on the platform turn their passion into profit.

The Most Successful YouTubers

1. MrBeast

   • Business Model: MrBeast has revolutionized YouTube with his philanthropy-based videos. His primary income comes from ad revenue, brand sponsorships, merchandise (Beast Apparel), his virtual restaurant chain (MrBeast Burger), and Feastables (his chocolate brand). His massive views on YouTube allow him to continue reinvesting into bigger projects.

2. PewDiePie

   • Business Model: PewDiePie makes money through ads, sponsorships, and his merchandise line. He also earns revenue from collaborations and his own book releases. He had a lucrative partnership with gaming companies, contributing significantly to his wealth.

3. Markiplier

   • Business Model: Markiplier’s income comes from ad revenue, brand partnerships, and his clothing line, Cloak (in collaboration with Jacksepticeye). He also monetizes through his Patreon account and fundraising for charity streams.

4. Logan Paul

   • Business Model: Logan generates income from YouTube ads, merchandise (Maverick Clothing), and his Prime Hydration drink company. He’s also involved in the boxing world, which brings in additional sponsorships and ticket sales.

5. Dude Perfect

   • Business Model: Their income comes primarily from brand sponsorships (e.g., Nerf, Nike), merchandise sales, and live tours (performing their trick shots at events).

6. James Charles

   • Business Model: James’s income sources include sponsored deals from top beauty brands, selling his makeup products, and ad revenue from his YouTube channel. He also has collaborations with various beauty brands and companies.

7. Emma Chamberlain

   • Business Model: Emma’s income streams include Chamberlain Coffee, sponsorships, and ads. She has successfully turned her brand into a lifestyle, with partnerships across various industries (e.g., clothing, beauty, and more).

8. Graham Stephan

   • Business Model: Graham primarily earns from ad revenue on YouTube, real estate courses, and affiliate marketing. He also earns from Patreon where he shares exclusive content on personal finance.

9. Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)

   • Business Model: Marques makes money from sponsorships (companies like Samsung, Google), affiliate links (selling tech products), and ads from his tech review videos. He also occasionally creates long-form content for tech companies.

10. David Dobrik

    • Business Model: David’s revenue is driven by brand deals, merchandise sales, and sponsored content. His YouTube channel has been a platform for viral videos and collaborations with popular celebrities and influencers.

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11-25: Tech & Gaming Powerhouses

11. Jacksepticeye

    • Business Model: Jacksepticeye’s main revenue comes from merchandise (Top of the Mornin’ Coffee), ads, and sponsorships. He also has collaborations with brands like GFuel.

12. Ninja

    • Business Model: Ninja earns from game streaming (Twitch), sponsorships (e.g., Red Bull, Adidas), merchandise, and his YouTube content. He also has a stake in Prime Hydration (with Logan Paul).

13. Linus Tech Tips

    • Business Model: Linus earns primarily from YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships (e.g., Intel, Newegg), and merchandise sales through his online store. His affiliate links for tech gear also add to his income.

14. Unbox Therapy

    • Business Model: Unbox Therapy profits from product sponsorships, affiliate marketing links, and ad revenue from YouTube. He also collaborates with companies to create custom videos and content.

15. Austin Evans

    • Business Model: Austin’s business model involves sponsored content, ads from his tech reviews, and affiliate marketing for various tech gadgets and services.

16. Veritasium

    • Business Model: Veritasium earns income through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and Patreon where viewers can access exclusive content for financial support.

17. Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell

    • Business Model: This channel generates revenue through merchandise sales, sponsorships, and a Patreon page where fans can support their science-based educational content.

18. Smarter Every Day

    • Business Model: Smarter Every Day benefits from Patreon, ads, and brand partnerships (e.g., Boeing). Destin, the creator, also creates sponsored videos that align with his scientific exploration theme.

19. Mark Rober

    • Business Model: Mark's income is derived from YouTube ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. He has a successful YouTube channel that attracts major brands in technology and engineering.

20. Vsauce

    • Business Model: Vsauce primarily profits from merchandising and ad revenue. The educational channel also occasionally partners with brands for special content deals.

21. Tom Nash

    • Business Model: Tom Nash’s revenue comes from affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and Patreon where he offers exclusive content on financial news and analysis.

22. ClearValue Tax

    • Business Model: ClearValue Tax earns from YouTube ads, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing links to tax services and financial products.

23. Meet Kevin

    • Business Model: Meet Kevin generates income from YouTube memberships, real estate courses, sponsorships, and affiliate links for financial products.

24. Andrei Jikh

    • Business Model: Andrei’s primary income sources include YouTube ads, finance sponsorships, affiliate income (for investing and financial tools), and course sales.

25. Casey Neistat

    • Business Model: Casey monetizes through sponsorships with major brands (e.g., Samsung, Nike), business ventures, and YouTube ads. He also has investments in tech companies.

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26-50: Beauty, Lifestyle & Education Stars

26. Zoella

    • Business Model: Zoella earns through her book sales, lifestyle products, and YouTube ad revenue. She also has sponsored content and partnerships with beauty and lifestyle brands.

27. Huda Kattan (Huda Beauty)

    • Business Model: Huda’s beauty brand, Huda Beauty, generates a significant portion of her income. She also profits from influencer partnerships, sponsored deals, and YouTube ads.

28. Michelle Phan

    • Business Model: Michelle’s income comes from her Ipsy beauty subscription box, ad revenue, and brand partnerships, including collaborations with beauty brands.

29. Roman Atwood

    • Business Model: Roman generates revenue from merchandise, sponsorships, and his vlogging content on YouTube. He also runs a successful YouTube channel where he monetizes with ads and promotions.

30. Binging with Babish

    • Business Model: Babish earns from cookbooks, merchandise (e.g., kitchen tools), and ads. He also has sponsorships with food and kitchen brands.

31. Joshua Weissman

    • Business Model: Joshua makes money through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and the sale of his cookbooks. He often partners with brands to promote food-related products.

32. Tasty (Buzzfeed)

    • Business Model: Tasty’s revenue model includes brand sponsorships, kitchen product sales, and ad revenue generated from their food-related video content.

33. Gordon Ramsay

    • Business Model: Gordon’s YouTube earnings come from ads, promoting his restaurants, and sponsored cooking videos. He has partnerships with major food companies.

34. Rosanna Pansino

    • Business Model: Rosanna earns income from cookbooks, merchandise (e.g., baking products), sponsorships, and YouTube ads.

35. Chloe Ting

    • Business Model: Chloe makes money from YouTube ads, fitness programs, and brand sponsorships with fitness-related brands.

36. Jeff Nippard

    • Business Model: Jeff’s income comes from workout programs, sponsorships, YouTube ads, and his online fitness courses.

37. Blogilates (Cassey Ho)

    • Business Model: Cassey generates revenue from fitness products, YouTube ads, and her merchandise line related to workout gear and clothing.

38. Chris Heria

    • Business Model: Chris profits from his online training programs, merchandise, and YouTube ads focused on calisthenics and fitness training.

39. Athlean-X (Jeff Cavaliere)

    • Business Model: Jeff earns from fitness courses, supplement sales, and ads from his training-focused YouTube channel.

40. 5-Minute Crafts

    • Business Model: This channel earns primarily from ad revenue and brand partnerships. They also promote DIY products and services.

41. Moriah Elizabeth

    • Business Model: Moriah generates income through merchandise, Patreon, and YouTube ads focused on DIY craft and art projects.

42. ZHC

    • Business Model: ZHC’s income comes from YouTube ads, sponsorships, and his art-related merchandise sales.

43. Rae Dunn

    • Business Model: Rae monetizes through sponsored content and e-commerce sales of her unique handcrafted items and designs.

44. TheSorryGirls

    • Business Model: The SorryGirls earn income from DIY sponsorships, Patreon, and ad revenue. They also promote DIY kits and supplies through brand partnerships.

45. Yes Theory

    • Business Model: Yes Theory earns from merchandise, YouTube ads, and brand deals. Their message of seeking discomfort has led to sponsorships with brands that align with their values.

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46-75: Influencers & Comedy Creators

46. Drew Binsky

• Business Model: Drew earns primarily from sponsored travel content and affiliate links for travel-related products and services. He also offers travel courses and engages his audience through Patreon.

47. Kara and Nate

• Business Model: This travel-focused couple makes money from Patreon, where fans can access exclusive content, sponsorships from travel and lifestyle brands, and selling travel courses.

48. Mark Wiens

• Business Model: Mark earns through food travel sponsorships, affiliate marketing (links to restaurants and travel gear), and ads on his YouTube videos.

49. Bald and Bankrupt

• Business Model: His income primarily comes from YouTube ads, sponsored content, and Patreon, where he offers extra behind-the-scenes content for fans.

50. The Try Guys

• Business Model: The Try Guys earn from merchandise, sponsorships, and Patreon. They also monetize through branded content and long-term partnerships with companies.

51. Tana Mongeau

• Business Model: Tana's earnings come from brand sponsorships, OnlyFans, and YouTube ads. She also makes money through her personal brand and online products.

52. Philip DeFranco

• Business Model: Philip generates income from news sponsorships, Patreon, and YouTube ad revenue. His popular news show and independent media ventures attract sponsorships from various brands.

53. Jenna Marbles

• Business Model: Jenna’s income primarily comes from merchandise sales, YouTube ads, and her various sponsorships with lifestyle and beauty brands.

54. Tyler Oakley

• Business Model: Tyler earns through book sales, sponsorships, and YouTube ads. His work as an advocate and his public speaking engagements also add to his income.

55. Lilly Singh (Superwoman)

• Business Model: Lilly makes money through TV shows, sponsorships, and YouTube ads. She also capitalizes on her brand partnerships and book sales.

56. Shane Dawson

• Business Model: Shane’s income comes from YouTube ads, documentaries, merchandise, and his makeup collaborations with Jeffree Star.

57. Casey Holmes

• Business Model: Casey earns through beauty sponsorships, YouTube ads, and her collaborations with beauty brands. She also promotes products via social media.

58. Tati Westbrook

• Business Model: Tati monetizes her channel through beauty brand sales, YouTube ads, and affiliate marketing. She is also a successful businesswoman in the beauty industry.

59. Safiya Nygaard

• Business Model: Safiya’s income streams include YouTube ads, merchandise, and collaborations with various brands in the beauty and fashion space.

60. Brad Mondo

• Business Model: Brad makes money through hair products, sponsorships, and YouTube ads. He is also the creator of his own line of haircare products.

61. JoJo Siwa

• Business Model: JoJo generates income from merchandise (bows, clothing), music sales, and YouTube ads. She also has various sponsorships and collaborations with major brands.

62. SSSniperWolf

• Business Model: SSSniperWolf earns from gaming sponsorships, YouTube ads, and a variety of sponsored content related to gaming and lifestyle.

63. Pokimane

• Business Model: Pokimane's earnings come from gaming streams, sponsorships, YouTube ads, and Twitch streaming. She also sells her merchandise and collaborates with gaming companies.

64. Corpse Husband

• Business Model: Corpse earns from music (he releases songs), YouTube ads, and merchandise. He also has sponsorships related to gaming and lifestyle products.

65. Ludwig

• Business Model: Ludwig's income comes from streaming, sponsorships, YouTube ads, and his merchandise line. He also generates income through his Twitch streaming activities.

66. Jschlatt

• Business Model: Jschlatt generates income from YouTube ads, sponsorships, and Twitch streaming. He also promotes merchandise and has collaborations with other creators.

67. Dream

• Business Model: Dream earns through Minecraft content, merchandise sales, and YouTube ads. His collaboration with other creators in the Minecraft community also generates income through sponsorships.

68. Technoblade (RIP)

• Business Model: Technoblade's income came from Minecraft sponsorships, merchandise, and YouTube ads. His fanbase was incredibly loyal, which allowed him to capitalize on his content.

69. Fundy

• Business Model: Fundy monetizes through YouTube ads, Minecraft content, and affiliate links related to gaming gear.

70. GeorgeNotFound

• Business Model: George earns through sponsorships, YouTube ads, and Twitch. He also has a merchandise line and participates in Minecraft-related events.

71. TommyInnit

• Business Model: Tommy generates revenue from merchandise, YouTube ads, and his Twitch streaming. His brand collaborations and Minecraft-focused content also add to his income.

72. Wilbur Soot

• Business Model: Wilbur earns through music sales, YouTube ads, merchandise, and sponsorships in the gaming and music industries.

73. Ranboo

• Business Model: Ranboo’s income comes from merchandise, YouTube ads, and Twitch streaming. His content in the Minecraft community also leads to sponsored partnerships.

74. Larray

• Business Model: Larray monetizes his YouTube ads, merchandise, and music. He has brand sponsorships and occasionally collaborates with other creators on larger projects.

75. Danny Gonzalez

• Business Model: Danny earns from YouTube ads, merchandise sales, and collaborations with brands in the comedy and entertainment space.

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76-100: Growing Creators & Diverse Niches

76. Drew Gooden

• Business Model: Drew makes money from YouTube ads, sponsorships, and his merchandise line. He also collaborates with other YouTubers on comedy content.

77. Kurtis Conner

• Business Model: Kurtis generates income from YouTube ads, merchandise, and sponsorships. He also has Patreon support for exclusive content.

78. H3H3Productions

• Business Model: Ethan and Hila Klein’s main revenue comes from podcasts, sponsorships, and YouTube ads. They also make money through their merchandise line and live events.

79. Ethan Klein (H3 Podcast)

• Business Model: Ethan’s income is derived from sponsorships in the podcast industry, YouTube ads, and merchandise. He also has a membership on YouTube for premium content.

80. Cody Ko

• Business Model: Cody makes money through YouTube ads, merchandise, and sponsorships. He also runs a podcast and occasionally does live tours.

81. Noel Miller

• Business Model: Noel earns through YouTube ads, music (he's a rapper), merchandise, and sponsorships. He also collaborates with Cody Ko on various comedy projects.

82. Penguinz0 (MoistCr1TiKaL)

• Business Model: His income comes from YouTube ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. He also streams on Twitch and collaborates with other creators in the gaming community.

83. D’Angelo Wallace

• Business Model: D'Angelo makes money from YouTube ads, commentary content, and merchandise sales. He occasionally collaborates with other YouTubers on comedy sketches.

84. Anthony Padilla

• Business Model: Anthony earns income from his documentary-style content on YouTube, sponsorships, and ad revenue. His interviews with YouTubers and influencers have attracted major brand deals.

85. Liza Koshy

• Business Model: Liza monetizes through TV and movies, YouTube ads, and sponsorships. She also partners with brands for long-term content and collaborations.

86. DavidPakmanShow

• Business Model: David Pakman generates income from news sponsorships, ad revenue, and Patreon for his political commentary and analysis.

87. Joe Rogan Clips

• Business Model: The Joe Rogan Clips channel makes money from YouTube ads, podcast sponsorships, and affiliate links to products discussed on the show.

88. Lex Fridman

• Business Model: Lex’s revenue comes from podcast sponsorships, YouTube ads, and affiliate links. He also has Patreon support for exclusive content.

89. Valuetainment

• Business Model: Valuetainment focuses on business education, earning through sponsorships, ad revenue, and online courses targeted at entrepreneurs.

90. Tim Ferriss

• Business Model: Tim generates income through books, podcast sponsorships, affiliate links, and online courses focused on productivity and personal development.

91. MKBHD (Marques Brownlee)

• Business Model: Marques earns from tech sponsorships, YouTube ads, and affiliate marketing links for tech products.

92. Ali Abdaal

• Business Model: Ali makes money through online courses on productivity, affiliate marketing, and YouTube ads related to productivity content.

93. Matt D'Avella

• Business Model: Matt monetizes through online courses, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content around minimalism, habits, and productivity.

94. Chris Do (The Futur)

• Business Model: Chris earns from online design courses, sponsorships, and consulting for creative professionals.

95. Marianna Hewitt

• Business Model: Marianna generates income from beauty and lifestyle sponsorships, YouTube ads, and her own skincare line (Summer Fridays).

96. Kendall Rae

• Business Model: Kendall earns through true crime sponsorships, YouTube ads, and affiliate links for crime-related products.

97. Hayley LeBlanc

• Business Model: Hayley’s income comes from sponsorships, YouTube ads, and her merchandise line aimed at younger audiences.

98. The Ace Family

• Business Model: The Ace Family profits from brand sponsorships, YouTube ads, and their merchandise.

99. The K&A Family

• Business Model: The K&A Family makes money from family vlogging, ads, and sponsored content with family-friendly brands.

100. The Royalty Family

• Business Model: This family generates revenue through sponsorships, YouTube ads, and merchandise aimed at children and family-oriented content.

This breakdown should give you a clear view of how each of these top YouTubers generates income through various monetization models such as ads, sponsorships, merchandise, affiliate marketing, and even exclusive content platforms like Patreon. The strategies vary widely based on their niche, content type, and audience. Let me know if you need more details or have any other questions!