Think A-list actors are raking in the big bucks? Think again. For several well-known faces, fame—and fortune—is now being driven more by YouTube than their Hollywood projects. With massive subscriber counts and diversified revenue streams, these creators are turning views into serious income, often eclipsing their traditional careers. Whether you’re chasing ad revenue or brand deals, it’s clear that YouTube earnings are rewriting the rules of fame. Below are ten celebrities who’ve harnessed the power of YouTube to out-earn their old careers—sometimes by quite a bit.
1. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson)
Image Source: YouTube/Good Morning America
MrBeast isn’t just a viral sensation—he’s a billionaire content titan. With over 413 million subscribers and videos that hit hundreds of millions of views, his YouTube earnings are staggering. Between YouTube and all of his partnerships, he’s raking in around $700 million a year. Beyond ad revenue, his empire includes MrBeast Burger, Feastables, and philanthropy. He’s even launched a major Amazon Prime show, showing how deep digital fame can go.
2. Dhar Mann
Dhar Mann skyrocketed to fame with feel-good, moral-driven videos that dominate social media feeds. Ranked #2 on Forbes’ Top Creators list in both 2024 and 2025, his YouTube earnings reached an estimated $50 million this year. He’s now partnered with major production outfits like Studio71 and CAA, but his digital income dwarfs any traditional media earnings. Mann’s story proves that emotionally resonant content can be extremely lucrative.
3. Sam & Colby
Paranormal explorers turned content moguls, Sam and Colby, have amassed around 14 million subscribers. They generated $20 million in annual revenue thanks to their YouTube presence, merchandise, and media expansion. That figure eclipses many TV reality stars and niche celebrity incomes. Their success showcases how one niche—haunted investigations—can become a digital empire well off the Hollywood radar.
4. PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg)
As one of YouTube’s earliest megastars, PewDiePie still earns spectacularly. With 110 million subscribers and 29.5 billion views, his YouTube earnings have reached millions per year even as he stepped away from mainstream media. His 2014 income peaked near $12 million. That puts him well within striking distance of many traditional film and TV personas, solidifying his place as a digital billionaire in all but name.
5. Lilly Singh
Image Source: YouTube/Lilly Singh
Once a YouTube sketch-comedy standout, Lilly Singh translated her platform into late-night hosting gigs—but her success launched on YouTube. With over 14.7 million subscribers, she earned $10.5 million in a peak pre-TV year. While her NBC series showed up on broadcast, her YouTube revenue remains a cornerstone of her career. Her earnings underscore that digital beginnings can offer bigger rewards than traditional outlets.
6. Jacksepticeye (Seán McLoughlin)
Top Irish YouTuber Jacksepticeye has carved a strong career with gaming and charitable livestreams. He earned $27 million in 2023 and $18 million in 2024, all from digital efforts—not blockbuster films. His annual “Thankmas” streams alone raised over $10 million for charity, capping off a digitally driven income that puts many screen actors to shame.
7. Philip DeFranco
Philip DeFranco has anchored pop culture commentary on YouTube for over a decade. While he’s not a Hollywood actor, his media-savvy videos bring in consistent revenue through ads and sponsorships. His brand deals and advertising revenue regularly exceed what online news show hosts made in traditional media. With over 2 million subscribers and 30 million views monthly early in his run, YouTube earnings are his core business.
8. Will Smith
Yes, the Fresh Prince himself is earning big on YouTube too. His channel taps into his star power, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and motivational content. Monetized via ads, merch, and sponsorships, he’s turned his celebrity into a multi-platform income source. While his Hollywood roles still pay well, YouTube provides a direct-to-fan channel with powerful earnings potential.
9. Kylie Jenner
Reality TV turned cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner also monetizes YouTube by boosting her brand. She combines ad revenue with glitzy product launches and merch, driven by her massive social media presence. Her channel promotes Kylie Cosmetics, making YouTube not just entertainment—but a primary marketing platform. Product promotion has transformed her channel into a money-maker that competes with her TV earnings.
10. Butch Hartman
Image Source: YouTube/Butch Hartman
Animation legend and creator of Nickelodeon hits, Butch Hartman, now runs a popular YouTube channel. With content ranging from cartoon commentary to tutorials, he taps into brand deals and ad revenue. That channel income rivals—and in some cases surpasses—what traditional animators earn through TV contracts. Hartman exemplifies how industry creatives can pivot to digital and come out ahead.
The New Rulebook for Fame
YouTube has transformed how fame pays—and fast. These creators demonstrate that YouTube earnings can outshine Hollywood salaries, offering autonomy and audience connection. The platform’s flexibility—ads, merch, sponsorships—lets talents build lucrative ecosystems beyond contracts. For anyone chasing fame, these 10 examples offer proof: sometimes your biggest paychecks come from views, not box offices.
Which one of these creators surprised you the most? Have you subscribed to any and noticed their impact? Let us know in the comments below!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. She frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
