THE 10 BIGGEST YOUTUBE CHANNELS RIGHT NOW
Viral clips and music videos blow up on YouTube every day. But what does it take to maintain constant domination? We asked YouTube to unveil its highest-subscribed indie content creators -- meaning no VEVO, professional, or in-house channels -- to see what types of web-only entertainment attract loyal fanbases.
"I play video games all day. People don't understand the struggle." That's PewDiePie, the world's most influential YouTuber, talking. He's joking, but not really. Online gamers like him -- the kind who stream their gameplay and make fun compilations of their fuckery -- boast audiences the size of countries. Read on to see who joins the Swedish star in YouTube's current top 10.
10. nigahiga
Subscribers: 19.8 million
What to know: Ryan Higa has drawn an obscene number of eyeballs since the mid-2000s, establishing his following by uploading goofy how-to videos, collaborating with other web stars, and doubling down on production value (see his flashy K-pop parody above). "Thriving in the digital space is about constant commitment and engagement," the 26-year-old told Forbes this year. "Trying new formats like comedic music and interactive shows, and having a global audience, I've been lucky to be able to consistently be among the top channels."
Most popular video: Nice Guys Finish Last
What to know: Ryan Higa has drawn an obscene number of eyeballs since the mid-2000s, establishing his following by uploading goofy how-to videos, collaborating with other web stars, and doubling down on production value (see his flashy K-pop parody above). "Thriving in the digital space is about constant commitment and engagement," the 26-year-old told Forbes this year. "Trying new formats like comedic music and interactive shows, and having a global audience, I've been lucky to be able to consistently be among the top channels."
Most popular video: Nice Guys Finish Last
9. Dude Perfect
Subscribers: 20.3 million
What to know: This endlessly entertaining channel started in 2009 with a sandwich, a camera, and 20 "I can do better than you" shots. Since then, with jaw-dropping skills and a message of faith, Tyler Toney and his band of Texas A&M alums have sought to impact the lives of trick-shot devotees everywhere. "God's given us this platform," saythe dudes. "Our ultimate goal is to glorify Jesus Christ in everything that we do. We want to use this platform for something much bigger than us."
Most popular video: Ping Pong Trick Shots 2
What to know: This endlessly entertaining channel started in 2009 with a sandwich, a camera, and 20 "I can do better than you" shots. Since then, with jaw-dropping skills and a message of faith, Tyler Toney and his band of Texas A&M alums have sought to impact the lives of trick-shot devotees everywhere. "God's given us this platform," saythe dudes. "Our ultimate goal is to glorify Jesus Christ in everything that we do. We want to use this platform for something much bigger than us."
Most popular video: Ping Pong Trick Shots 2
8. JuegaGerman
Subscribers: 20.4 million
What to know: Contrary to its name, Germán Garmendia's channel isn't just video games (because, as the comedian and musician says, he's bad at playing them). When the 26-year-old isn't mashing his keyboard, you'll find him riffing on everyday topics and exploring the internet. Amazingly, this isn't the last you'll see of him on this list.
Most popular video: There's a Lunatic on the Loose (GTA V)
What to know: Contrary to its name, Germán Garmendia's channel isn't just video games (because, as the comedian and musician says, he's bad at playing them). When the 26-year-old isn't mashing his keyboard, you'll find him riffing on everyday topics and exploring the internet. Amazingly, this isn't the last you'll see of him on this list.
Most popular video: There's a Lunatic on the Loose (GTA V)
7. VanossGaming
Subscribers: 20.9 million
What to know: Run by Evan Fong (aka Vanoss) since 2011, this gaming page is exactly what it sounds like. The Canadian YouTuber mostly posts funtages of him and his friends playing Grand Theft Auto, Garry's Mod, and Call of Duty. "Anything on the Internet can blow up and go away," the 24-year-old, who touts an everyman approach, told CBC News in 2015. "You're only as good as your last video on YouTube."
Most popular video: Best GTA V Moments
What to know: Run by Evan Fong (aka Vanoss) since 2011, this gaming page is exactly what it sounds like. The Canadian YouTuber mostly posts funtages of him and his friends playing Grand Theft Auto, Garry's Mod, and Call of Duty. "Anything on the Internet can blow up and go away," the 24-year-old, who touts an everyman approach, told CBC News in 2015. "You're only as good as your last video on YouTube."
Most popular video: Best GTA V Moments
6. whinderssonnunes
Subscribers: 18.3 million
What to know: Brazil's most beloved and shirtless YouTuber, Whindersson Nunes, 22, keeps viewers sated with a steady stream of rant-y vlogs. If those don't win you over, his portfolio of pop parodies -- including The Weeknd's "Starboy" (above), Justin Bieber's "Love Yourself," and Adele's "Hello" -- might.
Most popular video: What's the Wi-Fi Password?
What to know: Brazil's most beloved and shirtless YouTuber, Whindersson Nunes, 22, keeps viewers sated with a steady stream of rant-y vlogs. If those don't win you over, his portfolio of pop parodies -- including The Weeknd's "Starboy" (above), Justin Bieber's "Love Yourself," and Adele's "Hello" -- might.
Most popular video: What's the Wi-Fi Password?
5. Fernanfloo
Subscribers: 22.5 million
What to know: Luis Fernando Flores is the kind of gamer who's known for his wacky commentary and love of indie titles. Hailing from El Salvador, the 23-year-old also loves wearing the color green, doing the moonwalk, and sharing the spotlight with man's best friend.
Most popular video: The Fernanfloo Rap
What to know: Luis Fernando Flores is the kind of gamer who's known for his wacky commentary and love of indie titles. Hailing from El Salvador, the 23-year-old also loves wearing the color green, doing the moonwalk, and sharing the spotlight with man's best friend.
Most popular video: The Fernanfloo Rap
4. Smosh
Subscribers: 22.7 million
What to know: What started as a comedy duo in 2005 has grown into a veritable internet empire, one that includes a website, a gaming arm, and a feature-length sci-fi flick. In addition to their sketches, co-founders Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, both 29, have earned praise for celeb pranks. (You might be familiar with this notoriously cringeworthy J.Law one -- if not, it's time.)
Most popular video: Ultimate Assassin's Creed 3 Song
What to know: What started as a comedy duo in 2005 has grown into a veritable internet empire, one that includes a website, a gaming arm, and a feature-length sci-fi flick. In addition to their sketches, co-founders Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, both 29, have earned praise for celeb pranks. (You might be familiar with this notoriously cringeworthy J.Law one -- if not, it's time.)
Most popular video: Ultimate Assassin's Creed 3 Song
3. elrubiusOMG
Subscribers: 24.8 million
What to know: Though Rubén Doblas Gundersen, 27, primarily streams -- surprise! -- gameplay, the Spanish star also sprinkles the occasional interview and Chatroulette adventure into his upload feed. His secret to success? Maybe his fun penchants for Pikachu and big beat drops. Maybe not.
Most popular video: Pikachu is God
What to know: Though Rubén Doblas Gundersen, 27, primarily streams -- surprise! -- gameplay, the Spanish star also sprinkles the occasional interview and Chatroulette adventure into his upload feed. His secret to success? Maybe his fun penchants for Pikachu and big beat drops. Maybe not.
Most popular video: Pikachu is God
2. HolaSoyGerman.
Subscribers: 32.0 million
What to know: Here he is again! Garmendia's output on his original channel -- which doesn't involve gaming -- has waned, but his accomplishments on both have earned him two Diamond Play buttons. He also sells books, plays in a band, and campaigns with Greenpeace. Dude's everywhere.
Most popular video: Brothers
What to know: Here he is again! Garmendia's output on his original channel -- which doesn't involve gaming -- has waned, but his accomplishments on both have earned him two Diamond Play buttons. He also sells books, plays in a band, and campaigns with Greenpeace. Dude's everywhere.
Most popular video: Brothers
1. PewDiePie
Subscribers: 56.1 million
What to know: Chances are you already know all about Felix Kjellberg, the long-reigning, undisputed king of YouTube, whose vlogs play like more manic versions of Conan's "Clueless Gamer" segments. Lately, the 27-year-old has been in hot water for mishandling some very, very dumb Nazi jokes -- uploads that caused Disney to bid him adieu and YouTube to cancel one of his series -- but, after issuing an apology, he's made it clear he intends on staying.
Most popular video: Funny Montage No. 2
What to know: Chances are you already know all about Felix Kjellberg, the long-reigning, undisputed king of YouTube, whose vlogs play like more manic versions of Conan's "Clueless Gamer" segments. Lately, the 27-year-old has been in hot water for mishandling some very, very dumb Nazi jokes -- uploads that caused Disney to bid him adieu and YouTube to cancel one of his series -- but, after issuing an apology, he's made it clear he intends on staying.
Most popular video: Funny Montage No. 2
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