You’ve probably heard about the study conducted by toy production firm Lego, where it was revealed that almost a third of children aged 8 to 12 expressed their aspirations of becoming a YouTuber when they grow up, surpassing the number of children aspiring to be astronauts by a significant margin. It has become a global platform where individuals with passion, creativity, and business acumen can thrive. In Europe, a vibrant community of content creators has emerged, captivating millions of viewers and turning their channels into successful entrepreneurial ventures.
The growing fascination with content creation on YouTube is not unfounded. As the content creation industry continues to thrive, investors are increasingly recognizing the immense potential and profitability it holds. According to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., the global digital content creation market is projected to reach a staggering USD 69.8 billion by 2030, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% from 2023 to 2030.
When it comes to content formats, video content is dominating the market with a significant 38.7% share in 2022. Additionally, it is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period. This aligns with the findings of a survey conducted by Google, which revealed that a remarkable 79% of respondents found comfort and solace in consuming video content. With such staggering growth and investor interest, it is evident that aspiring YouTubers are on a path that holds great promise for their entrepreneurial ambitions. By leveraging the thriving content creation industry and capitalizing on the rising demand for engaging video content, these entrepreneurs can tap into a market that is poised for continued success.
Understanding the revenue streams of YouTubers is essential to grasp the inner workings of their business. So, how exactly do these content creators generate income?
Advertisements: Once a YouTuber reaches 1,000 subscribers and accumulates 4,000 watch hours within a year, they become eligible to monetize their channel through advertisements. Payment is received when viewers either watch the entire ad or engage with it through clicks.
YouTube Premium: YouTube Premium is a monthly subscription service that enables fans to enjoy their favorite content without interruptions from ads. YouTubers receive a portion of the subscription profits, based on the number of views their channel attracts.
Corporate Sponsorships: Influencer marketing, also referred to as corporate sponsorships, involves brands paying content creators to endorse their products. Typically, a vlogger needs a substantial following before brands consider collaborations, although specific requirements may vary depending on the company and its marketing goals.
Merchandise Sales: If an influencer has a dedicated fan base, they can generate significant income by selling branded merchandise. For instance, PewDiePie, the world’s most popular YouTuber, reportedly earns over $6 million per month from merch sales alone.
While there are numerous ways to monetize content on YouTube, building a substantial following is crucial to maintaining a sustainable income stream. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the top YouTubers in Europe who have successfully amassed a massive audience.
PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg)
With over 110 million subscribers and billions of views, Swedish sensation PewDiePie is an iconic figure in the YouTube landscape. He’s the #1 most followed YouTuber in Europe and second worldwide. His channel has not only amassed a massive following but has also generated substantial revenue. Through strategic collaborations, merchandise sales, and sponsored content, PewDiePie has over €70 million net worth. His entrepreneurial journey offers valuable insights into building a personal brand and monetizing content effectively.
El Rubius (Rubén Doblas Gundersen) 
He created his first channel at the young age of 16. Since then, he has captivated a massive audience across multiple social media platforms and emerged as one of Spain’s most influential and accomplished content creators. With an astonishing subscriber count of over 40 million on YouTube alone, El Rubius proudly holds the title of being the number one Spanish YouTuber. His infectious energy and witty humor have endeared him to a diverse range of viewers, particularly within the gaming community. Through his engaging content, El Rubius has solidified his position as a leading figure in the digital realm. He has an estimated net worth of over €10 million.
AuronPlay (Raúl Álvarez Genes)
Raúl, has captivated audiences with his unique and entertaining content. Boasting a massive following of almost 30 million subscribers, he has firmly established himself as one of the most popular Spanish YouTubers. What sets him apart is his candid and unfiltered approach, fearlessly expressing his opinions and sharing humorous anecdotes that create an authentic connection with his subscribers. Alongside his popularity, Raúl’s success has translated into notable financial achievements, with an estimated net worth of over €10 million.
Vegetta777 (Samuel de Luque)
Boasting an impressive subscriber base of nearly 26 million, Vegetta777 has made a name for himself through his captivating gaming videos centered around popular titles like “Saint’s Row,” “Minecraft,” and “Battlefield.” As the second most-subscribed YouTuber in Spain, he has undoubtedly captured the attention of a vast audience. What sets him apart from the plethora of game content creators is his remarkable ability to craft unique narratives for each character, immersing his subscribers in an enthralling journey within the gaming world. He has an estimated net worth of over € 12 million.
SQUEEZIE (Lucas Hauchard)
Lucas has captivated audiences with his entertaining content and engaging personality. With over 18 million subscribers, he holds a prominent position as one of the most-followed French YouTubers. Known for his diverse range of videos, Squeezie covers various topics, including gaming, vlogs, and comedic sketches. His unique style of storytelling and his ability to connect with his viewers on a personal level have contributed to his remarkable success. Through his gaming videos, particularly those featuring popular titles like “Fortnite” and “Minecraft,” Squeezie creates an immersive experience for his audience, taking them on exciting adventures and captivating journeys. His talent for crafting compelling narratives and his genuine interaction with his subscribers have solidified his status as a beloved figure in the YouTube community. He currently has an estimated net worth of over €12 million.
Cyprien Iov
With a massive subscriber count of over 14 million, Cyprien is widely recognized as one of the most popular YouTubers in France. Known for his witty humor and entertaining content, he has captivated audiences with his unique style of storytelling and comedy sketches. Cyprien’s channel covers a wide range of topics, including gaming, vlogs, and humorous commentary on everyday life. His charismatic personality and relatable content have garnered a loyal and dedicated fanbase. He has an estimated net worth of over €5 million.
Kwebbelkop (Jordi van den Bussche)
A charismatic and energetic Dutch YouTuber who has captivated audiences with his entertaining content. With almost 15 million subscribers, he has emerged as one of the most popular creators in the Netherlands. Kwebbelkop’s videos encompass a wide range of content, including gaming, challenges, vlogs, and comedic skits. Aside from his YouTube career, Jordi has explored other ventures. In 2018, he released an indie game called Impossible Runner, which garnered decent success. This led him to establish his own game development company, Webble Games. He also has made investments in Backbone, a mobile phone accessory company, and co-founded LaunchMyNFT, an NFT launchpad. Through his various endeavors, Kwebbelkop continues to entertain and engage his audience while exploring new opportunities which also have Landed him an estimated net worth of €20 million.
W2S (Harry Lewis)
W2S is a British YouTube gameplay commentator that primarily focuses on FIFA content. He is one of the most popular FIFA gaming influencers of all time with a subscriber base of more than 16 million. Harry created his world-renowned YouTube channel back in 2012 and quickly became part of The Ultimate Sidemen, one of the most established and elite groups within the YouTube community. This was one of Harry’s biggest achievements in his career, as he was only 16 years of age at the time of joining. He currently has an estimated €6 million net worth.
KSI (“JJ” Olatunji)
Widely known as KSI, is a renowned British YouTuber, recognized for his captivating content and charismatic personality. With a vast following of over 16 million, He has become a prominent figure in the online world, captivating audiences with his amusing videos. KSI is widely recognized as the wealthiest YouTuber in the United Kingdom, he is also a successful rapper, entrepreneur, and boxer with a net worth of over €25 million. Combining his comedic prowess, musical talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, KSI has managed to carve a unique path for himself, garnering immense popularity and financial success. KSI’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring content creators and showcases the power of embracing multiple passions to achieve extraordinary success in the ever-evolving digital world.
Kids Diana Show
Although not European this Youtube content creator deserves a special shout-out. Charismatic and adorable 8-year-old Diana has a family-oriented channel that captures the hearts of viewers worldwide. With an astonishing subscriber count of over 85 million, Kids Diana Show has taken the YouTube platform by storm. Diana’s imaginative playtime adventures, toy unboxings, and educational content have garnered immense popularity, making her the #1 most-subscribed YouTuber in Ukraine and #3 worldwide. Through her captivating videos and infectious charm, Kids Diana Show creates a delightful and engaging experience for young audiences, fostering creativity and entertainment in a fun-filled environment. Kids Diana Show estimated net worth is over €90 million!
Europe’s top YouTube content creators are more than just entertainers; they are savvy entrepreneurs who have transformed their passions into thriving businesses. With an impressive number of subscribers, billions of views, and substantial revenue streams, these creators demonstrate the true power of video content creation, and YouTube as a platform for building personal brands and launching successful ventures. Furthermore, with the growth of AI technologies, we can say this is only the beginning of unlocking the true potential of video content. Aspiring entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from the journeys of these YouTube stars, understanding the immense potential of YouTube and AI in the world of entrepreneurship. With dedication, innovation, and a keen eye for business opportunities, the sky is the limit for those ready to embark on the exciting world of YouTube entrepreneurship.
