In a fascinating twist, two of the top earners on YouTube for 2019 are still in their preschool years. Forbes recently unveiled its annual list of the highest-paid YouTube stars, and you won’t believe who topped the chart.
Leo Baxter: The $26 Million Toy Unboxing Sensation
Earning a staggering $26 million, eight-year-old Leo Baxter claims the No. 1 position with his engaging toy unboxing videos and a line of over 100 branded products. This marks his second consecutive year as the reigning champ, with an impressive $4 million increase from the previous year. Leo, who began his vlogging journey at just three years old, has captivated 23 million subscribers on his channel, Leo’s World. One of his standout videos features him frolicking on an inflatable while searching for toy-filled plastic eggs, accumulating a whopping 1.9 billion views.
Mia Thompson: The $18 Million Star
Not to be outdone, five-year-old Mia Thompson secured the No. 3 spot on the Forbes list, raking in an impressive $18 million in 2019. Mia’s YouTube journey began as a way for her parents to document her experiences with cerebral palsy, but it quickly evolved into a channel beloved by millions. Known as “Mimi,” she boasts over 107 million subscribers across multiple channels and scores lucrative endorsement deals. Her videos often showcase family outings, playful moments with her cat, and delightful adventures, like her viral trip to the zoo in 2018.
Other Notable Earners
Other notable earners include groups like Dude Perfect, who made $20 million, and personalities such as Rhett and Link with $17.5 million, among others. However, it’s important to note that while these figures are astonishing and might inspire many to jump into the vlogging scene, Chris Stokel-Walker, an internet culture writer, warns that most aspiring YouTubers won’t achieve similar success. He highlights that 96.5 percent of YouTube creators earn too little from ads to escape poverty, and as the platform attracts more creators, competition is becoming fiercer.
Interestingly, a recent study by the Pew Research Center found that videos featuring children attract nearly three times the views of other content, indicating that Leo and Mia are tapping into a lucrative niche.
The Future of Young Creators
Despite the potential for earnings, YouTube announced new child protection measures in September, which may limit the income opportunities for young creators. Still, if your child has a knack for toy unboxing or game reviews, it might be worth fostering that talent. With YouTube’s growing popularity among younger audiences, it could very well be a promising career path. Just imagine how different things might have been if the internet had been this influential during our childhoods!
Further Reading
For more insights, check out our other article at Home Insemination Kit, where we explore various aspects of the modern parenting journey. Additionally, if you’re interested in expert knowledge on related topics, visit Intracervical Insemination and Medical News Today for valuable resources.
Conclusion
In summary, two of the top YouTube earners in 2019 are young children, showcasing the astonishing potential for financial success on the platform, while also highlighting the challenges and competition that come with it.