YouTubers no longer rely on ad revenue — here’s how to diversify some

YouTube has become the biggest platform ever available, offering plenty of opportunities for content creators to earn a living. Back in June, the company I mentioned Its creative ecosystem has added more than $55 billion to the US GDP and created more than 490,000 full-time jobs.

However, many YouTubers have reduced their reliance on advertising revenue and brand deals. There are several reasons for this shift. First, advertising revenue can be unpredictable. With YouTube constantly updating its policies, some creators are finding it difficult to secure ads for their videos, which can negatively impact their earnings. They also realized that income from these streams could disappear unexpectedly.

As platform-based revenue fluctuates, many YouTubers are no longer just content creators. They are vertically integrated media companies with parallel businesses, including production lines, brick-and-mortar projects and consumer brands that can withstand algorithm changes and policy shifts.

In some cases, these side hustles grow faster and more sustainably than their YouTube channels.

MrBeast

Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeastwho has 442 million subscribers, isn’t just one of YouTube’s biggest stars — he’s also one of its most aggressive entrepreneurs.

What started with a merchandise store in 2018 — ShopMrBeast — has evolved into a portfolio of businesses, including his now three-year-old snack brand, Feastables.

Feastables’ initial product was the “MrBeast Bar”, a chocolate bar that was produced more than once $10 million in sales Within the first 72 hours, more than 1 million items were sold at launch. As of today, Feastables is more profitable than its YouTube content and even “Monster games“Competition series on Prime Video. In 2024, Feastables was released approx $250 million in revenue And profits of more than $20 million, while his media business lost nearly $80 million.

Other projects include his packaged food brand Lunchly (which he co-founded with YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI), toy line MrBeast Lab, Mr. Best BurgerAnd analytics platform Display statistics. He even Try to Buying TikTok’s US operations By joining the American Investors Association, a group of investors led by Employer.com founder Jesse Tinsley.

Now MrBeast is venturing into new territories. He plans to create a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)which may include partnering with a major operator, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. In addition, he was a YouTuber spotted Filed a trademark application for a mobile application that provides banking, financial consulting, and cryptocurrency exchange services.

Recently, The times YouTube is set to open a theme park in Saudi Arabia, with rides inspired by its video content, YouTube reported. For example, there is supposed to be a game in which six players stand on trap doors and must press a button when it lights up or falls.

Emma Chamberlain

Emma Chamberlainwho rose to fame as a teen vlogger in 2016, now has over 12 million subscribers and has achieved success in the beverage industry.

It launched its own coffee brand, Chamberlain Coffee, in 2019, which offers a variety of products, including cold brew, coffee capsules, ground and whole bean options, as well as tea and matcha. It is worth noting that other YouTubers have followed suit, e.g jackseptic With his brand Top of the Mornin’ Coffee and Philip DeFranco With Wake Up and Make Coffee.

In 2023, Chamberlain Coffee had a big year, introducing Canned latte ready to drink Its revenue is approximately $20 million, according to Forbes. The brand has recently seen greater growth, Opening its first physical location In January. Previously, it only had an online and retail presence at places like Target, Sprouts, and Walmart.

Although Chamberlain Coffee faced some challenges last year due to supplier issues, it is expected to rebound, with revenue expected to grow more than 50% by 2025, reaching more than $33 million, according to Business insider. The brand also aims to achieve profitability by 2026.

Logan Paul

Logan Paul (23.6 million subscribers) is now known for his wrestling career but was previously known for several controversies, such as an infamous 2017 video and a The alleged NFT project is fraudulentCryptozoo.

He also gained attention with his energy drink brand Prime, which became an instant viral hit in 2022. The brand, co-founded by YouTuber KSI, has outperformed $1.2 billion in sales In 2023, a number that far exceeds what most creators earn from views, ads, and brand deals. However, it has since faced declining sales, regulatory scrutiny due to its high caffeine content, and lawsuits from business partners. Sales have slowed particularly in the United Kingdom, where… Revenues decreased by about 70% From 2023 to 2024.

Another project of his, Maverick Apparel, was created in between $30 million and $40 million In 2020.

His brother Jake Paul is also involved in various projects, including co-founding counter box, Which touted previous investments in OpenAI, Anduril, Ramp, Cognition, and others. The younger Paul also has a sponsorship line called W and A Mobile betting platform Peter called.

Ryan’s world

Ryan’s worldhosted by 13-year-old Ryan Kaji, is another prominent YouTuber with an impressive following. Ryan rose to fame with his toy reviews and unboxing videos, which attracted nearly 40 million young viewers.

In addition to his success on YouTube, Kaji has expanded his brand through a line of toys and apparel sold at major retail chains that he is said to have produced. More than $250 million in revenue in 2020. Since then, Kaji and his family have diversified their ventures, including launching a TV show and an app that provides educational content specifically for children.

Rosanna Pansino

Rosanna Pansino She is a popular YouTube baker known for her baking tutorials and themed desserts. With 14.8 million subscribers, she has gained fame for her recipes inspired by pop culture, gaming, and movies.

Aside from YouTube, Pansino has released several well-received cookbooks, expanding her Nerdy Nummies brand. They also sell baking tools at many retailers, such as Amazon.

Other YouTubers have ventured into making cookware and food products as additional sources of income. Notable examples include chef and author Andrew Rea, known by the pseudonym Babish, who launched his project Babish cookware Brand in 2021, as well as comedy duo Rhett and Link, who sell Mishmish grains.

Michelle Fan

Michelle Fan She gained fame in 2007 with her makeup tutorials, becoming one of the first beauty influencers to actively monetize her content. In addition to her successful YouTube career, she co-founded the beauty subscription service Ipsywhich has become very popular. Phan also has her own makeup line, EM Cosmetics.

Huda Kattan

Huda Kattan founded globally recognized beauty brand Huda Beauty in 2013. She sold a minority stake to private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners in 2017, but bought it back in June after investor pressure to bring in senior leadership clashed with her vision for the fast-moving brand, which is said to bring Hundreds of millions of dollars in sales every year.

Many influencers have created their own makeup brands. Other popular makeup brands launched by YouTube influencers include Jeffree Star Cosmetics and Tati Beauty.