YouTube research reveals more than 15,000 users in 21 countries make cash off their clips, with some entrepreneurs earning up to six figures a year for their viral videos.
“Vloggers” make cash through YouTube’s Partner Program, in which the Google-owned site shares advertising profiles with the owners of the most-watched clips in return for posting ads alongside them.
Google spokesperson Henning Dorstewitz says: “More and more big advertisers are looking for these stars because they’ve very credible.”
“They attract already quite a lot of use and they have a steady output of videos so they have a fan community… and when they become a partner, we run ads next to their videos and we share this ad revenue with them.”
Dorstewitz says the most-watched YouTube partner in Australia is video blogger Natalie Tran and her stream, communitychannel.
He says YouTube users can apply for the program but the site also scouts for lucrative talent. There is no set criteria for how channels are selected, but most have loyal followings with “thousands of views”.
The research suggests there are still plenty of opportunities for other entrepreneurs to make their mark within the realm of digital media, so why not consider it?
From entertainment to social commentary, online audiences are always on the lookout for something new.
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