If you haven’t been living under a rock then you will have heard of Youtube and you will probably have heard of Youtubers, the people who build whole ‘channels’ of their videos online. The video sharing website is home to dancing cats, tutorials and all manner of things. But Youtube isn’t just a ‘how to’ manual or a way to procrastinate through viral videos. Youtube is becoming an amazing platform for people to voice their opinions on important topics such as racism, sexism and mental illness. It has even become a popular ‘career choice’ for people. I looked into how Youtubers have voiced their opinions on important topics, turned their videos into a career and why so many teens aspire to be like the famous Youtubers and vloggers (video bloggers).

So how exactly are these Youtubers making money from their videos? Well if a Youtuber chooses to let an advert play before their video then they will earn money each time they gain a view. With some videos attracting millions of views, there are Youtubers topping lawyers’ salaries. Many Youtubers are leaving their daytime jobs to pursue this career and lead the Youtube lifestyle. Video views aren’t the only way a Youtuber can rake in the money. Take for example Zoe Sugg, at 24 her Youtube channel ‘Zoella’ has over 5 million subscribers and she earns over £20, 000 a month for her beauty and lifestyle themed videos. Since starting her Youtube channel in 2007 she has been sponsored by many brands, featured in countless magazines and even released her own beauty brand and book. Zoe Sugg is only one of the thousands of full time Youtubers making their money online.

It is hard to imagine how a typical beauty obsessed woman like Zoe made a career from her love of shopping and makeup. When I looked further into it I realised that people loved Zoe Sugg for many reasons but one that seemed to be dominant was the fact that Zoe was very relatable for teenage girls: she talks about embarrassing childhood stories, giggles with her group of Youtuber buddies over childish jokes and she even has a Disney obsession, similar to a lot of teenage girls I know. So, apart from being relatable Zoe also has a fun personality and image which she maintains in all her videos. From online games enthusiasts to music cover stars, there seems to be a Youtuber for everyone.

So many Youtubers are using their fame for good and informing their viewers on important issues. A video recently posted by Youtuber Jack Howard informed his viewers on feminism and the definition and importance of it whilst Zoe Sugg, who actually suffers from anxiety, has made numerous videos educating people about anxiety as well as giving advice and methods she uses to cope with it. I have also seen many videos talking about self-harm, drugs and dealing with bullying which are all amazing ways that Youtube is being used to target the big issues. I really admire all the Youtubers who use their fame to talk about important issues as I feel it is a great way to reach teenagers who otherwise may overlook important topics.

Teens aspire to be like these people because it seems like an ideal job: you make videos on things your passionate about, get amazing experiences and opportunities and you can start straight away in your bedroom. However it is not all positive for Youtubers who don’t always realise how much they are sharing online and how involved their viewers can feel in their lives. Often when a Youtuber experiences a break up or crisis their online following finds out and their opinions are spread everywhere, not always offering support but sometimes even giving rude and vile hate that can really put down the Youtuber.

So what I have learnt is there is more to youtube then meets the eye, it provides many keen creators with lucrative money and a good career and lifestyle.