Forbes has published its list of top-earning YouTubers of 2015, with minimum and maximum yearly earnings at $2.5 million and $12 million, respectively. While we take a deeper look at each of these shining social media stars, one thing is clear: YouTube is the face of modern entrepreneurship!
Acing the Forbes chart is Swedish comedian PewDiePie, who shares and comments on gaming videos on YouTube. He frequently refers to his fans as the "Bro Army," and in the same spirit, he ends his videos on a brofist note. Despite the mass appeal, his content has been reviewed as "goofy," "obnoxious" and "annoying." He was listed in Time's 30 most influential people on the Internet. PewDiePie has used his popularity to support charitable causes, donating to World Wildlife Fund and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. His video above has received over 40 million views!
Ian Andrew Hecox and Anthony Padilla, better known as Smosh, are school friends turned comedy partners who have drawn attention with their lip-syncing of theme songs of television series. The science fiction film Smosh, featuring the duo, was released this year. They've won many awards, including the most recent YouTube Star Of The Year at Seventh Annual Shorty Awards 2015. One of their most successful works to date is based on the Pokemon theme song.
3. Fine Brothers
The Fine Brothers (Benny Fine and Rafi Fine) are widely known for their React YouTube series and the sitcom MyMusic. People's reactions on viral videos are recorded in the React series, categorized in groups — namely, Kids, Teens, Adults and more. They've won accolades for their Kids React series at the Emmies, IAWTV and the 3rd Stream Awards.
4. Lindsey Stirling
Violinist, dancer, singer and composer Lindsey Stirling lists her music videos on her channel — and gets millions of likes. At the advent of her career, major record labels turned her down, but her efforts in the "tight-knit community" of YouTube led her to prominence. She collaborated with the non-profit organization Atlanta Music Project to provide underserved youth the chance to learn music. Stirling won the Artist of the Year for her song "Radioactive" at the YouTube Music Awards 2015.
Rhett James McLaughlin and Charles Lincoln Neal III, shortened as Rhett & Link, have sustained a long partnership — from being elementary school and university friends to being comedy partners. They run a number of YouTube channels, featuring commercials and music videos. They co-host the morning talk show Good Mythical Morning, where they shed insights on personal and news stories.
6. KSI
KSI started his YouTube career with commentaries on FIFA video games, branching to rap music videos centering on football themes. His debut album, Keep Up, is scheduled to release in January 2016. And that's not all. This multi-talented star also released his book, KSI: I Am A Tool, this year, which covers his journey over YouTube. He will be starring in a forthcoming film, Laid In America.
Makeup artist Michelle Phan gives unique and exciting makeup tutorials on her YouTube channel. You can emulate your favourite celebrities, including Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie, with her tips. Her growing fame led her to work with brands like Lancôme and L'Oréal. Phan is also the author of Make Up: Your Life Guide To Beauty, Style, and Success — Online and Off. In 2014, she won Shorty Award for Best YouTube Guru. Ladies. Fret no more! Phan's trendy makeover ideas will keep you inspired. Dip into her world of colour and fashion!
8. Lilly Singh
Taking the number 8 spot is our South Asian YouTuber Lilly Singh, better known by her username Superwoman. Indian culture remains an integral element in her spoofs and jokes. Lately, she's also launched a singing career, embarking on her world tour, A Trip To Unicorn Island, this year. Her channel was ranked in the Top 100 Channels on New Media Rockstars. Singh is vivacious and hilarious. Steal a glance at Superwoman — she will tickle your funny bone for sure.
9. Roman Atwood
Roman Atwood has garnered attention through his public prank videos. In a competitive market, he has made his mark with extreme — even, arguably, tasteless — pranks that win the race precisely because they offend the most. His "Crazy Plastic Ball Prank" won him an award at the 5th Streamy Awards.
10. Rosanna Pansino
Rosanna Pansino is a chef who offers baking tutorials on YouTube. Her cooking show, Nerdy Nummies, is more than just about scrumptious delights. Her bubbly personality and creative and thorough visuals make for that appetizing package. She has also published The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook, which was featured on the New York Times bestseller list in November 2015. So, for all those looking to brush up their culinary skills in a geeky style, the answer lies in her channel!
Which of these sensational YouTube icons is your favourite? Share your comments below.
Main Image Photo Credits L–R: www.superfame.com, www.youtube.com and www.eurogamer.net
Charles Lincoln Neal, Fine Brothers, Ksi, Lilly Singh, Lindsey Stirling, Michelle Phan, Pewdiepie, Rhett Mclaughlin, Roman Atwood, Rosanna Pansino, Smosh, Youtube

Sonia Malik
Author
Sonia writes on current affairs and pop culture. An English graduate from the University of Toronto, she identifies as a global citizen, feminist and nature lover. She will be ready to shake a leg to a peppy Bollywood beat any day.
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
We Tell You Why You Need To Check Out The Dallas/Fort Worth South Asian Film Festival (DFWSAFF)
-
Check Out These May 2022 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
7 South Asians Who Are Leading The Hottest Shows Out Now
-
Top 5 Desi Rappers You Need To Know About
-
Marie Mahabal Is The One To Watch In Shaw Festival's 'Cyrano de Bergerac'
-
The Perfect Breakup Text & More In Our Chat With Author Sonya Singh
-
Check Out Our List Of Fave Spring Books By Desi Authors
-
Check Out These April 2022 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
5 Reasons Why You Need To Read Lilly Singh's New Book "Be A Triangle"
-
This Is Why We Think You Need To Celebrate The Art Of Music With DESIFEST
-
Check Out These March 2022 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
TIFF 2021: We Tell You Why "Ali & Ava" Is A Refreshingly Solid Romance For Grown Ups
-
Celeb Vacay Pix To Get Your Travel Inspo From
-
Lata Mangeshkar (1929-2022): Celebs Pay Tribute To India’s “Nightingale Of Bollywood”
-
Check Out These February 2022 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
TIFF 2021: Tahir Rana and Éric Warin Draw Inspiration From The Darkness In Their New Film "Charlotte"
-
Check Out These January 2022 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
We Tell You Why CBC’s “Run The Burbs” Will Be The Hottest Show Of 2022
-
Our 2021 Roundup: We Tell You Why 'India Sweets & Spices' Needs To Be On Your Watchlist
-
Geraldine Viswanathan Leads An All-Star Cast In The Animated Feature "Rumble"
-
Decoding "The Matrix Resurrections' With Priyanka Chopra Jonas
-
We Go Behind The Scenes Of The Already Iconic IKEA “Chaiyya Chaiyya” Holiday Commercial
-
TIFF 2021: Riz Ahmed Shines In His Latest Psychological Thriller "Encounter"
-
Check Out These December 2021 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Agam Darshi Shows The Beauty Of An Adult Coming-Of-Age In 'Donkeyhead'
-
Holiday Gift Guide 2021: 9 Fab Books By South Asian Authors
-
This Is Why The South Asian Film Festival Of Montreal (SAFF Montreal) Should Be On Your List
-
Check Out These November 2021 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Highlights From The New York City South Asian Film Festival (NYCSAFF)
-
TIFF 2021: One-On-One With Aliya Kanani Who Shines In Award-Winning Indie "Scarborough"
-
The Team Behind "Emergence: Out Of The Shadows" Tell Us Why Parents Of LGBTQ+ Kids Need To Share Their Stories Too
-
TIFF 2021: “Sort Of” Star/Co-Creator Bilal Baig Embraces The Power Of Trans Representation In Their Barrier-Breaking CBC Comedy
-
From The Slums To The Stage: “Call Me Dancer” Documentary Shares The Unique Journey Of Ballet Dancer Manish Chauhan
-
Check Out These Oct 2021 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
TIFF 2021: Director Nithin Lukose Tells Us How His Grandmother's Stories Fuelled His Film "Paka (River of Blood)"
-
TIFF 2021: The Top South Asian Talent You'll See At The Toronto International Film Festival
-
Check Out These Sept 2021 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Akshay Kumar Tells Us Why His Latest Film “Bell Bottom” Is The Spy Thriller Bollywood Needs Right Now
-
One-On-One With 'Sweet Tooth' Star Aliza Vellani
-
Abhay Deol & The Cast Of Disney's "Spin" Tells Us Why It's Better To Let Your Kids Chase Their Own Dreams
-
Check Out These August 2021 Movies From Bollywood & Beyond!
-
These Are The 9 Korean Dramas That Bollywood Can't Get Enough Of
-
Maitreyi's Mastery: Catching Up With Maitreyi Ramakrishnan & Season 2 Of 'Never Have I Ever'
-
Binge On These July 2021 Movies & Shows From Bollywood & Beyond
-
You Need To Stream This Fresh Stock Of 6 Desi Shows
-
Check Out These June 2021 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Save The Date! 'Sāvitri' A Contemporary Take On The Classic Opera Will Mesmerize You
-
Check Out These May 2021 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Here Is All You Need To Know About Poet Rupi Kaur's Film "Rupi Kaur Live"
-
The 66th Vimal Elaichi Filmfare Awards 2021: Check Out The Full Winners Here!
-
Need A Binge Boost? You Have Got To Stream These Desi Shows
-
Bollywood On The Beach: 10 Celebs Who Rocked Serious Vacay Vibes In The Maldives
-
Check Out These April 2021 Movies & Shows From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
You've Got To Check Out These Fab Celeb Pet Influencers On Instagram
-
Pooja Bhatt & 4 More Reasons Why You Need To Stream 'Bombay Begums'
-
Everything You Need To Know About Simone Ashley Who Will Play Kate Sharma In ‘Bridgerton’
-
Get Streaming! Binge On These March 2021 Movies & Shows From Bollywood And Beyond!
-
Award Season Fave: Golden Globe & SAG Award Nominee Riz Ahmed Talks To Us About His Turn In 'Sound Of Metal'
-
From Roveena To Roach Killa & More: You Need To Add These Fresh EPs To Your Playlist STAT
-
Binge On These 9 Desi Romantic Shows On Valentine's Day