Familiar Faces Still Around
As a society that constantly enjoys consuming content, YouTube is the perfect place to feed our needs. Videos of varying genres from big names on the platform receive millions of views, showcasing the world's interest in engaging videos. While some of these big names have been around since the very beginning, demonstrating their ability to adapt to changing preferences, some haven't been spoken of in years. Here are 10 OG YouTubers still working their magic and 10 that are old news.
1. PewDiePie
No matter how many years have passed, PieDiePie remains one of the biggest, most beloved YouTubers on the platform. With approximately 110 million subscribers and millions of views on each of his videos, it's safe to say Felix is very much still relevant, even if his channel has changed.
2. Sidemen
The Sidemen are the biggest YouTubers in the UK, first starting out 10 years ago in 2015 and slowly growing their fanbase. With these 7 massive personalities coming together every Sunday to produce awesome videos, they've gained popularity in the United States too! With massive events like their charity match and new businesses like Sides, we don't see them slowing down any time soon.
3. Markiplier
A one man show, Markiplier has maintained his popularity since 2012, consistently ranking as one of the most popular YouTubers on the platform. He still outputs a steady stream of content, keeping his viewers engaged and subscribed. And with nearly 40 million subscribers under his belt, he's not going away anytime soon.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
4. Smosh
One of the earlier YouTube duos that first appeared in 2005, Smosh has seen many transformations over the years, with the brand expanding from the once Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox partnership into a full-fledged team. There are now even multiple Smosh channels dedicated to different focuses like gaming and variety, so regardless of how the core group has changed, fans are still engaged and subscribed.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
5. Dude Perfect
If you're a fan of trick shots or just fun sports entertainment content, there's no channel on YouTube more perfect for you than Dude Perfect. And these five friends have been around since 2009! With an impressive 61 million subscribers and still growing, it's clear they discovered the secret to consistent engaging content a long time ago.
6. Good Mythical Morning
Since 2008, Rhett and Link have been driving the channel of Good Mythical Morning, becoming familiar faces to anyone who has ever explored YouTube. Their food-based content never ceases to entertain their viewers, with their lovable personalities enticing people to subscribe. And with their consistent release schedule, it ensures a steady stream of content that's always available for old and new fans.
7. Michelle Phan
Once considered the beauty queen of YouTube, Michelle Phan is still very much relevant in the limelight - maybe just not the way she once was. While her channel still has an impressive 8 million subscribers, she's since focused on the business side of the world, becoming the CEO of her own beauty company, Em Cosmetics, all while outputting interesting videos like interviews and skincare routines.
San Francisco Blockchain Week on Wikimedia
8. DanTDM
With Minecraft still being one of the most popular games in the entire world, it only makes sense that DanTDM is still equally as beloved, given that majority of his content centers around this game. His channel may be pretty straight forward, but it appeals to audiences that are looking for exactly that: Minecraft videos.
9. Rosanna Pansino
It seems like food content is always a safe bet when it comes to longevity! Rosanna Pansino has been around since 2010, but is still growing her channel all these years. With a whopping 14 million subscribers, viewers are treated to a steady release schedule of food-based challenge videos that still entertain audiences as they always have.
10. Wong Fu Productions
Wong Fu Productions has managed to maintain and grow their subscriber base thanks to their amazing shorts and loyalty to their brand. Fans have become close friends through the screen to the team, loving the quality of videos that they produce. They've been around since 2007, and they're still at it.
1. Miranda Sings
With her last video released about a year ago, Miranda Sings is a personality of a lost time. Though once an iconic figure, with her wacky lipstick and bold eyeliner, this YouTube channel simply can't keep up with the changing modern preferences. Her videos may still garner quite a lot of views, but it's safe to say she's no longer a big name in the YouTube world.
2. Caspar Lee
When was the last time you heard of Caspar Lee? If seeing this image of him immediately transported you back in time, we wouldn't be surprised; after all, he was the man of the hour back in the 2010s. However, he's since essentially retired from YouTube, shifting his focus from video production to business. You likely won't be seeing him around.
3. GloZell
Do you remember the infamous cinnamon challenge on YouTube from your childhood? Well, GloZell arguably had the most famous video involved. That alone skyrocketed her into YouTube fame, boosting her channel to its now 4 million subscribers. However, you likely haven't heard of her much on the platform since, showcasing that her popularity lies in the past.
4. Tyler Oakley
Once a YouTube icon known for his vlog-style videos, Tyler Oakley turned away from video-making for many years but has recently made a return. If you're hearing about this for the first time, don't be shocked! He released only a handful of videos over the past year, all with significantly lower views than before. It's evident he no longer holds the same fame and status.
5. KevJumba
Once a huge name on the platform and known for his hilarious skits and comedy sketches, KevJumba has been nowhere to be seen for years. Though many fans look back nostalgically at his content, he's definitely nowhere in the realm of mainstream these days.
6. The Fine Brothers/REACT
With so many reaction videos now on the platform, the REACT channel (formerly known as The Fine Brothers) doesn't stand out as much as it used to. It was once one of the biggest channels around, with many beloved YouTubers making constant appearances, but it's now just one of the crowd.
7. Jenna Marbles
It's been 4 years since internet personality Jenna Marbles last released a video, meaning there's a clear end to her time on YouTube. Though she was all the rage in the early 2010s, she's a name that's no longer mentioned when talking about current YouTube greats. She'll always be remembered as a familiar face in many people's childhood though!
8. TheOdd1sOut
Created by Robert Rallison, this creative YouTube channel, which features hilarious animated content about real life adventures and made-up stories, hasn't been seen in the limelight for quite some time. Even with his own 2022 Netflix series, Oddballs, you don't hear about these videos much anymore. While they still garner impressive views from the channel's whopping 20 millions subscribers, it no longer holds the same impact as it once did.
9. Lilly Singh
Better known as IISuperwomanII from her early days, Lilly Singh had a brief rise in meteroic popularity only to quickly fall off shortly after. Even though she made significant historic steps, such as hosting her very own talk show, A Little Late with Lilly Singh, it was quickly cancelled. She also stopped making YouTube videos until very recently, and is no longer considered a big name on the platform.
10. Zoella
With her last video released a very long 6 years ago, Zoella has obviously turned away from YouTube. But with an impressive 10 million subscribers still standing, it's clear she was once a major internet icon. People fell in love with her enjoyable personality and beauty content, following her for tips and advice during her heyday.
