Forbes recently released its first ranking of the video platform’s most successful stars. Here’s who topped the list:
PEWDIEPIE
The 26-year-old native of Sweden (real name: Felix Kjellberg) made $12 million by cracking jokes while playing video games, a popular YouTube genre.
SMOSH
Anthony Padilla, 28, and Ian Hecox, 27, were one of YouTube’s first comedy duos; they earned $8.5 million off their video sketches and a feature film.
FINE BROTHERS
Benny and Rafi Fine made $8.5 million off their hit series showing kids reacting to pop-culture artifacts like Nirvana and the NES.
LINDSEY STIRLING
The 29-year-old musician pulled in $6 million touring and releasing music as a self-styled “dubstep violinist,” all without signing to a major label.
–Victor Luckerson
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