YouTube is home to some of the most influential and widely followed creators on the internet, attracting billions of fans worldwide. In this article, we focus exclusively on the top 10 individual YouTubers—real people who run their own channels independently, rather than duos, groups, or brand-run channels with large teams.
These creators have built massive followings through their unique content, charisma, and connection with audiences.
Here is a quick glance at the top 10 individual YouTubers covered in this list, along with their current subscriber counts:
- MrBeast – 396 million subscribers
- Like Nastya – 127 million subscribers
- PewDiePie – 110 million subscribers
- Vlad A4 – 79.2 million subscribers
- Justin Bieber – 75.3 million subscribers
- EminemMusic – 64.9 million subscribers
- Taylor Swift – 61 million subscribers
- Marshmello – 57.9 million subscribers
- Ed Sheeran – 56.4 million subscribers
- Ariana Grande – 56 million subscribers
Let’s dive into what makes each of these creators stand out and how they reached such incredible milestones on YouTube.
#1. MrBeast
Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, still lives in his hometown of Greenville, USA. He is considered the undisputed king of YouTubers worldwide. In fact, he holds the record for being the most subscribed individual YouTuber, with an astonishing subscriber count of around 396 million.
What’s even more impressive is that he has achieved this success with only around 870 uploaded videos.
MrBeast started his YouTube journey in 2012 under the channel name MrBeast6000, when he was just 13 years old. In the beginning, he faced many struggles, but he remained determined and ended up doing things that no other YouTuber had done before.
For example, in one of his early viral videos, he counted from 1 to 100,000 non-stop. That video alone took him over 3 hours, 29 minutes, and 40 seconds to record. As of now, that video has been viewed more than 68 million times.
These days, the content of MrBeast’s videos mainly revolves around philanthropic stunts. He is often seen doing generous acts to help others, such as giving away money, homes, and food to people in need.
This is a major reason why he has become so popular—his kindness and generosity have won the hearts of millions. According to one estimate, MrBeast’s YouTube empire generates between $600–700 million per year.
In addition to his main channel, MrBeast also runs several other channels: Beast Reacts, MrBeast 2, Beast Philanthropy, and MrBeast 3 (which is currently inactive). His gaming channel, MrBeast Gaming, is also highly popular and ranks in the top 100 on YouTube, with nearly 42 million subscribers.
#2. Like Nastya
Anastasia Sergeyevna Radzinskaya, better known as Like Nastya, is the only individual child YouTuber on the list of top creators. She was born in January 2014, making her the youngest influencer with such a massive following.
Her main YouTube channel currently has around 127 million subscribers, and she has uploaded more than 947 videos so far.
Although Nastya was born in Russia, she later moved to the United States, and now her videos are mostly produced in English. The channel focuses on children’s content, with a mix of educational entertainment and fun vlogs that appeal to young viewers all over the world.
One of her most-watched videos is titled “Nastya compilation of the best videos of 2022,” which has already gained almost 156 million views. Interestingly, this video continues to attract new subscribers and plays a big role in the channel’s ongoing popularity.
What makes Like Nastya’s success even more inspiring is how it all started. Her parents originally began uploading videos to share Anastasia’s progress with close friends and family, as she was born with cerebral palsy.
What began as a personal journey turned into a global phenomenon, with her channel now reaching billions of views and becoming a household name in the world of kids’ YouTube content.
#3. PewDiePie
PewDiePie, whose real name is Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, held the title of the most-subscribed YouTuber for almost a decade—right up until 2022. His channel has around 110 million subscribers, and he’s uploaded over 4,810 videos so far.
Felix is originally from Sweden, and he launched his channel PewDiePie back in 2010. He started off with gaming content, specifically in the “Let’s Play” genre, where he recorded himself playing video games with funny and often over-the-top commentary.
Within just three years, he became the most-subscribed channel on YouTube, and by 2016, he was also the highest-earning YouTuber on the platform.
While PewDiePie is best known for gaming videos, he’s also explored other content types over the years—such as comedy sketches, reaction videos, commentary, music, and even mini web shows.
One of his most iconic videos is the music track “Bitch Lasagna,” which has become a cult favorite among fans and has racked up nearly 325 million views to date.
As for his channel name—PewDiePie—it has a fun backstory. “Pew” represents the sound a laser makes, “Die” is what happens when you get hit by one, and “Pie”… well, Felix just thought it sounded funny. He had already started using it as a catchphrase while gaming, and it stuck. And honestly—who doesn’t love pie?
#4. Vlad A4
Vladislav Andreyevich Bumaga, better known as Vlad A4 or simply A4, is one of the biggest Russian-speaking YouTubers in the world. He started his channel back in 2014, choosing the name A4 as a clever nod to his last name, Bumaga, which means “paper” in Russian.
His breakthrough moment came in 2016 with the video titled “24 Hours in a Trampoline Centre.” That single upload was a game-changer, skyrocketing his subscriber count from just 200,000 to over 1 million almost overnight.
Today, A4 boasts more than 79.2 million subscribers and uploads a wide range of content, including entertaining challenges and vlogs featuring his close friends. Besides his videos, he also actively promotes his branded products, further expanding his influence beyond YouTube.
#5. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber, the Canadian pop sensation, holds the title of the most-followed musical artist on YouTube, with around 75.3 million subscribers and over 249 uploaded videos. He first joined YouTube in 2007, and his rise to fame began when he came second in a local singing competition.
After that, he started uploading videos of himself performing song covers, which quickly caught the internet’s attention.
As his channel began to grow, it wasn’t long before his talent got noticed by a talent manager and a major record label. In 2008, he officially signed a recording contract, marking the start of a global music career that would skyrocket in the years to come.
From the very beginning, Justin remained committed to his YouTube channel and used it as a platform to connect with fans—lovingly known as “Beliebers.” This early digital presence played a huge role in shaping his career and contributed to both his early breakthrough and lasting popularity.
Even after becoming a global star, Bieber continued to upload content to his channel, including music videos, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal moments. However, his last upload was posted over two years ago.
Apart from his singing, there are quite a few interesting facts about Justin. He’s a self-taught musician, known to play multiple instruments. He nearly auditioned for American Idol, but fate had other plans. He once bought a house for his family, has a bunch of quirky talents, and is covered in tattoos, which fans are always curious about.
As for his most iconic video? That would be the music video for “Sorry”, which has crossed a jaw-dropping 3.6 billion views—making it his most-viewed video to date.
#6. EminemMusic
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, famously known as Eminem, is one of the most iconic and influential rappers in the history of music. With over 64.9 million subscribers and just 197 uploaded videos, his YouTube presence proves that quality and legacy can go a long way.
Eminem first gained fame back in 1996, and nearly three decades later, he’s still holding strong as one of the most successful music artists of all time.
He joined YouTube in 2007, using the platform mainly to share official music videos, promotional content, and project teasers. Despite not being constantly in the media spotlight anymore, his channel has continued to grow steadily.
In fact, he recently swapped places with Marshmello to become the fifth most-subscribed individual artist on YouTube.
Eminem’s loyal fanbase, combined with his legendary status in hip-hop, keeps his content relevant even years after release. He’s living proof that you don’t need daily uploads or constant viral moments to stay on top—you just need timeless content and a solid connection with your audience.
Over the years, Eminem has achieved several YouTube milestones. He became the first rapper in history to have six music videos each surpassing one billion views. Some of his top-performing videos include:
- “Love The Way You Lie” ft. Rihanna – 2.7 billion views
- “Without Me” – 1.9 billion views
- “Not Afraid” – 1.8 billion views
- “Rap God” – 1.4 billion views
- “Smack That” by Akon ft. Eminem – 1.2 billion views
And let’s not forget his massive hit “Lose Yourself” from the film 8 Mile. Not only is it one of his most iconic tracks, but it also won him an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003, making Eminem the first rapper ever to win an Oscar.
#7. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift, one of the most iconic music artists of our time, has built an empire that extends far beyond the music charts. With 61 million subscribers and 285 videos uploaded to her YouTube channel, she continues to be a dominant force both online and offline and this is why she is on our top 10 individual YouTubers list.
Born as Taylor Alison Swift, she began her musical journey at a very young age. Alongside vocal and acting lessons, she even learned to play the guitar at age 12—thanks to a computer repairman who taught her some chords during a visit to fix the family computer.
At just 14 years old, she moved to Nashville, the heart of country music, and by 15, she had already signed her first recording contract. From there, it didn’t take long before she skyrocketed to international fame.
Fast forward to today, and Taylor isn’t just a pop star—she’s a global phenomenon. She’s currently on a massive world tour, showcasing not only her incredible discography but also the scale of her global fanbase.
She’s also become a respected figure in music history, having recently won her fourth Grammy Award for Best Album, a record-breaking achievement that cements her as the reigning Queen of Pop.
Interestingly, Taylor’s influence even extends into academics. Yes, really—there’s an actual academic conference named “Swiftposium,” dedicated to studying her cultural impact and artistry.
Her YouTube channel is primarily focused on music videos, but she has also shared several behind-the-scenes moments, giving fans a peek into her life backstage, her creative process, and her personal experiences. Her most-viewed video on the platform is “The Man” (Official Video), which has racked up over 108 million views.
Taylor also has one of the most loyal fanbases in the world, and it shows. When she was recently targeted by trolls misusing AI technology, her fans immediately rallied online to defend her—further proving how deeply connected her followers are to her journey.
#8. Marshmello
Marshmello, whose real name is Christopher Comstock, is an American DJ, music producer, and internet personality. He joined YouTube in 2015, and since then, his channel has grown to an impressive 57.9 million subscribers, with over 532 videos uploaded so far.
For the longest time, Marshmello was known more for his music and his signature marshmallow-shaped helmet than for his real identity. He kept his face hidden for years, creating a sense of mystery.
When his identity was finally revealed in 2017, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“I don’t take my helmet off because I don’t want or need fame. I’m genuinely trying to create something positive for people to connect with.”
That one statement perfectly sums up his brand—music with a purpose and a vibe that resonates with millions.
His channel is best known for music videos and lyric videos, many of which have racked up hundreds of millions of views. But Marshmello doesn’t stop there—he also shares cooking videos, vlogs, tutorials, and short films, giving fans a broader look at his creative world.
While he recently dropped down one spot in the rankings compared to a year ago, he’s still growing strong. His fanbase continues to expand, and he recently dropped a new album titled “Sugar Papi.”
Marshmello first rose to fame in 2015 after sharing his remixes online, and by 2016, he released his debut studio album, Joytime, which included his first commercial hit, “Keep It Mello.” Since then, he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry and built a brand that’s more than just EDM—it’s a global phenomenon.
As of now, his estimated net worth sits at around $40 million, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
#9. Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran, whose full name is Edward Christopher Sheeran MBE, is a globally recognized British singer-songwriter with a massive online following. His YouTube channel currently has over 56.4 million subscribers and features around 597 uploaded videos, most of which are centered around his music.
Ed’s musical journey started early—he began singing at the age of four and was already playing the guitar by age 11. By 2004, he was independently recording and releasing his own music. A few years later, in 2008, he moved to London, where he started busking on the streets and performing at small gigs, slowly but steadily building his fanbase.
Although he joined YouTube back in 2006, his channel really started to gain serious momentum in 2017, when he hit the 10 million subscriber milestone. Since then, his popularity on the platform has soared, especially with the release of massive global hits.
The biggest breakthrough on his YouTube channel is undoubtedly the music video for “Shape of You”, which has become one of the most-viewed videos in YouTube history, racking up a staggering 6.03 billion views—and still counting.
While Ed Sheeran keeps most of his channel focused on music videos, acoustic sessions, and official releases, fans love his down-to-earth personality. And just for fun—his favorite board game is Monopoly, which somehow makes perfect sense for someone who’s quietly taken over the music world one heartfelt song at a time.
#10. Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande, with over 56 million subscribers and 229 uploaded videos on her YouTube channel, is one of the most recognized music artists and performers in the world today. But her journey started long before she became a global pop sensation.
Born Ariana Grande-Butera, she began chasing her musical dreams at just 8 years old. She joined YouTube in 2007 and uploaded her first video titled “Ain’t No Other Man,” which showed off her strong vocals and early passion for performing.
At age 15, Ariana landed her first big break on Broadway, playing Charlotte in the musical 13. Shortly after that, she stepped into the world of TV and quickly became a household name thanks to her role on Nickelodeon. But while acting built her early fame, it was music that truly launched her into superstardom.
In 2011, her YouTube cover songs started attracting serious attention. One of those performances caught the eye of a record label, and not long after, Ariana signed a music deal—kicking off what would become a hugely successful pop career.
Today, her YouTube channel is mostly dedicated to music videos, where fans from all over the world tune in to watch her powerful performances and visually stunning productions. Her most-viewed video to date is “Side To Side” ft. Nicki Minaj, which has pulled in over 2.3 billion views and remains a fan favorite.
From Broadway beginnings to international stardom, Ariana Grande’s rise to fame is the perfect mix of talent, timing, and a whole lot of determination.
How to Become the Next YouTube Star: Combine Talent with Smart Video Optimization Tools
Becoming the next MrBeast, Taylor Swift, or Justin Bieber on YouTube isn’t just about talent—it’s also about smart strategy. While creativity and consistency lay the foundation, understanding how YouTube’s algorithm works is key to getting noticed.
That’s where YouTube Video optimization tools come in. Tools like Simple SEO Tags offer powerful features such as video tag generator and hashtag creator to help optimize your content for both viewers and the platform’s search system.
By using the right keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags, you increase the chances of your videos being discovered and recommended. In today’s competitive creator space, leveraging SEO tools is not optional—it’s essential.
Also Read: Top Best Storytime Ideas for Youtube ( 39+ )
Conclusion
In conclusion, these top 10 individual YouTubers have proven that with creativity, consistency, and a deep connection with their audiences, it’s possible to reach extraordinary levels of success on the platform.
From MrBeast’s record-breaking generosity to Like Nastya’s kid-friendly empire, and from PewDiePie’s gaming legacy to musical giants like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, each of these creators brings something unique to the table.
What truly sets them apart is not just their subscriber counts, but the impact they’ve made across cultures, generations, and content genres. As YouTube continues to evolve, it’s clear that individual creators will keep leading the way—one upload at a time.
