How YouTubers Actually Make Money | Forbes Highest-Paid YouTube Stars 2018 | Lucy Moon

Let's talk about how YouTubers actually make money, and the Forbes highest-paid YouTube stars of 2018.

I AM WEARING //

Stay curious.

DISCLAIMER: Whilst all opinions are 100% my own, sometimes I use affiliate links in my description box and feature products that were kindly gifted to me. I will always disclose when I work with a brand on any paid campaign. All affiliate links included in videos from October 24th 2018 are marked with an asterisk.

[CiaoSyd]

I love how upfront and honest you've been about YouTube culture, including but not limited to the financial aspect of it. Finding people who are willing to share this information is rare, and I think it is great information to have access to for those who want to create their own YouTube channels! Thank you, Lucy <3

[asparagussauce]

Your content has been flippin excellent lately, these videos are so cool and idk I just think it’s really cool how you’re willing to demystify everything and lay it out for everyone, and in such an understandable and accessible way. And I feel like you have a really nice balance of style and lifestyle and more “serious” stuff like this and yeah I just wanted to say thanks ❤️

[aprillll]

Only part way in to the video, and I am really enjoying how articulate you've been so far. Everything is super clear and concise, rather than going into so much detail that I lose track. Big thumbs up from me!

[KhanStopMe]

Really comprehensive and honest - loved this!

[KennyMetham]

The Forbes article was very surface level - they looked a numbers and the YouTubers who have huge public "brands". It was also completely based on guess work. Jeffree Starr himself said that the article underestimated his earnings because he has shares in the American marijuana industry, a merchandise company and many other revenue streams. When you Google "youtuber" the names of the people in the article appear. There are SO many huge YouTubers and it seems like these may be the only ones the writer knows about. It disregards international YouTubers who do not speak English who have online EMPIRES. It would have made for a better article if it was something like... "These Are The YouTubers Who Killed 2018 (and raked in the cash)" more women would've been involved them.... I think that if you try to think of rich YouTubers from the top off your head (with little research) only men may come to mind. I really dislike the article.

(Also really want to support your merch Lucy but don't have the funds... please re-release the tea so I can make a purchase please, love your work) :) x

[erinshorey]

I am loving all of your videos recently. Such a nice aesthetic xx

[Grace-itvi]

Your videos always make me feel so motivated to be productive idk why

[aakanshathinks]

This video was so transparent and honest. So interesting!

[andyhartley]

It's really difficult to pin down why there weren't any women in the top ten, but I'd love to see a list of the 100 top earning YouTubers just to see where the first woman is, and how many of that 100 are not men. My first thought was Zoella which turned me towards beauty vloggers, which I would think is the strand of YouTuber that most of the high earning women would fall into (which is a problem all of its own), and perhaps the majority of those high earners make about the same as each other. Ten is not enough people to understand the reasons behind them all being men. I guess I hope there are plenty of women in places 11-100, but I'm not holding my breath.

[arianeanindita]

this video is super insightful! i'm writing a short film where the lead character is an influencer so this popped up right on time as research material!! <3

[gingercanoe]

This video is so informative! I really like how you speak very open about this topic, as no one else really talks about it!

[emilybee]

This was very insightful, thank you! I hate how so many YouTubers just ignore their audience‘s genuine questions/concerns about their income. We really just want to learn, so this was super helpful!

[Juleeesruleeez]

Really enjoying the consistency of your video posts lately! You're one of my favourite youtubers xx

[Zedstergal]

A really informative video, thanks Lucy! There is a lot of confusion amongst audiences about the amount and means of income for YouTubers, and this really helps to highlight the complexity involved in being a content creator as a full-time job.

[cynicalcenobia]

I know this isn't relevant to this per se, but could you may be do a video on the whole Kardashian-diet-advertisement upheaval aka monetising on the insecurity of their young audiences? Jameela Jamil talked about this recently, I think, I don't know if you've seen her interview, but thought the media-eating disorders link in general is worth elaborating on.

[juliarr]

I usually love your videos, but I wanted to take the time and write this comment to thank you for this. Thank you for making the big world of YouTubers more understandable and for being so clear and transparent about it!

[Emzotic]

This was a fantastic video and actually helped me to gain some inspiration with regards to diversifying my revenue streams. Thanks Lucy! PS: I’ve been following you (not in the stalker way!!) since Samantha Maria recommended you about 2 years ago. I didn’t even have a channel back then, but I’ve enjoyed watching you for ages and I love and really connect with your style of videos. Much love from a former NW11 girl! X

[hellformichelle]

I feel like it's important for the part of the community that doesn't create content to understand how content creators work in order to make decisions based on that so the fact that you're being so open and honest about it is amazing!

[ceridavies]

i feel like the amount of hate comments women in particular get on their videos (often about their appearance) also contributes to the amount they earn. if they get more hate comments, most will probably be less willing to create + upload content so they lose out on a lot of revenue. i know that some women have even stopped making videos entirely, at least partly because of the hate

[DearAliya]

I've always never had an issue with Youtuber's making their livings off of sponsorships - We all need to make money. I've just been rather hesitant to be able to trust certain situations though; like if someone is doing a "Everyday skin care routine", I'd be somewhat suspicious of how much they actually love their 'everyday' moisturiser they're using if it's indeed sponsored.