The Top 15 YouTube Influencers to Follow in 2025

YouTube remains one of the most powerful platforms for content creators who have transformed personal passion into influential careers. In this comprehensive guide, we take an in-depth look at the top 15 YouTube influencers who are setting the benchmark for creative excellence and audience engagement in 2025. We explore how these influential figures, ranging from mega-influencers to micro-influencers, are reshaping consumer behavior and redefining the dynamics of digital engagement. 

This guide also examines the evolution of the YouTube influencer ecosystem, the mechanics behind their growing clout, and what lies ahead for influencer marketing on the video platform. Marketers and brand leaders will find detailed insights and actionable information that can help them strategically navigate this increasingly competitive space.

Introduction to YouTube Influencers

A YouTube influencer is more than just a content creator; they are trusted voices and internet personalities whose opinions, recommendations, and storytelling resonate deeply with dedicated audiences. Unlike traditional celebrities whose influence is often bolstered by mainstream media appearances, YouTube influencers forge authentic connections with their viewers through consistent, long-form content. Their influence extends beyond entertainment and these creators are now key players in shaping opinions, setting trends, and driving consumer purchasing decisions.

A recent study estimated that YouTube reaches over two billion logged-in users every month, with many influencers generating millions of views per video. As brands become more discerning in their marketing spend, the role of the YouTube influencer as a trusted source and content partner has never been more critical.

The Rise of YouTube Influencers

YouTube’s evolution from a video-sharing website to a thriving ecosystem for content creators is marked by pivotal milestones. The introduction of the YouTube Partner Program allowed passionate creators to monetize their content and transform their channels into viable businesses. This new revenue model attracted a wave of talent that saw the platform become a hub for long-term influencer careers. Over time, brand sponsorships became integral to YouTube’s growth, with companies recognizing that partnerships with influential content creators yield higher engagement and more authentic connections compared to traditional advertising.

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Key milestones such as the launch of YouTube Shorts and algorithm enhancements that reward engaging content have contributed to the platform’s ongoing success. Marketers now see YouTube as a critical component in their influencer market strategies, where diverse formats—from tutorial videos and vlogs to comprehensive product reviews—allow brands to reach specific demographics with pinpoint accuracy.

With the rise in brand investments, YouTube influencers have expanded their influence to impact social issues, shape trends, and even drive mainstream media narratives.

Understanding the Impact of Influencers on YouTube

Influencers on YouTube drive engagement by leveraging their creative expertise and unique personal brands to capture the attention of a global audience. Their content not only entertains but also informs, persuades, and educates. This capacity to influence consumer behavior makes them powerful partners for brands looking to enhance their reach. The impact of a YouTube influencer is measured not just by subscriber count but by engagement rates, authenticity, and the ability to foster communities that actively participate in conversations.

Different types of influencers offer varying benefits. Mega-influencers, such as MrBeast and PewDiePie, command vast audiences and are ideal for campaigns that require mass reach. Macro-influencers, with subscriber counts in the hundreds of thousands, often exhibit a strong balance between reach and engagement, making them versatile partners. Micro-influencers and nano-influencers, on the other hand, provide niche appeal and deeper connection with their communities, often resulting in higher engagement rates relative to their audience size.

One prominent example is the collaboration between MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and various consumer brands. His philanthropic stunts and high-production videos have set new standards for content creativity, resulting in collaborations that generate significant buzz and measurable impact on brand metrics. The diverse approaches and strategies employed by these influencers provide brands with a wide spectrum of opportunities to engage their target audiences effectively.

15 Best YouTubers Out There

The following list features 15 top YouTube influencers who represent a cross-section of niches, each with a unique style and global appeal. Their channels are not only centers of entertainment and education but also fine examples of successful influencer marketing.

1. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson)

• Channel Name: MrBeast

• Niche: Entertainment, Challenges, Philanthropy

• Subscriber Count: Over 150 million

• Influence: MrBeast is renowned for his high-budget stunts and philanthropic endeavors. His creative approach to content production has redefined YouTube engagement and opened new avenues for brand collaborations.

• Notable Achievements: Launched Feastables, a snack brand, and partnered with major companies on large-scale giveaways and challenge videos. His work has consistently broken viewership records, making him a key influencer in the space.

2. PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg)

• Channel Name: PewDiePie

• Niche: Gaming, Commentary, Vlogs

• Subscriber Count: Approximately 110 million

• Influence: One of the platform’s earliest superstars, PewDiePie has transitioned from gaming content to include vlogs and commentary, maintaining high audience engagement. His authenticity and evolving content strategies have kept him at the forefront of the influencer market.

• Notable Achievements: Held the title of the most-subscribed individual on YouTube for several years and remains a major influencer in the gaming and entertainment niches.

3. Markiplier (Mark Edward Fischbach)

• Channel Name: Markiplier

• Niche: Gaming, Comedy, Interactive Content

• Subscriber Count: Over 30 million

• Influence: Markiplier’s energetic and engaging style has earned him a dedicated following. His ability to blend humor with high-quality production values makes his channel a prime example of content that drives both engagement and brand loyalty.

• Notable Achievements: Known for extensive charity live streams and successful collaborations with other top creators, his work continues to influence the gaming community and beyond.

4. Dude Perfect

• Channel Name: Dude Perfect

• Niche: Sports Entertainment, Trick Shots

• Subscriber Count: Over 60 million

• Influence: With a focus on sports challenges and trick shots, Dude Perfect appeals to a broad demographic. Their content is characterized by high-energy performance and meticulous production, which has led to lucrative brand partnerships.

• Notable Achievements: Published a best-selling book, produced a television series, and continuously break new ground in live events and digital content.

5. Mark Rober

• Channel Name: Mark Rober

• Niche: Science, Engineering, Educational Content

• Subscriber Count: Over 60 million

• Influence: A former NASA engineer, Mark Rober transforms complex scientific concepts into entertaining and accessible content. His work has significantly contributed to public engagement with STEM topics and attracted a diverse audience.

• Notable Achievements: His viral videos on science experiments and engineering marvels have garnered widespread acclaim, making him a go-to influencer for brands in technology and education.

6. SSSniperWolf (Alia Shelesh)

• Channel Name: SSSniperWolf

• Niche: Gaming, Reaction Videos, Lifestyle

• Subscriber Count: Over 30 million

• Influence: SSSniperWolf combines gaming content with reaction videos, which creates a relatable and engaging viewing experience. Her ability to interact authentically with her audience has resulted in robust engagement rates and numerous brand endorsements.

• Notable Achievements: Multiple awards for her content quality and a consistently growing presence across multiple social platforms.

7. Liza Koshy

• Channel Name: Liza Koshy

• Niche: Comedy, Entertainment, Lifestyle

• Subscriber Count: Over 17 million

• Influence: Liza Koshy’s energetic personality and comedic style have earned her a loyal following. Her content often blends humor with social commentary, making her an influential figure in both the comedy and lifestyle sectors.

• Notable Achievements: Transitioned from YouTube to mainstream media with successful television projects and brand partnerships that leverage her unique blend of humor and authenticity.

8. James Charles

• Channel Name: James Charles

• Niche: Beauty, Makeup Tutorials, Lifestyle

• Subscriber Count: Over 25 million

• Influence: As a beauty influencer, James Charles has redefined makeup artistry on YouTube. His detailed tutorials, creative looks, and engaging personality have made him a top youtube influencer in the beauty niche.

• Notable Achievements: Not only has he secured major brand collaborations, but he has also launched successful product lines that resonate with a global audience.

9. Tati Westbrook

• Channel Name: Tati

• Niche: Beauty, Product Reviews, Lifestyle

• Subscriber Count: Over 9 million

• Influence: Known for her in-depth product reviews and honest recommendations, Tati Westbrook has built a reputation as a trusted authority in the beauty community. Her content provides valuable insights that influence purchasing decisions among her audience.

• Notable Achievements: Has become a go-to source for unbiased beauty advice and has fostered long-term partnerships with several high-profile brands.

10. Jeffree Star

• Channel Name: Jeffree Star

• Niche: Beauty, Makeup, Lifestyle

• Subscriber Count: Over 16 million

• Influence: Jeffree Star’s distinctive persona and unapologetic approach to beauty have garnered a devoted following. Despite controversies, his impact on beauty trends and product launches remains significant.

• Notable Achievements: Known for his high-production videos and successful makeup brand, his collaborations have often set new benchmarks in the beauty influencer market.

11. Lilly Singh

• Channel Name: Lilly Singh (Superwoman)

• Niche: Comedy, Motivation, Cultural Commentary

• Subscriber Count: Over 14 million

• Influence: Lilly Singh’s work spans comedy and motivational content, making her a versatile creator who connects with diverse audiences. Her culturally nuanced humor and inspirational messages have earned her global recognition.

• Notable Achievements: Transitioned into mainstream television and secured partnerships with brands looking to engage with a diverse, multicultural audience.

12. Casey Neistat

• Channel Name: Casey Neistat

• Niche: Vlogs, Filmmaking, Storytelling

• Subscriber Count: Over 12 million

• Influence: As a pioneer of the modern vlog, Casey Neistat’s innovative storytelling techniques and high-quality production have transformed how content is created on YouTube. His ability to seamlessly blend personal narrative with cinematic visuals sets him apart.

• Notable Achievements: Widely recognized for his creative storytelling and commercial collaborations, his work has influenced a generation of filmmakers and content creators.

13. Emma Chamberlain

• Channel Name: Emma Chamberlain

• Niche: Lifestyle, Vlogging, Fashion

• Subscriber Count: Over 12 million

• Influence: Emma Chamberlain has redefined the genre of lifestyle vlogging with her candid, unfiltered approach to content. Her relatable personality and innovative editing style have led to high engagement and a rapidly growing audience.

• Notable Achievements: Collaborated with major fashion and lifestyle brands, and her influence extends to setting trends in both content production and audience engagement strategies.

14. Ali-A (Alastair Aiken)

• Channel Name: Ali-A

• Niche: Gaming, Commentary, News

• Subscriber Count: Over 17 million

• Influence: Ali-A is a well-established figure in the gaming community whose content covers game reviews, live streams, and industry news. His ability to keep his audience informed and entertained has solidified his position as one of the top youtube influencers in gaming.

• Notable Achievements: Regularly collaborates with game developers and has played a key role in launching several gaming trends through his engaging commentary.

15. iJustine (Justine Ezarik)

• Channel Name: iJustine

• Niche: Technology, Lifestyle, Unboxing

• Subscriber Count: Over 7 million

• Influence: iJustine’s in-depth reviews, unboxing videos, and tech tutorials have made her a trusted content creator among tech enthusiasts. Her approachable style and detailed content have earned her accolades from both audiences and industry experts.

• Notable Achievements: Has been recognized for her innovation in digital content creation and remains a sought-after partner for tech brands launching new products.

The Future of Influencer Marketing on YouTube

The evolution of YouTube influencer marketing is set to continue as new trends emerge and the landscape shifts. The growing adoption of AI-driven content creation and data analytics is poised to revolutionize how creators optimize their content strategies. YouTube Shorts has already begun to influence consumption patterns by offering bite-sized, engaging content, which is prompting brands to rethink their campaign strategies.

The trend toward community-driven content is equally important. Audiences increasingly value authenticity and ongoing engagement rather than one-off promotions. As brands shift from transactional to long-term influencer partnerships, the emphasis is on building trust and maintaining continuous dialogue with consumers. The metrics that matter are evolving, with engagement rate and content quality taking precedence over sheer subscriber numbers.

As YouTube continues to innovate with features such as real-time tracking and enhanced analytics, brands are better positioned to measure campaign impact with precision. For example, the ability to track Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube content in real time from a single dashboard is revolutionizing performance measurement. Advanced analytics and reporting that monitor impressions and engagement over time provide a data-driven approach to refining campaign strategies.

Use Collabstr to Connect Your Brand with YouTube Influencers

Collabstr provides the ideal platform for brands looking to connect with the most relevant YouTube influencers. With the largest open influencer marketplace featuring over 170,000 influencers, Collabstr enables brands to find the perfect match for authentic connections. 

Our platform empowers marketers by streamlining the influencer marketing process from discovery and hiring to real-time tracking and analytics. With one-click tracking for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube content, advanced analytics, and real-time metrics updated every 24 hours, Collabstr helps brands optimize their campaigns with precision and efficiency. Marketers seeking to maximize their influence in an overcrowded digital space will find that Collabstr's data-driven insights and transparent pricing enable efficient scaling and long-term impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do YouTube Influencers Get Paid?

Yes, YouTube influencers earn income through multiple streams, including advertising revenue, brand sponsorships, merchandise sales, and direct fan support through memberships or donations. Payment structures vary widely based on channel size, niche, and engagement levels. For further insights on how to leverage these monetization channels, read our detailed guide on how to find and hire influencers on YouTube.

How Many Subscribers Do You Need to Be a YouTube Influencer?

There is no fixed threshold for becoming a successful YouTube influencer. While mega-influencers typically boast over a million subscribers, many brands actively engage with macro-influencers (100,000 to 1 million subscribers), micro-influencers (10,000 to 100,000 subscribers), and nano-influencers (fewer than 10,000 subscribers) because of their high engagement rates and niche communities. The key measure is the level of audience engagement and the influencer's ability to influence purchasing decisions rather than just raw subscriber numbers.

Who Is the Best YouTube Influencer?

Determining the best YouTube influencer depends on your marketing objectives, target audience, and campaign goals. Brands looking for vast reach might lean towards mega-influencers like MrBeast or PewDiePie, while those aiming for authentic, niche engagement may prefer working with micro-influencers. Explore our extensive list of top YouTube influencers to find a partner that aligns with your campaign requirements.