If you were around during the early days of YouTube, you might remember some of the platform’s most popular creators from a decade ago. These old YouTubers set off a creative blaze that is still strong today and paved the way for a new generation of content creators. As the video-sharing platform has evolved over the years, so too has internet culture.
From NigaHiga to Fred, and KevJumba, these OG YouTubers have left their mark on the platform. While some have gone on to become household names, others have faded into obscurity. But regardless of where they are now, these old YouTubers played a significant role in shaping the platform into what it is today. As YouTube continues to dominate the online world, it’s worth taking a look back at the creators who started it all.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most successful old YouTubers and where they are now. We’ll also take a closer look at their impact on the platform and how they helped to shape internet culture. Whether you’re a longtime YouTube fan or a newcomer to the platform, this article will provide an insightful glimpse into the early days of video-sharing and the creators who helped to make it what it is today.
The Rise of Old YouTubers
Early Days of YouTube
Back in the early days of YouTube, the platform was primarily used by individuals to share their personal videos with friends and family. However, as the platform grew in popularity, so did the number of creators who began to use it to showcase their talents and interests to a wider audience. This led to the emergence of some of the first YouTube stars, such as Shane Dawson and Jenna Marbles.
These early YouTube stars were able to build a following by creating content that was relatable and entertaining to viewers. They were able to connect with their audience on a personal level, which helped them to stand out from the crowd and gain more subscribers.
Emergence of Viral Stars
As YouTube continued to grow, so did the number of viral stars who were able to gain millions of subscribers and become household names. These viral stars, such as PewDiePie and Tyler Oakley, were able to create content that was not only entertaining but also had a wider appeal to viewers around the world.
One of the key factors that contributed to the rise of these viral stars was the ability to create videos that were shareable and could go viral on other social media platforms. This helped to increase their visibility and attract new viewers to their channels.
In addition, the rise of the internet and social media also played a significant role in the growth of YouTube and the emergence of these viral stars. With more people spending time online, YouTube became a go-to platform for entertainment and information, which helped to fuel the growth of the platform and the creators who used it.
Overall, the rise of old YouTubers can be attributed to their ability to create content that resonated with viewers and their willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of the internet and social media. As YouTube continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the platform and its creators continue to grow and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the internet.
Famous Old YouTubers
If you have been on YouTube for a while, you might remember some of the old YouTubers who paved the way for the platform’s current success. These creators were some of the first to create content that resonated with audiences and helped establish YouTube as the go-to platform for video content. In this section, we will take a look at some of the most famous old YouTubers and their contributions to the platform.
Comedy Content Creators
Comedy has always been a popular genre on YouTube, and some of the earliest YouTubers to gain fame were comedians. Smosh, Ryan Higa, and Fred were some of the first comedy content creators to gain a massive following. Smosh, consisting of Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, started making videos in 2005 and quickly gained a loyal fanbase. Ryan Higa, also known as Nigahiga, started making videos in 2006 and is still creating content to this day. Fred, played by Lucas Cruikshank, gained popularity in the late 2000s with his high-pitched voice and quirky personality.
Beauty and Lifestyle Vloggers
Michelle Phan and iJustine were some of the first beauty and lifestyle vloggers on YouTube. Michelle Phan started making videos in 2007 and quickly gained a massive following due to her makeup tutorials and beauty tips. iJustine, also known as Justine Ezarik, started making videos in 2006 and has since expanded her content to cover a wide range of topics, including technology, gaming, and travel.
Tech and Gaming YouTubers
As YouTube grew, so did the popularity of tech and gaming content. Some of the earliest tech YouTubers include Philip DeFranco and Dave Days. Philip DeFranco started making videos in 2006 and quickly gained a following for his news commentary and opinion pieces. Dave Days gained popularity in the late 2000s with his music videos and parodies. Gaming content also became popular on YouTube, with creators like SkyDoesMinecraft, Markiplier, and Jacksepticeye gaining massive followings.
Baking and Cooking
Rosanna Pansino is one of the most famous old YouTubers in the baking and cooking category. She started making videos in 2010 and has since gained over 12 million subscribers on her channel. Her baking tutorials and recipes have become extremely popular, and she has even published a cookbook.
Lifestyle and Vlogging
Joey Graceffa is a popular YouTuber who started his career in 2009. He has since gained over 9 million subscribers and has become well-known for his vlogs, challenges, and storytelling. Zoe Sugg, also known as Zoella, started making videos in 2009 and has since gained over 11 million subscribers. She is known for her beauty and lifestyle content, as well as her books and merchandise.
Controversial Figures
Tana Mongeau is a YouTuber who has gained a massive following in recent years. She is known for her controversial content and has been involved in several scandals. Shane Dawson is another YouTuber who has been involved in controversy over the years. He started making videos in 2008 and has since gained a massive following. However, some of his past content has been criticized for being offensive and inappropriate.
Overall, these YouTubers played a significant role in shaping the platform and paving the way for its current success. While some of them have moved on to other ventures, their impact on YouTube will not be forgotten.
20 Old YouTubers That You Forgot About
YouTube has been around for over a decade, and with its growth, many creators have come and gone. Here are 20 old YouTubers that you may have forgotten about:
- Shane Dawson – Known for his comedy sketches and parodies, Shane Dawson was one of the first YouTubers to gain a massive following. He has since moved on to other projects, but his early videos are still available on his channel.
- Jenna Marbles – With her hilarious vlogs and comedy skits, Jenna Marbles quickly became one of the most popular YouTubers of the early 2010s. She has since taken a step back from YouTube but still has a loyal fan base.
- Smosh – Smosh was one of the earliest YouTube comedy channels, featuring the duo of Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla. While the channel has since evolved and changed, it’s worth revisiting their early videos for a trip down memory lane.
- Fred – Lucas Cruikshank’s character Fred was a sensation in the late 2000s, with his high-pitched voice and quirky personality. While his popularity has waned, his early videos are still a testament to the early days of YouTube.
- Annoying Orange – Annoying Orange was a comedy channel featuring a talking orange and other fruits. While its humor may not be for everyone, it was undeniably popular in the early days of YouTube.
- Charlie Bit My Finger – While not a traditional YouTuber, the viral video of Charlie biting his brother’s finger became one of the most viewed videos on the platform. It’s worth revisiting for a reminder of the simpler days of YouTube.
- iJustine – Justine Ezarik, better known as iJustine, was one of the earliest female YouTubers to gain a following. Her tech reviews and vlogs were popular in the early days of the platform.
- Ryan Higa – Ryan Higa, known as Nigahiga, was one of the most popular YouTubers of the early 2010s. His comedy sketches and parodies were a hit with audiences.
- KevJumba – Kevin Wu, known as KevJumba, was another popular YouTuber known for his comedy sketches and vlogs. While he has since moved on from YouTube, his early videos are still worth revisiting.
- MysteryGuitarMan – Joe Penna, known as MysteryGuitarMan, was one of the earliest YouTube musicians. His creative music videos and covers were a hit with audiences.
- CommunityChannel – Natalie Tran’s channel, CommunityChannel, was one of the most popular comedy channels of the early 2010s. Her relatable humor and witty observations made her a hit with audiences.
- VenetianPrincess – Jodie Rivera, known as VenetianPrincess, was one of the earliest female YouTubers to gain a following. Her parodies and comedy sketches were a hit with audiences.
- Dave Days – Dave Days was one of the earliest YouTube musicians, known for his covers and original songs. While he has since moved on from YouTube, his early videos are still worth revisiting.
- Tay Zonday – Tay Zonday’s viral hit “Chocolate Rain” became one of the most viewed videos on YouTube. While he may not be as popular as he once was, his early videos are still worth revisiting.
- The Gregory Brothers – The Gregory Brothers were known for their “Auto-Tune the News” videos, which became a sensation in the late 2000s. While they have since moved on to other projects, their early videos are still worth revisiting.
- Happyslip – Christine Gambito, known as Happyslip, was one of the earliest female YouTubers to gain a following. Her comedy sketches and vlogs were a hit with audiences.
- LisaNova – Lisa Donovan, known as LisaNova, was one of the earliest female YouTubers to gain a following. Her parodies and comedy sketches were a hit with audiences.
- The Station – The Station was a collaborative channel featuring a group of YouTubers, including Shay Carl and Kassem G. While the channel has since disbanded, it’s worth revisiting their early videos for a trip down memory lane.
- Rhett and Link – Rhett and Link were one of the earliest YouTube comedy duos, known for their sketches and music videos. While they have since moved on to other projects, their early videos are still worth revisiting.
- Epic Meal Time – Epic Meal Time was a cooking channel known for its over-the-top, calorie-laden recipes. While it may not be for everyone, it was undeniably popular in the
YouTubers who are no longer popular
As with any entertainment industry, the popularity of YouTube creators can rise and fall over time. Here are some YouTubers who were once popular but have since faded from the limelight.
Fred Figglehorn
Fred Figglehorn, played by Lucas Cruikshank, was one of the first YouTube stars to gain mainstream attention. His high-pitched voice and quirky antics attracted millions of viewers, leading to a movie deal and a TV show on Nickelodeon. However, his popularity declined in the early 2010s, and he has since shifted his focus to other projects, including a podcast and a role in the YouTube series “Chicken Girls.”
Shane Dawson
Shane Dawson was one of the most popular YouTubers in the late 2000s and early 2010s. He gained fame for his comedy sketches, parodies, and vlogs, and even released a memoir. However, his career has been marred by controversy in recent years, including accusations of racism and sexual misconduct. He has since taken a break from YouTube and has stated that he is re-evaluating his content.
Bart Baker
Bart Baker gained fame for his parody music videos, which often poked fun at popular songs and artists. He amassed millions of subscribers and views, but his popularity waned in the mid-2010s. He has since shifted his focus to other projects, including a podcast and a role in the YouTube series “Escape the Night.”
Jenna Marbles
Jenna Marbles was one of the most popular female YouTubers of the 2010s. She gained fame for her comedic vlogs, which often featured her dogs and her quirky personality. However, she announced in 2020 that she was quitting YouTube due to controversy over past videos that were deemed offensive. While she still has a large following on social media, she is no longer active on YouTube.
Filthy Frank
Filthy Frank, also known as Joji, gained fame for his bizarre and often offensive comedy videos. He also released music under the name Joji, and his music career has since taken off. He has stated that he has no plans to return to his Filthy Frank persona, and his YouTube channel has been inactive for several years.
While these YouTubers may no longer be as popular as they once were, they still have a place in YouTube history and their impact on the platform should not be overlooked.
Youtubers over 40/50/60
Youtubers over 40
If you think that YouTube is only for the young, think again. There are many YouTubers over 40 who have built a large following and continue to create engaging content. Some of the most popular YouTubers over 40 include:
- Casey Neistat: With over 12 million subscribers, Casey Neistat is one of the most popular YouTubers of all time. He is known for his vlogs, short films, and documentaries.
- Lilly Singh: Lilly Singh, also known as Superwoman, is a Canadian YouTuber who has over 14 million subscribers. She is known for her comedy sketches and motivational videos.
- Philip DeFranco: Philip DeFranco is an American YouTuber who has been creating content for over a decade. He has over 6 million subscribers and is known for his news commentary and opinion pieces.
Youtubers over 50
Age is just a number, and these YouTubers over 50 prove that you can still be relevant and successful on the platform. Some of the most popular YouTubers over 50 include:
- Hot and Flashy: Angie, or Hot and Flashy, is a YouTuber in her late 50s who uses her channel to speak to more mature women on how to maximize and preserve their beauty. She has nearly one million subscribers and over 133 million views.
- Melissa55: Melissa is a charming, super-Southern 60-something mother and grandmother committed to helping other women age “gracefully and beautifully” via her YouTube channel. She primarily focuses on beauty tips and product reviews.
- The Slow Mo Guys: Gavin Free and Daniel Gruchy, also known as The Slow Mo Guys, are two British YouTubers who create slow-motion videos of various experiments and stunts. They have over 13 million subscribers.
Youtubers over 60
You might think that YouTubers over 60 are few and far between, but that’s not the case. Here are some of the most popular YouTubers over 60:
- Sixty and Me: Sixty and Me is a community of over 500,000 women over 60 who come together to share their experiences and advice on a variety of topics, including beauty, health, and relationships.
- Boomer Grandpa: Boomer Grandpa is a YouTuber in his 70s who creates content about his life and experiences. He has over 100,000 subscribers and is known for his positive attitude and sense of humor.
- Margaret Manning: Margaret Manning is the founder of Sixty and Me and also has her own YouTube channel. She creates videos on a variety of topics, including fashion, beauty, and wellness, and has over 200,000 subscribers.
Whether you’re over 40, 50, or 60, these YouTubers prove that age is just a number and that anyone can create engaging content on the platform.
Impact of Old YouTubers
Influence on Internet Culture
Old YouTubers have had a significant impact on internet culture. They have paved the way for the new generation of YouTubers and have created a culture of sharing and creating content. They have also influenced the way people consume content on the internet. Old YouTubers like PewDiePie, Jenna Marbles, and Shane Dawson have millions of subscribers and have created a loyal fan base. They have also inspired many people to start their own YouTube channels.
Old YouTubers have also played a significant role in shaping the way people interact with each other on the internet. They have created a sense of community and have brought people together from all over the world. They have also helped to break down barriers and have created a platform where people can express themselves freely.
Evolution of YouTube Content
Old YouTubers have also played a significant role in the evolution of YouTube content. They have created a wide range of content, from vlogs to gaming videos to comedy sketches. They have also experimented with different formats and have pushed the boundaries of what is possible on YouTube.
Old YouTubers have also been instrumental in making YouTube a viable career option for many people. They have shown that it is possible to make a living from creating content on YouTube and have inspired many people to pursue their dreams of becoming YouTubers.
In conclusion, old YouTubers have had a significant impact on internet culture and the evolution of YouTube content. They have inspired millions of people around the world and have created a platform where people can express themselves freely. They have also helped to shape the way people interact with each other on the internet and have created a sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were some popular YouTubers in the early 2010s?
In the early 2010s, some of the most popular YouTubers were Shane Dawson, Jenna Marbles, Smosh, PewDiePie, and Ray William Johnson. They gained millions of subscribers and views, creating a new era of online content creation.
Which old YouTubers are still active today?
Some old YouTubers who are still active today include Tyler Oakley, Zoella, Miranda Sings, and Philip DeFranco. They have managed to stay relevant and adapt to the changes in the platform to maintain their fan base.
What are some popular YouTube channels from the past?
Some popular YouTube channels from the past include Fred, Annoying Orange, Charlie Bit My Finger, and Chocolate Rain. These channels went viral and became internet sensations, paving the way for future content creators.
Who are some of the most successful YouTubers of all time?
Some of the most successful YouTubers of all time include PewDiePie, Shane Dawson, Jenna Marbles, Zoella, and Tyler Oakley. They have amassed millions of subscribers, views, and sponsorships, making a successful career out of their content.
What are some old YouTube videos that went viral?
Some old YouTube videos that went viral include “Charlie Bit My Finger,” “David After Dentist,” “Chocolate Rain,” and “Evolution of Dance.” These videos were shared across social media and became cultural phenomena, influencing the platform’s evolution.
What impact have old YouTubers had on the platform’s evolution?
Old YouTubers have had a significant impact on the platform’s evolution by creating a new form of entertainment and content creation. They paved the way for future creators and influenced the platform’s algorithms and policies. Their success has also attracted mainstream media attention and opened up new opportunities for online content creators.