Many people only use YouTube to look up funny cat videos or watch Taylor Swift's new music videos. However, YouTube nerds such as myself know that it can be a platform for so much more. There are YouTubers that have actual careers making content for their channels. These channels can bring about opportunities for creators to do other things like write books, have record deals or even their own TV shows.
Here are 5 YouTubers that are doing that, and you should definitely be checking them out.
1. Grace Helbig
Grace Helbig, also known as itsgrace, got her start on YouTube in 2007. She makes absolutely hilarious sketch comedy videos, and has over 2 million subscribers. She has also written a book called "Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grown Up" and has another coming out in February called "Graces Style Guide: The Art of Pretending You Have It." In addition to being a New York Times best selling author, she has a hilarious podcast called "Not Too Deep," has hosted her own TV show and has acted in two movies with her best friends called "Camp Takota" and "Dirty Thirty," coming soon. I've been following this funny lady for about four years now, and you should definitely check her out.
2. Vlogbrothers
With what started out as a way to communicate with each other, Hank and John Green have turned their YouTube channel into a wonderful place that "helps decrease world suck." They have over 2 million subscribers, and they try to work with their viewers to do good. An example of this is their annual Project for Awesome. The Project for Awesome uses YouTube to raise money and awareness for tons of different charities. They also have other educational YouTube channels like CrashCourse and SciShow. I've been watching their channel for five years now, and they are a constant source of inspiration
3. MaryDoodles
Mary is one of my favorite YouTubers and artists. She deserves way more attention than she gets. She produces beautiful (and often hilarious) time lapses of her water color paintings. She is extremely talented, and has a unique style. She has helped out with creative aspects of other YouTube channels (ever heard of a little channel called Epic Rap Battles of History?) and also has started doing tutorial videos on her channel with water colors and drawing. Her videos are definitely inspiring, and just make you want to put pen to paper.
4. Pj Liguori
Pj is probably my favorite YouTuber. Pj Liguori is a UK - based YouTuber who makes short films and skits. I tell everyone who will sit still long enough to listen about Pj. He is one of the reasons I decided to pursue cinematography as a profession. All of his shorts are so well made and beautifully designed. He is one of those people who never lost an ounce of his imagination, and the way he can make up stories on the spot amazes me. Most recently his short titled "Oscars Hotel" got picked up by a production company to be made into a mini web series. Through this opportunity, he was able to work with the Jim Henson company for his puppets and even got to have Patrick Stewart voice one of the characters. Pj is a kind soul who deserves all of the good things that have come his way.
5. Olan Rogers
Olan Rogers started out with a group of friends making videos for a channel called Balloonshop in the early days of YouTube. Now he has his own channel where he still does comedy videos and tells funny stories about his life. Olan has also started his own clothing line called Olan Rogers Apparel, and has started up a scholarship fund that his viewers can apply for. Recently, he made a dream of his come true by opening up a soda parlor in Nashville. The soda parlor hosts fan appreciation nights and parties frequently, and Olan is always there to greet people and make sure they're having a good time. I got to go to one of the parties on a trip to Nashville and meet Olan. I can honestly say he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He always goes above and beyond for those who watch his videos, and his infectious laugh can make anyone's day brighter.
