Forbes has compiled its first-ever list of the world’s highest-paid YouTube stars. To appear in the ranking, Internet celebrities had to make at least $2.5 million in earnings for the year ending June 1, 2015. The top 13 DIY videomakers, most under the age of 30, have earned a combined total of $54.5 million. The group includes gamers, singers, comedy teams, pranksters, a beauty blogger and a dancing violinist. While most make their revenue from online advertising, some are also branching out into traditional media such as film, TV, music and publishing. Continue reading Top YouTube Stars Using Online Success to Launch Careers

YouTube has announced the 50 winners of its 2015 YouTube Music Awards, which were selected this time around by data analysis of growth in views, subscribers and engagement during the last six months on the Google-owned video site. The honorees include mainstream acts such as Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift — in addition to YouTube stars including Lindsey Stirling and Pentatonix. The 50 artists collectively represent more than 164 million subscribers and 47 billion video views on YouTube. Continue reading YouTube Turns to Big Data for Selecting Music Awards Winners

YouTube will be hosting its first ever YouTube Music Awards on Sunday, November 3 in New York. The event will feature notable performers including Eminem, Lady Gaga and Arcade Fire, among others. It will be modeled after such events as the MTV Video Music Awards, but winners will be chosen by YouTube’s online visitors. In addition to big name artists, YouTube performers such as dubstep violinist Lindsey Stirling and CDZA will be featured. Continue reading First YouTube Music Awards to Feature Worldwide Performances