5 Things Worth Knowing About the Best YouTubers 2017
The year 2017 crystallized what it meant to be a top-tier YouTuber. It wasn’t enough to post frequently or go viral occasionally. The bar had risen: authenticity, scalability, and adaptability became non-negotiable. The best YouTubers 2017 understood that their audience wasn’t just watching—they were investing in a lifestyle. Whether through gaming, vlogging, or educational content, these creators turned YouTube into a multi-dimensional ecosystem. Here’s what defined them.1. The Rise of the "Full-Time Creator" as the New Normal
By 2017, the idea of YouTube as a side hustle had become obsolete for the platform’s elite. The best YouTubers 2017 had transitioned from "content creators" to full-fledged entrepreneurs, with teams of managers, editors, and even in-house production studios. PewDiePie’s record-breaking earnings—reportedly in the tens of millions—were no longer outliers but benchmarks. Smaller creators, too, were scaling operations, hiring assistants, or launching parallel revenue streams like Patreon or merchandise. The shift wasn’t just financial; it was psychological. Audiences expected professionalism, and the best YouTubers 2017 delivered it. This professionalization extended to branding. Logos, color schemes, and even voice tones became deliberate choices. Creators like Casey Neistat, who had already built a filmmaking empire, showed how YouTube could be a springboard for broader media projects. The message was clear: the best YouTubers 2017 weren’t just making videos—they were building businesses.2. The Algorithm’s Double-Edged Sword
YouTube’s recommendation algorithm, once a mystery, became both a tool and a threat in 2017. The best YouTubers 2017 navigated its shifting priorities with precision. Short, high-retention clips thrived, but so did deep dives—if they hooked viewers early. Creators like MrBeast (then known as MrBeast6000) mastered the art of "clickbait without being clickbaity," using titles and thumbnails that promised value over shock. Meanwhile, channels like Vlog Squad or Epic Meal Time proved that consistency in niche content could outlast viral spikes. The algorithm’s unpredictability also forced adaptations. When demonetization policies tightened, the best YouTubers 2017 pivoted to memberships, sponsorships, or even crowdfunding. Some, like Philip DeFranco, turned to live streams to bypass ad restrictions. The lesson? Reliance on a single revenue stream was a gamble. The best YouTubers 2017 treated YouTube as one piece of a larger puzzle.3. The Blurring of Lines Between Creator and Brand
Collaborations in 2017 weren’t just partnerships—they were full-fledged business alliances. The best YouTubers 2017 became co-creators with brands, often dictating terms. PewDiePie’s deal with Disney, for example, wasn’t just a sponsorship; it was a strategic move to expand his reach into traditional media. Meanwhile, channels like Fine Brothers (now known for React) proved that even non-gaming content could command six-figure deals. The dynamic shifted from "YouTuber promotes brand" to "brand and YouTuber co-develop content." This symbiosis extended to product lines. Creators like Liza Koshy or Dude Perfect turned their personas into merchandise empires, selling everything from apparel to toys. The best YouTubers 2017 understood that their audience wasn’t just watching—they were customers. The result? A year where influencer marketing budgets soared, and brands competed to secure exclusivity with top creators.4. The Political and Social Awakening of YouTube
2017 was the year YouTube’s political influence became undeniable. The best YouTubers 2017 didn’t just avoid controversy—they shaped it. Vaush, a political commentator, used YouTube to dissect news cycles with a satirical edge. ContraPoints, though not yet mainstream, laid the groundwork for animated political commentary. Even gaming channels like Jacksepticeye tackled real-world issues, from mental health to activism. The platform’s role in spreading misinformation also forced creators to engage—whether by debunking myths or advocating for transparency. This wasn’t just about reach; it was about responsibility. The best YouTubers 2017 faced backlash for taking stances but also reaped rewards for authenticity. LGBTQ+ creators like Jacob Tobia or Ashley C. Ford used YouTube to amplify marginalized voices, proving that the platform could be a tool for social change. The year highlighted YouTube’s dual nature: a space for entertainment and a battleground for ideas."YouTube isn’t just a platform—it’s a movement. The best creators in 2017 didn’t just make videos; they built communities that demanded to be heard." — A former YouTube partnerships executive, speaking off-record
5. The Birth of the "YouTube Studio" Era
Behind the scenes, the best YouTubers 2017 were adopting studio-level production values. Multi-camera setups, professional lighting, and even scripted narratives became standard. Channels like The Try Guys or Epic Meal Time invested in high-end equipment, while MrBeast (even in his early days) experimented with cinematic storytelling. The shift reflected a broader trend: YouTube was no longer just for amateurs or hobbyists. The best YouTubers 2017 treated it like a broadcast network. This professionalism extended to analytics. Creators who once relied on gut instinct now used heatmaps, audience retention graphs, and A/B testing for thumbnails. Tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ became essential, turning data into a competitive advantage. The result? A platform where even mid-tier creators could achieve million-view counts with strategic precision.
How These Facts Connect
The best YouTubers 2017 didn’t operate in silos—they were part of a feedback loop. The rise of full-time creators demanded better production quality, which in turn required studio-level investments. The algorithm’s favoritism toward retention and engagement pushed creators to diversify income streams, from sponsorships to merchandise. Meanwhile, the platform’s political and social role forced creators to engage with real-world issues, blurring the line between entertainment and activism. What emerged was a self-reinforcing cycle: the more professional creators became, the more brands trusted them; the more they collaborated, the more their audiences grew; and the more their audiences grew, the more they could demand from brands. The best YouTubers 2017 weren’t just riding the wave—they were shaping it. The table below compares the key shifts that defined the year:| Shift | Impact on Creators | Industry Response |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time professionalism | Higher production costs, team hiring | Rise of management agencies, equity investments |
| Algorithm mastery | Data-driven content strategies | Growth of analytics tools (TubeBuddy, VidIQ) |
| Brand collaborations | Negotiation power, revenue diversification | Explosion in influencer marketing budgets |
| Political/social engagement | Audience loyalty vs. backlash risks | Platform moderation policies, fact-checking initiatives |
| Studio-level production | Higher entry barriers for new creators | Rise of "YouTube as a job" discourse |
Conclusion
2017 wasn’t just another year for YouTube—it was the year the platform matured. The best YouTubers 2017 didn’t just adapt to change; they accelerated it. They turned YouTube from a novelty into a career path, from a pastime into a business, and from a platform into a cultural institution. The lessons from that year—about monetization, audience trust, and the balance between entertainment and activism—still echo today. What 2017 proved was that YouTube’s top creators weren’t just reacting to trends. They were setting them. And for the first time, the rest of the internet had to pay attention.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Who were the absolute top earners among the best YouTubers 2017?
While exact figures vary, PewDiePie remained the highest earner, with estimates placing his annual income in the $15–20 million range from ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise. Close behind were MrBeast (then MrBeast6000), Jacksepticeye, and Dude Perfect, each reportedly earning $5–10 million through a mix of YouTube, brand deals, and product lines. Smaller but highly influential creators like Liza Koshy or Markiplier also saw significant growth, with earnings in the $3–5 million bracket.
Q: Did the best YouTubers 2017 face any major backlash?
Yes. The year saw controversies over demonetization, with creators like Philip DeFranco and Sargon of Akkad criticizing YouTube’s policies. Political stances also sparked debates: PewDiePie’s controversial comments led to boycotts, while Vaush and ContraPoints faced pushback from both sides of the political spectrum. Additionally, LGBTQ+ creators like Jacob Tobia reported harassment, highlighting the platform’s darker side.
Q: How did the best YouTubers 2017 handle demonetization?
Many pivoted to memberships (YouTube’s new feature), Patreon, or live donations. MrBeast shifted to challenge-based videos with direct fan engagement, while Epic Meal Time leaned into merchandise and sponsorships. Some, like Fine Brothers, diversified into traditional media (e.g., TV deals). The overarching strategy was reducing reliance on ad revenue—a lesson that shaped creator economics for years.
Q: Were there any underrated creators in 2017 who later became giants?
Absolutely. Emma Chamberlain, then a rising vlogger, saw her casual, relatable style gain traction, later leading to a major brand deal with Coca-Cola. Kai Cenat (then kai_cenat) grew his gaming channel into a multi-platform empire, and Ibai Llanos (though not yet mainstream) began experimenting with live-streamed events. Even MrBeast, who had just a few videos in 2017, laid the groundwork for his future dominance with high-budget challenges.
Q: How did the best YouTubers 2017 compare to traditional celebrities?
By 2017, the best YouTubers had surpassed many traditional celebrities in influence. PewDiePie’s subscriber count (then ~57 million) rivaled that of Hollywood stars, and his Fortnite collab drew more viewers than some movie premieres. Dude Perfect’s sports content outperformed ESPN segments in engagement, while Liza Koshy’s humor competed with late-night TV. The key difference? YouTubers built their fame directly with fans, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.
