By Vanessa Lea Online
Did you know that YouTube was founded in 2005 by three former PayPal employees—Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim? At first, they wanted to create a dating website, but things didn’t go as planned. The first video ever uploaded to the site was “Me at the Zoo,” and it was an instant hit!
From there, more and more people began sharing funny videos of themselves and their pets. Eventually, YouTube became known as the best place to watch and share videos. In 2006, Google bought YouTube for a whopping $1.65 billion!
Today, YouTube has over 2 billion active monthly users, making it the go-to platform for videos of all kinds. From entertainment to education, YouTube has something for everyone.
Many YouTubers have achieved success that defies the logic of the average person. Have you ever wondered how these channels achieve financial success? It’s mindblowing how creating good-quality video content has made millionaires by utilizing this popular video-sharing platform.
If you’ve ever considered starting a successful YouTube channel to earn more money for your business or as a source of income from YouTube itself, it’s essential to understand that success and profitability will require a plan, strategy, and consistency, whether it’s for your business or personal entertainment.
Enter Derral Eves, the author of “The YouTube Formula.” This book is a comprehensive guide to creating, growing, and monetizing a successful YouTube channel.
As you can see from the image to your left, I am utterly infatuated with this book.
“The YouTube Formula” covers everything from creating great video ideas to optimizing your videos for search engines and building a loyal audience. One of the key takeaways is the importance of creating engaging and shareable content.
Eves emphasizes the need to create videos that provide value to your viewers, whether through entertainment, education, or inspiration. He also provides tips on how to make your videos more engaging, such as using eye-catching thumbnails and creating a strong hook at the beginning.
Another important aspect covered in the book is the role of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) in growing your channel. Eves explains using keywords and tags effectively to boost your videos’ visibility in search results and attract more viewers. 
He also advises his readers to “know your numbers” using analytics to monitor channel performance and make data-driven decisions to enhance content and increase viewership.
Although the book is valuable, the most significant part is Eves’s insights on monetizing your channel. He analyzes ways to earn money from your videos, such as ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and, my favorite, affiliate marketing.
Additionally, he shares his experiences and strategies for negotiating deals with brands and establishing a stable income stream from your channel.
Eves’ practical advice and actionable insights set “The YouTube Formula” apart from other YouTube books. He doesn’t just give you general tips; he provides specific strategies and examples to apply to your channel. And he does it all in a clear and concise writing style that’s easy to understand.
“The YouTube Formula” is a fantastic resource for those who want to start or elevate a YouTube channel. It provides actionable advice and real-world examples to help you grow your channel and achieve financial success. So, if you’re serious about building a successful YouTube channel for your affiliate marketing business or just for fun, add this book to your reading list!
GET YOUR COPY HERE! (Note: this is an affiliate link. I will receive a small commission from sales)
Below are the top 10 YouTube channels in 2024. While some channels have been around for years, others are newer to the platform. However, one thing is sure – they all have a massive following and continue producing engaging and entertaining content for their fans.
According to Derral Eves, to create a successful and engaging YouTube channel, one should analyze the most popular channels on the platform to understand what makes them successful.
You can be sure that I will review all of these channels, noting video titles, thumbnails, descriptions, and content to educate myself better and succeed on my channel.
1. T-Series
T-Series is an Indian music label and film production company that has taken YouTube by storm. With over 264 million subscribers, T-Series is the second most subscribed channel on the platform.
2. MrBeast
MrBeast is a YouTube channel that features various content, including challenges, pranks, and philanthropy. With over 255 million subscribers, MrBeast has become a household name. Derral Eves, the author of “The YouTube Formula,” asked Mr.Beast to write the forward for the book, which he happily obliged.
Cocomelon is a channel dedicated to children’s music and nursery rhymes. With over 174 million subscribers, this channel has become a favorite among parents and children.
4. SET India
SET India is a Hindi entertainment channel that offers a variety of content, including TV shows, movies, and web series. With over 171 million subscribers, SET India is one of the most-watched channels on YouTube.
5. PewDiePie
With over 100 million subscribers, PewDiePie continues to be the king of YouTube. Known for his gaming content and vlogs, PewDiePie has a massive following and is loved by fans worldwide.
5-Minute Crafts is a channel that offers quick and easy DIY videos. With over 80 million subscribers, this channel has become a go-to for anyone looking for creative and fun ideas.
Canal KondZilla is a Brazilian music video producer who has become a global sensation. With over 60 million subscribers, Canal KondZilla is known for producing high-quality music videos for some of the biggest names in the music industry.
8. Dude Perfect
Dude Perfect is a channel dedicated to sports and entertainment. With over 60 million subscribers, Dude Perfect has become known for its epic trick shots and stunts.
The Slow Mo Guys channel features slow-motion videos of various experiments and stunts. With over 15 million subscribers, this channel has become known for its visually stunning and entertaining content.
10. Zoella
Zoella is a lifestyle and beauty channel that offers a variety of content, including makeup tutorials, vlogs, and product reviews. With over 10 million subscribers, Zoella has become a go-to for anyone looking for beauty and lifestyle inspiration.
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Until then, Stay Curious, Stay Inspired, And Stay True…
I think that what we see with the explosion of channels like T-Series and SET India is how much potential for growth there is, and as more and more people throughout the world gain access to YouTube it’s just going to get bigger. There is still so much potential there.
So, you’re not going to believe this, but I recently purchased this very book… I’m just waiting to start reading it! I have heard it’s an excellent book, and should be considered required reading if you plan to do anything on YouTube. After reading your post, I realized I need to make it a bigger priority to sit down and start reading the book! I’m glad to see it has impacted you as much as it has.
Thank you, Vanessa, I have purchased the book and will review the sites you’ve added. I am looking forward to learning more about Youtube. Is it your primary platform?
Yes, I have chosen it as my primary platform… It is absolutely intriguing. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I have.
Hi Vanessa,
So much awesome info about YouTube! Your summarizing of the book is very useful and Made me put it on my list of need to read, before I attempt YouTube. Thanks for the list of top YouTube sites, I’ll have to check them out as well 🙂
Denny
Vanessa, thanks for sharing this fascinating journey through the history and success stories of YouTube. It’s incredible to see how a simple idea turned into a global phenomenon. Learning about the strategies and insights from “The YouTube Formula” sounds like a valuable resource for anyone looking to make their mark on the platform. Can’t wait to hear more about your own experiences and discoveries as you navigate the world of YouTube! Keep up the great work, thanks, Atif
Vanessa,
The YouTube Formula book is awesome. I especially like the master class that comes with it. As far as I’m concerned it is pure gold for the person wanting to do a YouTube channel. You also need to check out Derral Eves’ YouTube channel. It provides a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for sharing your insights on getting stared with YouTube.
CJ
Vanessa,
I also have the Book The YouTube Formula and I agree it is a great read. So much to be learned from this book. I will check out your links of the most popular channels and will also be analyzing them to see how I can help my channel grow.
Sherri
I posted something earlier but my internet went out in the middle of me hitting send so if this post is redundant, I apologize. This is such great information on YouTube, I have been investigating this platform for a while. Your review on the book is comprehensive and I may just need to check it out. Thanks for the list on popular channel to checkout, This is a good way to learn for those that are successful, Have a great week!
Hi Vanessa, Good book review, now you got me, I want this book too… However I think it’s better for me to wait a little. If I go to YouTube now I will be overwhelmed. As I try to get better at TikTok, I’m planning my way for YouTube at same time little by little. Just not decided yet what I will do and how I will do it. Also will I choose English or French, I don’t yet know. English will get me in front of a larger audience but I will be more at ease an natural in French, and to make longer videos, this is quite an advantage.
Thanks for your list of YouTube channels. It’s a good idea to start learning from their success.
Have a nice day
Martin
Hi Vanessa,
I might need to get that book on YouTube you have there. You have a lot of useful information in it. I was going to have TikTok as my first main platform, but now with it being banned I’m not so sure if that’s a good idea. YouTube might have to be my first choice of platform now. Thank you for all the useful information. Keep it up! I look forward to your next post.
Meredith
Thanks for sharing insights from ‘The YouTube Formula’ – it sounds like a must-read for anyone looking to succeed on the platform. And those top 10 channels offer some serious inspiration for aspiring YouTubers. Looking forward to your future reviews and insights!
Also, I like your blog appearance, a nice design, is it a free or paid theme? TIA
Isn’t this book great!!! I am still devouring it, and it comes with a FREE class, I really had no idea how much potential this platform has and how many people make a living as YouTubers, thank you for sharing this information, for those thinking about YouTube this is a must have book!
Hi Vanessa!
I am so happy that I came to your blog post today! This is so exciting and inspirational!
Firstly, I am excited that you have taken to learning more about YouTube. I’m very interested in watching you grow your channel!
Secondly, thank you for inspiring me with your book review about starting and growing a YT channel.
This came right while I was considering YT, but I am hesitant to begin.
All the best!
Milissa Neirotti
This is my next challenge I need to set myself. Thank you for the list of YouTubers. That’s a brilliant idea, and I will start by researching and looking at what makes a YouTuber successful. Currently, I struggle to talk for more than a minute on TT so I’m put off with long video content. I think I will have to start off with YouTube shorts to build up my confidence!
I’m looking forward to your next blog, and seeing the next part of your journey.