Women taking control on YouTube

Women are building franchises and empires online in ways which demonstrate they are taking control of their own image. They’re creating new models of business empowerment on the web. From comedians to beauty stars, these video creators have created brands for themselves through their YouTube channels and are making money from the platform.

1. youtube.com/user/JennaMarbles – Jenna Marbles (subscribers: 10.2 million)

Marbles is the most subscribed to woman on YouTube. Her videos are a blend of comedy, life vlogging and skits. She also has a line of merchandise including soft toy replicas of her two dogs.

Jenna Marbles

2. youtube.com/user/MichellePhan – Michelle Phan (subscribers: 4.5 million)

Phan was a trained artist and turned her talents to make-up artistry on YouTube. She is now a brand ambassador for the beauty label Lancome.

3. youtube.com/Macbarbie07 – Macbarbie07 (subscribers: 2.8 million)

Bethany Mota looks like your average girl next door, but she is one of the most popular young beauty and style gurus on YouTube. Balancing schoolwork and a thriving YouTube channel, Mota vlogs about outfits, easy make-up tips and much more.

4. youtube.com/user/lindseystomp – Lindsey Stomp (subscribers: 2.8 million)

Lindsey Stirling, aka Lindsey Stomp, is revitalising violin music and selling out global concerts with her rabid YouTube fan base. Recently signed with Lady Gaga’s manager, Stirling is holding her own in the music world with positions on the electronic and classical Billboard charts.

5. youtube.com/user/dailygrace – Daily Grace (subscribers: 1.8 million)

Grace Helbig has a daily show of comedy skits where she talks about her life, does reviews and even how-to videos. Get a sense of Grace through her attempt to re-enact Anna Kendrick’s Cup Song.

6. youtube.com/user/zoella280390 – Zoella (subscribers: 1.7 million)

Zoella is the sweetest make-up and style guru from the UK. She does tutorials, product reviews and generally curates life and style videos for her audience. She also offers an easy-to-follow everyday make-up routine.

7. youtube.com/user/ijustine – iJustine (subscribers: 1.6 million)

Comedienne iJustine is the whole package. She says she never went to the prom at high school because she went to a LAN party (read: geeky gaming night) instead. She has a comedy channel, as well as a gaming one, and recently started a beauty and style channel, too.

Rosanna Pansino

8. youtube.com/user/RosannaPansino – Rosanna Pansino (subscribers: 884K)

Pansino is a chef like no other: her favorite videos are all about “nerdy nummies” as she calls them: tributes to favorite nerdy movies, video games and more. Whether it’s an Indiana Jones Monkey Brain Cake or something from Super Mario Brothers, Pansino is bright, cheery and has got you covered. Get a sense of Pansino through her amazing Star Wars cake tutorial.

9. youtube.com/user/blogilates – Cassey Ho (subs: 772k)

Cassey and her Blogilates Pilates channel has over 55 million views – she knows how to get her audience to work out using videos and Top 40 songs. Ho began professional life as a pilates teacher: now she teaches thousands of fans on her channel and earns her living from YouTube.

Issa Rae

10. youtube.com/user/actingrl112 – Issa Rae (subscribers: 132k)

Her channel is home to her comedic web series, The Misadventures Of Awkward Black Girl and roomieloverfriends. She also creates mockumentaries and music videos dealing with race and gender. Issa successfully funded a new series of Awkward Black Girl on Kickstarter and has a new book coming out soon.