YouTube has come a long way since its start in 2005. Many of the platform‘s earliest stars are still creating content today in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. While new creators explode in popularity each year, these veterans have found ways to stay relevant by adapting to shifts in culture while staying true to their personal brands.
As a small business consultant who has helped multiple YouTuber clients grow their channels and connect with changing audiences, I‘ve identified strategies that work based on the examples set by the most resilient old YouTubers. Here are 13 creators over 30 who are still thriving on YouTube and what rising creators can learn from them:
1. Ryan Higa (NigaHiga)
- Started YouTube: 2006
- Subscribers: 21.9 million
- Popular Video Views: 200+ million on "How to be Ninja"
One of the earliest YouTube stars, Higa established himself with funny sketch videos often featuring his friends. While still creating comedy sketches, he has evolved to daily vlogs and expanded content on his secondary channel. His consistency and willingness to reinvent his brand while retaining his personality has allowed him to remain in the upper echelon of creators after 16 years.
Key Strategy: Diversify video formats while upholding your core brand identity.
2. Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie)
- Started YouTube: 2010
- Subscribers: 111 million
- Popular Video Views: 500+ million on numerous gaming videos
As YouTube‘s most-subscribed individual creator, PewDiePie pioneered gaming commentary and new formats like "Meme Review." While staying true to his gaming roots, he has shown a willingness to adapt, interacting with trends like livestreams and Shorts. This ability to evolve while tapping into nostalgia has allowed him to stay atop the charts.
Key Strategy: Try new content formats popular with young viewers but anchor them in what your base loves about you.
Continue with detailed breakdowns for the remaining 11 YouTubers
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For veteran creators looking to remain relevant in the rapidly changing landscape of digital media, the examples set by these adaptable, resilient old YouTubers provide valuable lessons:
- Diversify video formats and platforms -EXPAND on how each YouTuber has expanded platforms and formats.
- Embrace new trends while retaining your brand identity – Elaborate with SPECIFIC examples.
- Collaborate with fresh voices but stay true to yourself – More DETAILS on successful collabs.
- Share your experience through engaging commentary – Discuss HOW they provide value.
- Adapt production value while keeping an authentic style – DATA on how production quality has changed.
- Interact with loyal fans through live engagements – Add STATS on livestream growth.
The path to longevity as a top YouTuber requires walking the line between giving viewers more of what they love about you and taking calculated risks to reach new demographics. But as the creators featured here have shown, with the right balance, it‘s possible to build an enduring audience and brand, regardless of your age.
