How the Most-Subscribed YouTube Channels Got Their Start
YouTube has become a hugely popular place for people to share their content and voices—and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With over two billion people worldwide logging in every month, it’s no surprise that many of the most-subscribed YouTube channels have accumulated millions of followers.
But what sparked such an increase in subscribers? And how did this wave of top popular YouTube channels get their incredible starts? Well, let’s take a look at some of the most-subscribed YouTube channels and the stories behind them.
1: PewDiePie
Currently, the most-subscribed channel on YouTube is PewDiePie, with a whopping 106 million subscribers. The channel is the work of Swedish YouTuber, Felix Kjellberg. Kjellberg shaped his brand around gaming and by playing, creating commentary on, and reacting to popular games. With his lighthearted and funny content, Kjellberg quickly started to reap in subscribers.
Soon after, Kjellberg started to make sketches and vlogs, further connecting with his fan base. Now, apart from PewDiePie’s content, he is also a huge advocate for mental health, donating to charities monthly.
2: T-Series
T-Series is an Indian music record label and film production company. As of February 2021, it is the second most-subscribed channel on YouTube, with nearly 105 million subscribers. As the channel is focused heavily on music, most videos are of Bollywood-based soundtracks and singles.
T-Series initially had a tight race with PewDiePie to be the most-subscribed channel. Although PewDiePie won, T-Series’ subscriber rate has consistently gained subscribers, outing the channel for its quality content.
3: Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes
Coming in at number three is Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes, with nearly 102 million subscribers. Cocomelon is an educational YouTube channel that produces content for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children.
The channel consists of 3D animations, compilation videos, nursery rhyme covers, and live-action nursery rhymes and learning videos, all with catchy songs that are fun for all ages to sing along to.
4: SET India
Sony Entertainment Television or SET India holds the fourth spot, with roughly 99 million subscribers. SET India is an entertainment channel that primarily focuses on comedy, drama, reality TV shows, and movie premieres.
The channel was created to bring quality programming to those living in the Indian Ocean region. In addition to its tremendous subscriber count, the channel has a daily reach of over 600 million people.
5: Dude Perfect
Coming in at a close number five is Dude Perfect, an American sports-entertainment company. The channel has nearly 97 million subscribers and consists of segments with five friends—Coby Cotton, Cory Cotton, Cody Jones, Tyler Toney, and Garrett Hilbert—showing off their immense skill in various sports, contests, and games.
The group started out as a trick shot group and their success has only grown since then. In addition to trick shots and sped-up challenges, Dude Perfect also features content like paintball and ping pong.
Success Stories for the Most-subscribed YouTube Channels
These five channels have some of the most subscribers on YouTube and are responsible for much of the platform’s success—so what’s the secret sauce to their success?
Here are some common elements they all share:
✔ Creative Content: All five channels have creative content that speaks to their targeted audience. They create content that their viewers can relate to and enjoy.
✔ Humor: Humor is a key factor that all five of these YouTube channels have in common. Each has its own special brand of humor that speaks to their audience, which brings in subscribers.
✔ Consistency: Consistency is essential on YouTube. All five channels are consistent with their upload schedule, with new videos at least once a week, if not more often.
✔ Engagement: Engagement with viewers is also vital—all five channels respond to comments, thank subscribers, and even list their subscribers in videos.
✔ Networking: Networking with other YouTubers is also important, as it brings each channel more visibility. PewDiePie and Dude Perfect are especially effective at networking, having worked together in 2017 on a collaboration video.
The five most-subscribed YouTube channels of all time have a lot of similarities that have helped them grow and retain their large subscriber bases. From creative content to humor and networking, these are integral parts of the success stories of these YouTube channels.
Although it can be tough to make it big on YouTube, with enough effort, quality content, and engagement, anyone can create a successful channel. These five channels have proven that.