The New CEO: YouTube User

The internet has changed so many things about how we behave today, from the way we communicate to the way we shop, and now the way we make a living. 

The New York Times wrote about the effects of YouTube and how the online video library has given millions of users a new opportunity. One YouTube sensation featured in the article is Michael Buckley, who started his YouTube channel to publish comical rants about celebrities. With millions of views on his videos, Buckley was able to quit his job and commit solely to his YouTube career. Buckley eventually started earning $100,000 through his YouTube channel. 

This example is from 2008. Today, there are millions more users making millions more dollars every day. Today, users have also found new and innovative ways to utilize YouTube as a money-making entity. One way they do this is by partnering with brands to create sponsored content. Beauty YouTubers especially work with brands like Tarte, Clinique and Morphe to create content that features the products from those brands and receive money in exchange. 

When YouTubers create this content, they include a disclaimer under the video that often says something like, “Thank you to Clinique ( check them out here -  http://bit.ly/MannyCl ) for wanting to partner with me and letting me do this first impressions with their products, which I ended up really loving!” or “FTC DISCLAIMER:  This video is Sponsored by Clarisonic, but my thoughts and opinions are my own.” the first disclaimer is from Manny Mua, the second from Tati. 

It’s hard to determine the validity of sponsored videos. On one hand, the YouTuber is being paid to talk about the brand’s products so this might skew what they say. But, the YouTuber is always sure to explain that they tell the truth about all products they use. Also, YouTubers are often sent products for free and make money through YouTube advertising so, sponsored videos aren’t as critical.