YouTube hosts millions of free videos across every genre imaginable, turning content creation into a lucrative full-time career for countless creators. Curious about the biggest YouTube stars earning millions? Drawing from years of tracking platform trends, we've ranked the top 10 most subscribed channels by subscriber count, sharing their secrets to success and honest advice on whether to subscribe.
Note: Subscriber counts were accurate at the time of writing but will change over time.
Subscribers: 27.795 million | Views: 2.259 billion | Genre: Comedy
One of just two independent channels in the top 10, this belongs to Brazilian artist Whindersson Nunes Batista. He shares song parodies, movie reviews, and casual vlogs filmed shirtless in a simple room with minimal editing. His hit video, “Qual é a Senha Do Wifi (What is the Wi-Fi password?),” parodies Adele's "Hello."
Should you subscribe? Primarily in Portuguese without subtitles, it's ideal for Portuguese speakers but skippable for others.
Subscribers: 28.053 million | Views: 6.360 billion | Genre: Games, Comedy
Spanish YouTuber Rubén Doblas Gundersen runs this gaming-focused channel, mixed with vlogs and comedy sketches. Gaming remains one of YouTube's hottest genres—check our guide to the 10 Most Popular Types of YouTube Videos You Can Make Today for more insights.
Non-Spanish speakers can enjoy many videos via fan-provided English subtitles (look for the CC icon). Our roundup of the 7 Best Tools to Manage Subtitles/CC on YouTube can help you get started.
Should you subscribe? Great if you love gaming commentary and don't mind subtitles.
Subscribers: 28.094 million | Views: 14.517 billion | Genre: Music
VEVO, backed by Universal, Sony, and Warner, delivers official music videos. Taylor Swift's global stardom naturally draws massive subscribers. Dive into the evolution with our piece on Music Videos From MTV To YouTube: A Brief History.
Should you subscribe? Essential for Swift fans wanting easy access to her videos; skip if she's not your style.
Subscribers: 28.236 million | Views: 4.939 billion | Genre: Sports, Comedy
College friends turned pros, Dude Perfect specializes in sports trick shots, challenges, and hilarious event stereotypes. They've snagged multiple Guinness World Records since launching in 2009, prioritizing quality over quantity with selective uploads.
Should you subscribe? A must unless you dislike sports or humor—the tricks and skits are spot-on fun.
Subscribers: 28.975 million | Views: 12.580 billion | Genre: Music
This non-VEVO channel from hitmaker Ed Sheeran features music videos, official audio, live performances, and promos.
Should you subscribe? Perfect if you love his music; otherwise, pass. Note his Twitter exit amid fan drama—details in Ed Sheeran Quits Twitter Because People Are Mean.
Subscribers: 29.687 million | Views: 14.522 billion | Genre: Music
Brazilian producer Konrad Cunha Dantas (KondZilla) directs Portuguese-language music videos, uploading frequently—over two dozen last month alone—with little variety beyond tunes.
Should you subscribe? Limited appeal for English speakers without Portuguese fluency, unless the beats hook you.
Subscribers: 33.482 million | Views: 3.438 billion | Genre: Comedy
Chilean creator Germán Alejandro Garmendia Aranis earned two Diamond Play Buttons for relatable comedy on daily life. Sadly inactive since 2016 due to fan harassment (detailed on his active gaming channel JuegaGerman, #16 overall).
Should you subscribe? Archives have subtitles, making them accessible despite inactivity; skip if preferring fresh content.
Subscribers: 34.505 million | Views: 17.086 billion | Genre: Music
Bieber dominates socials, though "Baby" tops annoyance lists—see our Top 10 Most Obnoxious YouTube Videos Of All Time. Expect classics like "Never Say Never" and album tracks; updates tie to new releases.
Should you subscribe? For die-hards awaiting albums; others can pass.
Subscribers: 39.191 million | Views: 33.739 billion | Genre: Music
India's Bollywood powerhouse leads in total views, uploading Hindi music videos, audio, and promos at a frantic pace (40+ last week). No English subs.
Should you subscribe? For India/Bollywood fans—prep with our 18 Apps You Need to Download to Travel to India; others may enjoy the music visually.
Subscribers: 61.533 million | Views: 17.363 billion | Genre: Comedy, Games
Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie) has reigned since 2013 with Let's Plays, meme reviews, and vlogs. His endorsements boost indie games, weathering controversies with undeniable charisma.
Should you subscribe? Yes for gaming, comedy, or curiosity about his phenomenon.
These giants are just the start—YouTube brims with hidden gems. Explore wild ones in our 11 Crazy YouTube Channels You Need To See To Believe.
