The Complete Overview of the Most Popular YouTubers in 2017
By mid-2017, YouTube’s top tier was a mix of established titans and breakout stars. PewDiePie, with his chaotic commentary and gaming dominance, remained the undisputed leader, though his reign was increasingly contested. His channel, *PewDiePie*, had amassed over 60 million subscribers, but his cultural relevance was being challenged by a new generation of creators who prioritized spectacle over personality. Meanwhile, *MrBeast (then known as *EvanTube*)* was experimenting with viral stunts—like burying himself in ice or eating spicy foods—that would later define his brand. These weren’t just videos; they were blueprints for future content strategies. The most popular YouTubers of 2017 operated in distinct niches, yet all shared a common trait: they understood the platform’s evolving psychology. *Fine Brothers* leveraged humor and relatability to turn mundane topics into gold, while *Dude Perfect* mastered the art of high-production-value trick shots, proving that even non-gaming content could dominate. Behind the scenes, analytics tools like TubeBuddy and VidIQ became essential for creators to track performance, optimize thumbnails, and predict trends. The era of guesswork was over—data was king.Historical Background and Evolution
YouTube’s growth in 2017 wasn’t linear; it was a series of seismic shifts. The platform had spent years refining its recommendation algorithm, but 2017 marked the moment when it became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Creators who could trigger binge-watching sessions—like *Dream* with his ASMR or *Markiplier* with his gaming narratives—were rewarded with exponential reach. The rise of *YouTube Red* (later YouTube Premium) also forced creators to adapt, as exclusive content became a new revenue stream. The most popular YouTubers of 2017 had to balance two realities: pleasing the algorithm and maintaining audience loyalty. PewDiePie’s decline in late 2017 wasn’t just about controversy—it was a symptom of a broader trend. Viewers were fragmenting. Some craved the raw energy of *Jacksepticeye*, others sought the polished production of *Liza Koshy*, and a third group followed *GothamChimp*’s absurdist humor. The platform’s diversity was its strength, but it also meant no single creator could dominate forever.Core Mechanisms: How It Works
At its core, YouTube’s 2017 algorithm was a feedback loop. The more a video retained viewers, the more aggressively it was pushed. Creators like *MrBeast* (then *EvanTube*) understood this instinctively—their early videos often featured cliffhangers or extreme stakes to maximize watch time. Meanwhile, *Collab* channels like *The Try Guys* or *EpicMealTime* thrived by creating interactive, community-driven content that encouraged comments and shares. Monetization played a critical role. YouTube’s Partner Program had lowered its thresholds, allowing smaller channels to earn revenue sooner. Sponsorships became a science: brands like *Logitech* or *Red Bull* didn’t just pay for ads—they co-created content. The most popular YouTubers of 2017 weren’t just influencers; they were partners in marketing, with some channels generating millions per year from a mix of ads, merchandise, and affiliate links.Key Benefits and Crucial Impact
The most popular YouTubers of 2017 didn’t just entertain—they redefined entertainment. They turned gaming into a spectator sport, made pranks a global phenomenon, and proved that even the most mundane topics could captivate millions. For brands, the impact was immediate: traditional advertising was losing ground to creator collaborations. A single YouTube ad could reach more people than a Super Bowl spot, and the engagement was far higher. Yet the influence wasn’t just commercial. These creators shaped internet culture. Memes spread faster, challenges went viral overnight, and even political discourse was influenced by YouTube’s recommendation engine. The platform had become a primary source of information, humor, and debate—sometimes all at once.*"YouTube in 2017 wasn’t just a website; it was a parallel universe where creators had more power than traditional media outlets. The most popular YouTubers weren’t celebrities—they were architects of digital culture."* — **Matt Gyllenhaal, former YouTube Trends Analyst**
Major Advantages
- Direct Audience Connection: Unlike TV or film, YouTube allowed creators to interact with fans via comments, live streams, and community posts. This intimacy built loyalty that traditional media couldn’t match.
- Low Barrier to Entry: A smartphone and an idea were all it took to start a channel. This democratization led to an explosion of diverse voices, from *Liza Koshy*’s comedy to *TomSka*’s niche tech reviews.
- Monetization Flexibility: Beyond ads, creators could earn from sponsorships, Patreon, merchandise, and even crowdfunding. The most popular YouTubers of 2017 diversified income streams to future-proof their careers.
- Algorithm Advantage: YouTube’s recommendation system acted as a built-in marketing team. A single viral video could catapult an unknown creator into the top 10 overnight.
- Global Reach Without Borders: Language wasn’t a barrier. Creators like *PewDiePie* (Swedish) or *Kurzgesagt* (German) proved that high-quality content could transcend cultural and linguistic divides.
Comparative Analysis
| Creator | Niche & Key Traits |
|---|---|
| PewDiePie | Gaming commentary, chaotic humor, massive subscriber base. Dominated early 2017 but faced backlash later in the year. |
| MrBeast (EvanTube) | Extreme challenges, high-stakes content, early experiments with viral hooks. Laid groundwork for his future empire. |
| Fine Brothers | Relatable humor, everyday topics, strong community engagement. Proved niche content could scale. |
| Dude Perfect | High-production trick shots, brand partnerships, family-run operation. Mastered the art of sponsorship integration. |
Future Trends and Innovations
By the end of 2017, it was clear that YouTube’s future would be shaped by two forces: technology and creator innovation. Short-form content (later YouTube Shorts) was already being tested, and creators like *MrBeast* were experimenting with longer, cinematic storytelling. The rise of *YouTube TV* also signaled a shift toward live and on-demand content, blurring the lines between traditional TV and digital platforms. The most popular YouTubers of 2017 had to adapt or risk obsolescence. Those who embraced data-driven content, diversified revenue streams, and engaged with their audiences directly thrived. Meanwhile, the platform itself was preparing for the next phase: AI-driven recommendations, virtual reality experiments, and even potential regulatory challenges around misinformation.William Betts 2016 birdlifephotography.org_.au'.jpg?w=800&strip=all)
Conclusion
2017 was the year YouTube stopped being a hobby and became a serious industry. The most popular YouTubers of that era weren’t just content creators—they were pioneers who navigated a rapidly changing landscape. Some, like PewDiePie, faced controversies that tested their longevity. Others, like MrBeast, laid the foundation for what would become a billion-dollar brand. The lessons from 2017 remain relevant today: adaptability, audience connection, and understanding the algorithm are the keys to sustained success. As we look back, it’s clear that the most popular YouTubers of 2017 didn’t just reflect their time—they helped shape it. Their influence extended beyond the platform, proving that digital creativity could rival traditional media in impact, reach, and cultural relevance.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Who was the most subscribed YouTuber in 2017?
A: PewDiePie held the top spot for most of 2017, though his subscriber count was later surpassed by T-Series in early 2018. At its peak, *PewDiePie* had over 62 million subscribers.
Q: How did MrBeast’s early videos differ from other creators in 2017?
A: MrBeast (then EvanTube) focused on extreme challenges and high-stakes content, often incorporating elements like time limits, physical risks, or absurd premises. Unlike many creators who relied on gaming or vlogs, he prioritized spectacle and virality.
Q: What role did sponsorships play for the most popular YouTubers in 2017?
A: Sponsorships became a primary revenue stream, with brands like *Logitech*, *Red Bull*, and *Amazon* partnering with creators. Channels like *Dude Perfect* integrated sponsorships seamlessly into their content, while others used affiliate links and Patreon to diversify income.
Q: Did the YouTube algorithm favor certain types of content in 2017?
A: Yes. The algorithm prioritized videos with high watch time and engagement (likes, comments, shares). Creators who could trigger binge-watching—like *Dream* with ASMR or *Markiplier* with storytelling—were rewarded with greater reach.
Q: How did niche creators like Fine Brothers compete with gaming giants?
A: They focused on relatability, humor, and community engagement. *Fine Brothers* proved that even non-gaming content could scale by tapping into universal experiences, while maintaining a strong connection with their audience through comments and live interactions.
Q: What was the biggest controversy involving a top YouTuber in 2017?
A: PewDiePie faced backlash for controversial comments in his videos, leading to brand partnerships being dropped. While he remained popular, the incident marked a turning point in how YouTube handled creator accountability.
Q: How did YouTube Red (Premium) affect creators in 2017?
A: YouTube Red offered creators an additional revenue stream through exclusive content. While adoption was slow, it forced creators to consider premium offerings, setting the stage for future monetization strategies like memberships and Super Chats.
