The YouTuber, whose real name is Felix Kjellberg, made a name for himself playing video games on camera. After garnering almost 50 million subscribers, he has amassed $15 million (£11.8 million) over the past year, leading his second placed rival by almost half his earnings.

However, Kjellberg`s YouTube future is currently up in the air after the Swedish star embroiled himself in a row with the very video sharing platform which made him a star. Over the weekend, he suggested he would be deleting his channel when he hits 50 million subscribers, yet on Monday claimed YouTube had listened to his concerns.

Second to Kjellberg is Roman Atwood who acquired $8million in the 12 months ending in June, 2016. The business magazine estimates that his income has grown by 70 per cent since last year thanks, partly, to an increase in viewers, a book deal and an online store.

The highest-paid female YouTuber on the list is Lilly Singh – a Canadian comedian with over 10 million subscribers – who earned £$7.5million last year, some of her revenue owing to the creation of her own products including a lipstick with Smashbox cosmetics.



Two other women make the list include baking aficionado Rosanna Pansino, who comes in at fifth place with $6 million. Colleen Ballinger, who performs under the alter ego Miranda Sings, was placed tenth on the list after earning $5million last year thanks to her stand-up tour, memoir and new Netflix series.

One of the most well known YouTubers on the list is Tyler Oakley who, since finding fame on YouTube, has also become a television presenter and prominent LGBT activist. He recently signed a deal with Ellen DeGeneres’ production company which will see him collaborate on digital projects. Last year he earned $6 million after taking part in a world tour and releasing a book of personal essays.

All in all, the list also reveals YouTubers are getting richer. The combined earnings of all ten vloggers are up 23 per cent on last year’s.

Forbes calculate YouTuber’s earnings (pre-tax and management fees) by estimates based on data from Nielsen, IMDB and interviews with agents, managers, lawyers, insiders and YouTubers themselves.

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