Top 10 Queens of YouTube: Where Are They Now?

In the past, quality sex education was something you could only hope for in the classroom. However, YouTubers like Laci Green have helped to expand access to informed teachings on this essential topic. Millions have tuned into Green’s videos on topics like good hygiene and consent. And her fun but also educational content helped land her a gig hosting MTV’s first YouTube channel, “MTV Braless”. In 2016, she was named as one of the 30 most influential people on the internet by Time. Green’s output on her own channel has slowed down in recent years, but she’s expanded her horizons, including publishing a book and starting a podcast.

LeLe Pons came to viral fame on Vine. But after that video platform went offline, she easily pivoted to the world of YouTube. She became one of the most popular comedy YouTubers, with creative, relatable, and outright absurd videos, enhanced by her incredible timing and energy. Some of her best videos involve sending-up famous pop culture figures. Hollywood took notice of Pons’ talents. In 2015, she had the horror honor of being Ghostface’s first victim in the “Scream” TV series. She’s also appeared in music videos by artists like Camila Cabello and Blink-182. Earlier this year, she competed as the “Jackalope” on “The Masked Singer.” Unsurprisingly, she’s also had a successful music career herself, with multiple platinum singles.

Speaking of music, Colleen Ballinger reached YouTube fame by not singing well. As the deluded character Miranda Sings, Ballinger perfectly embodied someone with a miles-wide gap between their confidence and their abilities. While Miranda might not know how to sing in tune, she does know how to connect with an audience, particularly those in the musical theater sphere. As Miranda, Ballinger has appeared on shows like “The Tonight Show” and “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.” She also starred in a Miranda-focused Netflix series, “Haters Back Off.” Besides playing Miranda, Ballinger also keeps busy with her own personal YouTube channel. She’s also provided her vocal talents to animated films like “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and “The Angry Birds Movie 2.”

Another former Vine star who found success on YouTube and beyond is Liza Koshy. Her outsized personality and knack for character work made her a sensation. How much? Well, she got to interview President Obama in 2016. Her viral success led to her becoming a sought-after talent, starring on horror series “Freakish”, in dance comedy “Work It,” and playing Zipp Storm in “My Little Pony: A New Generation.” She’s also hosted reboots of classic shows like “Total Request Live” and “Double Dare.” Of course, she didn’t forget about her YouTube roots. For three seasons, she starred on the YouTube Premium comedy series “Liza on Demand.”

Remember the infamous “cinnamon challenge?” If you don’t, it was a viral trend of the seemingly innocuous but actually quite dangerous act of quickly consuming a spoonful of cinnamon and then posting the results. GloZell Green had one of the most memorable cinnamon challenges, using a soup ladle. However, her career thankfully went beyond that risky act. A successful stand-up comic, GloZell’s hilarious takes on things like pop culture and viral trends made her a sensation. She landed roles in films like “The Wedding Ringer,” “Trolls,” and “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” She also had the honor of interviewing President Obama in 2015. While she’s gone through some difficult times in recent years, Glozell and her iconic green lipstick has continued to spread joy and positivity.

There are many famous “Beauty YouTubers,” including Yuya, Nikkie de Jager, and Bethany Mota. For our list, we wanted to highlight Michelle Phan. Prior to her YouTube career, Phan posted makeup tips on her blog. Her undeniable skills with a makeup brush not only brought her millions of followers, but it also led to partnerships with brands like Lancôme and L'Oréal, as well as the launch of her own business, EM Cosmetics. Phan took a YouTube hiatus in 2015 before returning for good in 2019. Since then, she’s stayed steady posting makeup tips and tutorials and updating fans on her life.

#4: Jenna Marbles

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Top 10 Hilarious Jenna Marbles Moments

If you ever needed proof that YouTube fame goes beyond the internet, Jenna Marbles is a perfect example. Not only has the personality garnered more than a billion views for her videos about makeup, her dog, and more, but she also has her own wax figure at Madame Tussauds. She also played herself in "Smosh: The Movie," appeared on “Epic Rap Battles of History,” and appeared in a Pitbull music video. Controversy regarding insensitive videos made by Marbles led to her posting an extensive apology video in 2020. She also announced an indefinite hiatus, which she has yet to return from. If and when Marbles does return, she’s sure to get plenty of notice.

Years before “YouTuber” was widely recognized as a potentially viable career path, Justine Ezarik was making waves on the platform. Originally making content for future Twitch founder Justin Kan's site, Justin.tv, showed the incredible appeal of “lifecasting.” On her “iJustine” channel, Ezarik has shared unforgettable viral content, like when she talked about receiving a 300-page iPhone from AT&T. Her charisma and creativity gained her plenty of fans as opportunities, including numerous TV guest spots and publishing a memoir in 2015. All the while, she’s stayed steady making videos with her signature energy and enthusiasm.

#2: Lilly Singh

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Why DID NBC Hire Lilly Singh?

From 2010 to 2019, Lilly Singh was known on YouTube as “Superwoman.” Across multiple channels, she grew her fanbase and soon became an international sensation thanks to her hilariously relatable content. Among her achievements include appearing in films like "Bad Moms" and on shows like "The Simpsons" and topping the New York Times Best Seller list. Oh, and she also hosted her own talk show on NBC, “A Little Late with Lilly Singh.” She’s continued to keep up delivering quality content to her many loyal fans. No matter what username she’s posting under, Lilly Singh is truly a “super woman.” Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Zoella The Beauty Guru Still Posts Updates on Her “Zoe Sugg” Channel Bunny Meyer “Grav3yardgirl” is Still Alive and Posting About Her Amazing Beauty Hauls Rachel Levin The YouTuber Known As "RCLBeauty101" Started Her Own Makeup Brand, RCLÓ Cosmetics Wengie This Australian YouTuber Has Gained Plenty of Attention For Her High-Energy Pop Music Rosanna Pansino Pansino Went From Hosting “Nerdy Nummies” Online to Hosting “Baketopia” on HBO Max.

Natalie Tran began posting videos in the early days of YouTube. And in just a few years, she became one of the most recognized internet celebrities, not only in her home country of Australia, but also around the world. As communitychannel, Tran’s videos have been lauded for how they address common problems in funny and creative ways. Whether you’re watching for the first or the 50th time, you’re sure to laugh. While Tran still posts videos on YouTube, her output has slowed down considerably in recent years, reportedly due to mental health challenges. However, she has stayed busy, particularly on television. Recently, she was tapped as a new host of "The Great Australian Bake Off." Talk about making a good thing even better.