5 PEOPLE WHO TURNED THEIR LIVES AROUND WITH YOUTUBE

With a bit of guts, talent, a vlogging camera and good wi-fi connection, these YouTube stars turned their lives around in a spectacular way!

---

The Beatles, arguably the world’s most successful band, were rejected by 14 different record labels before they found fame. Had they tried to market their music just 50 years later, all they would have had to do was post a video and wait for the offers – and the money – to come rolling in! That’s exactly what these performers did – and it took their careers from so-so to stellar.



1. BABY, BABY, BABY

Justin Bieber is perhaps the most famous example of a YouTube star who made it big – and it all started when he was just 12 years old. After his mom posted a home video of Justin singing covers of R&B songs, so that her friends and family could appreciate his talent, he watched his ‘likes’ climb from one hundred to one thousand, and on and on – until, the next thing he knew, Justin Timberlake was in a bidding war with Usher to become his manager!

All of that was back in 2008. Justin signed a record deal a year later and, as of 2020, has an estimated net worth of 265 million US dollars, after racking up accomplishments like becoming the first artist to chart at number one, two, and three at the same time on the UK Official Singles Chart.

Related article: How to find your true calling



2. CONNECTING AFRICANS

When the Ubunifu Space creative platform launched on YouTube in 2017, the intention was to do more than simply draw followers (although it has done a great job of that, with more than 294 000 subscribers). The aim was also to strengthen connections throughout the African continent by providing a portal showcasing the music and creative arts of Africa.

Now that the movement has gained enough popularity to support international tours (to South Africa and Kenya), the channel has revolutionised members’ lives. ‘I had just graduated the summer before we launched the Ubunifu Space,’ says founding member Bryan, ‘and life was a bit confusing. I was just trying to figure out what I wanted to do going forward.’ Fellow member Shay agrees: ‘My life has always revolved around music, but YouTube gave me the opportunity to connect with people around the world through music.



I can be walking down the street and people recognise me from YouTube. Being told how people love to watch me on their laptops makes me so happy.’ Bryan’s girlfriend, Aaliyah, says, ‘The real change in my life has been seeing the enthusiasm and determination that the channel has brought Bryan. It’s so great to hear about his vision and ideas for the channel, and watching its growth makes me proud.’



3. BE-YOUTUBE-AUTIFUL

Beauty and make-up icon Cynthia Gwebu started blogging after watching UK influencers do the same. She fell in love with the idea of producing her own content, and took her first video, sharing her outfit of the day, while still a teenager. She established her YouTube channel in 2013. Now, with more than 43 000 subscribers watching her tutorials, demos and tips, she’s widely regarded as one of the most influential beauty bloggers in SA. ‘Before YouTube,’ she says, ‘you had to spend a lot more time on content, because producing blog articles requires loads of curation, typing and considering distribution strategies for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. YouTube has played a pivotal role in my blogging journey.



I am able to produce more relatable and helpful content than before. Video has changed the way in which we consume media. It hasn’t stopped me from writing and using the other platforms, but has rather added to the content I get to create.’



4. From 0 To 56 000 

If you doubt the power of YouTubers’ influence, think about this: one subscriber to motoring expert LibeRebil (aka Niyaaz Isaacs’s) YouTube channel bought a car solely on the strength of one of his videos!



LibeRebil has grown his following to more than 56 000 since launching his channel in 2015 – a decision that changed his life. ‘I didn’t know where to go or what to do before YouTube,’ he says. ‘I felt as though I’d never find a meaning for my life. When my YouTube career took off, things fell into place.’

Related article: 5 Social media mistakes that could jeopardise your career



5. GIVING US MORE

Sibu Mpanza’s entry into YouTubing came about, ironically, because he’d hit a major low. Battling with depression, he spent most of his mornings watching other YouTubers do their thing. It was when he posted a political video that he realised his own potential to become a star – but rather than get serious, he launched his YouTube channel, More Mpanza, that focuses on fun, funny and engaging content.

Since 2016, his videos have been watched by over 31 000 subscribers. Aside from that, he’s become a brand – in 2017, he was offered 30.000.00 just to be part of a company’s digital campaign. ‘I can’t imagine life without the platform,’ he says. ‘I can barely remember how I spent my time before it. This is my first and only career, and a big part of what gives me purpose – creating these short films, sharing them and engaging with my audiences is all I have been doing for the past five years. YouTube has even allowed me to try new avenues, such as presenting on TV and radio. Making money on YouTube has also made it possible for me to help my family financially – a privilege I never thought would be possible.’

Related article: Cash in on your passion