YouTubers aren't relying on ad revenue anymore - here's how some are diversifying | TechCrunch

"However, many YouTubers have reduced their reliance on ad revenue and brand deals. There are several reasons for this shift. First, ad revenue can be unpredictable. With YouTube continually updating its policies, some creators find it challenging to secure ads for their videos, which can negatively impact their earnings. They've also realized that income from these streams can vanish unexpectedly."

"Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, who has 442 million subscribers, isn't just one of YouTube's biggest stars - he's its most aggressive entrepreneur. What started with a merchandise store in 2018 - ShopMrBeast - has exploded into a business portfolio, including his now three-year-old snack brand, Feastables. Feastables' initial product was the "MrBeast Bar," a chocolate bar that generated over $10 million in sales within its first 72 hours, selling over 1 million bars at launch."

YouTube has become the largest platform, contributing over $55 billion to U.S. GDP and creating more than 490,000 full-time jobs. Many creators have reduced reliance on ad revenue and brand deals due to unpredictable ad income and shifting platform policies. Creators face challenges securing ads and risk sudden income loss from platform-dependent streams. As a result, many creators have transformed into vertically integrated media companies with product lines, brick-and-mortar ventures, and consumer brands designed to survive algorithm and policy changes. These parallel businesses can grow faster and more sustainably than channels. MrBeast exemplifies this shift, with Feastables generating substantial revenue and profit surpassing his media business.

Read at TechCrunch