Popular YouTuber, and highly talented make up guru, James Charles, caused controversy on Twitter when he claimed that YouTubers don’t get paid enough, especially when compared to mainstream stars.
just read an article about youtuber net worths and couldn’t help but laugh at how low the estimates all were. ???? traditional media stays ignorant to the fact that most of us run empires and have better engagement than traditional media celebrities but keep making those lists lol
— James Charles (@jamescharles) August 8, 2018
YouTubers today are about as well-known, if not more, than the average A-list celebrity. They do brand deal after brand deal, whilst still making videos that the public love, and most importantly, hold down a huge empire that is related to their name. However, even though these social media influencers usually earn top dollar for their work, James Charles feels as though they are being unfairly treated by the media industry, and that they should be paid in line with celebrities, who usually earn a lot more for doing the exact same brand deal as a YouTuber.
James began ranting on Twitter, which caused a lot of controversy on the social media platform and stated that YouTubers are just as talented as Hollywood actors and actresses, and because they are just average everyday people, they are able to reach out to more viewers, therefore spreading awareness of a brand more. But although Charles’ earnings on YouTube have not been revealed, his earnings on Instagram were released by Hooper HQ, who stated that the make-up artist earns up to $9,750 per post. PER POST!!!!
We’re shocked at those figures, but we understand where he is coming from. If Kylie Jenner were to post a similar photo for the exact same brand, she can charge up $1 million for doing so, which is absolutely ridiculous. Although Jenner may have a huge following, YouTubers don’t just post one post about a product, but they also make a video, explaining a little bit of information about the product and why they like it, which seems like a lot more effort than posing in a bikini in front of a mirror with a gummy between your teeth.
In the thread, James stated that there is a huge pay gap in the industry, and that a lot of articles underestimate the amount that YouTubers earn, because they never take into account all the hard work they put into their other business ventures. He also goes on to mention how YouTubers aren’t taken seriously by the media, and that there is also a huge lack of respect for them, therefore brands don’t feel obliged to pay them more money, even though they have a lot more to give than the average celebrity.
just read an article about youtuber net worths and couldn’t help but laugh at how low the estimates all were. ???? traditional media stays ignorant to the fact that most of us run empires and have better engagement than traditional media celebrities but keep making those lists lol
— James Charles (@jamescharles) August 8, 2018
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If you think about it, what are the real differences between typical "celebrities" and big youtubers? both have talents, both have millions of people watching them, both do endorsement deals & can sell product, both get press, both get paid a lot.. i'm curious to hear your input.
— James Charles (@jamescharles) August 8, 2018
only major difference is the pay gap & respect. youtubers bring the same assets to the table (if not more, because in most cases we're more easily accessible to our followers) yet we're paid a FRACTION by advertisers & still not taken seriously by brands or media. its frustrating
— James Charles (@jamescharles) August 8, 2018
Traditional media also works VERY HARD to make social media seem like a big joke… it’s painfully obvious they feel threatened by the success of social media stars ????????♂️ it’s crazy. There’s room for all!
— Manny MUA (@MannyMua733) August 8, 2018
Although, James did ask for other people’s opinions on the matter, as his are widely biased based on the fact that this is his career industry, and he’s not the typical viewer who would perhaps by something because of a brand deal that their favorite celebrity or YouTuber has done. Many people brought to attention how YouTubers aren’t typically household names, so unless you watch them, = you won’t know who they are.
the only difference is more people know about mainstream celebrities, people like adults. my mom only knows youtubers when I speak of them myself
— beck(y) ???????? (@strwbecky) August 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/poisoneilish/status/1027040977045860352
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https://twitter.com/gbdxnjh/status/1027044188200869889
However, others stated that because YouTubers like Logan Paul act out on the platform, they make a bad name for other vloggers, therefore making their profession and status in society a joke – which is a shame, because they shouldn’t be judged based on the actions of someone else.
https://twitter.com/chambiesethan/status/1027041046696550400
correct but WHY is this mentality there? celebrities fuck up ALL the time but ALL celebrities don't take a hit when it happens, why do all youtubers?
— James Charles (@jamescharles) August 8, 2018
Another huge difference, is what is expected of YouTubers. As Shane Dawson recently revealed in his docuseries with Jeffree Star and Tana Mongeau, the social media industry can be very taxing, and a lot of viewers expect a lot from them, which leads to a lack of privacy, and ultimately a lack of respect.
I’d argue another massive difference is security & privacy. I don’t think enough people realize when you dox a youtuber, you’re doxxing someone who most likely doesn’t have the security that a celeb has. Kinda goes along with respect- we’re expected to give up all privacy even
— Mykie (@GlamandGore) August 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/ChrissyCostanza/status/1027044415506984960
Even though James did bring to light the issue of being in an industry where it is a struggle to make a name for yourself outside of social media, and then ultimately never expanding your pay check to any more than couple of thousand, there are still YouTubers out there who are earning millions of dollars for their YouTube content alone, which is probably the same amount as many celebrities today.
Do you think James Charles has a point? Do you think there’s a clear divide between YouTubers and celebrities? Let us know in the comments, or on Twitter at @WhatsTrending.
