YouTube Success Stories
16 years ago 3 former PayPal employees created YouTube, an online video sharing platform. YouTube has grown significantly and is now a social media account for users all over the world. At the time YouTube was unique, and many people saw this as an opportunity to become a creator of their own. The platform filled with an array of random content. Amongst the content, there were also musicians that would soon become stars. Keep reading to find out more on some YouTube success stories.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is the first name that comes to mind when thinking of artists who gained fame from YouTube. Bieber went viral after his mum posted a video of Justin performing Neyo’s; So Sick at a local talent competition. Justin’s talent was hard to ignore, and he was quickly founded by his now manager Scooter Braun and international artist Usher. Fast forward a “few” years, Justin Bieber has sold over 150 million records worldwide.
The Weeknd
This is an artist that many may not know actually started on YouTube. The Weeknd anonymously posted on YouTube under the enigma ”xoxxxoooxo”. The videos began to attract attention for his voice and music production quality. He continually grew, and after releasing his first mix tape there was no slowing down. Internationally renowned rapper Drake tweeted the link to the mixtape and The Weeknd’s career blew up. Soon after The Weeknd’s full name and identity was finally revealed; Abel Tesfaye from Canada.
Alessia Cara
At just 13 Alessia Cara began to upload and share her singing videos on YouTube. One of her covers began gaining attention; Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood. A viewer of this cover was the daughter of record executive, Tony Perez. Tony Perez, alike many others, saw talent in Alessia’s covers and offered her studio time to record and write music. Alessia signed with EP Entertainment in 2014 and released her debut single the following year.
Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth began his rise to fame back in 2009 with his very own vlog channel when he was a college student. His original songs and covers gained attention from all over the world, particularly Ellen DeGenerous. Charlie was invited to be on the Ellen Show, next thing he was signing a record deal and was on his way to worldwide fame. After continual growth Charlie co-wrote one of the most streamed songs of all time; See You Again with 4.7 billion views.
5 Seconds of Summer
5 Seconds of Summer, is a group of high school friends who began to post their covers on YouTube in 2011. The band was quickly recognised for their talent and began to attract attention from record labels and executives. In 2012 the band had signed a deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing and began to work on their first EP, Unplugged. Despite no paid promotions the EP peaked at number 3 on Australian charts, and in the top 20 in New Zealand and Sweden. 5 Seconds of Summer have come a long way since their YouTube days, with streams surpassing 7 billion.
YouTube can be accredited with the rise to fame for many artists who now have worldwide fame. If you are a budding artist we hope this sparked inspiration with you. Or maybe you just enjoyed the read. #OwnYourSuccess
