As YouTubers become a more influential force in the video game industry with caustic video reviews and long-play events, it is definitely worth paying attention to how their business is changing.
Felix "PewDiePie" Kjellberg operates the most popular user-run channel on YouTube which generates a reported $4 million dollars per year. As his contract with his current network comes to a close, he's looking to strike out on his own, rather than continue working within a system he says is rife with mismanagement. Thanks to Forbes for the tip.
"It was managed in such a terrible way," Kjellberg said of his previous partner network, Machinima, during a rare interview with Sweden's Icon magazine.
"During the time I was a member of their network, I grew into the world's biggest YouTuber...and they didn't even know I was with them! They didn't get in touch a single time, except when I wanted to leave...then their CEO e-mailed me once."
Kjellberg eventually got out of his contract with Machinima via legal action and joined up with Maker Studios, which was later acquired by Disney for $500 million, and the promise of another $450 million in performance-based payouts.
Maker's contract with Kjellberg comes up for renewal in December, but the YouTuber says he's more interested in starting his own network with friends.
"I'm in touch with a couple of people who I think would be so right for this. I'm eager to get it all up and running," Kjellberg said. "I'd like to help other YouTubers."
It's worth reading the full interview with Kjellberg on Icon's website to learn more about the business realities of being a popular YouTuber, and what it's like to run a channel that's generating millions in ad revenue from a bedroom. Also, see an example of Kjellberg's work below: (warning: there's some NSFW language):
