Content creation has come a long way since it first started. From being branded as a ~weirdo~ for recording fun skits or simply sharing what you’re passionate about on the internet, our social media feeds are now flooded with bold content creators. But before it became the new norm, there were brave individuals who weren’t scared to establish their spot (and get a little weird) on the internet. Do you still remember them?

Ryan Higa

Teehee! Who wouldn’t forget that iconic line from Ryan Higa or “nigahiga”? Ryan began uploading lip-syncing videos with his friend Sean Fujiyoshi in 2006. From lip-syncing videos, they branched out to making comedic skits with more of their friends, which later became Ryan’s popular “How To” videos. For a time, his channel became the most-subscribed channel on the platform.

Where he is now: Ryan now lives a private life. In 2020, he started streaming on Twitch. All of his 400 videos are still on YouTube, so feel free to scroll when you feel nostalgic.

Smosh

Did you know that before Smosh hit it off on YouTube, it was a website that made flash animations? Founded by Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, Smosh began uploading skits on YouTube in 2005 and quickly rose to fame. In 2012, Smosh expanded to other channels that create gaming, Spanish language, and variety show content. However, in 2017, fans were heartbroken when Anthony left the channel to pursue individual endeavors. Smosh’s parent company, Defy Media, closed abruptly a year later. In 2019, Smosh joined Mythical Entertainment when it was bought by OG YouTubers Rhett & Link. Four years later, Anthony returned to Smosh, and the duo was able to acquire the company from Mythical Entertainment.

Where they are now: Smosh continues to be an active channel with over 26 million subscribers. It is now an independent production company that uploads new videos every other Friday.

Kevjumba

Kevin Wu, popularly known as kevjumba, started creating humorous videos in 2006. One of his videos was featured on the YouTube homepage in 2007, which helped increase his popularity on the platform, and soon enough, he was the third-most subscribed creator. He continued making videos while in school but eventually dropped out and moved with other popular creators at the time, including Ryan Higa. Kevin also started making a name in Hollywood until he stopped making videos in 2014 to focus on his spirituality. In 2015, Kevin tragically got into a bad car accident, which left him hospitalized and in need of rehab, extending his absence on the platform. He returned in 2017 with a show, “Youth Represent the World,” but he eventually set his videos to private again.

Where he is now: Kevin has rebranded his channel to “KEVIN” from “kevinjumba.” The channel has no content but still has over 2.6 million subscribers. LA-based Filipina makeup artist Mikka Marcaida spotted him in Santa Monica, California, earlier this year.

Michelle Phan

We guess it’s safe to say that Michelle is the mother of beauty gurus on the internet. She’s guided a generation of women and girls (and everyone in between) who needed help getting started with makeup. With iconic transformations to simple eyeliner tutorials, she’s that older sister who just got it. In 2010, she became Lancome’s first Vietnamese-American spokesperson. Michelle also became an entrepreneur in 2011 when she co-founded MyGlam, which was later rebranded to Ipsy, a beauty subscription company. However, the community was shocked when Michelle suddenly fell off the internet in 2015. She returned two years later and explained that it was due to legal issues with her brand, EM Cosmetics, which was a collaboration with L’Oreal. She officially returned to YouTube in 2019.

Where she is now: Michelle has relaunched her brand, EM Cosmetics. She’s also still active on YouTube, with over 8.6 million subscribers as of writing.

PewDiePie

If you love watching gaming videos, you just have to know where it all started: PewDiePie. He started uploading action and horror video games on his channel, as well as Minecraft videos. His channel continued gaining traction and between 2012 and 2013, his channel became the most-subscribed on YouTube, surpassing Ryan Higa. From gaming videos, Felix branched out to making other types of videos, such as comedic commentaries, vlogs, and music videos.

Where he is now: Felix is still active on his YouTube channel, which has over 110 million subscribers. He now lives in Japan with his family.

Zoella

If you’re part of the crowd who got into English YouTubers back in the day, you probably already know who Zoella is. She started uploading videos in 2009, following the success of beauty, fashion, and lifestyle blog with the same name. Her main channel, which has amassed over 10 million subscribers, features videos with the same theme. Some of her popular uploads are her “favorites” videos, where she showcases monthly faves.

Where she is now: Zoe continues creating lifestyle, beauty, and family content on her vlogging channel “Zoe Sugg” with over 4.9 million subscribers. She’s also happily married to fellow YouTuber Alfie Deyes.

Bethany Mota

Bethany Mota, also known as macbarbie07, is another OG beauty content creator. Her first upload in 2009 is a simple Mac and Sephora haul; the rest is history. Featuring hauls to DIY projects, her channel quickly gained traction, and she eventually became one of the most popular creators on the platform.

Where she is now: Bethany Mota’s channel has gained over 9.41 million subscribers since it started. She’s still active on social media and in a relationship with fellow OG YouTuber D-Trix.

Filthy Frank

Before Joji, there was Filthy Frank. Yup, he already had a successful YouTube channel, TVFilthyFrank, before he shifted his focus to music. Joji describes Filthy Frank as the “embodiment of everything a person should not be.” He admits the show is offensive, but it’s a parody of social media!

Where he is now: TVFilthyFrank has over 7.8 million subscribers as of writing. Joji stopped uploading seven years ago due to health concerns. He is now focused on music and concluded a world tour in 2023.

Who are your favorite OG YouTubers? Share them in the comments!

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