YouTube is an innovative creative platform that offers creators the space to invent and test out budding ideas. The site’s traffic and attention has skyrocketed from it’s creation on February 14, 2005 and has elevated standards for its community of internet creators. Anyone with a simple knack for technology and determination to share and create, along with basic access to the internet and a camera can contribute their ideas to the ever growing video sharing website.

According to Youtube statistics, approximately 4,950,000,000 Youtube videos are viewed in a single day. But what exactly are people watching? The answer to that question lies in the hands of the viewer. The internet itself can be compared to an infinitely growing ocean of discovery. It reaches into depths that cannot be fathomed by the average person. A single individual capable of possessing the knowledge of everything that resides on the internet is unrealistic, similar to possessing an all encompassing knowledge of the ocean, it is physically and mentally impossible as new discoveries are breached everyday. Something new is always being uploaded, shared, and consumed by internet dwellers.

Due to YouTube’s increasing traffic, creators have reached a new level of popularity and recognition that rivals even the most popular celebrities. Currently the most subscribed to channel is Pewdiepie with over 42 million subscribers, which is roughly the entire population of Kenya. Recently “making youtube videos” has become a very real and valid profession. Pay is a result of the numbers of subscribers and ads paid for by sponsors. As a result, the goal of making videos for some YouTubers has shifted from creating videos with quality content and soul, to just working to make videos with more and more views.

Although, there are some creators uploading and spending an immense amount of time and effort making the best content possible. Below is a list of some, and definitely not all, smaller scaled channel and creators that I believe deserve some recognition for their talent.

Will Darbyshire (570,199 Subscribers) – Will is a 23 year old filmmaker from the United Kingdom. His channel is beautifully crafted as each video is made to be viewed as a work of art, digging deep in viewers’ minds and causing a relentless stream of self questioning. Will talks about everything from death, to fate, to love, to sadness, to life obstacles and life pleasures. His videos are deeply inspiring and hit a note within viewers, especially young adults as he takes a topic and opens up a safe discussion, comforting and informing his audience in the process. He dabbles in short films and often partners with singer/songwriter Tom Rosenthal to create the best possible content.
Video to watch: 41. Distance

The Michalaks (226,559 Subscribers) – An adorably fierce vlogging family living in London, the Michalaks videos have a feeling of gritty and honest realness. Their annual Sunday vlogs reflect the week past, including the good aspects with the bad, creating a deep sense of trust within viewers. The channel started with Hannah, but as their family grew so did their channel. Honestly, their videos speak entirely for themselves. I’ve watched many video blogs across Youtube, but the Michalaks take it to an entirely different level. Steph is an incredible videographer and the way he patches bits and pieces from the week together is breathtaking. If you have an interest in video documentaries, the Michalaks will encapture your utmost attention.
Video to watch: I CAN’T BELIEVE WE DID THIS

Tom Rosenthal (59, 135 Subscribers) – Tom is singer/songwriter who plays entirely by his own rules and demands. His songs adopt an air of exuberance but can also stem to areas of more serious and sorrowful emotions. His lyrics are witty and clear, often eliciting a laugh or some deep-seeded repressed memory. Tom often works consistently with other Youtubers, resulting in quality works of art. He is passionate about his craft and has released three albums of music.
Video to watch: Tom Rosenthal – Watermelon

Bertie Gilbert (397,636 Subscribers)- Bertie is a short film filmmaker who is extremely talented in his craft. He has been uploading short films for a while and his YouTube has developed and evolved in the nature of content with his coming of age. His films are bathed in unique feelings that capitalize on the basic human experience. Several of them are major tear jerkers, but a unique filming style, original ideas and a talented cast gives Bertie’s film a striking edge.
Video to watch: TICK WHERE IT HURTS – a film by bertie gilbert (2014)
Inevitably, viewers are drawn to whomever they prefer and in the end subscriber counts are all merely numbers. The YouTubers who put forth the effort into their content will see positive results, whether it is in the form of appreciation through millions or a single meaningful comment.