- YouTube’s breakout creators built teams.
- Specialists help creators capitalize on fame.
- One-person operations may not sustain momentum.
YouTube Breakout Creators for 2023
YouTube’s annual list of breakout creators for 2023 reads like a who’s who of short videos, from “Skibidi Toilet” animator Alexey Gerasimov to Fortnite funnyman Hew Moran. But turning viral fame into an enterprise takes work.
As viewership exploded, top talents built teams to handle business deals, branding, PR, and production. While some still go solo, others now leverage managers, editors, and assistants to push their budding media empires to new heights.
Pink Shirt Couple
After gaining 18 million subscribers in months, Pink Shirt Couple is in talks with unnamed talent agencies for representation to supplement their hired video editor and assistant. The goal is to free Alyssa Eckstein to keep creating a couple of viral comedy sketches.
JT Casey
JT Casey already enjoys support from digital firm Underscore Talent, which aided partnerships like a Nickelodeon correspondent gig as he continues charming young viewers with zany challenge videos.
Alexey Gerasimov
“Skibidi Toilet” mastermind Alexey Gerasimov animates, writes, and edits his dystopian videos alone, save for some asset help. With 37 million subscribers, his next steps for leveling up remain unclear.
Other gaming breakouts like Cash Minecraft and Armaani still handle overall business and production solos. But creators focused on collaborations like Corey Tonge may need teams over time as cross-channel projects multiply.
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YouTube Creators Operate Better as a Team
The pattern illustrates that specialists aren’t required for individual video skills to shine on YouTube. But managers, editors, and assistants become vital when niche creators like Jeffrey Bui or Jake Sweet want to spin fame into merchandise, long-form content, and more.
For viral stars looking to capitalize on 2023’s momentum fully, the humble one-person show may no longer cut it in 2024.
