In 2012, YouTube was the place to get beauty tips while also seeing a cute dog run around and do crazy tricks. But now a days YouTubers are being classified as popular social influencers. It has evolved from funny home videos and clothing hauls to that and more serious topics that were previously avoided or not part of the genre.
Specifically, popular YouTubers have been voicing their own opinions and sharing honest concerns about controversial and pressing topics, some of which are helpful, others not so much. Expressing your opinions and personal experiences through the internet has the potential to help viewers and friends cope or decide how to proceed when facing personal challenges.
Over the years professional YouTubers’ have been making their living from making videos, from lifestyle to gaming and everything In between. In particular, the creators behind these videos have been becoming more than just average YouTubers. Now, they are becoming well-known public figures who have a strong social influence on their subscribers. YouTubers like Tanya Burr (3.7 million subscribers), MissRemiAshten (1.9 million subscribers), Zoella (12 million subscribers) and Lauren Elizabeth (1.2 million subscribers) are taking the YouTube scene by storm.
Miss Remi Ashten has been on You Tube since 2012 and has 1.9 million subscribers.
Specifically, these ladies have very popular ratings, all have more than 1 million subscribers. It’s safe to say that a lot of people click on and watch their public videos. But, recently these lifestyle and beauty gurus have been opening up about some more serious topics that are prevalent in today with college students.
The YouTubers that I've mentioned are only a few popular names on the YouTube website and all are lifestyle and beauty oriented. Since I've started watching YouTube I've noticed a change in the content I had originally subscribed to. Now, they are becoming more opinionated and are voicing their own thoughts, which could be considered controversial in the world of YouTube because there are so many people watching their videos that could disagree with what they are saying. But, because these YouTubers are putting themselves out there it has the potential to influence viewers to not be afraid of criticism and to be themselves, no matter what others on the internet or your peers are saying.
These influencers are now bringing up their personal issues like being bullied, being made fun of for their weight, coping with depression and family troubles which is a different spin on this usually light hearted social medium. MissRemiAshten, a very popular YouTuber, told her story about her weight loss as well as her dealing with intense bullying throughout her high school years.
Another example would be Lauren Elizabeth who opened up to her subscribers about her anxiety disorders, her dietary issues and her being in a toxic relationship with her ex-boyfriend. This can help the viewer not feel alone, which can be the first step in making changes, seeking help and feeling supported. Watching these videos can impact the community by giving them free helpful advice for any problem that they may be having.
Lauren Elizabeth has been on YouTube since 2011 and has 1.2 million subscribers.
YouTubers are voicing their opinion on popular issues like equal rights for women, the importance of girl power as well as strains in friendships and other relationships. When social influencers tell their personal stories, it has the potential to help and relate to any of their subscribers who are having a tough time with maybe the same issues the influencers went through.
These YouTubers are influencing their subscribers not only by speaking their opinion but also by standing up to bullying by not letting negative viewers’ impact them or what they are saying while also creating a positive outlook on life by living by the baseline mantra “everything gets better." Having someone to listen and relate to while also being able to see how these YouTubers survived and grew past their specific personal issues, can give the viewer the mindset of “I can too."
Using YouTube as a personal outlet to express your emotions and talk about difficult circumstances can help others relate as well as help someone who is in need or afraid to ask for help get the help they need. These women are becoming more than just beauty gurus, they're now social figures for young boys and girls who might not know what to do about a problem they're facing. Many of the ideas and stories that YouTubers are conveying are positive and helpful. Check out any of these YouTubers referenced in this article if you are in need of any guidance or suggestions!
