You might not know it, but many of your favourite creators have been making videos on YouTube for years.
And no, we don’t simply mean four or five years. (Although, that is a long time.) We’re talking eight, nine, and even ten years! They’ve practically grown up before our eyes, discovering themselves and their talents through video in front of thousands (or even millions) of adoring fans. Because of this, it’s hard to imagine life without our faves, and we decided to highlight a few who have been around since the dawn of time and are still killing the YouTube game.
You might recognise a few all of the names listed. They’re just that good.
TomSka (Tom Ridgewell)
He’s widely known for his asdfmovie series, which gave us such goldmines as Mine Turtle and “Everybody do the flop”, but our Tom Ridgewell and YouTube go back – way back. Tom joined the site in 2006 and has never looked back, having used it as a platform to share his animations and comedy sketches. With a total of ten asdfmovie videos and sketches like Baby With A Gun and Horse, Tom has time and time again brought viewers back with his skillful writing and unique comedy style.
Now, if only he’d allow us a feature in an episode of his ever-popular Last Week series… Maybe we could participate in one of the fan-written sketches he, Eddie Bowley and Elliot Gough record each week. Jk, they’re so behind on them it’d probably take years for our sketch to see the light of day.
charlieissocoollike (Charlie McDonnell)
When thinking of YouTube veterans, Charlie McDonnell is definitely one of the first who springs to mind. From his humble beginnings of teaching the world how to be English to his Challenge Charlie series, Charlie has been a mainstay within the UK YouTube community. Whilst he might not be as active on the site as he once was (which is so totally not cool like of him), his returns always bring with them new and exciting content, including a whole host of short films and a revamped version of everyone’s favourite series, Fun Science!
Please release a new video soon, Charlie. We miss your darling face!
beckie0 (Rebecca Brown)
Since 2006, Rebecca Brown has been allowing viewers a look into her life. Over the past ten years, we’ve seen her grow up from a teenager on a journey of self-discovery to a confident and well-spoken adult. Rebecca first gained notoriety with her She Takes A Photo series and has since gone on to showcase her artistic talent (if only we were this coordinated with a paintbrush), document her interests, and detail her experiences with trichotillomania.
She has a heart of gold and is incredibly honest with her audience, and it’s because of this that her viewers have stuck with her for so long. There simply isn’t anyone like her on YouTube!
AmazingPhil (Phil Lester)
With a love of lions, Sharpie whiskers, and emo fringes, Phil Lester has successfully navigated YouTube’s waters for years. Having started making videos way back in 2006 (that black-and-white video quality!), he’s since gone on to achieve more success than anyone could possibly dream of: a radio show, two books, a worldwide tour, and millions of dedicated viewers!
Also, we can’t forget he’s the reason behind Dan Howell‘s foray into YouTube! If that isn’t friendship, we don’t know what is! #PhanForLife
oohgaryc (Gary C)
Have you been to Shady Town recently? No?! Then you best be catching up on Gary C‘s videos!
Gary is a true YouTube veteran, having been on the site longer than most. Whilst those from YouTube’s early days may know him for his Cheeky character (R.I.P.), those today will recognise him from his love of Disney, his musical covers, and his art videos.
Gary’s openness with his audience and his chitchat-y video style makes viewers feel as he’s chatting with them one-on-one, and it’s that feeling that draws them back time and time again. Don’t ever change, Gary!
tyrannosauruslexxx (Lex Croucher)
The ever-sarcastic Lex Croucher has grown quite a following over her time on YouTube. With her satirical take on life, her discussion of literature (we’ve found many a book through her), her insights on being a woman, and her covers (one of which features our very own Teoh Lander-Boyce), Lex has made a home for herself and we’ve followed her every step of the way!
naveregnide (Evan Edinger)
You might not know it, considering he’s (sadly) privated many of his old videos, but Evan Edinger has been on YouTube a very long time. How long, you ask? He-was-making-videos-while-still-living-in-the-US long.
Long gone are the days of “These graphics blow your mind“, having been replaced by the ever popular Ask Evan and British VS American series. Evan’s channel has grown exponentially since he made YouTube his full-time job, and he’s showing creators that sticking with something you love will pay off in the long run.
However, we still believe Charlie McDonnell was far nerdier than you, Evan. Sorry to burst your bubble.
xBextahx (Beckii Cruel)
Closing out our list is the one and only Beckii Cruel, who’s been making YouTube videos since her early teens. Beckii’s videos over the years have encompassed many styles, from hair and cosplay tutorials to hauls and candid chats, and it’s this variety that’s brought viewers back to her channel time and time again.
In recent years, Beckii has become much more open with her audience, discussing her sexuality and her experience with plastic surgery, and this honesty has allowed viewers to get to know who she really is.
Feeling nostalgic yet?
We can’t believe how long our faves have been on YouTube! Watching them grow year after year has truly been endearing, and we can’t wait to see where their time on the site takes them next. Hopefully, they never stop uploading.
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- If YouTubers Were Harry Potter Characters…
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