Forbes List 25-Year-Old Video Gamer As Top YouTube Earner
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) -- YouTube's top-earning celebrity is a 25-year-old videogame-playing jokester who took in $12 million over the past year.
Forbes magazine says Felix Kjellberg, better known by his handle "PewDiePie," tops its list of people who have spun short online videos into huge piles of cash.
YouTube stars make money mainly by getting paid to interact with products on their channels and sharing ad revenue with YouTube. Some also star in movies or cut endorsement deals. They're a hit with younger audiences and brands trying to reach the next generation of consumers.
Two acts tied for second on Forbes' list, both earning $8.5 million: comedy prankster duo Smosh -- Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla -- and the Fine Brothers, Benny and Rafi Fine.
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