YouTubers more popular than movie and music stars amongst US teens

The world’s most popular YouTubers are now more influential amongst American teenagers than both movie stars and singers.

That’s according to a Variety survey that found the top five most influential figures among 13-18 year-olds are all YouTubers, with games favourite PewDiePie and the controversial KSI among them.

The others were ‘React’ creators The Fine Brothers and comedian Ryan Higa, with comedy duo Smosh topping the listings.

The likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Katy Perry, Seth Rogan, Vin Diesel, Johnny Depp and Daniel Radcliffe featured, but much further down the list.

If YouTube stars are swallowed by Hollywood, they are in danger of becoming less authentic versions of themselves, and teenagers will be able to pick up on that,” celebrity brand strategist Jeetendr Sehdev said. That could take away the one thing that makes YouTube stars so appealing.”

Here’s a look at the list: