In Hollywood, celebrities take on acting roles to make lots of money. But in the world of YouTube sensation Tyler Oakley, all he has to do is be himself.
On this Thursday's episode of Untold, host Maria Menounos will examine the 25-year-old video blogger's quick rise to fame and how he struck it rich based on two simple things—viewership and content.
Referred to as the "Prince of VidCon," Tyler has a loyal following of more than five million subscribers and was nominated for two Teen Choice Awards. In the above clip, Maria sits down with the YouTube star as he talks about his road to celebrity.
"I was a freshman in college," he said. "I had just gotten my own MacBook with its own little camera in it and at the start, I did it just to keep in touch with friends. I remember one video got a hundred views and I was like, 'I do not have a hundred friends.' So people must be gravitating towards it and it really took off."
Tyler's online presence has even extended to other celebrities, including singer Ricky Martin, who was inspired by one of Tyler's videos.
"It's crazy because you never know who's watching on the other side," Tyler points out. "I always remember this—I think it was 2011, it was National Coming Out Day and I got a tweet from Ricky Martin and he tweeted one of my videos and said, 'This was hugely helpful for my process of coming out.'"
When asked about the income aspect of viral fame, Tyler explains that money comes from various sources, among them working with brands, doing appearances, speaking gigs and selling merchandise. YouTube celebrities can rack in as much as several millions dollars a year, depending on how big their audience is.
Watch the above clip for a closer look at Tyler's sudden rise to fame and tune-in tonight to see the rest of his untold story!
Tune-in to the brand new episode of Untold tonight at 8/7c on E!