How Marques Brownlee Turned MKBHD Into A Successful Brand On YouTube | Forbes

“If you had asked me 10 years ago if I would ever get to 1 million subscribers, I would have said probably not,” Brownlee admits. Today, a mere million seems like nothing. More than 12.8 million fans now subscribe to Brownlee’s gadget reviews and tech-industry analysis on MKBHD, his KZbin channel. “It blows my mind every day how many people are actually interested in tech.” With his videos attracting 700 million views in the past year, Brownlee earned $5 million or so. He’s come far from his first videos, in which he did things like review the 17- inch HP Pavilion laptop he purchased in high school. Now he’s center stage, interviewing such luminaries as Elon Musk, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.
As North America settles in for a long pandemic winter, there are bright spots on the horizon. Hundreds of them. The 600 young entrepreneurs, activists, scientists and entertainers featured in our 10th Annual Forbes 30 Under 30 give everyone reason to hope. Some are defying the odds and building businesses despite Covid-19; others are helping to fight the illness, serving on hospital front- lines or working with A.I. to discover new drugs. This year they were photographed by one of their own: Mamadi Doumbouya, a 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea who appears in this year’s Art & Style group. Collectively, our Under 30 trailblazers have raised over $1 billion in venture funding and are proof positive that ambition and innovation can’t be quarantined.
Read the full list on Forbes: www.forbes.com...
Subscribe to FORBES: www.youtube.co...
Stay Connected
Forbes newsletters: newsletters.ed...
Forbes on Facebook: forbes
Forbes Video on Twitter: / forbes
Forbes Video on Instagram: / forbes
More From Forbes: forbes.com
Forbes covers the intersection of entrepreneurship, wealth, technology, business and lifestyle with a focus on people and success.

[@ameyakshirsagar4941]

He's one of the most cool tempered, non toxic persons on KZbin.

[@spongebobtrianglepants2081]

Well not many techies are toxic, but I agree

[@silastan3848]

@@spongebobtrianglepants2081 unbox therapy says hi

[@spongebobtrianglepants2081]

@@silastan3848 true, true

[@denymoirangthem]

@@spongebobtrianglepants2081 linus, duh!

[@SumukhAnil]

@@denymoirangthem yes linus is toxic and is biased

[@m0ndezzz666]

it’s good to see mkbhd supporting small channels

[@dr.poojanpatel7625]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@noahmukono]

Bruuh😆😆😆😆 #savage

[@kingxfaisal1]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@postnick]

Someone needs to pin this comment!

[@abhishekhire549]

Sarcasm 😆

[@PhilEdwardsInc]

so funny when people interview him and you get to see exactly how much better he is at lighting and shooting videos

[@davidaseweje]

Exactly

[@MirzaIsmailBaig]

My point exactly.👍🏽

[@gbchibuye]

True

[@SanderM3P]

So true, I have to admit one of the number one reasons I watch his video's, I always watch them on the TV so I can enjoy the quality the most.

[@luke_will_taylor]

@@SanderM3P incredible quality actually: head and shoulders above every other KZbinr. He’s a perfectionist and hen only gets better at what he does

[@jojorabbit61]

"so I've been testing the forbes for a week and here's what I found"

[@sourabhkumar6950]

Flex!

[@francoisebowen]

looooooooooooooollllllllll

[@ObservantAlchemist]

😂😂😂

[@servHis221]

You win!

[@PrinceTaRiG]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@NaswaReloaded]

He is a pro at his job.

[@bradirv]

he's the pro max

[@ahmedrahim2500]

His intros are annoying tho. Dave 2d's are the best

[@pog0777]

@@ahmedrahim2500 Bitter are we, don't let jealousy rule you head if you think you can do better prove it ow but wait we're your 12million ytube channel😱🤔

[@ahmedrahim2500]

@@pog0777 he's not gonna shag you you know that right? Also we all have our own opinions and you should respect other people's if you want them to respect yours

[@thegreatgatsbygatsby474]

@@ahmedrahim2500 yes

[@THEECOMKING]

You know you’ve made it when you’re on the Forbes KZbin channel 👑👏🏽

[@AtharvaVaidya]

You're*

[@laxjs]

Lol Forbes is worse than Tedx at this point

[@toniklemm1172]

You know you’ve made it when you can sit down with MKBHD.

[@prosperomiponle7645]

@@toniklemm1172 👍

[@app11120]

fake guru?

[@vahidashaikh8265]

This is the most low res video of Marques on KZbin Thanks guys this is the most likes I've ever got!!

[@aureliano_37]

True, his production quality is better than that of Forbes

[@keshavrg]

MKBSD

[@KH-lw5ze]

2009 disagrees with you.

[@altruisticlemur]

This'd probably be second behind Marques on the Joe Rogan podcast

[@rfarias565]

LMAO

[@benjaminamegatsey3134]

When l see MKBHD, I click.

[@Kira.raw.]

Simple as that!

[@BRNOOB_]

As simple as that!

[@walidali8669]

So simple is that

[@amadoucamara5194]

Absolutely simple as that !

[@ligala1]

It's that simple

[@jeffjones1943]

Give this guy a matt black shirt already...

[@jlynn468]

He's so wise for such a young man. And humble. I like that and respect his opinions.

[@Syllence]

@aaa aaa heterosexual

[@michaelrmims]

Forbes didn't really light him well. Come on, you professionals.

[@MarvinMbutura]

I thought it was just me

[@waugust]

Ikr?? I thought so too

[@Garconbleu]

Poor lighting for people of color is something that hurts the eyes of those.... and this was NOT the best.

[@michaelrmims]

@@Garconbleu I've paid more attention to that over the past couple of years as well. It's disappointing.

[@apparently_sonam]

@@michaelrmims not sure about the shirt choice either, but...

[@Channel8eight]

This guy is literally just a living legend in the tech industry! Living proof that dreams can become reality doing what you love!

[@ifeanyinwachukuw4019]

He's putting on a real shirt and he's kinda dripping in fashion... Forbes what did you do 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@hilal_younus]

I know right , this doesn’t match him at all ...

[@ifeanyinwachukuw4019]

@@hilal_younus 😂

[@wizcombo]

Mkbhd: Matte black Forbes: ...Versace it is

[@othnieljonathan6717]

Exactly 😂

[@kentusensei]

My thoughts exactly 😅

[@madhav766]

"even if it doesn't turn into this incredibly rare success story". So well put.

[@pranavharan5845]

MKBHD's quality is much better this. He should have have filmed his own interview xD.

[@FadyCreates]

lol not really. this is as good or even better

[@nntt6398]

@@FadyCreates have u ever seen the quality of his videos

[@FadyCreates]

@@nntt6398 yes i wouldn't have commented this if i didnt watch his video's lol

[@arifhussain926]

@@FadyCreates The director needs to be fired. The video production looks olds fashioned, something from the 1900’s

[@FadyCreates]

@@arifhussain926 that's what he was going for lmao. ever heard of a style

[@mojogrip]

Didn't even have to start the video to give it a thumbs up.

[@jaimeponton5033]

Facts!

[@okunrin3]

I just love MKBHD. I’m way older than him but I respect him. He isn’t motivated by money and that is the best thing you can ask from a KZbinr.

[@Mech_Aegis]

I love that he kept his old vids up on YT. Crazy to see someone so young and motivated throughout the years to today and still have that energy.

[@bkabs2242]

This man in 10 to 15 years .... walking to his own building Owning a million dollar mkbhd company.....

[@Amerifilms]

He is already doing that.

[@servHis221]

@@Amerifilms 😂😂😂

[@darlingtonakogo6245]

Lol MKBHD currently makes 2.9-3.4 million USD in annual revenue. He does have a million dollar company.

[@idontknowwhatimdoing8941]

@@darlingtonakogo6245 If he is earning that then he DOES have a million dollar company.

[@miloslepotic]

So, I've been using this building as headquarters for about a week now...

[@creativepicnl]

Marques is someone to admire. It’s clear to me how he grab hold onto this concept and made it his own.With his cool voice he managed to convince me to think thoroughly about the tech i’m using, giving me the tech know-how by not being overly tech-y but still dropping those well needed insight. Getting recognition by forbes is something that is well deserved.

[@yathprem]

This man has inspired so many of us! MKBHD deserves it all 👏🏾

[@albertsennehmansaray1359]

From Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 i always love to watch his videos.. hes so cool

[@bestniggaful]

Salone brother

[@emmanuellahai_]

O salone brbr

[@sid570]

This man is one of the most unproblematic and passionate dudes on KZbin. A true legend.

[@happyguy2k]

Great to see his journey from his old channel to now.. I started watching him years ago because enjoyed his non biased reviews towards tech... Wish him more success 👏🏿

[@PatriciaSonia]

The good thing about him, is that even though he’s successful and connects with a lot of companies, he tells you the truth. I can trust his reviews. He and Jackie Aina are two of the most authentic people on KZbin. They will tell you if a product is good or bad (without trashing the company).

[@alando5404]

AGREED

[@DevendraSingh-wh7jw]

This guy has come a long way , from conversing sessions with billionaires to getting featured in world's greatest Forbes video ! Quite an inspiration to all those wanting pursuing their carrier in a platform such as KZbin .

[@MZain1]

It must be a Proud moment for Forbes to have MKBHD

[@marvinnicol908]

From Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 I love masques’s content it’s so cool you could tell he loves his job respect ✊🏿

[@buba_Dukz]

Salone all the way 🇸🇱💚🤍💙

[@carriebeau4592]

So freakin proud of this guy. Awesome job. I'm just an average person who loves upgrading my phone - he is so thorough and easy to get. I haven't seen any other page with the right mix of knowledge, personality and professionalism. He deserves all of his success.

[@coin5207]

A week ago: Mkbhd flexing with Obama Today: Forbes flexing with Mkbhd

[@ShawnDC]

I always watch his videos every time I heard of a new gadget. What he said about doing KZbin is true. It takes a lot of hardwork but if you love what you do, it’s fun!

[@booptidyscoop7790]

They dressed him themselves , he never gonna wear that by himself .

[@anas4432]

I've been watching Marques' videos for the past 5 years, and I've observed the same thing that he said in this video. He always makes content that he himself would enjoy as a subscriber, and since he shares the same interests as most of his fan base (being a tech enthusiast), we enjoy the content too! Love this guy!

[@rockersamurai]

very few good youtubers left. this kid (yes he was a kid when I started watching him) is the real deal.

[@TonyTyga90]

He understood “Putting the customer/viewer first” in high school. He deserves every bit of the success he has earned.

[@loveparkes]

We love to see it, onward and upward MKBHD!

[@MvsG18]

Marqués started as a kid, when you see he's been making videos for 12 years, You just see his vocation in comunication and technology. I'm happy that he's succesful and one of the biggest names in the site.

[@maalaned]

Really, Is that the best shirt you have for him, Forbes. 😂

[@keyboard-commentator]

it's the exact same color as a green screen. i'm sure he did it on purpose.

[@TrunxKraft3000]

Whole fit is fire tho.

[@Sir_jay10]

Good

[@nvis2715]

he’s my go-to tech vids when it comes to tech reviews... non-biased, honest tech reviews

[@vikasarsid1299]

He done really well.

[@wesleylemayian]

From Kenya 🇰🇪, I love watching this guy.

[@metallusmelandril7380]

"So I have been the CEO of Forbes for 2 weeks"

[@nicolebond3992]

Great to see you getting recognition in the business world MKBHD.

[@forbes5471]

Thanks for sharing your comment..

[@forbes5471]

Need help to grow your crypto portfolio feel free to send us a message on Wat App 👇..

[@forbes5471]

+ 1 2 1 4 3 0 4 2 7 5 6..

[@kieransudlow1229]

Seeing him in a green shirt was definitely weird

[@keyboard-commentator]

it's gotta be some kinda green screen troll shirt. i bet he wore it just to mess with the forbes crew. like...aight guys, sorry about the green shirt that's gonna make me transparent, but i'm sure y'all got the tech to work around it

[@inspiredscape5611]

Yeah

[@ashutoshmanchanda6766]

yea he tweeted about it, apparently Forbes made him wear that

[@mrcojocaru]

@@ashutoshmanchanda6766 lame. His shirts are way cooler. This one doesn't even fit him that well.

[@massiullahahmadzai5363]

I have a lot of respect for him ❤️

[@nguforulrich7897]

MKBHD is by far the collest KZbinr. When ever I see MKBHD i Click.

[@Chrischi4598]

This man is truly an inspiration! Always stayed himself, down to earth, just likable! Hope he continues to go well.

[@RichardWalls]

Only downside is this is just 2 minutes long. Great story though!

[@MinedTactics]

I've got you covered buddy :-)

[@incarnationcharls]

The one and only tech KZbinr I absolutely love !! This guy's content and the networking ability (Given the fact that he interviewed some of the most successful people in the world) is just phenomenal not to mention the quality of his videos !! He is the GOAT of Tech KZbinrs !!!

[@ArushPrashantYogashraya]

Most humble person on KZbin.

[@n0yn0y]

I remember watching Marques's videos all the way back in 2009 when I (we) was just a kid. It's astonishing how much his channel has grown

[@la2atl]

Love everything about this guy. Awesome to see men of color taking over tech.

[@dollyessm1692]

He was the first one I see reviewing the items relating it everyday life. I aspire to be like him.

[@davyd7]

Forbes dressed him up 😍

[@XavierMathewsEntertainment]

I just like that he keeps it simple and keeps it humble. This wasn’t about how he makes money from KZbin. Just about his passion and good advice for those who want to get into the creative space.

[@forbes2347]

Thanks for sharing your comment.

[@forbes2347]

Need help to grow your crypto portfolio feel free to send us a message on Wat App 👇.

[@forbes2347]

+ 1 2 1 4 3 0 4 2 7 5 6.

[@AlexYansProfile]

Not used to seeing MKBHD in such low resolution

[@rc_23]

He is also blessed with this distinct voice that is calm and clear to listen to when he explains things. 😎

[@thenjk9781]

Made it to forbes❤️

[@mobbossgambino]

Great guy, very knowledgeable.

[@pyramidlawpractice5549]

Yo! I commented first from Nigeria lol😅

[@pyramidlawpractice5549]

@@joshbernal5054 hey, good to have you.

[@adebanjoabayomi1892]

How u Dey fellow Nigerian ?

[@jamesjames3603]

Nigerians should comment here

[@pyramidlawpractice5549]

@@adebanjoabayomi1892 very well o! Banjo, hope you good?

[@adebanjoabayomi1892]

@@pyramidlawpractice5549 yeah I dey.

[@hanniegaro2292]

It touch my heart and feel what he says. I really want to do somethings like he does. I want to upload videos about tech. Just like him, I get interest and watch videos about tech when I was watching smartphone that I want to buy. Long story short. After a month every day I got interested watching some reviews mostly from MKBHD. I very admire Marques how he do things in his channel and asking myself how did he do that? How he became very confident? I want to be like him. I was inspired when I watched his first video when he started nothing and now he is very successful

[@HUNGRYCR4B]

My 5 years old me wanted to be a Pilot My 5 years nephew told me he wants to be a youtuber,

[@MrOnlyforcommenting]

look at what covid done for those pilots. grounded and retrenched .

[@RandomlyOniC]

So consistent and valuable. Much respect for him!

[@raph4776]

IM SO PROUD OF MARQUES

[@sherrysinharoy]

I love his genuine and honest approach to everything n how he conducts himself... ❤️ He is One of a Kind..

[@forbes5471]

Thanks for sharing your comment..

[@forbes5471]

Need help to grow your crypto portfolio feel free to send us a message on Wat App 👇..

[@forbes5471]

+ 1 2 1 4 3 0 4 2 7 5 6..

[@jaswanthreddybora740]

We finally saw him in shirt 😂

[@JMMM777]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Nice job @Marques Brownlee Thank you for the advice💯

[@c6sm9sgg69]

I'm a simple guy, I see MKBHD I click. 💯

[@ruellumbre4212]

I remember watching him when he wasnt all that famous here in youtube, this feels like watching a brother getting successful.

[@darwinb93]

WHOEVER STYLED HIM NEEDS TO BE FIRED IMMEDIATELY, TERRIBLE OUTFIT

[@lethabo2795]

tbfh

[@rehanfauzan4623]

i think he looks fabolous

[@RhysLopez]

Cap

[@SecondResponder]

That shirt looks like a green screen, the pants look like they belong in 2003 and the red shoes (one of his fav color)are fine if they would of gave him a “matte black” outfit to go along with it ... Forbes you fucked it up

[@djplayerproductions]

So Proud of this Brother. Watching him grow his brand. He is one of the best on You Tube

[@sameerk_28]

KZbin algorithms/recommendation, brought here. 😂

[@vivaanbalchandani5925]

congratulations Marques!! I'm saying this with all my heart, you've earned it brother.

[@mojumder_ashche]

If only apple gave him those green airpods max before the forbes interview. Those would have looked great with that green shirt.

[@suwooshi]

I wish I had an inspiring person like him earlier... I did unboxings and reviews back in 2010 but I quickly gave up. If only I had continued... One advice I can give to everyone is to just go for it and do what makes you happy, even if you don't see results right away. Patience is key.

[@XxpitbulxX009]

KZbin recommended getting better

[@DanyaTeodora]

Yess... I have been watching this kid since my first motorala #qualityphonesonabudget and I never stopped watching his reviews ever since. Though, I don't have anything to buy I still like his pragmatic approach to things. He would always think outside the box, if there is something that is not built in an item but should be there, best believe Marques is going to say it, find it and review it for manufacturers. That's why we are proud for his accomplishments 👏👏👏

[@miikavuorio9190]

No-one's commenting on the epic thumbnail!

[@davidchang3088]

been watching since around 150. Really cool watching you grow your brand the past few years!

[@forbes2347]

Thanks for sharing your comment

[@forbes2347]

Need help to grow your crypto portfolio feel free to send us a message on Wat App 👇

[@forbes2347]

+ 1 2 1 4 3 0 4 2 7 5 6

[@peterngochannel]

Man, Forbes should hire Marques to do their lightning, the lightning of this video is horrible.

[@nayanpanchal1621]

So proud of Marques, seen you grow through KZbin ❤️

[@UserInterface00]

Marquees: “So I’ve been writing fir Forbes for about a year now, so here’s what I’ve found”

[@forbes5471]

Thanks for sharing your comment..

[@forbes5471]

Need help to grow your crypto portfolio feel free to send us a message on Wat App 👇..

[@forbes5471]

+ 1 2 1 4 3 0 4 2 7 5 6..

[@samuelodan2376]

Hmm, nice! Since we repping countries, I’m watching from Nigeria 🌚

[@Juan308]

So proud to have seen him grow through all these years on youtube!!

[@Kishezron]

My first time seeing mkhd in a shirt

[@afridifacebook]

Forbes made a nice film. MKBHD looking sharp, and his words are sharper. Right on.

[@jebiusenvy]

Marques Keith Brownlee High Definition

[@parthranjan5606]

now mkbhd in his video's be like *I have been giving Forbes interview since a week now* ps:i am groot ps: you ain't never never gonna know what I said well I said icons

[@doki965]

I actually have a huge on Marques and yes that is not only the reason why I watch his videos but I just support and admire him deeply and he's legit really great at what he's doing so 🙌

[@dibyanshudas5759]

I'm sure he didn't like that outfit. XD

[@virajchavan724]

My man always finds something higher to achieve. Been watching him as a kid. Never been so proud of someone who I haven't met.

[@soytupappa]

This guy's hands are scary big

[@obiohagwu788]

He's 6'3 and played pro ultimate frisbee.

[@johanvanwambeke723]

I think the vision and the reason his channel is soo big. Is because of all the attention to detail and video/audio quality. Equally, as much as it is the content or 'what the viewer wants to see. There are 100 similar video's about the new Iphone. But you want to watch his. I am not into Tesla, but you want to watch it still...

[@ihuman1327]

I can already imagine him, 40-50 years from now, advising youngsters like a Boss.

[@blueblurrbihh]

I've always loved tech but from watching this young man for almost 10 years now him and his channel made me love tech more 🖤

[@parthvasoya3562]

Above all, he is a legit KZbinr. He knows, what type of content and what type of reactions from a KZbinr(during a video) are expected by a person when they want to see a review of a product. Feel grateful to have people like him in the community :)

[@theenarams]

Great to see Brownlee support small channels like this one!

[@philmingo]

Can't wait for when the full video comes out. 🤗

[@scogginsscoggins]

His knowledge and his soothing voice are the clear reason for his success.

[@forbes2347]

Thanks for sharing your comment

[@forbes2347]

Need help to grow your crypto portfolio feel free to send us a message on Wat App 👇

[@forbes2347]

+ 1 2 1 4 3 0 4 2 7 5 6

[@rezaurrahmannafiz3140]

I always find his perspective and points to be different and always on point...

[@ryanmilewski9641]

Congrats Marques! Love your content, keep up the good work 👊🏼