what youtube paid me in 2021

[@chriscze6153]

Doesn't seem like bragging to me. LA is expensive, you have to pay tons of taxes, you paid 4k minimum in expenses for the channel, 10k for your editor - sure, your brand deals are likely lucrative (enough), and your tax write-offs will come back to you, but I imagine you have a comfortable middle/upper middle class lifestyle with your channel at this level. I think these videos are great and I hope we get another in 2023! Thanks as always for being one of the most transparent 'tubers.

[@RhombonianKnight]

She lives in a Californian metropolitan area though and would have a total effective tax rate of about 30%. So I'd say she's solidly middle class. Things are expensive here

[@chriscze6153]

@@RhombonianKnight only 30 percent as someone self employed? That isn't bad, although I forgot to factor in she has to pay her own insurance(s) separately, plus has a dog and car, so it all adds up. I can imagine living in most places out of LA in the USA that 100k before tax would get you a lot farther.

[@RhombonianKnight]

@@chriscze6153 30% for anyone making around $100k pre-tax in California, self-employed or not. Being in the LA region is definitely not cheap though it's a bit cheaper than my home region, the SF Bay Area. Rent is the big killer though in coastal, urban California. She likely pays a quarter to half her average post-tax income on rent.

[@trashxraccoon03]

@@RhombonianKnight Geniuenly not trying to be rude, just confused and curious ... but 30%?! I was always under the impression that americans don't have basic health care and all that stuff because they have low taxes. But 30% is A LOT, where the fuck does that money go?

[@Kandralla]

​@@trashxraccoon03 So I don't (and won't) live in California so it may actually be that bad there... but I don't think it is, I think people are confusing "tax bracket" with "net tax". Federal taxes work like this: You have a series of buckets that each represent a different, increasing tax rate. You take all your money and start filling the buckets from lowest to highest until you run out of money then you pay the tax rate assigned to each bucket for all the money in the bucket. So if you make $100K you're going to pay about 10% on $10K 12% on $30K 22% on $45K 24% on the remaining $15K that only partially fills the 24% bucket. Meaning the effective federal rate is around 18% not counting any deductions or credits that would reduce your taxable income. So I think that 30% number is someone taking the highest tax bracket she's in and adding 6% for state and local taxes (which is high because California) to get 30%, it's probably closer to 24%. State and local is going to be different depending on where you live. I live in the State of Florida and we don't have a state income tax relying on sales and property taxes and running a lean government (California has a lot of those services you're talking about, Florida does not), so my tax rate in that scenario is going to be the 18% federal rate. That last bit is the confounding part here because how much sales tax you pay is going to be hard to quantify, but I can guarantee you that is higher in California as well.

[@LikeHell18]

I really appreciate that you're open about how much you make. People are so weird about money, I think it's a silly taboo and I wish we could discuss it more openly. Congrats on a successful year!

[@oofshapedhuman4974]

I get being guarded if your family and friends are likely to abuse that fact. But overall it doesn't help anybody.

[@bettzysdaddy]

It's a taboo that was perpetrated by corporate execs so that they can keep wages artificially low. The more you talk about it, the less the company can keep making excuses like "we had a bad year" when they gave the top big bonuses.

[@thatyellowfellow]

People are weird about money because people are greedy. If people find out you're rich, it's way more likely to attract douchebags into your life. Term gold digger exists for a reason. Business are weird about money because - as a comment before me said, they can pay you way less. If all the employees realise they're getting paid fuck-all they'll all ask for more money which the business wouldn't want.

[@AllyYoko]

it's American thing

[@oofshapedhuman4974]

@@AllyYoko it does seem to be, most people I’ve met aren’t afraid to talk about wages even to basically strangers

[@ragasaur5878]

1. As a teacher, I love these, because my students want to be influences and youtubers, and I love giving them real info. 2. As a teacher with a teacher salary... *sigh* *laugh* get it girl!

[@terribIe.]

I definitely don’t think it’s bragging! As a subscriber, it’s generally just nice to see you doing well, if that makes any sense? I personally also enjoy looking at data as well so that’s me lmao. Thanks for the transparency Amanda, you don’t have to yet you do and it’s appreciated

[@Smellystrawberry]

Part of the reason I subscribed was the openness on how KZbin works from behind the scenes for a creator. That includes earnings and being able to compare the year before

[@ducksrcool123]

This is SO interesting to see. As someone who never intends on creating a KZbin channel but watches probably 2-3 hours of KZbin a day, it’s really cool to see how you guys make a living. Also shows us that you are successful and are doing well :)

[@kamiddani]

I know most youtubers get annoyed when people ask how much they make, but I really can't blame people for wanting to know. KZbin is a more accepted career choice now, but it's still pretty variable as far as actual revenue goes, and I think it's natural for people to be curious about the ups and downs of what kind of money is made depending on the month. I really appreciate you breaking things down and sharing this with us, because it's always confused me why it was a taboo question. it's the kind of thing you'd ask about any other job, but KZbin in particular it's really hard to find answers. So thank you! and I hope you do continue to make these videos in the future. I don't think it's bragging, and honestly it's nice to see someone doing well for themselves. I'm super grateful that you get to do what you love and still afford to get Hermes all the best treats.

[@kallymihova6232]

I'm so happy to see William is being paid very well. Kudos to you both ❤

[@stoppit9]

Same! That made the video for me

[@thestormwar]

@@stoppit9 I was happy to see he was comfortable breaking it down for all of us! It's good to use as a gauge for others looking to be editors.

[@thejokerl1ves]

If more people were transparent about their incomes, more people would realize how often they're being screwed by their bosses. Cudos to you for being so honest.

[@katherinemclean1448]

William is awesome and I'm glad he's there helping you in the background. Your financial breakdowns are super interesting. I've no intention to become a KZbinr, but it's interesting to watch your growth and success in real-time. I'm glad you're doing well and look forward to the years to come. 🙂

[@SarcasticGoose]

Even if you are a millionaire, I don't think this is bragging. You are being transparent. Thank you

[@kgrose102]

I like the transparency aspect of these videos, don't find them bragging. Have you thought about doing a different video where you talk about finances and how you work your money, like you say you set some aside for taxes and make tax payments, but what else do you have? interesting topic to consider.

[@flayrekapperz7862]

Yeah, I'm curious if its between 25% to 50% gone in taxes haha

[@lukeycharms]

oh she's makin MONAAAAY. honestly, i appreciate the transparency and like it a hell of a lot more than, like, when shane dawson paraded around like he was poor even though he was getting millions of views per video. i'm interested to see the breakdown!

[@e_velog]

As a tiny KZbinr, I obviously don't have as much data to look back on, but I was curious about the source of my views after you mentioned the switch in WHO youtube decides to push my content to. For the past year, it was only showing my content to 30% of non-subscribers... and for the past month, it's heading towards the 50% mark. Don't know what happened, but I guess I should just appreciate KZbin's algorithm changes 🤷🏻‍♀️ Also, I gotta say that imo, you're the best at making these "what I made in a year from KZbin" type of video. And I'm sure the majority of people watching this video really don't think of it as bragging, but rather insightful. Hope you keep making them for years to come!!

[@Topaz_Estrella]

Amanda: I lost a brand deal because my audience is "too young." Me, currently smothering my 33yo wrinkles in concealer: WHY THANK YOU, APPLE!!!

[@Skittl1321]

I'm 40...glad to be called "too young" lol

[@tiffany.Elizabeth.]

Hahaha same here at 37

[@JustCallMeMeghan]

As a very small channel, clawing my way back to monitization (I've been here for over 15 years), I really appreciate these videos. I don't see it as bragging. I see it as letting those of us who don't yet have that how the monitization works. I love learning about other people's analytics and CPM/RPM. Thanks Amanda!

[@Anna-xh6fk]

Please continue to do this-this is the most transparency I’ve seen into the finances of youtubers. Don’t care if it’s “bragging” and pretty much everyone else in this comment section agrees.

[@ShanaLawson]

Transparent Queen! We need to speak about wages, the fact we don’t and are taught to absolutely not speak about money is, imo, one of the reasons we are where we are. I do love the data but my brain hates numbers so I get lost super quick lol

[@nicoledoubleyou]

I agree, I think if everyone could openly talk about and ask about money and earnings, people would have a better idea what they are worth, what they should expect, and I think it would also probably help people make better financial decisions

[@sydney7701]

Don't make this your last year! As someone who has been trying content creation (on TikTok only, but still) this is really valuable for people like me. It's really important to see it

[@BryonyClaire]

I think transparency is so important and I appreciate you making videos like this. I don't think it's bragging at all, my channel is v small but it gives me hope for the future seeing people making a living off this work

[@camillecarter-thompson7974]

OMG!! Bryony Claire! I love your videos ❤️

[@soph13s]

it definitely doesn't come off as bragging, it's great for transparency as many viewers (like myself) don't know much at all about how the internet content creators we watch get paid. it's really cool to see your growth!!

[@No1PlutoSupporter]

Love William adding in his input!!!

[@oofshapedhuman4974]

I think if someone's insulted or feel like your bragging it's a them problem honestly. These sorts of videos with the money breakdown are incredibly insightful, thankyou

[@ScoutsJournal]

I like that you share your income. It helps us know what’s going on for your channel and you’re a business now so it’s nice to see the transparency. We know not all that money is going right into your pocket it’s going to help pay your editor and other people helping you as well as paying for content for your viewers. I don’t think it’s bragging at all.

[@meganhw-muse]

Doesn't feel like bragging! It's eye opening and nice to see transparency in order to understand the amount of work it takes to be successful on KZbin as a platform and as a creator in general. Thanks Amanda!

[@Ainexela]

I want to acknowledge how awesome it is that you’re being so transparent. That helps so many creators. Also editor Will, the own person, big ups to you for sharing you earnings to help out other editors. We need more folks like y’all 💪🏽

[@anouk6608]

I love this video and this "series" because I like the transparancy of it. It is interesting to see what comes with being a youtuber and how it pays off. Love the video!

[@varden506]

100%, I find it so refreshing to hear people talk about money without it resulting in negatively charged discussions or straight up jealousy.

[@Indigochan]

As someone who interacts with a lot of young kids who say they'd like to be a youtuber/streamer when they grow up, I really appreciate your transparency. Being open about this sort of thing can only be a positive!

[@music_YT2023]

I love the transparency. It's not bragging, it's a job and you're explaining the minutiae of the financial aspects. I don't even want to be YT, I just like hearing the background stuff that it takes to make the entertainment that I enjoy come to fruition. Also, LOVE YOU WILLIAM!

[@slopflop9006]

Honestly you could make a million a year and most people (myself included) wouldn’t see it as bragging. We like the transparency! Great Vid!

[@Lavonsweet]

I actually think the annual channel analytics are interesting. It helps your viewers see the reality of being a full time KZbinr. I am excited that your channel is continuing to grow.

[@tinytigertamer]

Congratulations to William for working with such an awesome employer! Glad to see he’s being paid so well. Keep up the good work, you are a great editor.

[@shannonclarke656]

I hope you don't stop these financial reviews. I find them exceptionally interesting and actually quite important. You're breaking down taboo barriers and everyone needs more of that! Even when you're making millions 🤣 There will always be people with opinions It's a breath of fresh air :)

[@teodorapetkovic]

Great job on the whole of last year, and a congrats to William!!! You're killing it dude, love your podcast

[@aspen1713]

Thank you for making this!! I find it so interesting. Obviously youtubers are paid a decent chunk of change, but I had no idea the earning potential of 'smaller' channels (ex: less than 500k - 1mil subs) until I was watching a SmokeyGlow xmas vlog and her husband casually mentioned she earned about the same as a doctor. Totally blew my mind and opened my eyes to the potential of youtube work.

[@TalentlessCooking]

As a very new KZbin channel, I try to learn from other channels as much as possible and I really appreciate the transparency. I'm currently struggling with how to make my channel sustainable before the ad revenue break.

[@georgisilveira2482]

First of all congratulations on the channel doing so well - so happy for you! I honestly love these videos. As an avid YT watcher I think it’s super interesting to look behind the curtain a bit at the creator side of things! And it really doesn’t feel like bragging. I’d also love more discussion about the analytics because I’m a data person who finds that stuff really interesting👀 hope your 2022 goes just as well!

[@Rhaifha]

I love to see this kind of transparency. Also, anyone accusing you of bragging is obviously not listening to what you're saying. Lastly, that kind of instability with your ad revenue and such sounds nerve wracking!

[@Iwyth]

I really hope you continue to do this. I don’t think it’s bragging. You present it in an informative way.

[@Jules-pl6kw]

Please continue to do the financial reviews. It's not bragging, and it's beneficial for other people on the platform to advocate for the payment they deserve.

[@bruce0816]

One of my goals this year is to start s KZbin channel. Glad to see someone transparent about it and can give anyone the proper information to those that want to follow the same path

[@soccergalz7401]

Honestly even as a non content creator, but someone in the same age group working during the plague years, it's nice seeing the pay transparency for another career path. I think the other comments agree its not bragging!

[@chantellefieldhouse9124]

Personally I find these reviews to be educational and interesting. I’ve watched all of them and hope to see more in the future! I appreciate your honesty.

[@sarahuhlich6833]

I think the bragging vs. transparency thing ultimately comes down to your attitude both in how you present the information and whether or not you flaunt your income and/or possessions as a show of said income outside of the financial review videos. I haven’t seen that from you and your concern and mild discomfort over how you handle it are, weird as it may seem, a good thing. To me it shows you’re actively thinking about how you present that and how others are going to perceive it. Glad things are going well for you and I hope 2022 brings you the income you’re hoping for from it :)

[@lauren2886]

i find these videos super interesting! i feel like a lot of influencers and creators aren't very upfront about how much money they make (which is understable, it's pretty personal and something not everyone feels comfortable about) so it's really refreshing to hear your perspective and get an insight into the 'behind-the-scenes' financial aspect of it all. thanks for sharing!

[@TweetedTUMBLe]

Amanda, your transparency is how I first found you and why I decided to subscribe. I enjoy all of your other content, but I just respected your openness so much and still do!

[@dalenepowell-carasco8071]

I'm considering trying to become a youtuber, so this video was honestly super helpful seeing what a mid-size youtuber makes. I think you should always keep doing them, it's helpful

[@bryan4386]

Im sure I commented similarly before but these finance videos are honestly a large factor of what got me interested in your channel. The transparency is commendable and I'm eager for more details. Especially when it comes to budgeting whether for videos or life and your thought process surrounding all that. Ironically, I have zero interest in starting a channel. But I enjoy when it's explicit that these KZbin videos are a business.

[@Vonduck3789]

I love that you do these breakdowns. At first I was going to say that if you made more than x amount of money I'd consider it bragging, but when you said more than that I didn't feel like you were bragging. It honestly made me incredibly happy to know you were making enough to support yourself, because now I know I can look forward to more consistent content in the coming year. There's definitely a way to make this video be bragging but your candid speech makes me, an audience member, feel respected. And honestly that's the biggest problem I have with big and small celebrities. I don't mind people doing good for themselves (excluding the mega rich who leech off of the suffering of others) but most of the time it isn't the fact that influencers and celebs are doing well financially, its that they stop viewing others as people and view their audience as walking wallets. (kinda like Mr. Krabs in that one episode of spongebob). All-in-all the biggest thing I like about these videos, and your channel as a whole, is that you talk TO your audience not at them.

[@Samantha_76]

This is so awesome. I love watching people get the recognition they deserve.

[@ViolentEuthymia]

Holy shit I’ve been following you for like 2 years now and I still am anxiously waiting for new episodes. Love your content but mainly your personality

[@trentwiles9733]

I love these videos every year! Transparency is everything and this is a glimpse into the behind the scenes we never get to see.

[@xvieve4]

you look so great with curly hair amanda!! youre so pretty omg

[@lara4life656]

Get it, girl! Not bragging; super excited for you!

[@AntsMovies]

Thanks for being transparent; that really means a lot

[@borkbork4124]

Thanks for pulling back the curtain. Yeah that number is a lot bigger than what I make, but I do not self promote and hire others to help with my business. Love these videos!

[@katrinhalookca]

I see videos like this as transparency and entertainment. I enjoy all your content, most especially your deep dives. You have a way of presenting information in an accessible and fun manner. I look forward to seeing what 2022 brings you and us!

[@diplenski]

appreciate the transparency, not that you owe it to anyone, doesn't come off as bragging. i think it might help motivate someone who is considering getting into it. you make good content, you have a good personality, and it's fun to watch. it's nice to hear that you are able to support yourself doing something you like 😊

[@bastiaan4129]

Watched several of your video's last year, subscribed today because I value transparency.

[@oomomow6621]

Ngl I got mad envy ebbing and flowing throughout the video, but hell yeah nifty video. Its incredibly fair, and it is nice seeing more transparently what earnings are possible, and how it can be broken on KZbin.

[@ShiroAr1]

I appreciate the openness and also William if you are reading this, yes you are your own person and are amazing!!!

[@DavidXanitos]

What I like about this is that Amanda dressed up just like any professional to give an annual financial report to us, the investors for transparency. Mad respect for her audience.

[@vinnm4516]

Honestly I think it would be really great to keep doing this in the future, even as your pay rises. I don't see it as bragging, I see it as success for managing to leverage yourself well, and we love to see people thrive.

[@anne-marie339]

Congrats on the success of your channel this year! It's always interesting to get a peek into the financial backgrounds of KZbin channels - at least whatever you're comfortable sharing (and I definitely don't see it as bragging - you worked hard for your success and paycheque). Seeing how videos can perform and the possible reasons why they perform above or below expected is fascinating to me.

[@starryeyedginger]

Just adding my voice to the "I enjoy the data" side. I think its so interesting to see the breakdown, and I don't see it as bragging. I find the transparency actually kinda cool. Also it really is amazing to watch your channel grow. Love Williams edits. Sometimes miss the door knob background.

[@ShanaLawson]

Sometimes I’m not actively watching and hear silences and know I have to rewind to see what gem he’s adding 😊

[@starryeyedginger]

@@ShanaLawson Same! And like the ones for this video legitimately made me laugh out loud.

[@carolynh6852]

It's interesting to learn how earning income via KZbin works. No one talks about it so it's so mysterious. Plus, you sharing will help others know if they are being taken advantage of :)

[@jennaboat6951]

I am SO thankful she shares this. So many youtubers are like hehe it's rude to ask what I make it's private

[@kstalia]

Very interesting. Of course 95k sounds like a lot, but subtracting the costs (specially editing, damn) and the inconsistent payouts, it's not an exaggerated amount or anything. The growth is the most important and that you're liking what your doing and getting by by doing it!

[@KatMum]

What a great year for you! I appreciate this video as educational, not bragging.

[@SparksFromFireworks]

I love these and I really enjoy the transparency, I don't think enough influencers are and it's super weird that stuff like this is taboo

[@chrishirecat]

Amanda! Get your coin. Your videos are always some of my favorites of the year, you are a bright ray of light and so refreshing in the KZbin space. I hope you find more success this year!

[@andymurray5045]

Love these videos, thank you for continuing to do them. See y'all next year!

[@pocketkerrie]

I don't think it's bragging, and it's amazing content for us math and accountancy nerds! Please keep doing these.

[@Chickeenz]

Really like these breakdowns. And as for the bragging part I wouldn’t be concerned. You’re still the quirky girl, you’re not bragging about earning bank, you’re just sharing and breaking down a relatively private part of your job, which I find very interesting. Also, talking about your pay in general should be de-stigmatized

[@ladylichan]

Love that you did this, since so few do. Also popping in to say this wavy/curled hairstyle looks great on you!

[@sabinajoh]

In 2022 I started to get recommended your videos and I’d never seen you before that sooooo thats something

[@jaybehkay2438]

Holy crap hell yeah girl get that money. I don’t even care if you do start bragging, you work hard, you deserve to be proud of it

[@ann-gt4hh]

Honestly I really hope you do this video for 2022. I didn’t think I’d care to know or be interested in all this stuff, but then on your podcast you did a little monthly check in and I realized it was really neat and informative. I don’t plan to ever get into social media as a job but I like knowing the breakdown. And let’s be real, most jobs you can type in the job and salary on google and get a low and high number as well as average. Where as with social media it’s a huge difference and hard to know what amount of subs equals what amount of pay. I don’t think it’ll be bragging as long as you present it this same way and throw in jokes about it too :D

[@katefreda]

I appreciate these financial reviews and appreciate the transparency! Also congrats on a successful year!!

[@drjasonfreeman]

Congrats on another successful year with your channel! You should be proud of your accomplishment.

[@tiffany.Elizabeth.]

As someone who is just about to start creating content for a KZbin channel I truly appreciate this insight!!

[@goldmagistrate5732]

I'm legit happy watching the success

[@RhombonianKnight]

Never stop being transparent Swell. This is interesting to watch.

[@Maria_745]

I love these videos. As a viewer I sub to people with varying sub/view counts and very few talk about their earnings. Or if they do they conveniently stop after they start making the big bucks lol. I'm also happy you're paying William a decent wage. I don't know if you calculate it on a project or hourly basis but I'm glad it doesn't seem to be "X% of adsense" that some KZbinrs use to get away with paying their editors garbage

[@MichaelWilliams-xs1cf]

You go girl, genuinely amazing! And thank you, it's not bragging, it's transparent, and jt really helps aspiring creators etc to get a perspective. I can't imagine it's easy to share, but it has a really positive impact personally.

[@jhosioja]

You've surpassed the statistical average of where happiness increases with income, which I read a few years ago to be $75k annually. After that it tends to have diminishing returns on an exponentially flattening curve.

[@sleepingselkie]

I love the transparency so much! I remember finding you in early 2020 and I'm so happy you decided to make content full-time, it's wild that it has already been almost 2 years. You have grown so much as a creator and yet it still feels like it has only been a few months sometimes Over time I do get it might be awkward to make videos talking so openly about your income, especially when it can only represent so much of your financial situation. If it in the future you change this series to still be meaningful to online creators by breaking down costs but avoid quoting specific sums, I think it would be understandable and still useful. As you get used to having an audience and information about you made public, your boundaries might change - I think that's something inevitable in order to still have a healthy relationship with work like this. All of that to say, keep doing what you're doing imo!! If something begins to feel off, there's going to be a valid reason why and the only reason you need to switch things up. I can't wait to see what else you create this year!

[@LaggySkills]

Grats on the success. I hope this videos blows up and starts your year off with a nice bump of income. Thank you for the content. Love your beautiful face ❤

[@kittikat4124]

Ive never understood why a fan would be mad about someone they like being well off. Like good for you, girl, make money, live the life you can live. Im glad youre getting paid for your work because I like your content and I know how frustrating youtube can be to create content for and how unreliable they can be with money and communication. Not to mention the whole “this could all be gone in a year” that content creators have looming over them because this is a very new and unknown career. Also damn William, get that dough, too!

[@arulight]

hii i began watching your videos over the past year and ahh i really really like the way you present info, the topics you choose, and your energy!! i look forward to your posts now and my fav videos by you definitely include the tiktok building one, the food reviews, and the cult series (esp there's a cult on tiktok, as disturbing as it was). as the other comments are saying it's great that you're being transparent and i don't think there's anything braggy about it.. so i hope you continue to do these reviews for as long as you want to do them. hope your week goes well :-)

[@3tylersmith]

It it was Millions then maybe it’s “bragging” (it’s honest and informative) Truthfully you with your Swell Entertainment deserves it & I bet most of us watching hope you earn lots more $$ in 2022 and do this video again next year!

[@trainchomp6184]

I think it's awesome that you're sharing this, and I think it's awesome that you were so financially successful last year, and I hope the success and the finance videos continue this year!

[@ChaosBrink]

I don’t think it’ll come off as bragging as long as you remain true to yourself and transparent through your conduct. Shedding light on this reality of the platform is something that should be done more (and I appreciate what you do) so that, in a way, viewers can be more like “informed consumers”

[@amandalaura1746]

i really hope you dont ever stop makinf these videos!! even if its alot of money, its vey interesting and definitly really great to see transparency on creators and income, money should not be a hush hush topic!

[@ReaperCH90]

Please keep it up. Very interesting for people who are interested in the economic side of content creation.

[@trickynotes9548]

As I continue to debate starting a channel, these are really helpful with giving a peek into the world

[@whitneycarter3555]

It isnt bragging it's absolutely inspirational

[@henriquejambu]

Duuuude! I was literally yesterday watching the 2020 one, I was sad thinking that you’d not make one for 2021, I was so happy when this popped up on my feed!! I never thought of it as bragging, I just like to know finances lmao

[@theylienn]

Fascinating information, thank you for breaking all this down! Edit: It also didn't feel like bragging, I think your intent on sharing for the benefit of content creators makes a lot of sense to me personally.

[@smolexfundie6458]

You worked hard for it. Good job. I like seeing this and learning more about youtuber's job

[@Trixie0026]

I love how transparent you are each year. also its fun to see how you evolve and grow each year! I can't wait to see what content you'll create this year.