Fame Alert! 5 YouTubers Who Got Viral Overnight
YouTube first debuted in 2005 and ever since then, it is exploding as one of the most popular platforms. Over time, YouTube has become a full-time career option for content creators. The power that this platform holds is immense. With so much happening on YouTube, we made a list of YouTubers who got viral overnight.
From “offering a guide to become a gangster” to “adding clickbait to the thumbnail“, these YouTubers have done it all. You will be shocked to know what made these YouTubers go viral and achieve fame overnight. A priest once said, “Fate works in mysterious ways, my child.” It seems that these YouTubers had the blessings at the right time.
The list of the YouTubers who got viral overnight include:
- Ray William Johnson
- Ryan Higa
- Mystery Guitar Man
- Shay Carl Butler
- Philip DeFranco
The 5 individuals worked hard in their creative ways to make it till here. Read further to know the story of these people turning into internet celebrities.
In This Article
5 YouTubers Who Got Viral Overnight
I might be repeating myself when I say “Overnight.” In reality, nothing happens overnight. It is the hard work of every day that makes you worth being recognized. Guys, Rome was not built in a day. Same way, these YouTubers were not made into internet celebrities just like that. They all were creative people trying to make their way to the mainstream. With the right amount of luck, they went viral.
5. Philip DeFranco
Philip’s story goes way back to 2006. On September 15, 2006, DeFranco created a channel called “sxephil”. There he used to talk about “newsie type stuff, and things that matter to today (him).”
Soon after a little success, he started calling his new videos “The Philip DeFrance Show”. However, all his videos are now private or deleted from the channel.
But then how did he became viral overnight?
Soon, he began a new YouTube channel, “PhilipDeFrance” where he included a series of vlogs. He named those vlogs “The Vloggity”. August 2007 is the time when the creative man decided to do an experiment! He uploaded a video with the title “Big Boobs and You.” The thumbnail of the video was exactly what the title said.
Also, read 35 Most Disliked Videos On YouTube
Except, the thumbnail picture came in the video for merely a second. The rest of the video was Philip talking. Yes, it was a CLICKBAIT! The video quickly became super popular and got a lot of attention. It quickly became his most successful video at the time, with 1.8 million views. From there onwards, Philip changed his content to sex, gossip, and news.
- Subscribers: 6.36 million (Philip DeFranco), 1.17 million (Philly D)
- Years Active: 2006–present
- Genre: News, current events, vlogging
4. Shay Carl Butler
I have heard that cold can be contagious, never thought that getting viral overnight can also be the same! Confused? Okay, I’ll talk straight!
Due to the content of our previous viral YouTuber and his shout-out, Butler got the opportunity to get on the list of the YouTubers who got viral overnight.
Butler became popular on YouTube after Philip DeFrance watched one of his videos and gave him a shout-out. A mere shout-out made Bulter one of the viral YouTubers overnight!
Also, read Top 30 Most Liked Videos on YouTube
In times like these, I believe the internet is the most powerful tool right now. After the shout-out, Butler made the best use of all the opportunities. His channel “SHAYTARDS” won the “Best YouTube Channel” at Mashable’s 3rd Annual Open Web Awards.
Shay Carl Butler made a career out of filming home videos of his family and posting them on YouTube.
- Subscribers: 4.91 million (November 20, 2020)
- Years active: 2008 – Present
- Genre: Vlogs
3. Mystery Guitar Man
“Mystery Guitar Man” is a YouTube channel that belongs to Joe Penna. He, first, began his channel on June 16, 2006. Not until 2011, he knew that his channel would become of the most subscribed channels in Brazil.
Just like any other musician, Joe Penna is also a very talented musician and music producer. But, then what makes him different? How did he go viral overnight?
The answer is “his unconventional ways!” He does not play only guitar and keyboards, but he also creates music from mundane things like cans and sticks. After making short clips, he takes the footage and edits it into a song with so many different instruments. How creative and amazing is that!!
Also, read Top Best 30 Most Viewed Videos on YouTube
As of January 2019, his channel has garnered over 2.7 million subscribers, and his videos have accrued nearly 400 million views. In 2007, Penna was one of the first YouTube channels to receive mainstream media coverage, including attention from DC Fox News.
- Subscribers: 2.67 Million
- Years active: 2006–present
- Genre: Stop motion, animation, music, and videography
2. Ryan Higa
Ryan Higa is the epitome for becoming popular with controversies! Higa starting posting videos on YouTube in mid-2006. Most of the videos were lip-syncing to different songs with a little comic touch.
It was in 2008 when Higa posted two videos that made him popular. The videos were named “How to Be Gangster” and “How To Be Emo”. Now, you know why I said controversy! Both the videos were removed.
Also, check out List of 50 Most Subscribed YouTube Channels
Also, after a month, his account was temporarily suspended due to some copyright issues. There was a time when Nigahiga was one of the most subscriber YouTube channels. However, as of March 2019, he has over 21 million subscribers.
- Subscribers: 21.4 million (nigahiga), 4.86 million (HigaTV)
- Years active: 2006–present
- Genre: Comedy
1. Ray William Johnson
Ray William Johnson made his live-action acting debut in the indie road film Who’s Driving Doug alongside former Breaking Bad star RJ Mitte. Ray William Johnson started his YouTube channel in 2008. By 2011, his channel became YouTube’s first channel to reach 5 million subscribers.
He was best known for his show called “Equal Three.” In this show, he would review and comment on some popular viral videos. Little did he knew, one day he might become the viral YouTuber. He is not as active as he used to be. Ray posts a video in a month.
- Subscribers: 9.6 million
- Years active: 2008–present
Wrapping Up
This was the list of the YouTubers who got viral overnight. Let us know in the comment section below which story intrigues you the most. Stay connected for more content. Have a great day and amazing life!
