Asking YouTubers how much they make: a double standard

[babyteeth4]

I've noticed that when the news runs an article or video clip about a successful business owner, actor, or corporate executive, they talk about the person's accomplishments, their work, sometimes their charitable efforts, but they never ask or mention how much money the person makes.

But when there's an article or news piece about a YouTuber, they almost ALWAYS ask them how much money they make, and if they don't get an answer they'll come up with an earnings estimate of their own, and often structure the entire news story around the money aspect.

The same thing with relatives, friends, and acquaintances: when you're talking to someone about their job, you never ask how much money they make, right? That's considered rude (at least in my country). But when you start talking about your YouTube work, it's only a matter of time before people ask how much money you make!

Now, this question doesn't really bother me personally when I'm being asked by people I already know well and trust. But I wonder why there does seem to be a double standard when it comes to asking YouTubers how much they make? Any theories on this? Is it because people are surprised you can make any money on it?

 

[six cylinder]

I think cause its new and anybody can try it (most wont succede)

 

[WilliamRayWalters]

But I wonder why there does seem to be a double standard when it comes to asking YouTubers how much they make?

I think it's because most people do not consider it a 'real' job. There is a perception that making YT videos is easy or an overnight success type of thing. Reporters want to know how much you make so they can say 'he makes youtube videos for a living and makes $xxx per year' because it's interesting to people that someone could just get an idea one day and within a couple years make an entire business out of it running it right out of their own home (most of the time). Relatives are interested in the money aspect for the same reason...they always seem amazed. No schooling or special training is necessary to become a Youtube success (although certain knowledge and skill sets help). For Youtube viewers Youtube is just a place to watch videos. They often don't think of the money aspect of it, which is why it intrigues them when they meet someone in real life who makes money from YT.

Reporters always get around to the money aspect because the viewers want that information...for the same reason the relatives want it. They are curious.

Anyway, that's all I have. I'm tired.

 

[TheFreshBiz]

I think because it is viewed as a hobby and people are amazed that you can earn money on YouTube. They underestimate the work that goes in to it

 

[The Math Sorcerer]

I think it's because people who don't "youtube" view it as an easy way to make money without "working". It's kind of sad.

 

[Squeal Cat]

First of all it's no surprise people earning (some) money being a CFO or CEO. People just don't know how much a successful Youtuber earns, so they ask .

Second I think it's a bit of an envy... People doing their (mostly) stupid works and earn peanuts, while successful Youtubers makes (good) money out of their hobbies. (That they don't know it's hard work too doesn't matter).

And it's more newsworthy that people earn very good money with something fun, then a CEO earning money in an average company...

People don't realize how hard it is to pull this off. It's not like: Yeah let's start a channel and become rich!

 

[Adam_Fitz]

Id say people ask because there isnt a set amount of money your making, and theres a lot of factors to put into it, like old videos getting views, sponsorships, events, merch ect..
its also different, a lot of people dont know how money is made on youtube and are sometimes just really curious or maybe even envy them

 

[SlenderMan]

Most people that are not youtubers are really curious how much they make because they probably planning to be one soon!

 

[Michael]

This isnt fully related but if I was making very decent amounts of money on YouTube and was asked to participate in any interview where they were going to place any focus on the money side of it I would refuse to take part. A lot of these interviews dont seem to care about those taking part or the channel and only sharing with others that there is money to be made and that is not a good thing to be broadcasting IMO because it will increase the competition within smaller niches with a lot of people jumping on board YouTube trying to make some money too. I really dont know the answers and have no theories on it, I really dont know why they focus on money mostly.

 

[Sabrina]

You're right that it's weird and rude. I guess they're so interested in it because it's a new medium and people are either totally surprised that you can earn money with it, they don't have the slightest clue how much, or they have only heard stories of people making millions. They may not find it rude to ask because they can't fathom that it's a real job like any other.
Maybe, things will have changed when YouTube turns 20...