Being a successful online video creator has more than just monetary rewards. It allows people to pursue their passions for careers, to make impacts on the lives of others, and to achieve the childhood dream of fame.

To demonstrate their talents and passions to the world, video creators typically use websites such as TwitchTv, YouTube, or HitBox to upload and share their content. If they like a creator’s videos, viewers can subscribe or follow the channel in order to watch new uploads.

“I became a content creator because I had a desire to entertain and make people laugh.” professional Twitch TV Livestreamer college student Rajj Patel said. “I always had a dream of being on a stage of some sort so when the opportunity to stream presented itself I took it.”

Patel grew successful on Twitch TV as his unique style of comedy attracted viewers from around the globe to his livestream.

“I’d say that I became a relevant streamer on Twitch very shortly after I started,” Patel said. “I was fortunate enough to not have to make much of a climb and rose to success quite quickly. I haven’t made it to anywhere close to where I want to be yet though.”

Patel’s Twitch TV channel has over 79,000 followers, with the monetary support of hundreds who hope that he will continue to produce high-quality content.

“I will not discuss how much revenue I generate as that is personal,” Patel said. “[But] streaming on Twitch is a legitimate source of income and can be a full time job.”

In addition, senior George Gu began a career in online video production through YouTube. Gu’s YouTube channel, whose videos focus on dance and popular video games, has over 6,200 subscribers since its creation in June 2013.

Through consistent uploads and dedication, Gu has managed to grow his channel exponentially and has become an internet celebrity in the fandoms of various popular, online video games.

“I began YouTube for multiple reasons,” Gu said. “I think it’s cool to think that your video will be published on the internet forever; it’s almost like a permanent record of something you’ve done, one that everyone can see. Another reason would be that you can make someone’s day if you put out a good video. It’s similar to a TV show except it’s online.”

Gu, who considers himself a small YouTuber, enjoys responding to fans through various messaging systems.

“I often get messages from people saying how much I’ve made them smile or laugh and it just feels amazing to know that I’ve made small, positive impacts in the lives of others,” Gu said.

Sophomore Isabella Masciarelli also enjoys making a positive difference in the lives of her subscribers.

“I began to make videos because I really love talking and fashion which is what most of my videos are about,” Masciarelli said.

Her channel, which focuses on fashion and various vlogs, has attracted over 5,000 subscribers and a substantial amount of attention from fashion companies and brands.

“My partnership with StyleHaul [the largest fashion network on YouTube] has helped me generate payment by providing a lot of opportunities to promote brands and fashion companies on my channel,” Masciarelli said.

Video production teacher George Clarke acknowledged that while YouTube success can be wonderful, it also has its complications.

“Kids looking to get into video production need to be careful about copyright infringements,” Clarke said. “If not, they could get into serious trouble.”

Should a content creator violate a legal copyright, their video (and possibly their channel) could be removed from its respective website, causing them to lose subscribers, fame, and revenue.

Clarke believes it takes a great deal of luck to gather attention on the internet.

“While hard work and dedication definitely plays a role in online success, there’s just such an inflation of videos that it’s difficult for new video creators to acquire a fanbase and following,” Clark said. “And it will only get more competitive as YouTube grows.”