Streampunks : how YouTube and the new creators are transforming our lives

***Axiom Business Book Award Winner!*** A significant shift is occurring in the entertainment landscape, with people increasingly spending their free time watching online video rather than traditional TV. In 2016, Swedish vlogger PewDiePie earned a record $15 million from YouTube, surpassing Hollywood stars like Harrison Ford and Julia Roberts. Since its launch in 2005, YouTube has emerged as the first truly global media platform, boasting over a billion users and transforming the media industry as profoundly as radio, film, and television did. Robert Kyncl, YouTube's Chief Business Officer, explores this creative revolution through behind-the-scenes stories of prominent YouTubers such as Tyler Oakley, Lilly Singh, and Casey Neistat, as well as influential dealmakers like Scooter Braun and Shane Smith. By empowering anyone with a smartphone to create their own TV channel, YouTube is sparking a new wave of creativity. This platform not only introduces new entertainment figures but also reshapes education, social discourse, and small business advertising. This book serves as the definitive exploration of YouTube, the platform redefining modern pop culture and entertainment.