Across the continent, a handful of creators have transformed online videos into multi-million-dollar businesses.
Their success lies in their ability to tap into diverse interests, ranging from home improvement and food to comedy, children’s entertainment, and beyond, appealing to audiences that extend beyond national borders.
Data for this analysis was provided by CashNetUSA, which identified the YouTube channels in Africa with the most all-time views. Lifetime earnings for each creator were estimated using data from SocialBlade.com, applying the average YouTube payout per 1,000 views to their total view count.
Below is a look at Africa’s top 10 highest-earning YouTube creators, based on lifetime earnings from YouTube advertising revenue, along with the strategies that have driven their success.
1. Creative Crafts in Five Minutes (Egypt) — $8.8 Million
Egypt’s Creative Crafts in Five Minutes leads the earnings chart with its visually compelling, quick DIY tutorials on home improvement, craft projects, and simple life hacks.
The channel’s language-light format and global appeal have helped it attract a diverse international audience, making it a go-to resource for easy, creative solutions.
With over 8.8 million dollars in earnings, its success underscores YouTube’s potential as a universal platform for creative content.
2. Oum Walid (Algeria) — $4.9 Million
Algerian cooking star Oum Walid has built a massive following with her home-style cooking tutorials that focus on affordable, traditional meals.
Operating under a pseudonym, she has garnered over 14 million subscribers, resonating particularly with North African households and the diaspora.
Her relatable, budget-friendly recipes have earned her $4.9 million, despite maintaining anonymity by only showing her hands while cooking.
3. MarkAngel Comedy (Nigeria) — $4.18 Million
MarkAngel Comedy from Nigeria has become a household name for short, relatable comedy skits rooted in African daily life.
Launched in 2013, it was the first African comedy channel to reach one million subscribers. Known for featuring child comedians such as Emmanuella Samuel and Success Madubuike, the channel’s consistency and cultural relatability have helped it earn $4.18 million.
With over 8 million subscribers, it remains one of Africa’s most successful viral comedy exports.
The channel has reportedly since separated from its original team, with Emmanuella Samuel and Mark Angel now focusing on their individual projects while the channel continues to grow under new leadership.
4. Baraka IBaraka (Morocco) — $2.89 Million
Moroccan content creator Baraka IBaraka has captivated audiences with a unique mix of entertainment, humour, and lifestyle commentary.
His comedic series featuring characters Kaddour and Awisha, which humorously depict Moroccan social dynamics, have built a strong regional following.
With $2.89 million in earnings and 4.24 million subscribers, Baraka IBaraka has become a staple in North African YouTube entertainment.
5. Hussein and Zeinab (Senegal) — $2.3 Million
Senegalese duo Hussein and Zeinab specialize in family-oriented content and relationship storytelling.
With over 2.85 million subscribers, they offer authentic insights into family life, resonating with a broad audience across Senegal and Africa.
Their relatable and heartfelt content has earned them $2.3 million, cementing their place in the growing trend of family-focused content.
6. Masaka Kids Afrikana (Uganda) — $1.34 Million
Masaka Kids Afrikana from Uganda brings a refreshing approach to children’s entertainment, featuring young performers who showcase choreographed dances and music routines.
Founded in 2013, the group empowers children, many of whom have lost parents to disease or conflict, helping them turn hardship into hope.
With over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers, their viral videos and emotionally resonant performances have earned $1.34 million, making their channel a symbol of resilience and inspiration.
The group has also appeared at major events, including the 2025 African Media Awards in Ethiopia, further solidifying their impact.
7. Michael Jamison (South Africa) — $1.06 Million
Lifestyle content creator Michael Jamison, known as the “Tiger Man” of South Africa, has built a loyal following with his personality-driven videos on fashion, fitness, and daily life.
His channel, Michael Jamison, has attracted over 1.15 million subscribers, offering viewers an inside look into his life with over 100 animals, including tigers and monkeys.
With $1.06 million in earnings, he continues to resonate with a youthful, English-speaking audience.
8. RUS Love in Action (Kenya) — $656,000
Kenya’s RUS Love in Action focuses on faith-based and humanitarian content, highlighting community outreach initiatives and charitable acts.
The channel’s mission-driven approach has earned $656,000, proving YouTube’s potential as a platform for both entertainment and social change.
RUS Love in Action is part of Rise Up Society (RUS), a non-profit organization based in Bungoma, Kenya, and is led by Bishop Jim Nduruchi.
9. Lil Dancer Chris (Tanzania) — $644,000
Tanzania’s Lil Dancer Chris has built a brand around energetic, street-inspired dance performances.
By tapping into the global popularity of short-form, visually-driven dance videos, Lil Dancer Chris has earned $644,000. His content, which resonates with youth culture, continues to engage audiences and fuel his rise as a popular dance influencer.
10. Kigali Today (Rwanda) — $306,000
Kigali Today has carved out a niche in news and current affairs, providing local updates and informational content for Rwandan audiences.
Though its earnings trail behind the other creators at $306,000, the channel’s focus on reliable, timely news coverage highlights the growing demand for informational programming on YouTube.
YouTube’s growing influence
These top 10 creators reflect the diverse interests driving Africa’s YouTube economy. From DIY tutorials and cooking content to comedy skits and children’s entertainment, their success demonstrates YouTube’s growing influence as a platform for creators across the continent.
