YouTube fan culture in 2024: monetization, devotion and individualization

YouTube’s annual Culture & Trend Report is out, revealing ‘how fans have shifted from consumers to creators — and how they brought viewers along with them.’ Here are our top survey insights ▶️

💰 Monetization: A whopping 85% of online users aged 14-44 identify as fans of someone or something, and 8% of Gen Z describe themselves as 'professional fans' who earn money from their passion.

📅 Devotion: 80% of fans use YouTube to consume content about the person or thing they’re a fan of at least weekly.

🌟 Individualization: 47% of Gen Z report belonging to a fandom that no one they know personally is a part of.

These fans may not be super fans of your brand, but 74% of Gen Z fans appreciate seeing brands engage with their fandom. As consumers increasingly derive their identity from (online) pop culture rather than from the brands they buy, consider how your brand can position itself within these communities, and who you can connect with.