The average American teen is more likely to swoon over Smosh or PewDiePie that Johnny Depp or Jennifer Lawrence.
In a survey of 1,500 13-to-18-year-olds commissioned by Variety, respondents were asked to rank 20 well-known personalities in terms of authenticity, approachability and influence.
The list of celebrities up for discussion was compiled by using the ‘Q' score (used by advertisers to measure something or someone's consumer appeal) to pick 10 TV, film or pop stars, while the YouTube contingent was selected based on the number of channel subscribers.
And the results show that despite having little or no mainstream exposure beyond the confines of the video-sharing platform, it is YouTube stars who make up the top five. In fact the late Paul Walker (in sixth place) is the highest ranked Hollywood star with an appeal score of 75 out of 100.
Top of the list is Smosh, the two-man comedy team (with a score of 93), followed by The Fine Brothers (92) and YouTube's biggest star in terms of subscribers, Swedish video gamer PewDiePie.
The top five is rounded out by British YouTuber KSI in fourth place with a score of 84 and US YouTube celebrity Ryan Higa, who scores 81.
The highest-ranking woman on the list is Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, in seventh place with a score of 74. Katy Perry (70 points) is in ninth place and Betty White is in 12th place with a score of 66.
Interestingly, female TV and film stars did manage to outperfom their YouTube counterparts. The highest-ranked female YouTube star, Jenna Marbles, had to settle for 16th place behind Daniel Radcliffe and one ahead of fellow YouTuber Michelle Phan.
The list in full:
1 Smosh
2 The Fine Brothers
3 PewDiePie
4 KSI
5 Ryan Higa
6 Paul Walker
7 Jennifer Lawrence
8 Shane Dawson
9 Katy Perry
10 Steve Carell
11 Seth Rogen
12 Betty White
13 Vin Diesel
14 Johnny Depp
15 Daniel Radcliffe
16 Jenna Marbles
17 Michelle Phan
18 Ryan William Johnson
19 Bethany Mota
20 Leonardo DiCaprio
AFP RELAXNEWS
Sat Aug 09 2014
Swedish video game commentator Felix Kjellberg, aka PewDiePie, is YouTube's biggest star in terms of subscribers. - AFP PHOTO/ROSLAN RAHMAN
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.