1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites

YouTubers become authors

December 29, 2016

Publishing houses are trying to cash in on the fame of YouTube stars. But can an old-fashioned book enjoy the same success as a viral video?

DW Shift YouTube-Stars als Buchautoren
Image: DW

YouTubers become authors

03:39

This browser does not support the video element.

The trend began in the English-speaking world: The British fashion vlogger Zoella broke records with her first novel "Girl Online" which sold 80,000 copies in a week. Some US YouTubers, such as Michelle Phan and Abby Smith, have even landed on the New York Times bestseller list. They both became online stars with their make-up and hair tips. When Carlsen Verlag published a book by the comedy trio Y-Titty, it landed on Spiegel's list of bestsellers. Now the German "Let's Play" collective PietSmiet is presenting its first book at the Frankfurt Book Fair. 

Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW