Top 10 Highest Paid South African YouTubers in 2025: Who is the Richest YouTuber in South Africa?

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, YouTube has become a global platform that has not only provided entertainment but has also turned ordinary content creators into multimillionaires.

South Africa, a country known for its vibrant entertainment industry, is home to some of the most successful YouTubers, who have turned their passion into lucrative careers.

In 2025, these content creators are raking in significant amounts of money through ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and partnerships, making them some of the wealthiest figures in the online entertainment space.

So, who are the richest YouTubers in South Africa in 2025? Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 highest-paid YouTubers in the country, their earnings, and the factors that have contributed to their success.

1. Casper Lee

Casper Lee, a name synonymous with YouTube success in South Africa, remains one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the country in 2025. The former vlogger, who gained international fame for his humorous skits and collaborations with other YouTubers, has expanded his brand to include various business ventures, including acting, producing, and influencing.

As of 2025, Casper’s channel, which boasts millions of subscribers, continues to generate substantial revenue from ad views. His collaborations with global brands and his entrepreneurial spirit have helped him diversify his income, making him one of the wealthiest YouTubers in South Africa.

Estimated earnings: $2.5 million per year.

2. Trevor Noah

Though primarily known for his role as the host of The Daily Show, South African comedian Trevor Noah has also found significant success on YouTube. With a massive following for his stand-up specials, clips from his late-night talk show, and behind-the-scenes content, Trevor’s YouTube channel has generated substantial ad revenue.

Noah’s immense popularity across the globe, especially in the United States, has helped him secure lucrative sponsorships and brand deals, contributing to his fortune. His YouTube presence is a key component of his multifaceted career.

Estimated earnings: $2 million per year.

3. Julius Malema

Julius Malema, the firebrand leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, has also made his mark on YouTube, using the platform to engage with his supporters and the general public. Through live broadcasts, speeches, and political commentary, Malema has garnered millions of views, earning him significant revenue through his YouTube channel.

While Malema’s channel is politically driven, it has nonetheless proven to be a lucrative source of income, as his passionate speeches and political ideologies resonate with both local and international audiences

.

Estimated earnings: $1.8 million per year.

4. Siv Ngesi

Siv Ngesi, a South African actor, comedian, and YouTube content creator, has gained considerable fame for his insightful commentary, vlogs, and sketches. Siv’s unique blend of humor and social commentary has made him a fan favorite, and his channel’s popularity continues to soar in 2025.

With his growing audience, Siv has successfully monetized his channel, generating substantial income through ad revenue, sponsored content, and collaborations with brands looking to tap into his comedic talent and unique perspective.

Estimated earnings: $1.5 million per year.

5. The Kiffness

The Kiffness, a South African musician and YouTube sensation, has captivated audiences with his unique mix of music, comedy, and viral videos. Known for his hilarious remixes and catchy songs, The Kiffness has built an impressive following on YouTube, with millions of subscribers tuning in for his latest creations.

His channel is consistently trending with viral videos, making him one of the top earners in South Africa’s YouTube community. Additionally, his merchandise sales, music streaming platforms, and brand collaborations contribute significantly to his wealth.

Estimated earnings: $1.3 million per year.

Though originally from the Netherlands, Nikkie de Jager, better known as NikkieTutorials, has become a major figure in the South African YouTube scene as well, attracting a global audience with her beauty tutorials. Her YouTube channel, which focuses on makeup tutorials, beauty tips, and product reviews, has made her one of the highest-paid influencers worldwide.

In 2025, Nikkie continues to make significant income from brand partnerships, her beauty line collaborations, and of course, her YouTube ad revenue. Her influence spans beyond just YouTube, as she has partnerships with top beauty brands, further boosting her net worth.

Estimated earnings: $1.2 million per year.

Mihlali Ndamase, a prominent beauty influencer and content creator, has established herself as one of South Africa’s top YouTubers. Known for her beauty tutorials, skincare routines, and lifestyle vlogs, Mihlali has garnered a massive following on YouTube, which has translated into lucrative opportunities with beauty and fashion brands.

Her success is not just limited to YouTube ad revenue; Mihlali has launched her own beauty products, partnered with major global brands, and become a recognized name in the South African beauty industry.

Estimated earnings: $1.1 million per year.

Moses Tembe, an influential motivational speaker and life coach, has found great success on YouTube, where he shares inspirational content, self-help videos, and life advice. His channel has attracted a diverse audience of individuals looking for guidance and motivation.

In 2025, Moses has expanded his brand through digital courses, workshops, and speaking engagements, all of which contribute to his growing net worth. His YouTube channel remains a key source of income as his audience continues to grow.

Estimated earnings: $1 million per year.

Lindiwe Chabalala, a lifestyle vlogger and social media influencer, has become one of South Africa’s most popular YouTubers. Her content covers a wide range of topics, from fashion and beauty to lifestyle and fitness, and her authentic approach has won her the loyalty of thousands of subscribers.

Lindiwe’s channel continues to thrive in 2025, with her success on YouTube leading to partnerships with top brands, including fashion labels and wellness products. Her business acumen has allowed her to expand her earnings beyond YouTube, ensuring her continued financial growth.

Estimated earnings: $900,000 per year.

Gareth Cliff, a well-known South African radio personality and entrepreneur, has made a name for himself on YouTube with his podcast and commentary on various topics, including current events, entertainment, and politics. His channel, which features in-depth interviews and discussions, has attracted a loyal following.

Through his YouTube presence, Gareth has monetized his content through sponsorships, ad revenue, and merchandise sales, making him one of the highest-earning content creators in South Africa.

Estimated earnings: $850,000 per year.

While there are many YouTubers in South Africa who have found success, it is clear that those who diversify their income streams—whether through brand partnerships, merchandise sales, or other business ventures—are the ones who have earned the most.

As of 2025, Casper Lee remains one of the wealthiest YouTubers in South Africa, followed closely by figures such as Trevor Noah and Julius Malema, who have leveraged their popularity beyond YouTube to secure massive earnings.

In the ever-growing digital space, these YouTubers have built empires and continue to redefine what it means to be a content creator in the modern age. Their success stories serve as a reminder that, with the right content and strategy, anyone can turn their passion into a profitable career.

As the platform continues to evolve, there’s no telling just how much more wealth and influence these creators will accumulate in the coming years.