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Why are there only three women in the ranking of the top 50 YouTubers worldwide?
This four-part investigative series delves deep into the gender imbalance on YouTube, uncovering why men overwhelmingly dominate the platform as the top earners and most-subscribed channels. Led by industry expert Shoshana Eilon, the series features interviews with YouTubers, journalists, creator economy leaders, and academics, to explore the root causes of this disparity and shed light on the forces driving it. Available wherever you get your podcasts.
In Episode 1, we revisit 2006 when Susan Wojcicki led Google’s acquisition of YouTube, transforming it into a global giant. Host Shoshana Eilon delves into the platform’s history and how it was designed to democratize content creation, free from traditional gatekeepers like Hollywood. Yet, nearly two decades later, true equality remains elusive—women are a small fraction of YouTube’s top earners and subscriber counts. Through interviews with creators like Whitney Cernak, Michelle Lam, and industry expert Jesse Grossman, we uncover biases and barriers holding women back, setting the stage for an investigation into YouTube’s gender gap.
In Episode 2, we explore how monetization on YouTube contributes to gender disparities. Starting with Heather Armstrong, the pioneering “mommy blogger,” we trace how early female creators shaped the influencer economy. Despite these foundations, women today earn less and are underrepresented among top creators. Host Shoshana Eilon interviews Jesse Grossman and Taylor Lorenz to uncover structural biases in brand deals and VC investments. We reveal how, as YouTube’s business grew lucrative, men began dominating, pushing women out of the top ranks despite their early contributions.
In this episode, Shoshana explores the pervasive trolling and misogyny female creators face on YouTube. From creators like Madilyn Bailey turning hate comments into songs, to Professor Emma Jane’s research on gendered vitriol, we examine how these attacks specifically target women. Creators such as Emily Graslie and Whitney Cernak share their experiences, while experts explain the cultural roots of this abuse. Despite YouTube’s moderation tools, its algorithm often amplifies hate. Eilon investigates how online misogyny and hostility impact women’s visibility and success, questioning if YouTube can truly be a safe space for female creators.
In the final episode of Who Killed the Female YouTube Star, Shoshana Eilon explores how YouTube’s algorithm contributes to the platform’s gender gap. Originally intended as a democratized space, YouTube now prioritizes sensational, male-centric content through its recommendation system. Experts like Ola Kowalewski and Taylor Lorenz explain how algorithmic bias and advertising incentives disadvantage female creators. The episode also highlights the “MrBeast effect,” where the success of male-driven content reinforces these biases. Shoshana discusses potential solutions, from community collaborations to regulatory intervention, emphasizing the need for YouTube to shift its algorithm to ensure gender equity.
Join us as we interview the brightest minds in influencer marketing, uncovering insider tips, trends, and strategies that shape the future of brand-creator partnerships. Perfect for marketers, creators, and anyone looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of digital influence.
