Welcome to YouTube Millionaires, where we profile channels that have recently crossed the one million subscriber mark. There are channels crossing this threshold every week, and each has a story to tell about YouTube success. Read previous installments of YouTube Millionaires here.
On YouTube, Elle Mills is not afraid to be herself, and that authenticity is paying off.
Mills’ channel recently surpassed one million subscribers, and she didn’t get there alone; she’s represented by Fullscreen, and her videos, peppered with light mischief, often feature members of her family. Her biggest hit to date, however, was a video she released last year, in which she came out as bisexual. That video found viral success and has reeled in more than 2.4 million views for its star. Here’s our chat with her:
Subscribe to get the latest creator news
Tubefilter: How does it feel to have more the one million YouTube subscribers? What do you have to say to your fans?
Elle Mills: It is absolutely INSANE! It’s been a goal of mine for years and it’s something I’d always hope to achieve but didn’t actually think would happen. So, it’s all so surreal. To anyone who has supported me and my videos throughout the year, THANK YOU! Seriously, you watching my dumb little videos means the world to me and I’m so happy to have all of you a part of my crazy life.
TF: With so many vloggers on YouTube, what would you say makes your videos unique?
EM: Oh gosh, how do I answer this without sounding pretentious? Well, I’d say my videos are heavily revolved around me and the people in my life and it’s not something you can necessarily copy. I like to think I have my own video style and the relatability of my videos, as well as how personable they are, is what draws people in.
TF: What’s the most profound thing you feel you’ve accomplished on YouTube?
EM: I’m very proud of my coming out video. I think it’s something that was outside of comfort zone and was a challenge to make, but it was the most personal and vulnerable video I’ve ever made and I’m very happy with how it turned out.
TF: How has your relationship with your family changed since you started including them in your videos?
EM: It’s been funny. They are all so crazy and I absolutely love it. They are definitely more involved with social media now since I’ve started including them, especially my mom. She LOVES her Instagram. But besides that, it hasn’t really changed too much. They’re still just as crazy as they were before the videos.
TF: Who do you see as your typical subscriber and how do you connect to them?
EM: I’d say it used to be just teenage girls, in which there’s a connection there because I also am one. But the past few months, the “typical subscriber” has varied so much that it feels like it’s all demographics coming up to me in public and I love it! I find that the vibe with my subscribers is that they just wanna have a fun time and I’m all for that.
TF: What was the best reaction you got to your coming out video?
EM: The best reaction I got was definitely from my guy friends. I didn’t actually tell them in person as I was too nervous too, so I let them find out like everyone else. They called me a bit upset I hadn’t told them first and they were like, “Elle! Of course we don’t care. This is great! We can now ALL hit on girls together.” Thought that was hilarious and definitely brightened my day.
TF: How do you feel about the relationship YouTube has fostered with its LGBTQ+ community?
EM: I think for the most part LGBTQ+ YouTubers have a pretty big voice on YouTube and have helped many LGBTQ+ youth through their content. However, recently a lot of LGBTQ+ creators have been getting demonitized and are finding it harder to make money on the platform, which I do believe is unfair and is a problem that should be addressed and resolved.
TF: What sort of videos do you like to watch on YouTube
EM: I love watching all kinds of YouTube. I feel like I watch a little bit of every genre, but I gotta say David Dobrik takes the cake for me. I also just love watching all my YouTube friends because gotta show support (and they all also make great content).
TF: What’s next for your channel? Any fun plans?
EM: I have a video coming out this week that I’m SUPER excited for. Fingers crossed it turns out well. In terms of my channel, I’m trying to make my videos more personable to my life but still keeping that crazy, fun aspect. Should be a fun year. I’m feeling motivated, so expect a lot of videos!
