New York has always been a cultural powerhouse in the United States, shaping entertainment trends from Broadway to hip-hop to television news. In the digital era, that influence has naturally extended to YouTube.
The city’s fast pace, diversity, and constant energy make it a perfect breeding ground for creators who thrive on personality, originality, and hustle.
From comedians and vloggers to educators and lifestyle influencers, New York–based YouTubers often bring a sharper edge, stronger storytelling, and a real-world authenticity that resonates with American audiences.
Unlike creators who rely heavily on studio-style production, many New York YouTubers turn the city itself into a character, using its streets, apartments, subways, and skyline as part of their content identity.
This list highlights ten of the most notable YouTubers from New York, focusing on influence, consistency, cultural impact, and relevance to U.S. viewers. Some were born and raised in the state, while others built their careers after moving to New York, but all are strongly tied to the city’s creative ecosystem.
1. Casey Neistat
Casey Neistat is arguably the most iconic YouTuber associated with New York City. Known for his cinematic daily vlogs, Neistat transformed everyday city life into compelling storytelling during his peak years on YouTube.
His content captured everything from bike rides through Manhattan to behind-the-scenes looks at creative entrepreneurship. Casey’s New York identity was inseparable from his brand; the city’s energy matched his fast cuts, handheld camera work, and relentless pace.
Beyond YouTube, he co-founded the creator-focused platform Beme and later sold it to CNN, reinforcing his role as a pioneer in digital media.
Casey Neistat2. MrBeast
While MrBeast is not a traditional New York native, his collaborations, business partnerships, and media presence are deeply tied to New York’s creator and corporate landscape. Many of his major brand deals, interviews, and media expansions have been run through New York-based companies.
His inclusion reflects how New York functions as a hub for scaling YouTube success into mainstream American business culture. MrBeast’s presence highlights how the city supports creators transitioning from internet fame to global influence.
MrBeast3. Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain’s rise to fame is often associated with Los Angeles, but her personal and creative identity is strongly connected to New York, where she spent formative years and continues to maintain a strong presence.
Her laid-back vlogging style, introspective commentary, and fashion-forward content resonate with a younger U.S. audience that values authenticity over polish. Emma’s frequent appearances at New York Fashion Week and collaborations with NYC-based brands have solidified her place in the city’s creator scene.
Emma Chamberlain4. Yes Theory (New York Chapter)
Yes Theory is a global YouTube collective, but their New York-based members and projects have played a significant role in shaping the channel’s identity. Many of their most memorable social experiments and human-connection stories were filmed in New York, using the city’s diversity as a backdrop.
The channel’s focus on pushing comfort zones aligns perfectly with New York’s reputation as a place where people from all walks of life collide daily. Their content appeals strongly to American viewers interested in personal growth and community.
Yes Theory5. The Try Guys
Originally rising through BuzzFeed, The Try Guys established much of their independent media presence through New York-based production and partnerships. While not all members are New York natives, their early professional YouTube evolution happened within the city’s digital media infrastructure.
Their mix of humor, vulnerability, and social commentary reflects the tone of modern New York entertainment progressive, self-aware, and community-driven. Their success demonstrates how New York remains a launchpad for collaborative YouTube projects.
Zach and Keith of Try Guys6. Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)
Marques Brownlee, one of the most respected tech YouTubers in the world, is from New Jersey but operates heavily within the New York media market. His proximity to New York has been critical in securing early access to tech events, brand launches, and interviews with major CEOs.
His clean, professional style contrasts with the city’s chaos, yet his credibility and consistency reflect the high standards associated with New York’s media scene. For U.S. audiences, MKBHD represents trustworthy, no-nonsense tech coverage.
Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)7. Safiya Nygaard
Safiya Nygaard built a significant portion of her YouTube career while living in New York City. Her content blends curiosity, humor, and experimentation, often influenced by city culture, fashion, and consumer trends.
From trying unusual beauty products to exploring niche internet phenomena, Safiya’s videos reflect the analytical yet playful mindset common among New York creatives. Her ability to turn everyday curiosities into viral content helped her stand out in the crowded YouTube landscape.
Safiya Nygaard8. Philip DeFranco
Philip DeFranco has long been associated with New York–based digital media, especially during the early days of YouTube news commentary. His show helped define how American audiences consume online news, blending internet culture with serious current events.
Operating from New York allowed DeFranco to stay closely connected to media trends, journalism standards, and political coverage. His influence goes beyond entertainment, shaping how YouTube became a legitimate platform for news and opinion in the U.S.
Philip DeFranco9. Jenna Marbles
Although Jenna Marbles stepped away from YouTube, her legacy remains deeply tied to New York. Many of her most iconic videos were filmed in her New York apartment, capturing a relatable, low-budget style that resonated with millions of Americans.
Jenna’s humor reflected everyday life rather than influencer glamour, making her especially popular with U.S. audiences. Her success proved that authenticity and personality could outperform expensive production, a lesson many New York creators still follow today.
Jenna Marbles10. Niki and Gabi
The Dolan Twins’ contemporaries, Niki and Gabi built much of their YouTube brand during their time in New York. Their lifestyle, fashion, and music-focused content appealed to young American viewers navigating identity and creativity.
New York played a key role in shaping their aesthetic and artistic direction, offering exposure to fashion, music, and independent culture that influenced their evolution beyond simple vlogging.
Niki and GabiNew York’s role in YouTube culture goes beyond geography. The city offers unmatched access to media companies, fashion houses, tech startups, and creative talent, making it easier for YouTubers to collaborate and grow beyond the platform.
Unlike influencer-heavy cities focused on luxury lifestyles, New York encourages storytelling rooted in reality small apartments, busy schedules, and diverse communities. This authenticity resonates strongly with American audiences who want content that feels lived-in rather than staged.
From pioneers like Casey Neistat to modern creators balancing digital fame with real-world ambition, New York YouTubers consistently shape trends that ripple across the U.S. YouTube ecosystem.
As the platform continues to evolve, New York remains a vital creative engine, producing voices that are bold, relatable, and culturally relevant.
