Thousands at event for online stars

THOUSANDS flocked to Amsterdam from around Europe at the weekend to meet their online video heroes, eager to learn how they too can become a YouTube star.

They were taking part in the first VidCon Europe, an off-shoot of VidCon US set up in Anaheim, California, eight years ago and now a hot venue amid an online revolution.

YouTube stars like Tyler Oakley and Hannah Hart have built up a huge fan base among children and young adults with their funny, often anarchic videos.

Though sometimes dealing with serious issues, they are filmed mostly with a tripod or webcam from their own kitchens or living rooms.

Amsterdam is VidCon’s first foray out of the United States.

Some 3 500 people from as far as Latvia, Serbia and Estonia trekked to Amsterdam for the three-day event, where industry figures also mixed with video creators and fans.

YouTube’s biggest star, PewDiePie, was absent amid a row over some videos he posted containing anti-Semitic remarks and Nazi references.

A 27-year-old Swede, real name Felix Kjellberg, he has 54.5 million online followers on the service.

He is also YouTube’s top earner, making roughly $14.5-million (R199.5-million) last year through revenue-sharing and sponsorships, according to estimates from social media data firm NeoReach. – AFP