Animation has come a long way since 1930s, when artists at Disney painstakingly drew frame by frame, and each second of the film took 20-30 drawings. The evolution of animation to the computer-generated imagery (CGI) of today has been nothing short of remarkable.
After the adoption of personal computers into homes in the 90s, animation that once was only possible for big-budget projects by Pixar or Dreamworks has become accessible to anyone with a passion for storytelling (and a computer!).
Some people have utilized animation as a medium to tell their own stories, and become really famous for it!
In this article, we explore some of the best animation YouTubers who are shaping the medium and inspiring a new generation of artists.
Interested in making animations of yourself? Learning anatomy drawing might bring you one step closer to making your dream come true!
Top 12 YouTube Animators in 2025
This list is compiled from the opinions of Favoree and Reddit users.
In no particular order:
1. Alan Becker – 26.5M Subscribers
Alan Becker, an OG of the YouTube animation community since its early days, has always wowed us with his groundbreaking animations.
From his viral “Animator vs. Animation” series, Becker showcases the timeless battle between animator and creation, infusing each scene with detail and humor that keeps us coming back for more.
2. Domics – 7.3M Subscribers
Domics, a beloved figure in the YouTube animation scene, injects humor and relatable experiences into his animations, giving us a look into his quirky world with each new upload.
His storytelling style makes you feel like you are talking with a friend, and he narrates everyday situations in a way that’s relatable to audiences of all ages.
3. Egoraptor – 3M Subscribers
Egoraptor injects humor and wit into his animated sketches.
With his unique style and sharp comedic timing, Egoraptor’s animations have become a staple of online comedy, with his most popular videos being parodies of famous game characters like Mario and Zelda.
4. Swoozie – 8M Subscribers
Adande Thorne, aka Swoozie, stands as the first storytime animator on YouTube.
Growing up with Swoozie’s hilarious videos has become a shared experience for many, and his videos set the path for many others to make similar content.
His humor and stories mainly revolve around girls and relationships.
5. JaidenAnimations – 12.4M Subscribers
JaidenAnimations is popular for her relatable storytelling and humorous anecdotes. She crafts story time animations that are loved by audiences worldwide.
With a distinctive animation style and a touch of humor, Jaiden brings to life not only her own experiences but also touches on topics like mental health with sincerity and empathy.
6. MeatCanyon – 7M Subscribers
MeatCanyon’s YouTube series serves up a wild mix of horror and humor, akin to classics like Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared and Salad Fingers (no. 12 on the list).
With parodies of popular topics like the Grimace shake and pumpkin spice lattes, his videos bring a twisted yet hilarious spin that keeps us laughing and cringing in equal measure, all backed by his impressive vocal talent.
7. Let Me Explain Studios – 4.4M Subscribers
Rebecca Parham of Let Me Explain Studios makes storytime animations, peppered with her unique brand of humor.
As the founder and creative director, Parham shares special moments and anecdotes from her life in a relatable and entertaining manner, sprinkled with a bit of mature humor, making her videos fun and entertaining for all.
8. Felix Colgrave – 2M Subscribers
Felix Colgrave, an Australian animator, dazzles the whole world with his mesmerizing and surreal short films.
With impeccable sound design and timing, his creations transport us into hallucinogenic worlds filled with hypnotic wonder, making him a sensation on YouTube. His most popular video, Double King, certainly left a huge mark on internet culture.
9. CypherDen – 1.7M Subscribers
Dennise Casurra, better known as CypherDen, is a Filipino-American YouTuber offering her eclectic storytime adventures.
Fun fact, she made gaming animations for PewDiePie from 2014 to 2017. Dennise’s character design and visual style sets her apart from the other storytime animators with white-blob avatars.
10. TheOdd1sOut – 20M Subscribers
James Rallison or TheOdd1sOut effortlessly combines humor and creativity to create entertaining animations that became sensations worldwide.
His videos just have a certain way of leaving you feeling uplifted. James also made musical hits like “Life is Fun” with over 160M views, which became a fan favorite during the peak of his popularity.
11. Ice Cream Sandwich – 3M Subscribers
Ice Cream Sandwich brings a blend of simplistic art and clever humor to YouTube, charming us with his animated storytime videos. With an art style perfectly tailored to his witty jokes, Andy creates a delightful atmosphere and we can’t get enough of his lighthearted content.
12. David Firth – 2M Subscribers
David Firth, the mastermind behind Salad Fingers, crafts bizarre and surreal animations that leave viewers both puzzled and intrigued.
With his signature style and dark humor, Firth takes you on a journey through the strange and unsettling world of Salad Fingers, where the only certainty is uncertainty.
Aside from Salad Fingers, indulge in Firth’s many other creepy animations, like Cream, Dog of Man, and Sock. They will give you nightmares.
FAQ
Who is the first YouTube animator?
The title of the first YouTube animator is often attributed to Alan Becker, known for his “Animator vs. Animation” series, which garnered widespread popularity and has been influential within the YouTube animation community.
Do animation YouTubers do the animation themselves?
Many animation YouTubers handle the entire animation process themselves, including conceptualization, storyboarding, illustration, and animation. This hands-on approach allows them to maintain creative control and infuse their personal style into their work.
Is it profitable to animate on YouTube?
Animating on YouTube can be profitable, as successful animation channels can generate revenue through various means such as ad monetization, brand partnerships, merchandise sales, and crowdfunding from platforms like Patreon.
Who is the biggest YouTube animator?
As of 2025, “TheOdd1sOut” holds a prominent position as one of the biggest YouTube animators, boasting a substantial subscriber base and a wide-reaching influence within the animation community on the platform.
Does YouTube pay animators?
YouTube compensates animators through its monetization program, which allows eligible creators to earn money from ads displayed on their videos, as well as through other revenue streams like channel memberships and Super Chat during live streams.
Furthermore, animators can explore additional income sources such as sponsored content and merchandise sales to supplement their earnings.
