Get All Access for $5/mo

More Proof That YouTube's Top Stars Are Getting Filthy Rich One of the site's biggest stars surprised his parents -- on camera, naturally -- with $340,000 to completely pay off their mortgage.

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Need more proof that YouTube's top content creators are increasingly pervading mainstream entertainment? And becoming filthy rich in the process? Look no further than Timothy DeLaGhetto, whose comedic videos have garnered him 2.5 million subscribers as well as a regular spot on MTV's Wild "N Out.

But for his latest video, DeLaGhetto's sought a more personal touch -- while inadvertently providing a rare glimpse into the money-making prospects for the world's most popular YouTubers.

The son of Thai immigrants, DeLaGhetto -- whose real last name is Chantarangsu -- surprised his parents on camera with a check for $340,000 to pay off their mortgage. His mother, speechless, burst into tears.

Related: Here's Why YouTube Video Creators Are About to Make a Lot of Money

Here, see for yourself:

DeLaGhetto's "six-figure" channel is repped by the YouTube multi-channel network (MCN) Maker Studios, which was sold to Disney for $500 million in March. In addition to holding stock in the company, DeLaGhetto told ABC that "his income is primarily driven by advertisements from his YouTube channel."

"One of the main reasons why I go so hard at this entertainment grind," says DeLaGhetto in the video, which already counts more than 1 million views, "is because I'm trying to make it so they don't have to work so hard."

Related: Universal Music Looking for Next Big YouTube Star With New Record Label

Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Marketing

How Small Businesses Can Leverage Dark Social to Drive Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Dark social accounts for 70% of social media shares and is crucial for small businesses. Here's how you can tap into this hidden marketing opportunity.

Business News

'Jaw-Dropping Performance in 2024,' Says a Senior Analyst as Nvidia Reports Earnings

Nvidia reported its highly-anticipated third-quarter earnings on Wednesday.

Business News

'Do You Sell Cars?': Tesla CEO Elon Musk Trolls Jaguar Rebrand on X

The team running Jaguar's X account was working hard on social media this week.