Markiplier, born Mark Edward Fischbach, is a multifaceted American YouTuber, actor, producer, director, and writer. His diverse talents have earned him a net worth of $45 million, solidifying his place as one of the most successful and highest-paid personalities on YouTube. With over 34 million subscribers and almost 20 billion views, Markiplier is among the top 100 most subscribed channels globally. His primary content includes comedic gameplay commentary, often focusing on survival horror and action video games, a genre that has earned him widespread recognition.
In addition to his YouTube success, Markiplier has ventured into film. In 2015, he appeared in the movie Smosh: The Movie, and in 2019, he both starred in and directed A Heist With Markiplier for YouTube Premium. Markiplier also co-founded the fashion brand Cloak in 2018 with fellow YouTuber Jacksepticeye. His podcasting endeavors include co-hosting 3 Peens in a Podcast and Distractible, alongside producing the audio drama Edge of Sleep in 2019.
Career Earnings and Growth
As a YouTube content creator, Markiplier consistently ranks among the highest-earning influencers. His yearly income fluctuates between $10 and $20 million, with notable spikes in certain years. In 2017, he earned $12.5 million, while in 2018, he made $17.5 million, landing him as the sixth highest-paid YouTuber. The following year, he earned $13 million, and in 2020, his earnings reached an impressive $20 million, making him the third highest-paid YouTuber globally. Between 2017 and 2020 alone, his earnings exceeded $60 million.
Markiplier continued to dominate in the years that followed. In 2022, he was the third highest-paid YouTuber once again, bringing in $38 million. In 2023, his income dipped slightly but still amounted to $30 million. In total, Markiplier’s earnings between 2017 and 2023 have reached an astounding $128 million.
Early Life and Background
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 28, 1989, Markiplier grew up in a modest household. His father, Cliffton Fischbach, was a member of the U.S. Army, and his mother, Sunok, met him while Cliffton was stationed in Korea. The Fischbach family relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Markiplier attended Milford High School. There, he was involved in the school’s marching band, playing the trumpet. Although Markiplier’s family faced financial difficulties, he often reflects on these experiences humorously.
After high school, Markiplier enrolled in the University of Cincinnati to study biomedical engineering but dropped out to pursue a career on YouTube. His older brother, Jason, is an artist, known for his webcomic Twokinds, which further reflects the creative atmosphere in the Fischbach family.
The Rise of Markiplier on YouTube
Markiplier made his debut on YouTube in March 2012, initially posting comedic sketch videos. His chosen username, a combination of his first name and the word “multiplier,” reflected his intention to showcase a variety of content. However, it was his Let’s Play commentary series, especially Amnesia: The Dark Descent, that truly set him apart from other creators. Markiplier’s first channel faced issues when YouTube banned his AdSense account, prompting him to launch a new one, markiplierGAME, in May 2012.
His major breakthrough came in August 2014 when he began his playthrough of Five Nights at Freddy’s. This series quickly went viral, garnering more than 80 million views and solidifying Markiplier’s reputation as a top YouTuber. He continued his success with other games in the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise and even made a cameo in Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery in 2019. Markiplier’s visibility in mainstream media also grew in 2015 when he appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside YouTuber Jenna Mae, following a controversy regarding Kimmel’s comments about Let’s Play videos. That same year, Variety ranked him #6 on a list of the most influential celebrities among U.S. teens, cementing his popularity.
Moving to Los Angeles and Expanding His Ventures
In the early years of his career, Markiplier moved to Los Angeles, where he lived with friends Ryan Magee and Daniel Kyre, the creators of the YouTube channel Cyndago. This period was a major turning point, as Markiplier gained even more visibility through collaborations with the duo. After Daniel Kyre tragically passed away in 2015, Markiplier took a short break from creating content to grieve.
Markiplier expanded his content range over the years with interactive videos, such as A Date with Markiplier (2017) and A Heist with Markiplier (2019), which were well-received by audiences. In 2019, he co-launched the Unus Annus channel with Ethan Nestor (CrankGameplays), which aimed to upload a video every day for a year before deleting the entire channel. This ambitious project gained rapid traction, reaching one million subscribers within five days and more than 11 million views in its first week.
In 2016, Markiplier made further strides in his career by announcing his involvement in a comic book series published by Red Giant Entertainment. That same year, he signed with the talent agency Endeavor to explore opportunities outside YouTube, including music and acting. By 2023, Markiplier signed with United Talent Agency and announced his first theatrical film, Iron Lung, a horror movie.
Awards, Recognition, and Achievements
Markiplier’s success has not gone unnoticed, as he has earned numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. In 2019, he won the Purpose Award for Social Good – Creator at the Streamy Awards and the Scripted Series award for A Heist with Markiplier in 2020. He was also named Celebrity of the Year by the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2016. In 2020, he received the Oliver R. Grace Award for Distinguished Service in Advancing Cancer Research from the Cancer Research Institute.
Markiplier’s accomplishments have earned him a multitude of accolades, including a Diamond Creator Award from YouTube in 2016 and a Golden Joystick Award for Best Streamer/Broadcaster in 2017. He has been nominated multiple times for the Kids’ Choice Awards, the Shorty Awards, and The Game Awards, winning two more Streamy Awards in 2022 for Show of the Year and Scripted Series.
Real Estate Ventures
Markiplier’s successful career has also allowed him to make substantial investments in real estate. In 2016, he purchased a newly constructed home in Los Angeles’ Echo Park neighborhood for $1.6 million. However, his most notable real estate acquisition came in April 2021 when he bought a $4 million property previously owned by actor and musician Donald Glover. The luxurious 3,279-square-foot home in La Cañada Flintridge features a pool, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a cabana. Glover had purchased the property in 2016 and renovated it with designer Barbara Bestor.
Markiplier’s wealth and influence continue to grow as he expands his reach across multiple media platforms. From his humble beginnings to his present-day success, Markiplier has built a legacy of entertainment, charity, and business, making him a significant figure in digital content.
