| Human Profile | |
| Name: | Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg |
| Birthday: | October 24, 1989 (age 36 years), Born in Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Education: | Göteborgs Högre Samskola (Diploma) Chalmers University of Technology (No Degree), Industrial Economics and Technology Management |
| Subscribers: | 110M |
| Views: | 29,425,958,937 |
| YouTube Revenue: | $147.1M - $353.1M |
| Videos: | 4652 |
| Channel Created: | April 2010 |
Overview
Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, also known as PewDiePie, is a Swedish legendary YouTube gaming icon and content creator who became the most-subscribed individual on the platform for many years, known for pioneering “Let’s Play” videos, cultivating a massive fanbase called the “Bro Army,” and diversifying his content to include vlogs, comedy, and meme reviews.
Latest News (Oct 31, 2025): PewDiePie recently uploaded a new video titled "STOP. Using AI Right now." which has garnered 28,000 views in the short time since its release.
The Genesis of a Digital Icon
Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, known to the world as PewDiePie, was born on October 24, 1989, in Gothenburg, Sweden. His journey to becoming a YouTube behemoth began not in a state-of-the-art studio, but from a place of passion for video games and art. Kjellberg initially enrolled at Chalmers University of Technology to study Industrial Economics and Technology Management but found his interest waning. He ultimately dropped out in 2011 to pursue his burgeoning YouTube career, a decision that initially led to his parents cutting off their financial support. To make ends meet, he sold hot dogs and prints of his Photoshop art.
He registered his first YouTube channel, "Pewdie," in December 2006, a name derived from the "pew" sound of lasers and "die." After forgetting the password to this account, he created the iconic "PewDiePie" channel on April 29, 2010. His earliest viewable video, "Minecraft Multiplayer Fun," was uploaded in October 2010 and featured commentary in his native Swedish. Initially, his content centered on "Let's Play" videos, particularly of horror games like *Amnesia: The Dark Descent*, which gained him significant attention for his comedic and often terrified reactions.
From Horror Screams to Cultural Commentary
PewDiePie's content has undergone a significant transformation over the years, mirroring his personal growth and the evolving landscape of YouTube. While he built his initial fame on the back of energetic and often screamin-filled "Let's Play" videos of horror and action games, his repertoire has since expanded dramatically.
Around 2015, a noticeable shift occurred as he began to diversify his content beyond gaming. This evolution saw the introduction of vlogs, comedy shorts, satirical formatted shows, and music videos. This change was driven by a desire to experiment and a feeling of burnout from solely producing gaming videos. He launched popular series like "Fridays with PewDiePie," where he would directly interact with his audience and fulfill their requests.
In recent years, his content has become even more varied. He embraced meme culture with series like "Meme Review" and "LWIAY" (Last Week I Asked You), where he would react to and comment on memes submitted by his fans on Reddit. Following his highly anticipated move to Japan with his wife, Marzia, his channel has taken another turn. Vlogs documenting his daily life and experiences in his new home have become a central part of his content, offering his audience a more personal and intimate look into his life. This shift also reflects his move towards a "semi-retired" state on the platform, where he now uploads less frequently and focuses on creating content that he genuinely enjoys, rather than chasing trends.
The Bro Army: A Legion of Engaged Fans
PewDiePie's success is inextricably linked to the strong and dedicated community he has cultivated, famously known as the "Bro Army." From the early days of his channel, he fostered a sense of camaraderie with his viewers, ending his videos with a "bro fist." This direct and personal approach made his audience feel like they were part of a close-knit group.
He has consistently employed various strategies to keep his audience engaged. Interactive series like "Fridays with PewDiePie," "LWIAY," and "Meme Review" are prime examples of this, as they are built around content created and submitted by his fans. This not only provides him with a steady stream of content ideas but also gives his audience a direct stake in his videos. His willingness to share aspects of his personal life, from his relationship with his wife Marzia to their move to Japan, has further strengthened the bond with his viewers, making them feel like they have grown up alongside him.
Beyond the screen, PewDiePie has leveraged his massive platform to mobilize his audience for charitable causes. He has launched numerous successful fundraising campaigns for organizations such as Charity: Water, Save the Children, (Red), and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), raising millions of dollars. These initiatives demonstrate a powerful and positive aspect of his relationship with his audience, transforming their collective online presence into a force for good.
A Legacy of Record-Breaking Milestones
PewDiePie's career is decorated with a string of remarkable achievements that have solidified his status as a YouTube legend. He was the most-subscribed user on the platform from August 2013 to April 2019, a reign of unprecedented length. He became the first YouTuber to reach 50 million subscribers in December 2016 and the first individual creator to hit the 100 million and 110 million subscriber milestones in August 2019 and April 2021, respectively.
In recognition of these feats, YouTube has bestowed upon him several of its highest honors. He is one of the few creators to have received all five tiers of the YouTube Creator Awards, including the custom "Ruby Play Button" for reaching 50 million subscribers and the prestigious Red Diamond Creator Award for surpassing 100 million.
One of the most defining moments of his career was the highly publicized subscriber race against the Indian music label T-Series in late 2018 and early 2019. This "Great Subscriber War," as it was dubbed, saw his supporters rally behind him in a massive online campaign, significantly boosting his subscriber growth. Though T-Series ultimately became the first channel to reach 100 million subscribers, the event was a testament to the immense loyalty and mobilization of his fanbase. His diss tracks released during this period, "Bitch Lasagna" and "Congratulations," became some of his most-viewed videos.
The PewDiePie Effect: Shaping a Platform and a Culture
PewDiePie's impact extends far beyond his own channel, having played a pivotal role in shaping the culture of YouTube and the broader online world. He is widely regarded as a figurehead for YouTube, especially within the gaming community. His early success with the "Let's Play" format helped to popularize the genre, inspiring a generation of content creators to share their gaming experiences.
His influence on the video game industry is undeniable, with the "PewDiePie effect" being a recognized phenomenon where games he features often see a significant surge in sales. He has also been a major force in the popularization of countless internet memes and trends, with his content often serving as a launchpad for viral sensations.
However, his journey has not been without controversy. Throughout his career, he has faced criticism for the use of offensive language and imagery in his videos, including allegations of anti-Semitism and the use of a racial slur during a live stream. These incidents have led to partnerships being severed and have sparked wider conversations about creator responsibility and the limits of online humor. Despite these controversies, he has managed to maintain a large and dedicated following, often addressing the criticisms directly in his videos.
A New Chapter in the Land of the Rising Sun
Looking ahead, PewDiePie's future on YouTube appears to be one of passion rather than profession. He has openly stated that he considers himself "semi-retired," with his content creation now driven by personal enjoyment rather than the pressures of maintaining his top spot on the platform. His move to Japan marks a significant new chapter in his life and content.
The current trajectory of his channel points towards a continued focus on vlogs that offer a glimpse into his life in Japan with his wife, Marzia, and their son. This move has allowed him a greater degree of anonymity, which he has stated he enjoys. While gaming content may still make occasional appearances, the era of daily, high-energy "Let's Play" videos seems to have given way to a more relaxed and personal style of content creation. His future uploads are likely to be more sporadic and centered around his personal interests and family life, offering his long-time viewers a chance to continue to grow and evolve with him.