YouTube NextUp is a program announced back in March designed to identify and promote the new rising stars on YouTube. Existing partners who were currently under 300,000 subscribers were encouraged to submit a short video that represented their specific talent. The production of good videos as well as an expanding fanbase were two core criteria in deciding the participants. From March 29th to April 8th, YouTube users were encouraged to vote for their favorite up-and-coming star and the finalists were chosen shortly afterwards. The winners would receive $35,000 to produce a new project as well as participation in a four-day YouTube Creator Camp where they would receive special mentoring from leading industry and YouTube experts.

On May 2nd, 25 winners were selected to be in the inaugural NextUp class and were announced on YouTube. Among the winners were Peter Bragiel and Travis Betz. We talked with both of these YouTubers about their experiences in this contest and their future plans. Click on the links below for the full interviews.

                                       Peter Bragiel- IntransitTV                                        

                                                                             Click Here

The Receptionist- Travis Betz

Click Here

A special thank you to both of these guys for sharing their stories.