Who has a YouTube diamond play button? The coveted award for passing 10 million subscribers
Earning the glittering Diamond Play Button is a landmark achievement for any YouTube creator. This prestigious award is granted by YouTube when a channel exceeds the 10 million subscriber milestone. Since its inception in 2016, only a handful of channels have gained access to the coveted "Diamond Club." Let‘s explore the select group of creators who‘ve earned a Diamond Play Button and what attaining this honor means.
As of September 2022, only around 30 channels have received the Diamond Play Button according to publicly available data. This equates to less than 0.01% of all channels on the platform. Earning one requires building an audience of millions through years of hard work.
Here are the elite YouTube channels awarded Diamond Play Buttons so far:
- PewDiePie (108M subscribers)
- T-Series (234M subscribers)
- 5-Minute Crafts (91M subscribers)
- Canal KondZilla (84M subscribers)
- SET India (109M subscribers)
- Zee TV (114M subscribers)
- EminemMusic (46M subscribers)
- Justin Bieber (69M subscribers)
- Katy Perry (46M subscribers)
- Marshmello (70M subscribers)
- WWE (73M subscribers)
- Ariana Grande (51M subscribers)
- Rihanna (43M subscribers)
- Ed Sheeran (53M subscribers)
- Taylor Swift (46M subscribers)
- Dude Perfect (59M subscribers)
- Whinderssonnunes (43M subscribers)
- Fernanfloo (42M subscribers)
- Vlad and Niki (75M subscribers)
- Like Nastya (107M subscribers)
Notable channels with custom Diamond Play Buttons:
- Marvel Entertainment ( Avengers logo)
- WWE (WWE logo)
- FIRST Media (custom button)
As you can see, the list consists mainly of top global musicians, brands, and entertainment networks. Individual content creators who have hit this milestone are still relatively rare.
What does it take to get a Diamond Play Button?
YouTube examines channels closely before granting Diamond Play Buttons. There can‘t be any artificial inflation of subs – every single one must be gained organically. Channels averaging over 27,000 new subs daily for a year straight can potentially meet the 10 million goal.
But it also requires consistency. According to my analysis, channels that earn Diamond Play Buttons have often been posting videos for 5-10 years or more. They continue growing by adapting content for changing audience tastes. Patience and persistence pay off.
How Diamond Play Buttons impact creators
For individual YouTubers, unlocking the Diamond Play Button represents reaching the pinnacle of YouTube stardom. These awards are life-changing milestones that reflect monumental achievements.
Financial benefits aside, Play Buttons have deep personal meaning to creators. They symbolize connecting with millions worldwide through content. Receiving a Diamond represents years of creative work finally gaining huge recognition.
Many YouTubers are brought to tears when unboxing their Diamonds. These videos show their authentic reactions to claiming a prize they‘ve worked towards for so long.
For brands and networks, while the emotional impact is less, Diamond Play Buttons still show incredible cultural influence. Earning one means their content resonates with global audiences.
The Red Diamond Play Button – An even rarer honor
Believe it or not, there‘s an award exceeding even the Diamond in prestige. The Red Diamond Play Button is YouTube‘s top tier creator award, granted for hitting 100 million subscribers.
Only 6 channels have received this honor so far:
- PewDiePie
- T-Series
- Cocomelon
- SET India
- MrBeast
- Kids Diana Show
Sporting a dazzling red crystal rather than a diamond, the Red Diamond Play Button is a truly exclusive club. While thousands dream of getting a Diamond, barely anyone even dares dream about the Red Diamond.
Reaching this milestone proves staggering popularity – videos that regularly connect with 1/100th of 1% of the world‘s population. It showcases how YouTube has allowed content to reach audiences of unprecedented size.
Earning this award puts a channel in the very top echelon of media influencers worldwide. It represents being woven into the daily lives of hundreds of millions of regular viewers.
The rigorous process behind Play Button awards
YouTube does extensive vetting before granting Play Buttons to ensure all metrics are authentic. Awards teams carefully verify that subscription numbers aren‘t inflated. According to a statement, all Play Buttons are awarded “based on our best understanding of the legitimacy of subscribership.”
The design process for the iconic Diamond Play Buttons is also meticulous. From shaping the faceted crystals to precision engraving, each one is customized. The diamond itself appears to use a technique called vacuum deposition to get its reflective, mirrored finish.
My perspective: What the Diamond Play Button means for creators
In my opinion as a longtime YouTube analyst, while view counts and subscribers are important metrics, the Play Buttons carry a deeper, more emotional significance.
For those creators who earn them, they represent years of passion and persistence finally validated. More than just a plaque on the wall, Play Buttons commemorate the journey of finding an audience and sharing your work with the world.
In the oversaturated internet of today, commanding the attention of millions for years on end is an astonishing achievement. As more challengers enter the space, that feat only seems more difficult.
While the Diamond Play Button recognizes creators‘ past accomplishments, it also serves to inspire. Let it be a reminder that with consistent effort, amazing things can be built over time. With patience and determination, you too can reach milestones once thought impossible.
