Who would have thought 20 years ago that posting videos on
the internet would turn into a career?
Now, anyone can become a content
creator, influencer or YouTuber (youtubeur for a man, or youtubeuse for a
woman). You do not need to study or do an apprenticeship, just persuade enough
people to “like” you.
The most famous internet celebrities broadcast in English,
but the Francophone market needs serving too and the most successful YouTubers
have found a nice little earner for themselves.
It is not as easy as it looks. A regular supply of ideas and technical knowledge of filming and editing are essential. Then you
need to manage the community you have created, deal with the media and keep an
eye on the competition. It is a precarious profession. Clicks, views and
algorithms are all that keep you from having to get a proper job. Success
requires material of broad appeal and a dose of well-meant humour.
Here are five screen performers who have been doing it long
enough to become icons in France.
1. Cyprien
Cyprien Iov started uploading videos in 2007 when he was only 18 years old and is a pioneer of the “situational humour/sketch” format that is now much imitated. His cinematic style, often accompanied by a serious message, has inspired a generation of creators.
2. Léna
Léna Mahfouf, known by her screen name Léna Situations, started her career in 2012 by launching a blog, sharing fashion and lifestyle content as well as recommendations around the Paris area.
She now has 3 million subscribers on her YouTube channel (as of April 2026), and in 2022 became the first French influencer invited to the Met Gala in New York.
3. Natoo
The internet is a male-dominated environment but Nathalie Odzierejko has forged a reputation for herself as one of its relatively few women to become star youtubeuses.
NatooAbaca Press / Alamy Stock Photo
She has been uploading regularly since 2011 and believes authenticity is the key to her success. She addresses serious and not-so-serious topics such as gender stereotypes and social pressure with humour.
4. Seb
Sébastien Anthony Frit, also known as Seb la Frite, is a musician whose output includes long-form documentaries such as one on The Beatles.
Other videos include a travelogue of his trip to meet the Dalai Lama.
He is also in a relationship with Léna Mahfouf (see above).
5. Joyca
Jordan Rondelli, who got going in 2012, has made a name for himself by remixing popular music and creating his own offbeat concepts. His fast-paced videos include ones based on stunts or social experiments.
