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VidCon Honors Pioneering YouTubers, Sparking Conversation on Future Hall of Fame Inductees

In a landmark move, VidCon, the premier conference for online video creators, hosted its first-ever Hall of Fame ceremony, recognizing nine iconic YouTubers who have significantly shaped the internet as we know it today. The inductees, including Joey Graceffa, Tyler Oakley, and Hank Green, were celebrated for their lasting impact on the online community. This milestone event has sparked a lively discussion among the inductees and fans alike: who deserves a spot in the VidCon Hall of Fame next?

A New Class of Influencers Emerges

When asked about potential future inductees, one name kept resurfacing: Philip DeFranco. With 6.6 million subscribers and a presence on YouTube since 2006, DeFranco’s cultural critique and news videos continue to make waves on the internet. Grace Helbig and the SMOSH co-founders, Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, all echoed their admiration for DeFranco’s work. Helbig also suggested that John Green, author of bestselling novels like The Fault in Our Stars and co-founder of VidCon, should be considered for induction, saying, "I mean, we have half of a Green brother; I think we need the other Green brother."

Pioneering Creators and Viral Sensations

Other notable creators who received shoutouts from the inductees include lonelygirl15, widely credited as one of the first viral stars on YouTube; iJustine, a tech-focused content creator with over 7 million subscribers; and GloZell, known for her infamous cinnamon challenge video, which has garnered 60 million views. Additional creators, such as Ingrid Nilsen, Lilly Singh, Captain Sparklez, Fred, VSauce, and Ze Frank, were also mentioned as deserving of recognition.

The Future of the VidCon Hall of Fame

As the online video landscape continues to evolve, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will be the next creators to join the VidCon Hall of Fame? The answer will have to wait until next year’s ceremony. One thing is certain, however: the contributions of these pioneering YouTubers have paved the way for future generations of creators, and their impact will be felt for years to come. As we look to the future of online video, it’s clear that the VidCon Hall of Fame will remain a prestigious honor, celebrating the innovators and trailblazers who shape the internet and inspire us all.