From inventing machines for kids to restoring classic cars, YouTube has opened new career paths for many across Yorkshire — but creators warn that success comes with hard work, long hours, and a lot of passion.
Ruth Amos from Sheffield runs Kids Invent Stuff, a YouTube channel with 71,000 followers that brings children’s invention ideas to life. Since 2015, she and her colleague Shawn have turned kids’ sketches into working prototypes, inspiring young inventors everywhere.
“There are lots of ways to make money from YouTube — ads, sponsors, collaborations, or platforms like Patreon,” Amos explains. “Most creators mix all of these because one stream isn’t enough.”
Amos believes YouTube is a career path anyone creative can explore. However, she advises young fans to focus on building other skills too. “Some of the most popular channels are people filming themselves doing something else, so your skill is key,” she says.
Barnsley’s Lee Hinchcliffe started making YouTube videos at 15, beginning with gaming content before moving to challenge videos. His channel gained attention during a McDonald’s Monopoly series, where he spent hundreds trying to win a £10,000 prize — and although he never won, the gamble paid off in followers.
“YouTube has been like my university,” Hinchcliffe says. His online success even led to a TV presenting role with CBBC, appearing alongside puppet star Hacker T Dog. Yet, he notes, the work never stops: “It’s constant plate spinning because it’s hard to switch off from something you love so much.”
Meanwhile, in Doncaster, Steve Garbutt and his son Shane turned their love of car restoration into a booming business through YouTube. Over five years, Yorkshire Car Restoration grew from a small 1,000ft warehouse to a 10,000ft facility, restoring over 40 vehicles at a time.
Their rise began by offering free restorations to famous YouTubers like Mat Armstrong, who then promoted their work to millions. “You’ve got to be clever and look for opportunities,” Steve says. “It’s not just about making money — it’s about building something you love.”
Steve emphasizes the tough reality behind the glamour. “The hours don’t always match the pay. You need another career too, and your YouTube should be based on your passion.”
While viral fame may be elusive, Yorkshire’s creators prove that with dedication, creativity, and resilience, YouTube can offer a fulfilling — if demanding — career.
