YouTube Users Finding Mainstream Success

Bo Burnham was a typical high school student. He went to class, performed with his school’s theater troupe, and taught himself how to play piano and guitar.

Eventually, he started writing his own comedic songs, and wanted to share them with his older brother, who was off at college. So in December 2006, Burnham uploaded his first two songs to the video-sharing site YouTube.

He got a lot more than he bargained for.

With a comedic style somewhere between Demetri Martin and George Carlin, Burnham quickly became an internet sensation. His videos have been viewed nearly 40 million times.

(watch Burnham’s most viewed video)

Burnham even received a call from the talent agent who represents Dave Chappelle and Drew Carey, who told him “I gotta represent you.”

Now, his YouTube stardom has extended well outside the internet.

He recently released a self-titled CD with Comedy Central Records, and his Comedy Central special will air on March 27.

Hollywood is in his sights, as well. He will appear in Rob Schneider’s “Virgin on Bourbon Street,” and Adam Sandler’s “Funny People.” He also is working with Judd Apatow on what has been described as the anti-“High School Musical.”

Burnham’s success demonstrates YouTube’s growing influence on the entertainment industry, which has embraced the site as a legitimate source for talent.

Brooke Brodack, known on YouTube as ‘Brookers,’ was signed by Carson Daly back in 2006. “What the Buck” host Michael Buckley has a development deal deal with HBO. Musician Terra Naomi scored a record deal with Universal Music Group.

Those are just a few of the many YouTube users to cross over into the mainstream media, and the list keeps growing.

Think you can be the next big thing? Maybe YouTube is the place to be.