Net Worth Ranker
What Is James Charles Dickinson’s Net Worth?
James Charles Dickinson, known professionally as James Charles, boasts a substantial net worth estimated at $22 million as of 2024. This impressive figure is primarily attributed to his successful career as an internet personality, makeup artist, and model. His journey from a budding YouTube creator to a prominent figure in the beauty industry showcases a blend of talent, entrepreneurial acumen, and strategic brand building.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Born on May 23, 1999, in Bethlehem, New York, James Charles launched his YouTube channel on December 1, 2015. His content, largely focused on makeup tutorials and beauty tips, quickly gained traction. Within a year, his channel amassed a significant following, leading to his groundbreaking appointment as the first male ambassador for CoverGirl in 2016. This partnership with CoverGirl, a major cosmetics brand, marked a pivotal moment in his career, providing him with mainstream exposure and validating his influence in the beauty community. He worked alongside pop star Katy Perry.
By January 2020, James Charles’ YouTube channel had accumulated over 1.8 billion views, featuring more than 250 videos. His subscriber base had surpassed 16.7 million, solidifying his status as a top beauty influencer. In 2018, his channel received the Best Channel Award in the Beauty category at the 8th Streamy Awards, further cementing his prominence in the digital landscape. His Instagram presence is equally impressive, with over 16.3 million followers as of January 2020, where he affectionately refers to his fans as “sisters.” His ability to connect with his audience and create engaging content has been instrumental in his rapid rise to fame and financial success.
Brand Collaborations and Business Ventures
James Charles has leveraged his online popularity to secure lucrative deals with various brands. His 2016 appointment as CoverGirl’s first male ambassador was a watershed moment, positioning him as a trailblazer in the beauty industry. He also became the face of the brand So Lashy! By BlastPro Mascara, further expanding his influence and reach.
In March 2019, James Charles showcased his makeup artistry skills by doing the makeup for rapper Iggy Azalea’s music video for the song “Sally Walker.” This collaboration exposed his talent to a wider audience and demonstrated his versatility as a makeup artist. In 2018, Charles collaborated with Morphe Cosmetics to release an eyeshadow palette called “Morphe x James Charles.” The palette, featuring 39 shades, retailed for $39. The initial launch on November 14, 2018, saw the palette sell out in Europe in less than 6 minutes, highlighting its immense popularity and demand. In January 2019, Morphe Cosmetics invited him to the company’s second UK store opening in Birmingham, England, where over 7,000 fans gathered to see him, causing significant traffic disruptions in the city center. The collaboration with Morphe Cosmetics proved to be a major success, contributing significantly to his income and solidifying his reputation as a beauty mogul.
In addition to his collaborations with established brands, James Charles ventured into the fashion industry, walking on the runway for fashion brand MarcoMarco’s “Six ½” collection during Los Angeles Fashion Week in 2017. In 2019, he was invited to The Met Gala, marking a significant achievement and further elevating his status as a prominent influencer. James is also the founder of a clothing line called Sisters Apparel. The line was initially powered by Jeffree Star’s Killer Merch fulfillment services. After James and Jeffree got into a feud, Sisters Apparel was briefly taken offline in May 2019. The company was relaunched a month later with a new distributor.
YouTube Earnings and Revenue Streams
James Charles’ YouTube channel is a significant source of income. While he hasn’t yet cracked the list of the ten highest-paid YouTube stars, it is estimated that at his peak, he could earn at least $5 million per year from channel views alone, before taxes. These earnings are generated through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. In addition to YouTube, James Charles earns income from paid Instagram posts, which can command substantial fees given his large following and engagement rates. He also generates revenue through personal appearances, where he charges fees for attending events, meeting fans, and providing makeup demonstrations. Moreover, his merchandise sales, including clothing and accessories from Sisters Apparel, contribute to his overall income.
His endorsement deals with various companies, such as CoverGirl and Morphe Cosmetics, bring in significant sums every month. The exact figures for these deals are not publicly disclosed, but given the scale of these partnerships, they likely contribute a substantial portion of his annual income. These diverse revenue streams demonstrate his ability to monetize his online presence and build a sustainable business empire.
Real Estate Investments
In February 2020, James Charles made a significant real estate investment, purchasing a $7 million home in Encino, California. Prior to this purchase, he had been renting a mansion in the same area for $15,000 per month. The new home is a brand-new, never-been-lived-in property, situated on the same block as fellow YouTuber Logan Paul’s $6.6 million home. This strategic investment in real estate reflects his financial savvy and long-term planning. The home spans 10,000 square feet and features six bedrooms, providing ample space for living and entertaining. The property’s location in Encino, a neighborhood known for its affluent residents and luxury homes, further underscores his financial success and status in the entertainment industry.
Controversies and Their Impact
Throughout his career, James Charles has faced several controversies that have impacted his public image and financial standing. In February 2017, he tweeted a joke about Africa and the Ebola virus, which was widely criticized as offensive. He later apologized for the tweet, acknowledging that there were “no excuses” for his words. In April 2019, he faced backlash for comments he made regarding trans men, which some perceived as transphobic. He later apologized for his “unintentionally transphobic” comments, recognizing the insensitivity of his remarks.
The most significant controversy, however, was his feud with fellow beauty YouTuber Tati Westbrook. Westbrook, a former mentor and long-time collaborator, publicly severed ties with Charles in May 2019, accusing him of disloyalty, spreading rumors, and “manipulating people’s sexuality.” Westbrook’s video, titled “BYE SISTER…,” went viral, garnering over 34 million views before being deleted from her channel. The online reaction was swift, with Charles losing over 1 million subscribers in less than 24 hours. His channel hit a low point of 13.4 million subscribers on May 15, 2019, from which it has steadily recovered. Meanwhile, Westbrook’s subscriber count increased by over 4 million during the same period.
In response to Westbrook’s accusations, Charles initially uploaded an 8-minute video titled “tati,” which reached over 33 million views. In the video, he apologized to both her and her husband, and briefly addressed some of her claims. On May 18, 2019, he posted a second 41-minute video, “No More Lies,” where he addressed every single claim made by Westbrook, complete with evidence refuting many of her accusations. Following the release of this video, he regained a million subscribers, renewing support for him and criticism towards Westbrook. Despite these controversies, James Charles has managed to weather the storms and maintain a successful career, demonstrating resilience and the ability to learn from his mistakes.
