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Nursery stars like Ryan not only have many followers - they are role models for many young users. The fact that anyone can become one is due to the principle of social apps and platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, Twitch or TikTok: They not only entertain with content, but also offer a stage on which young users can try themselves out. Many not only want to emulate idols, but become one themselves.

Social networks like YouTube always convey values and role models with their content. They offer orientation opportunities and influence how children and young people think and act, who they want to be and how they want to shape their lives. Young people can try things out and develop their interests on these digital platforms.

"I've had my own YouTube channel for two years. I make Let's Play videos and challenges. Hopefully my dad will buy me a good video editing program soon so I can edit my videos better."
Jonas, 13

Today, 91 percent of 14- to 29-year-olds use video portals like YouTube or Twitch, according to the German ARD/ZDF-Onlinestudie. Only about one percent of 10- to 19-year-olds are not familiar with YouTube videos. Many of those who now produce YouTube videos themselves are the same age as their audience - that is, minors, according to the study.

The YouTube content most frequently used by children mostly relates to videos of YouTube stars, which account for a good third of the favorite offerings cited by YouTube users. One in ten YouTube users also has their own account on a video or streaming portal.

The YouTube star phenomenon is particularly evident among older children and younger teenagers. Among 10- to 12-year-olds, 41 percent say their favorite star is a YouTuber; among 13- to 15-year-olds, the figure is 44 percent. Seven percent of young users already present themselves and regularly upload their own videos to YouTube. Let's Plays," in which YouTubers show themselves playing computer games, are also becoming more important with increasing age.

"I think TikTok is really good. Right now I'm doing a lot of dance videos. My girlfriends think they're really funny. I already have over 500 fans. But my friends are more important to me. Actually, you're not allowed to register with TikTok until you're 13. But I just gave a wrong date of birth."
Anna, 11 years

TikTok, a Chinese short video social platform, is extremely popular among young people. The clips last just a few seconds. And the app itself is a window into other people's homes and children's rooms. Because wherever they can find space and be undisturbed, young users sing, play and dance to their favorite songs.

Twitch is particularly attractive to older children because it allows them to experience computer games from a different perspective. The platform enables interaction with gamers. In contrast to "Let's Play" videos on YouTube, Twitch adds the fact that everything happens in real time and thus resembles a "real" community. On Twitch, however, you can not only be a viewer, but also actively produce as a so-called streamer. If a streamer has enough viewers, he can place ads and earn money.

What many users don't know: There is a lot of work behind the seemingly casual and funny YouTube videos. Free time is a foreign word for successful YouTubers, because those who don't deliver new videos every day are quickly forgotten. There's often not enough room for other leisure activities. A look at YouTube's terms of use also reveals this: To be active on the video platform with a channel, a minimum age of 13 years is mandatory. Children of this age can earn money, but not without the cooperation and consent of an adult.

Thus, in the case of "Ryan ToysReview", it was of course not Ryan himself who started the YouTube channel. "Ryan ToysReview has been around since he was four years old, founded by his parents in 2015, and it is they who have been managing the income ever since. So it's not always a desire to have children that's behind a successful YouTuber.