Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has once again proven his global influence, this time on YouTube. Launched on August 21, 2024, his channel “UR – Cristiano” became an instant sensation, exceeding initial expectations and breaking records within hours of its debut. What began as a highly anticipated project turned into a groundbreaking success, setting new standards in the world of digital content.
Record-breaking launch
The launch of Ronaldo’s YouTube channel was truly historic: within the first 90 minutes, the channel reached 1 million subscribers, and by the end of the day, the number had exceeded 11 million. This rapid growth underscores the massive influence Ronaldo has across social media platforms: he already has 636 million followers on Instagram, 170 million on Facebook, and 112.5 million on X-Platform (formerly Twitter).
The 39-year-old Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, announced the new project amid much fanfare. “The wait is over – my YouTube channel is finally here! Subscribe and join me on this new journey,” Ronaldo posted on his social media accounts.
Initial reports stated that Ronaldo’s channel gained 1.69 million subscribers just a few hours after his first video was released. However, recent data reveals an even more impressive feat: Ronaldo’s channel achieved the record-breaking feat of reaching 1 million subscribers in just 90 minutes. By the end of the first day, the channel had surpassed 11 million subscribers, highlighting Ronaldo’s unparalleled popularity and the loyalty of his global fanbase.
Ronaldo’s YouTube triumph: the numbers
Since its launch, “UR – Cristiano” has posted 19 videos, each of which has garnered significant views in its short time. The most popular, titled “Discover All About Us. Who Will Win?”, garnered an astounding 26 million views within a day of uploading. In total, Ronaldo’s videos have garnered over 100 million views, demonstrating the channel’s exceptional reach and significant revenue potential.
Strategic content mix
Ronaldo’s channel offers a diverse mix of content, blending family life with football-related challenges. With more than 32.8 million subscribers, the channel features Ronaldo, his son Cristiano Jr. and his partner Georgina Rodriguez. Content ranges from European Championship goal leaderboards to light-hearted “this or that” games and free-kick challenges, a strategy that has attracted a wide audience and led to a rapid increase in subscribers.