If you’re a UK-based brand or creator looking to break into the Russian market via YouTube, you’re in the right spot. Russia’s YouTube scene is buzzing with talent that can seriously boost your brand visibility and sales. As of May 2025, the UK’s digital marketing landscape is buzzing with more brands keen on cross-border influencer collabs, and Russia remains a key player thanks to its huge, engaged audience on tube platforms.
I’m here to spill the tea on the top 10 Russian YouTube influencers you should collab with — straight talk, no fluff. Whether you’re a beauty brand, a gaming company, or an e-commerce platform, these creators bring real clout and can help you crack the Russian market like a pro.
📢 Why Russia and YouTube Matter for UK Marketers
First off, Russia’s tube ecosystem isn’t just about catchy vids; it’s a massive funnel for brand awareness and conversions. With over 80 million YouTube users, Russia ranks among the top countries in daily video consumption. UK firms already working with local influencers like Zoella or KSI know how vital it is to adapt to local tastes and payment habits — Russia is no different.
Payments? Most Russian influencers prefer payments via PayPal, bank transfers, or local platforms like YooMoney. GBP is usually converted to RUB, but expect some negotiation on fees given currency fluctuations.
Legally, data protection is tight with Russia’s own version of GDPR in place. So contracts need to cover content rights and data handling clearly. Also, culturally, Russians appreciate authenticity and storytelling — no hard sells.
💡 Top 10 Russian YouTube Influencers for Your Next Collab
Here’s the lowdown on the cream of the crop, ranked by subscriber count, engagement, and niche fit for UK brands.
- Like Nastya
- Subscribers: 90M+
- Niche: Family, Kids, Entertainment
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Why collab: Perfect if you’re targeting parents or child-related products. Nastya’s global reach extends beyond Russia, which is a bonus.
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Masha and the Bears
- Subscribers: 45M+
- Niche: Animation, Family
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Why collab: Iconic brand, great for toys, educational content, or children’s apps.
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EeOneGuy (Ivan Rudskoy)
- Subscribers: 17M+
- Niche: Gaming, Vlogs
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Why collab: If you’re into gaming or tech, Ivan’s got one of the most loyal gaming communities in Russia.
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Wylsacom
- Subscribers: 7M+
- Niche: Tech Reviews
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Why collab: The go-to tech influencer; ideal for gadget launches or software products.
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Kate Clapp
- Subscribers: 5M+
- Niche: Lifestyle, Comedy
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Why collab: Kate’s quirky style is a hit with young adults; excellent for fashion and lifestyle brands.
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TheBrianMaps
- Subscribers: 6M+
- Niche: Comedy, Sketches
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Why collab: High engagement and shares, great for viral marketing campaigns.
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This is Хорошо (This is Good)
- Subscribers: 11M+
- Niche: Entertainment, Commentary
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Why collab: For brands wanting to tap into millennial humour and social commentary.
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SlivkiShow
- Subscribers: 16M+
- Niche: DIY, Lifehacks
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Why collab: Big for product demos, especially in lifestyle or homeware sectors.
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Vlada Studio
- Subscribers: 4M+
- Niche: Beauty, Makeup
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Why collab: If beauty is your game, Vlada’s the Russian equivalent of UK’s Pixiwoo.
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Adam Thomas Mallett (AdamThomasMallett)
- Subscribers: 2M+
- Niche: Travel, Vlogging
- Why collab: British expat with a Russian twist; perfect for UK brands wanting a familiar face with local insights.
📊 People Also Ask
How do UK brands pay Russian YouTubers?
Payments are mostly done through international platforms like PayPal or bank transfers. Some influencers prefer local payment services like YooMoney or Qiwi. Always negotiate payment terms in GBP but be ready for RUB conversion.
What type of content works best for Russian audiences on YouTube?
Content that combines entertainment with authenticity wins big. Comedy, gaming, DIY, and family-friendly content dominate. Russian viewers appreciate relatable storytelling and influencers who engage genuinely.
Are there legal considerations for UK companies working with Russian influencers?
Absolutely. Russia has strict data protection laws similar to GDPR. Contracts must clearly outline content rights, data usage, and payment terms to avoid disputes. Consulting a local legal advisor is a smart move.
💡 Practical Tips for UK Advertisers Working with Russian YouTubers
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Localise your message: Use Russian language captions or subtitles. English-only content won’t cut it.
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Understand cultural nuances: Russians value sincerity and humour; avoid aggressive sales tactics.
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Use BaoLiba or similar platforms: They provide vetted influencers, local insights, and handle payments safely.
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Plan around Russian holidays: New Year and Victory Day see spikes in content consumption.
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Track via ROI metrics: Use affiliate codes or promo links to measure campaign success.
❗ Risks and How to Mitigate Them
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Platform restrictions: Russia has occasional YouTube limitations; have backup channels or social platforms.
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Currency volatility: Agree on fixed payment amounts in GBP to avoid surprises.
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Content approval delays: Factor in time for legal and cultural vetting before publishing.
Final Thoughts
Cracking the Russian YouTube market isn’t rocket science but needs a savvy approach combining local knowledge, good influencer fit, and clear contracts. The 10 influencers listed here are your best bets for 2025 and beyond, each bringing a unique flavour of Russia’s diverse YouTube scene.
BaoLiba will continue updating United Kingdom marketers on the latest influencer marketing trends worldwide, including Russia. Keep an eye on our blog for fresh insights and insider tips to help you grow global with confidence.
