YouTuber Earns 1.8 Billion Won from a Single 'Crackling Fireplace' Video... Here's the Secret

'Bulmyeong' Content: 10 Hours of Fireplace Footage
150 Million Views from a Single Video

A YouTuber who is estimated to earn up to 200 million won (approximately 150,000 USD) annually from a single video uploaded over a decade ago is drawing attention.

According to industry sources on January 8, the YouTuber known as 'Fireplace 10 hours' uploaded a video titled 'Fireplace 10 Hours Full HD' to their channel on October 2, 2016. Although no additional videos have been posted since then on this channel, which is believed to have been created in Romania, the subscriber count has surpassed 116,000 and the cumulative number of views has exceeded 150 million.

A fireplace video uploaded on the YouTube channel 'Fireplace 10 hours'. Screenshot from 'Fireplace 10 hours'

As the title suggests, the video simply shows a fireplace with logs burning for 10 hours straight. The video features the sight of burning logs along with the crackling sound of firewood.

This video appears to be played mainly to create a warm and cozy atmosphere in various spaces such as homes, cafes, and restaurants. It has been especially popular during the winter and Christmas seasons. In addition, it is used for so-called 'bulmyeong' (watching fire for relaxation), or as an aid for sleep.

On January 2, an operator of a virtual asset platform estimated that, based on the view count, the channel owner has earned about 1.25 million dollars (approximately 1.8 billion won) through advertisements and other means. According to this estimate, this simple video has generated an average annual income of around 200 million won.

The YouTube algorithm is known to prioritize watch time over simple view counts. Content that keeps viewers engaged for longer periods, rather than clickbait or sensational videos, tends to generate more ad impressions and is therefore more effective in terms of revenue.

Given that viewers use this video as a form of white noise, playing it for extended periods rather than as a one-time viewing, and that it is repeatedly played every winter season, it is analyzed that the channel has secured steady traffic and high earnings. Similarly, videos featuring sounds of rain, ocean waves, and other natural sounds are also gaining popularity as sleep or relaxation aids, being played for long durations.