Daniel Robert Middleton (born 8 November 1991), better known asDanTDM (formerlyTheDiamondMinecart), is an EnglishYouTuber, gamer, and author. He is primarily known for hisLet's Play videos, particularly those featuringMinecraft,Roblox,Pokémon andFive Nights at Freddy's.[1] Middleton's YouTube channel, which he started in 2012, has amassed over 29 million subscribers and 20 billion views as of 2025, making him one of the most popular content creators on the platform.[2][3][4][5]
Middleton began his YouTube career withMinecraft content, later expanding to other games and vlog-style videos. He has published a graphic novel, voiced a character in the UK version of the filmRalph Breaks the Internet (2018), and embarked on several world tours featuring live shows. In 2016, he was listed in theGuinness World Records Gamer's Edition for "Most views for a dedicated Minecraft video channel."
Beyond his online presence, Middleton has been involved in various charitable initiatives and has won several awards, including multipleNickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in the UK Favourite Gamer category. In 2017, Middleton topped theForbes list of Highest-Paid YouTube Stars, earning£12.2 million (about $16.5 million) in one year.
Personal life
Daniel Robert Middleton[6] was born on 8 November 1991 inAldershot, England, as the elder of two siblings.[‡ 1] His parents divorced when he was a child.[‡ 1] He attended theUniversity of Northampton where he studied music production.[7][8] Prior to his career as a YouTuber and author, he worked atTesco, telling the BBC in 2017 "When I earned enough money off YouTube to match it [my wage at Tesco] my wife persuaded me to do it."[9]
In 2012, Middleton first createdTheDiamondMinecart, a gaming channel.[11] In August 2014, Middleton signed with themulti-channel networkMaker Studios under its Polaris label.[12] He decided to change his channel's name toTheDiamondMinecart // DanTDM later on, and on 12 December 2016, toDanTDM.[‡ 5] He currently produces videos out of his home studio inWellingborough.[11] Middleton's content is largely targeted at children, though many teens and adults watch it as well.[13]
As his original fanbase that propelled his career has grown up, Middleton has scaled back his video production schedule and focused more on creating graphic novels, hosting live shows, and DanTDM merchandise.[2] He released a graphic novel titledTrayaurus and the Enchanted Crystal on 6 October 2016,[14][15][16] which remained at the number one spot onThe New York Times Best Seller list forhardcover graphic books for eleven weeks.[17] He was a featured guest at theCheltenham Literature Festival and went on a book tour that included parts of the UK and a visit to New York City.[14][18][19] He then embarked on a tour through the United States and Australia in 2017.[20][21] His live show at the Sydney Opera House was the second fastest to sell out in the venue's history.[9] While acknowledging that he might not be a household name "yet", he was noted by theTampa Bay Times as being "one of YouTube's brightest stars and biggest successes."[22]
In 2017, he starred in a web series calledDanTDM Creates a Big Scene starring himself and featuring other social media entertainers and actors.[23][24] The series premiered on 7 April 2017 exclusively for YouTube Red, YouTube's subscription service (now calledYouTube Premium).[25] The show "follows DanTDM and his group of animated friends as they battle to keep their live show on the road".[26] That year,TODAY praised his "infectious laugh and an unmistakable British accent" and his personal growth from a "shy, low-profile YouTuber to the master of a creative empire."[27]
In 2019, Middleton was ranked 41 in UK's Top 100 Influencer List byThe Sunday Times,[28] which also estimated Middleton's net worth to be £25 million.[1]
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