Roman Atwood, born on May 28, 1983, in Millersport, Ohio, is a 42-year-old American comedian, prankster, and vlogger with an estimated net worth of $30 million in 2025. Known as one of the most successful YouTubers of all time, Atwood rose to fame with his creative prank videos before turning his focus toward family vlogs and business ventures. But how did a small-town Ohio native transform into one of YouTube’s biggest stars?
How Did Roman Atwood Start His Career?
Atwood’s journey began long before YouTube. Raised by Susan and Curt Atwood, he grew up working in his family’s rope factory while developing a passion for filming and producing videos during high school. His early interest in content creation set the stage for what would later become his full-time career.
In 2009, he officially launched his first YouTube channel, RomanAtwood. While he started small, his natural humor and bold prank ideas quickly caught attention. By the early 2010s, Atwood was pulling off elaborate pranks that would set him apart from the crowd.
What Made His Prank Channel Famous?
Atwood’s prank channel exploded with viral content that balanced shock value with family-friendly humor. Among his most famous videos was Anniversary Prank Backfires!! in 2013, where he attempted to prank Brittney Smith (his then-girlfriend, now wife) by pretending he had cheated. The twist? Brittney realized it was a prank and turned the joke back on him, making the video a hit with more than 85 million views.
Another unforgettable moment was his 2015 Plastic Ball Prank, where he filled his house with thousands of plastic balls. The video not only went viral but also became part of a Nissan commercial aired during Super Bowl XLIX. These clever and entertaining stunts solidified Atwood’s place as one of YouTube’s biggest pranksters.
Why Did Roman Atwood Shift to Vlogging?
In 2013, Atwood launched his second channel, Roman Atwood Vlogs. Unlike his prank channel, this one focused on daily life, family moments, and personal adventures. The vlogs quickly became more popular than his pranks, as fans connected with his authenticity and family-oriented personality.
This channel now has over 15 million subscribers and more than 5.5 billion total views. From ordinary family days to exciting trips, the vlogs gave viewers a chance to feel like part of the Atwood family. His children and wife Brittney became central figures, making the content relatable and heartwarming.
What Other Projects Has Atwood Worked On?
Atwood’s success extended beyond YouTube. In 2016, he appeared in the Lionsgate comedy film Natural Born Pranksters alongside Vitaly Zdorovetskiy and Dennis Roady. The film featured pranks too bold for YouTube and was later released on iTunes and Netflix. That same year, Atwood and his family appeared on the reality TV show Tanked and also joined a world tour with fellow YouTuber Yousef Erakat (Fousey).
In 2022, he returned with a fresh project: Roman Atwood Podcast. The podcast featured YouTube personalities like Vitaly and Fousey while diving into new conversations outside his usual prank and vlog format. The channel quickly reached more than 500,000 subscribers and 55 million views.
What Is Smile More and How Did It Add to His Net Worth?
One of Atwood’s biggest business moves was launching his own merchandise line, Smile More, in 2013. Starting from his basement, Smile More sold T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories designed to spread positivity. As demand grew, the business expanded into a separate building on his property in 2016.
In 2022, Atwood moved Smile More to Texas in partnership with fellow YouTuber Matt Carriker (known for Demolition Ranch). The brand remains a major part of Atwood’s income and identity, reinforcing his message of positivity and family-first living.
What About His Personal Life?
Roman Atwood’s personal journey has been as eventful as his career. He married his first wife, Shanna Riley, in 2001, and together they had a son named Noah in 2004. Their marriage ended in 2008 after a widely publicized divorce.
In 2008, Atwood met Brittney Smith, who became a central part of his videos and life. The couple married in 2018 and share three children: sons Kane and Knox, and daughter Cora. His vlogs often highlight their family life, blending everyday moments with extraordinary adventures.
How Did Roman Atwood Become One of the Richest YouTubers?
Atwood’s net worth of $30 million reflects years of diversified income. At his peak, he was among the highest-paid YouTubers in the world, earning at least $10 million annually from ads, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and business deals. His prank videos attracted massive sponsorships, while his vlogs built a loyal fan base that purchased Smile More merchandise in large numbers.
Additionally, his film projects, podcast, and brand collaborations added new revenue streams. Unlike many content creators, Atwood successfully balanced viral entertainment with sustainable business growth.
What Is Roman Atwood’s Legacy on YouTube?
Roman Atwood’s impact goes beyond viral videos. He was part of the first wave of YouTubers to turn online content into a mainstream career. By maintaining a family-friendly image and focusing on positivity, he built a lasting community that continues to support his projects more than a decade later.
From filling his house with plastic balls to building a global merchandise brand, Atwood represents what’s possible when creativity meets persistence. His legacy is not just about pranks but about inspiring others to find joy, laugh often, and “smile more.”
