Who discovered Justin Bieber on YouTube?

Who discovered Justin Bieber on YouTube? Scooter Braun did. In 2008, Braun came across a video of the then-13-year-old Bieber singing, after accidentally clicking on the clip while browsing YouTube. Impressed by Bieber’s voice and potential, Braun tracked him down and eventually became his manager.

Bieber’s mother, Pattie Mallette, was initially cautious about contact with an unfamiliar music executive. After further conversations, however, Bieber traveled to Atlanta, where he recorded demos and met industry figures. Braun helped connect him with R&B singer Usher, who became an important early mentor and collaborator.

A common mix-up is crediting Usher as the person who discovered Bieber. Usher helped introduce him to the recording industry and signed him to a joint venture, but Braun was the manager who found the YouTube videos and initiated the process. Another frequently mentioned executive, L.A. Reid, later signed Bieber to Island Records. Bieber’s rise became one of the early examples of YouTube turning an unknown performer into a global pop star.