9-Year-Old Spends $118K on YouTube Ads for Minecraft Channel

A father has revealed that his nine‑year‑old son spent $118,000 on YouTube advertising for the child’s Minecraft channel, using a company credit card that was billed in just three weeks. The child’s account was reportedly set up to run a $1.20 promotion, but the cost ballooned to an unprecedented figure, according to the father’s post on a technology forum. The expense was discovered when the company’s billing system flagged the unusually high charges, prompting an immediate investigation into how the child accessed and authorized the account.

The incident highlights the growing risk of children engaging in digital advertising without adult supervision. While the father has not disclosed the name of the company, he indicated that the account was created under the company’s name and that the child had been given unrestricted access to the billing portal. The company’s finance team is reportedly reviewing internal controls and will be working with the father to reverse the charges and secure the account.

The case underscores the need for stricter safeguards on corporate credit cards and online advertising platforms, particularly when minors are involved. Companies are urged to enforce age verification and limit spending permissions, while parents are advised to monitor any online activity that could lead to unexpected financial liabilities.