Ruby Franke a once-revered family vlogger has become one of the most talked-about names in the world of online parenting influencers. Known for her now-defunct 8 Passengers YouTube channel, she built a massive following by sharing everyday moments of family life in Utah. However, her fall from grace was swift and public, tied to one of the most disturbing child abuse cases in recent memory.
From parenting tips and chore charts to malnourishment children and felony charges, the story of Ruby Franke is layered with controversy, trauma, and jaw-dropping twists.
This article dives into Ruby Franke’s net worth in 2025, her professional life, family dynamics, divorce from Kevin Franke, and her legal downfall backed by hard facts, recent reports, and ongoing case developments.
Ruby Franke’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Ruby Franke’s net worth is estimated to be $250,000 a sharp fall from her former million-dollar brand as a YouTube influencer.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $250,000 (as of 2025) |
| Peak Net Worth (2022) | $1.2 million |
| Main Income Sources | YouTube ads, brand deals, merch |
| Current Income Sources | None (post-arrest asset freeze) |
| Major Expenses | Legal defense, real estate loss |
The child abuse charges, legal battles, and public backlash have devastated her income stream. Following her arrest in Ivins, UT, Ruby saw all sponsorships pulled, YouTube revenue halted, and properties frozen pending investigation.
Early Life and Background
Born in Utah in 1982, Ruby Franke grew up in a devout Mormon household. Her upbringing shaped her conservative values and strict approach to parenting styles, later reflected in her online content.
She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in family and consumer sciences, a field she claimed gave her insights into raising children “by the book.”
Education and Personal Growth
Although Ruby touted her education as a backbone of her parenting methods, critics have questioned her interpretation of behavioral science and boundaries. Her strict methods gained traction online but drew concern from child psychologists and Utah child welfare advocates well before her arrest.
Rise to Fame
Franke rose to fame in 2015 when she launched the 8 Passengers YouTube channel. The concept was simple: a wholesome look at life with her husband Kevin Franke and their six children. Videos ranged from birthday parties and bedtime routines to “teaching moments” that eventually drew red flags.
At its peak, the 8 Passengers channel had:
- 2.5 million+ subscribers
- Over 1 billion views
- Monthly earnings over $25,000 from AdSense alone
Ruby positioned herself as a model of moral authority. But critics called her parenting authoritarian and damaging.
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8 Passengers YouTube Channel
The 8 Passengers brand became a household name in online parenting circles. Fans tuned in for structured schedules, strict discipline, and large-family dynamics. However, behind the camera, things were unraveling.
Content Themes:
- Chore enforcement with public shaming
- Child punishments like food deprivation
- “Tough love” parenting that many labeled abusive
Over time, deleted videos and concerning clips surfaced. In one instance, Ruby admitted to withholding food from her Franke’s daughter as a disciplinary method.
Eventually, the family vlogger case turned criminal.
Controversies and Legal Issues
In 2023, Ruby Franke was arrested after one of her sons escaped Jodi Hildebrandt’s Ivins, UT home, appearing severely malnourished, with wounds from being tied up with rope. The Utah DCFS called it one of the worst child neglect cases they had encountered.
“This goes beyond strict parenting. It’s institutionalized abuse,” said one officer from the Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department.
Charges Faced:
- 6 felony counts of child abuse
- Ongoing investigation into emotional distress charges
- Allegations of malnourishment children under false “treatment” programs
The Jodi Hildebrandt case, in partnership with Ruby, introduced even darker layers. Together, they operated “ConneXions,” a counseling service that used isolation, starvation, and shame as behavioral tools.
Family Life
Ruby Franke’s family was once her brand’s heart, but the toll of her actions deeply fractured those ties. Her husband, Kevin Franke, initially stood by her. However, as investigations escalated, Kevin distanced himself.
Family Breakdown:
- Kevin Franke children were taken into state custody
- Multiple children expressed trauma and emotional distress
- Divorce petition was filed by Kevin in late 2023
Ruby and Kevin had six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. Eldest daughter Shari Franke publicly condemned her mother after the arrest, posting on Instagram:
“Today has been a day I’ve prayed for… My siblings are safe.”
Career Beyond YouTube
Before her downfall, Ruby sought to diversify her income:
- Partnered with Jodi Hildebrandt to co-run “ConneXions”
- Attempted speaking engagements with conservative parenting groups
- Launched a failed podcast on moral parenting
Post-arrest, all ventures have been suspended or shut down. Ruby is currently unemployed and facing multiple civil suits, including a pending emotional distress lawsuit filed by an unnamed former client.
Social Media Presence
Ruby’s online footprint has nearly vanished. Most social platforms have either banned her accounts or had them voluntarily deleted.
| Platform | Status (2025) | Followers (Before Ban) |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Terminated | 2.5M |
| Deleted | 400K | |
| TikTok | Banned | 120K |
| Inactive | 250K |
Despite this, Ruby remains a trending topic on platforms like Reddit, where discussions around parenting influencers, child welfare, and the Ruby Franke case continue to gain traction.
Professional Collaborations and Sponsorships
Ruby once held brand deals with:
- HelloFresh
- Cricut
- Audible
- Multiple homeschooling platforms
However, all partnerships dissolved post-arrest, with companies publicly denouncing the abuse charges. The influencer market has since seen increased scrutiny around child welfare laws and ethical content creation.
Public Image and Reputation
Today, Ruby Franke is widely labeled a convicted child abuser. Once admired, she’s now reviled. Media outlets like Good Morning America and Dateline NBC have covered the scandal extensively.
The Jodi Hildebrandt abuse revelations further soured public sentiment, exposing deeply flawed ideologies around obedience, discipline, and child autonomy.
Public Sentiment:
- Over 80% negative sentiment across social platforms
- Fans turned critics, demanding accountability
- Ongoing boycotts against content promoting “strict parenting” narratives
Lifestyle and Spending Habits
Ruby once lived a luxury lifestyle, funded by YouTube success. Her Utah mansion, located in Ivins, UT, featured:
- 6 bedrooms
- Private gym
- Theater room
- Luxury amenities including a saltwater pool and smart home features
However, the home now part of a Utah property seizure is under lien due to ongoing litigation.
| Luxury Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Utah Mansion | Seized by authorities |
| Brand-New Tesla | Repossessed |
| Designer Wardrobe | Sold at auction |
| Home Gym Equipment | Donated during shutdown |
Future Prospects
Ruby Franke’s future is uncertain. With a felony record and public trust shattered, rebuilding her brand is unlikely. Legal experts predict long-term probation, possible jail time, and a permanent ban from monetizing child-related content.
Possible Outcomes:
- Prison time pending sentencing
- Loss of parental rights
- Civil lawsuits from clients and family members
- Potential role in future documentaries or exposés
Conclusion
The fall of family vlogger Ruby Franke serves as a chilling reminder of what happens when content, control, and fame blur the lines of morality. Once seen as a model of structured parenting, Ruby now stands as a cautionary tale in the world of influencer culture.
Her net worth has crumbled, her Utah residence lost, and her family permanently scarred. The Ruby Franke case isn’t just another viral scandal it’s a reckoning for parenting influencers and a call to reform how society protects children in the digital age.
Sara Smith is a dedicated celebrity news writer known for her fresh perspective and passion for entertainment reporting. A graduate in journalism, she specializes in breaking news, celebrity interviews, and in-depth profiles. Sara’s sharp instincts and authentic voice set her work apart on Celebrity Quora, where she constantly delivers well-researched, engaging stories that resonate with fans who want more than just surface-level celebrity gossip.
