He probably has insurance on the aircraft, so the YouTube earnings + increased publicity + insurance payout could make such a stunt profitable.

I don't know what a youtube video earns, but it is entirely possible to find a clapped out old taylorcraft or equivalent for $10-15k.

I think that breaking even is entirely impossible. WHistlinDiesel destroyed an almost identical airplane in a video...

Yes, but he only endangered his crew, thankfully.