Jimmy Donaldson tops Forbes’ annual ranking of the world’s highest-earning creators for the second consecutive year
MrBeast has once again claimed the top spot on Forbes’ annual list of the world’s highest-earning creators. Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, generated an estimated $85 million in 2025, leading a list of 50 creators who collectively earned more than $700 million over the past year.
The top five
- 1. MrBeast – $85 million
- 2. Jake Paul – $72 million
- 3. Dream – $60 million
- 4. D’Amelio family – $52 million
- 5. Logan Paul – $40 million
Who made the cut
Forbes’ list ranks the top 50 creators across platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and others, based on estimated earnings from content creation, brand deals, merchandise, and other business ventures.
Notable names on the list include:
- MrBeast (YouTube) – #1 with $85 million
- Jake Paul (YouTube/Boxing) – #2 with $72 million
- Dream (YouTube) – #3 with $60 million
- D’Amelio family (TikTok) – #4 with $52 million
- Logan Paul (YouTube/WWE) – #5 with $40 million
- Kai Cenat (Twitch/YouTube) – #6
- The Sidemen (YouTube) – #7
- Sssniperwolf (YouTube) – #8
- Preston (YouTube) – #9
- Markiplier (YouTube) – #10
The creator economy boom
The list reflects the growing creator economy, with influencers now rivaling traditional celebrities in earnings and influence. MrBeast’s continued dominance is driven by his massive YouTube following—over 500 million subscribers—and his expanding business empire, including Feastables chocolate bars and his viral challenge videos.
Platform diversity
Creators from multiple platforms made the list, with YouTube remaining the dominant platform for top earners. TikTok stars, Twitch streamers, and Instagram influencers also featured prominently, highlighting the increasingly multi-platform nature of the creator economy.
The rise of boxing
Several creators on the list, including Jake Paul and KSI, have leveraged crossover boxing events to boost their earnings significantly. The Paul brothers alone generated over $100 million combined, demonstrating how creators are expanding beyond traditional content formats.
What it means for marketers
For brands, the list serves as a reminder of the shifting landscape of influence. MrBeast’s success reflects the power of high-production, engagement-driven content, while the diversity of the list underscores that there is no single formula for success in the creator economy.
