MrBeast Tops Forbes 2026 Top Creators List

MrBeast is still sitting at the top of the internet economy — and the gap between him and everyone else is huge.

According to Forbes, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, ranked number one on the 2026 Forbes Top Creators list after earning an estimated $300 million between March 2025 and March 2026. The annual ranking, updated on July 1, tracks the world’s highest-earning digital creators across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and other major platforms.

This year’s list shows how far the creator business has moved beyond viral videos. Forbes reported that the top 50 creators made a combined $1.02 billion, crossing the billion-dollar mark for the first time. That figure is up from $853 million in 2025 and almost double the amount recorded when the list began in 2022.

MrBeast’s lead is powered by more than YouTube views. His empire now stretches across Beast Industries, Feastables, Lunchly, Viewstats and his Amazon Prime reality series Beast Games. Forbes also listed his global audience at 873 million followers, making him the biggest name on the ranking by both money and reach.

Dhar Mann came second with $65 million, while British entrepreneur and podcast host Steven Bartlett placed third with $52 million. Markiplier followed in fourth place with $38 million, and comedy duo Rhett & Link completed the top five with $37 million.

The top 10 also included Codie Sanchez, IShowSpeed, Mark Rober, Ms. Rachel and Jesser. Their presence shows how wide the creator economy has become, covering gaming, education, finance, comedy, children’s content and lifestyle entertainment.

For African creators watching from Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Johannesburg or Kinshasa, the message is clear: digital fame is no longer just about posting consistently. The biggest creators are building companies, selling products, launching shows and turning fan communities into serious businesses.

Forbes said the ranking considered estimated gross earnings, audience size, engagement and business ventures. That matters because the most powerful creators are no longer only competing with other influencers. They are now competing with television studios, record labels, media houses and consumer brands.

Full Forbes Top 50 Creators 2026 List

MrBeast — $300m — 873m followers