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YouTube's most-subscribed creator and philanthropist
He became famous for elaborate YouTube challenges with massive cash prizes and his viral 2017 video counting to 100,000 over 40 hours.
MrBeast, born James Stephen Donaldson on May 7, 1998, commands the most-subscribed individual YouTube channel with over 477 million subscribers. The Taurus-born creator built a media empire through high-stakes challenges and massive giveaways, reportedly reaching a net worth of $2.6 billion by 2026 according to Fortune. His Beast Industries conglomerate spans YouTube channels, MrBeast Burger restaurants, Feastables snacks, and philanthropy projects that raised over $94 million for environmental and humanitarian causes.
Donaldson uploaded his first YouTube video in February 2012 at age 13 under the username MrBeast6000, posting Minecraft gameplay and commentary on other creators. He spent five years obsessively studying YouTube's algorithm after dropping out of East Carolina University, a decision that caused his mother to force him to leave home. His breakthrough came in January 2017 when a 40-hour video of him counting to 100,000 went viral, transforming him from 30,000 subscribers to a content phenomenon.
Donaldson was born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, where he continues to live and operate his production headquarters. He graduated from Greenville Christian Academy in 2016, where he played baseball as an outfielder until Crohn's disease diagnosis forced him to quit sports. His parents, Susan Parisher and Charles Donaldson, divorced in 2007. As for relationship status, MrBeast is not married but has been in public relationships.
MrBeast stands 6 feet 3 inches tall (190 cm), making him one of YouTube's tallest major creators.
His Taurus zodiac sign (born May 7) aligns with personality traits of determination and generosity, hallmarks of his content style.
He was the first individual YouTuber to reach 100 million subscribers in July 2022, receiving a custom Red Diamond Play Button.
Team Trees raised $24 million to plant 24 million trees, Team Seas raised $30 million for ocean cleanup, and Team Water raised $40 million for WaterAid.
Forbes ranked him the highest-paid YouTube creator in 2024 with earnings of approximately $85 million that year.
There's a five-year point in my life where I was just relentlessly, unhealthily obsessed with studying virality, studying the YouTube algorithm.
I woke up, I would order Uber Eats food, and then I would just sit on my computer all day just studying nonstop.
Uploaded first YouTube video in February at age 13 under username MrBeast6000
Graduated from Greenville Christian Academy and reached 30,000 YouTube subscribers
Received Silver Play Button for reaching 100,000 subscribers
January video counting to 100,000 went viral, launching mainstream fame
Received Gold Play Button for reaching 1 million subscribers
Gave away $1 million through stunts, earning title of YouTube's biggest philanthropist
Received Diamond Play Button for reaching 10 million subscribers
Co-founded Team Trees fundraiser that raised over $24 million for Arbor Day Foundation
Won first Creator of the Year award at Streamy Awards
Co-founded Team Seas fundraiser that raised over $30 million for ocean conservation
Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list and received Custom Play Button for 100 million subscribers
Became first individual YouTuber to reach 100 million subscribers in July
Named one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world
Ranked first on Forbes highest-paid YouTube creators list with $85 million earnings
Launched Beast Games reality competition series
Co-founded Team Water fundraiser that raised over $40 million for WaterAid
Included in Time 100 Creators list
Net worth estimated at $2.6 billion by Fortune magazine