MrBeast, born Jimmy Donaldson on May 7, 1998, in Wichita, Kansas, is YouTube’s most influential content creator, known for elaborate philanthropic stunts and massive cash giveaways. Starting his channel in 2012 as MrBeast6000, he gained viral fame in 2017 with his “counting to 100,000” video. His empire now includes MrBeast Burger, Feastables snack brand, and Beast Philanthropy, generating an estimated $105 million in 2022 revenue while employing over 250 people and fundamentally transforming online entertainment through his unprecedented approach.
Though he began as a thirteen-year-old gaming enthusiast posting Minecraft videos from his North Carolina bedroom, James Stephen Donaldson, known globally as MrBeast, has transformed into one of the most influential digital creators and entrepreneurs of the 21st century. Born on May 7, 1998, in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, by his mother Sue Donaldson, he represents the second of three children in a middle-class household that would unknowingly nurture a future media empire.
Donaldson’s digital journey commenced in early 2012 when he launched his YouTube channel under the moniker MrBeast6000, initially focusing on gaming content, wealth estimation videos, and endurance challenges. His early programming featured Let’s Plays on popular titles including Minecraft and Call of Duty: Black Ops II, building a modest following through consistent posting and content experimentation. The channel experienced gradual growth until 2017, when his “counting to 100,000” challenge video achieved viral status, profoundly altering his trajectory and establishing the foundation for his signature high-budget, elaborate content style.
As his subscriber base expanded, Donaldson strategically hired childhood friends to manage production demands, eventually developing his original channel into multiple spin-offs encompassing gaming and reaction content. His videos became increasingly sophisticated, featuring fast-paced editing, compelling storytelling, visual effects, and massive monetary giveaways that distinguished his content from traditional YouTube programming. Endurance contests, competition games, and philanthropic elements became hallmarks of his production approach, setting new industry standards for creator investment and audience engagement.
Donaldson’s influence extends considerably beyond entertainment through substantial charitable initiatives and humanitarian projects. His organization of #TeamTrees successfully raised funds to plant over 20 million trees, while his dedicated Beast Philanthropy channel focuses exclusively on giving back to communities. These philanthropic efforts have fundamentally influenced YouTube’s culture and established new paradigms for creator social responsibility. Despite facing criticism for exploitation when he released a video building 100 wells in Africa, Donaldson has expressed his commitment to continuing his philanthropic platform work.
His business acumen has generated an extensive brand empire, including MrBeast Burger virtual restaurant chain, Feastables chocolate and snack brand, and a production studio supporting large-scale video projects. Revenue estimates reached $105 million in 2022, reflecting his successful expansion across merchandise and multiple YouTube channels. Donaldson employs over 250 people, including friends and family members, to support his various projects across his expanding media and business empire.
Donaldson currently holds the record for most-subscribed individual YouTube channel with over 404 million subscribers and ranks as the third-most-followed creator on TikTok with over 115 million followers. His innovative approach to digital content creation, combining entertainment with charitable giving and entrepreneurial ventures, continues disrupting food, entertainment, and merchandise industries while inspiring a new generation of creators focused on social impact and ambitious content production.
