In the whirlwind of digital media, one name towers above the rest: MrBeast. With his mind-blowing giveaways, over-the-top stunts, and massive charitable efforts, Jimmy Donaldson—better known as MrBeast—has become a global sensation. Boasting over 400 million subscribers on his main YouTube channel by mid-2025, he’s not just a content creator; he’s a cultural juggernaut redefining entertainment, charity, and entrepreneurship.
From counting to 100,000 in one grueling video to building a real-life Squid Game set, MrBeast’s journey showcases raw creativity, relentless drive, and sharp business smarts. Let’s dive into the MrBeast biography, his YouTube career, net worth, businesses, and the lasting mark he’s leaving on the world.
MrBeast Biography & Early Life
So, who is MrBeast? At heart, he’s James Stephen Donaldson, though fans know him as Jimmy or simply MrBeast. Born on May 7, 1998, in Wichita, Kansas, his story began in a quiet Midwestern town before his family moved to Greenville, North Carolina, where he’d later build his empire. MrBeast’s nationality is American, his ethnicity Caucasian, rooted in a classic middle-class upbringing.
Growing up wasn’t always smooth sailing. His parents, Susan Parisher and Charles Donaldson, split in 2007 when he was young. He’s got an older brother, CJ Donaldson, who’s also dipped his toes into YouTube. As a kid, Jimmy battled Crohn’s disease, a tough health condition that never slowed his ambition. He graduated from Greenville Christian Academy in 2016 and gave college a brief shot at East Carolina University. But ECU wasn’t his thing—what college did MrBeast go to? Just ECU, for a few weeks, before he ditched it to chase YouTube full-time. His MrBeast hometown of Greenville remains the heartbeat of his story, where his love for video games and online content took root.
Even as a kid, Jimmy had a spark for creativity and hustling. He played baseball, geeked out over the internet’s possibilities, and started tinkering with videos. This MrBeast origin story—dreaming big in a small town—set the stage for his meteoric rise.
People also see: Blippi Net Worth 2025: A Deep Dive into His Financial Success
MrBeast Personal Information Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Stephen Donaldson |
| Stage Name | MrBeast |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1998 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Wichita, Kansas, USA |
| Hometown | Greenville, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Greenville Christian Academy (High School); Briefly attended East Carolina University |
| Family | Parents: Susan Parisher and Charles Donaldson (divorced); Sibling: Older brother CJ Donaldson |
| Health Condition | Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease |
MrBeast’s YouTube Journey & Rise to Fame
When did MrBeast start YouTube? Picture a 13-year-old Jimmy in February 2012, posting under “MrBeast6000.” How old is MrBeast now? He’s 27 in 2025, but back then, he was just a kid sharing Minecraft Let’s Plays and Call of Duty commentary. His first video was a humble gaming clip, worlds away from today’s cinematic productions. Early on, he made videos guessing other YouTubers’ net worths or poking fun at “worst intros on YouTube,” which started getting eyes on him around 2015-2016.
The big break came in 2017 with a wild idea: counting to 100,000 in one video. It took 40 hours (sped up for viewers) and hooked millions. That’s how MrBeast became famous—by leaning into absurd, can’t-look-away challenges. Why is MrBeast famous? He pushed the limits with stunts like watching paint dry or spinning a fidget spinner for a full day. By 2018, he’d given away $1 million, earning the title of “YouTube’s biggest philanthropist.”
His rise was explosive. How did MrBeast get famous? A killer combo of viral challenges, jaw-dropping giveaways, and nailing the YouTube algorithm. What is MrBeast known for? Turning YouTube into a stage for epic, feel-good spectacles. Collaborations with other creators and apps like “Finger on the App” kept his community buzzing. The MrBeast story is about turning a teenage hobby into a global phenomenon.
MrBeast’s Subscriber Milestones Table
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Channel Creation | Started YouTube as “MrBeast6000” with gaming videos |
| 2016 | 100,000 Subscribers | Gained traction with “worst intros” and early stunts |
| 2017 | 1 Million Subscribers | Viral counting to 100,000 video |
| 2018 | 10 Million Subscribers | First $1M giveaway completed |
| 2021 | 50 Million Subscribers | Squid Game video and #TeamSeas campaign |
| 2022 | 100 Million Subscribers | Feastables launch and massive growth |
| 2023 | 200 Million Subscribers | Blindness video sparked global attention |
| 2024 | 300 Million Subscribers | Surpassed T-Series as most-subscribed channel |
| 2025 | 400 Million Subscribers | #TeamWater campaign and $85M earnings |
MrBeast’s Content & Style
MrBeast’s videos are a rollercoaster of high-stakes challenges, huge prizes, and heartfelt giving. What is MrBeast famous for? Think recreating Squid Game for $456,000 (over 785 million views by April 2025) or building a real Willy Wonka factory. His most popular video? The Squid Game recreation takes the crown, though shorts like “Would You Fly to Paris for a Baguette?” have racked up billions of views.
His style is larger-than-life: 10-30 minute videos with bold thumbnails and titles like “Last to Leave Wins $1,000,000.” Some videos cost over $1 million to produce! From microwaving microwaves to insane giveaways, his content spans stunts, junklord chaos, and competitions. He’s got side channels too: MrBeast Gaming for esports vibes, Beast Philanthropy (launched 2020) donating all revenue to causes, and MrBeast 2 for addictive shorts.
The MrBeast group/crew is a big part of the magic. Childhood pals like Chandler Hallow (famous for losing challenges), Kris Tyson (formerly Chris, who stepped back in 2024 after some drama but was cleared), Karl Jacobs, and Nolan Hansen bring a family vibe. With over 250 employees by 2023, his team handles everything from scripting to editing, making every video feel like a blockbuster.
Social Media Accounts of MrBeast
| Platform | Username/Handle | Followers (as of 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube (Main) | MrBeast | 400 million+ |
| YouTube (Gaming) | MrBeast Gaming | 40 million+ |
| YouTube (Philanthropy) | Beast Philanthropy | 20 million+ |
| YouTube (Shorts) | MrBeast 2 | 50 million+ |
| @mrbeast | 100 million+ | |
| TikTok | @mrbeast | 90 million+ |
| X (Twitter) | @MrBeast | 30 million+ |
| MrBeast | 20 million+ |
Net Worth & Income Sources of MrBeast
How much is MrBeast worth? In 2025, his net worth hits an estimated $1 billion, making him YouTube’s first billionaire. MrBeast net worth 2025 is massive, though he’s said his bank account holds under $1 million since he pours earnings back into videos. How much does MrBeast make a year? About $85 million in 2025. How does he make it? A sprawling empire:
- YouTube Ads: $20-30 million from billions of views.
- Sponsorships & Brand Deals: $30-40 million with brands like Honey and Current.
- Merchandise: $10-15 million from apparel and accessories.
- Businesses (MrBeast Burger, Feastables): $20-30 million from food ventures and equity.
- Investments & Other: $5-10 million from fintech, creator funds, and apps.
Was MrBeast rich before YouTube? Nope, he built it all from a middle-class start. Is MrBeast a billionaire? On paper, yes, thanks to his channel’s value and assets, but he’s more about reinvesting than flaunting wealth.
Net Worth Evolution of Mr Beast
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Milestones Contributing to Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $1-2 million | First major giveaways and viral stunts |
| 2020 | $20-30 million | Launch of MrBeast Burger and philanthropy channel |
| 2022 | $100-150 million | Squid Game video and Feastables launch |
| 2023 | $300-500 million | Surpassing 200 million subscribers |
| 2024 | $700-800 million | Becoming most-subscribed channel |
| 2025 | $1 billion | Record earnings and expanded businesses |
Business Ventures & Brand Expansion
MrBeast isn’t just a YouTuber; he’s a business mogul. His MrBeast business ventures kicked off with MrBeast Burger in December 2020, a virtual restaurant chain that grew to over 2,000 locations worldwide. A physical spot opened in New Jersey in 2022, but food quality issues sparked a 2023 lawsuit against Virtual Dining Concepts, who countersued. By mid-2023, he pivoted, though the brand made millions early on.
Feastables, his chocolate brand launched in January 2022, exploded with $10 million in early sales. Rebranded in 2024 with better recipes, it even partnered with the Charlotte Hornets (deal ended 2024). He also co-launched Lunchly in 2024 with Logan Paul and KSI, a Lunchables rival that hit snags with mold concerns. Add in investments like Backbone gaming controllers and fintech like Current, and his portfolio is stacked. His production company, with 250+ employees, runs like a Hollywood studio, and he’s backed a $2 million creator fund with Creative Juice.
People also see: Snoop Dogg Net Worth in 2025: A Comprehensive Look at His Wealth, Business Ventures
Business Ventures of Mr Beast
| Business Name | Launch Year | Description | Status/Revenue Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| MrBeast Burger | 2020 | Virtual restaurant chain with burgers and fries | Generated millions; shifted focus in 2023 due to controversies |
| Feastables | 2022 | Chocolate bar brand with clean ingredients | $10M+ in first months; rebranded 2024 |
| Lunchly | 2024 | Meal kit rival to Lunchables (co-owned) | Initial sales strong; faced quality issues |
| Production Company | Ongoing | In-house team for video creation | Employs 250+; core to content empire |
| Investments | Various | Stakes in fintech, gaming, and creator funds | Adds $5-10M annually |
Lifestyle & Public Image of Mr Beast
Where does MrBeast live? He’s stayed loyal to his MrBeast hometown of Greenville, North Carolina. His MrBeast house is modest for a billionaire; he’s bought properties for his crew but skips the flashy lifestyle. MrBeast lifestyle is all about work—he’s engaged to Thea Booysen since 2022 and drives practical cars, funneling profits back into content.
Is MrBeast a celebrity? No question, with Guinness records for subscribers and earnings. Why is he called MrBeast? It came from his Xbox gamertag, now a global brand. His image as a philanthropist has two sides: Fans love his giving, but some critics call stunts like his 2023 blindness-curing video “performative.”Impact & Legacy
MrBeast has reshaped YouTube, raising the bar for production and inspiring creators to dream big. What has MrBeast done for the world? Through Beast Philanthropy, he’s planted 20 million trees (#TeamTrees, 2019), cleaned 30 million pounds of ocean trash (#TeamSeas, 2021), built 100 wells in Africa (2023), and launched #TeamWater in August 2025, raising $40 million for clean water with 3,000 creators. He even pulled in over $12 million for charity in one stream.
His MrBeast influence has shifted YouTube toward virality and positivity. His legacy? Making philanthropy accessible and proving digital media’s power to change lives.
People also see: George Clooney Net Worth: The Iconic Hollywood Star and Entrepreneur’s Financial Journey
FAQs
What is MrBeast’s real name?
James Stephen Donaldson, commonly known as Jimmy Donaldson.
When did MrBeast start YouTube?
February 2012, at age 13.How did MrBeast become rich?
Through YouTube ads, sponsorships, merchandise, and businesses like MrBeast Burger and Feastables.
What businesses does MrBeast own?
MrBeast Burger, Feastables, Lunchly (co-owned), and investments in tech and gaming.
What is MrBeast’s net worth in 2025?
Estimated at $1 billion.
Is MrBeast the richest YouTuber?
Yes, with $85 million in 2025 earnings alone.
How old is MrBeast?
27 years old as of 2025.
Where was MrBeast born?
Wichita, Kansas, USA.
What is MrBeast known for?
Massive giveaways, challenge videos, and philanthropy on YouTube.
Why is MrBeast so popular?
His bold content, high production, and generous stunts keep fans hooked.
Who are MrBeast’s crew members?
Key members include Chandler Hallow, Kris Tyson, Karl Jacobs, and Nolan Hansen.
What was MrBeast’s first viral video?
Counting to 100,000 in 2017.
In the end
From a small-town kid in Greenville to YouTube’s first billionaire, Jimmy Donaldson’s MrBeast profile is a masterclass in grit and innovation. His biography screams perseverance, his YouTube journey redefines creativity, his net worth reflects savvy, and his impact radiates generosity. As MrBeast keeps pushing boundaries, his legacy as a trailblazer only grows.
What’s MrBeast’s greatest contribution to YouTube? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
2 Comments