The Rise of MrBeast
MrBeast, the most-subscribed YouTuber on the planet, has redefined online entertainment with groundbreaking videos, extreme challenges, and unprecedented philanthropic efforts. From creating viral stunts to planting millions of trees with #TeamTrees and cleaning the oceans with #TeamSeas, Jimmy Donaldson’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. But his path hasn't been without controversy—from lawsuits and accusations to addressing systemic issues head-on. Discover how MrBeast transformed YouTube with high-stakes creativity, built a billion-dollar brand, and inspired a new wave of creators worldwide. Don't miss this deep dive into the man behind the global phenomenon. Subscribe for more insider stories!
James Stephen "Jimmy" Donaldson, widely recognized by his online moniker MrBeast, is an American YouTuber, entrepreneur, and internet personality celebrated for his high-energy, meticulously crafted videos. Renowned for presenting elaborate challenges and offering substantial monetary prizes, Donaldson has amassed a staggering online presence. With over 330 million subscribers, he holds the title of the most-subscribed individual on YouTube. Additionally, he is the third-most-followed creator on TikTok, boasting over 104 million followers, alongside an impressive 60 million followers on Instagram and 30.9 million on X (formerly Twitter).
Born on May 7, 1998, and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, Donaldson ventured into content creation in 2012 under the YouTube handle MrBeast6000. His early uploads spanned various formats, from Let's Play videos to analyses estimating the wealth of fellow YouTubers. In 2017, his channel skyrocketed to prominence when a video documenting him counting to 100,000 went viral, garnering tens of thousands of views within days. As his popularity surged, his content evolved into increasingly ambitious productions. To manage his growing brand, Donaldson enlisted childhood friends to assist in operations. In addition to his main channel, he oversees several other YouTube ventures, including Beast Reacts, MrBeast Gaming, MrBeast 2, and the charitable channel Beast Philanthropy.
Beyond YouTube, Donaldson has made significant strides as an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder of the fast-food chain MrBeast Burger, the snack brand Feastables, and the Lunchly brand, inspired by Lunchables. He co-founded Team Trees, a collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation, which has raised over $24 million to support environmental conservation, and Team Seas, a global initiative with Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup, which has generated over $30 million to combat ocean pollution.
Donaldson's achievements have earned him numerous accolades. He secured the Creator of the Year title at the Streamy Awards for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023. He also received the Favorite Male Creator award at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In 2023, Time magazine honored him as one of the 100 most influential people globally. Financially, he ranks among the world's top YouTube earners, making Forbes' list of highest-paid creators in 2022. His estimated net worth is around $500 million, cementing his position as a trailblazer in digital content and beyond.
In September 2024, James Stephen Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast, became one of the defendants in a class action lawsuit alleging systemic mistreatment, sexual harassment, and the withholding of wages and reimbursement for expenses.
Born on May 7, 1998, in Wichita, Kansas, Donaldson spent most of his formative years in Greenville, North Carolina. His upbringing was shaped by frequent moves and extended care under au pairs, as his parents maintained demanding jobs and military careers. Following their divorce in 2007, he attended Greenville Christian Academy, a small evangelical Christian high school, where he played baseball as an outfielder for several years. After graduating in 2016, he briefly enrolled at East Carolina University but dropped out to pursue his growing passion for creating YouTube content. During this time, he became intensely focused on deciphering YouTube's recommendation algorithm and studying virality, devoting nearly every waking moment to analyzing successful online trends alongside fellow YouTubers.
Donaldson uploaded his first YouTube video in February 2012 at just 13, under the channel name "MrBeast6000." His early content included Minecraft and Call of Duty gameplay, YouTuber wealth estimations, tips for aspiring creators, and commentary on platform controversies, although he rarely appeared on camera. By 2015, his "Worst Intros on YouTube" series, which humorously critiqued user-generated video introductions, began attracting attention. By mid-2016, his subscriber base had grown to 30,000. That year, he decided to drop out of college to dedicate himself fully to content creation, a move that displeased his mother, prompting her to insist he leave their home.
As his channel expanded, Donaldson enlisted four childhood friends—Chandler Hallow, Ava Kris Tyson, Garrett Ronalds, and Jake Franklin—to support the venture. Franklin departed the team in 2020, with Karl Jacobs, initially a cameraman, stepping into his role.
Donaldson’s breakthrough came in January 2017 with a nearly day-long video documenting him counting to 100,000. The feat, which took 40 hours to film but was edited to fit under 24 hours, quickly went viral. He followed it up with increasingly daring stunts, including breaking glass with 100 megaphones, watching paint dry for an hour, and attempting a 24-hour underwater stay that was cut short due to health concerns. By 2018, his high-concept challenges and philanthropy, such as distributing $1 million in giveaways, earned him the title of "YouTube's biggest philanthropist."
Donaldson gained further recognition during the 2018 PewDiePie vs. T-Series subscriber race, where he purchased billboards, television spots, and Super Bowl seats to promote PewDiePie. In March 2019, he hosted a real-life battle royale event in Los Angeles with a $200,000 prize pool, sponsored by Apex Legends. However, his endeavors were not without controversy. In November 2019, he faced accusations of using counterfeit money in a giveaway video, though he clarified that the fake bills were a precaution for safety, with participants receiving real checks afterward.
In 2020, Donaldson's reputation for organizing large-scale events grew further. He hosted a rock-paper-scissors live stream featuring 32 influencers and a $250,000 prize, setting a record as YouTube's most-watched live Original event with 662,000 concurrent viewers. Later that year, he conducted a $300,000 trivia tournament, won by Charli and Dixie D'Amelio, though their victory stirred controversy over alleged cheating.
Since 2021, James "Jimmy" Donaldson, known globally as MrBeast, has cemented his status as a dominant force in digital entertainment, achieving widespread mainstream success and record-breaking milestones on YouTube. On January 1, 2021, he launched his version of YouTube Rewind with the video "YouTube Rewind 2020, Thank God It's Over," a response to the platform's decision to forgo an official rewind due to the tumultuous year. Donaldson emphasized his belief that creators should have more input in such retrospectives and collaborated with hundreds of YouTubers to craft his version. He credited PewDiePie and his 2018 Rewind for inspiring the project, concluding the video with a nod to the YouTube icon.
In early 2021, Donaldson signed content distribution agreements with Facebook and Snapchat through Jellysmack, further broadening his reach. That February, a Clubhouse incident briefly brought controversy when entrepreneur Farokh Sarmad accused Donaldson of racism after being removed from a discussion room. Witnesses defended Donaldson, stating he had removed several participants, including Sarmad, to include more women in the discussion.
Donaldson’s most notable project of the year came in November 2021 with the release of "$456,000 Squid Game in Real Life!" Inspired by the Netflix hit Squid Game, the video recreated the show’s survival challenges, featuring 456 participants competing for a $456,000 cash prize. The video became one of 2021’s most-viewed YouTube uploads, amassing over 130 million views in its first week. While some critics argued the recreation misinterpreted the original show’s critique of capitalism, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk expressed support for such adaptations.
In December 2021, Donaldson hosted a third influencer competition with a $1 million prize. His financial success was underscored by Forbes, which ranked him YouTube’s highest-earning creator in 2021 with an estimated income of $54 million, placing him alongside celebrities like Vin Diesel and Lewis Hamilton in earnings.
Donaldson achieved monumental subscriber growth in 2022, surpassing 100 million subscribers on July 28, making him the fifth channel and second individual creator to reach the milestone. That November, he secured the Guinness World Record for "Most Subscribers for an Individual Male on YouTube," overtaking PewDiePie’s nearly decade-long reign. His main channel also achieved one billion monthly views in November 2022, reflecting his unprecedented engagement. By October 2023, he had exceeded 200 million subscribers, with his viral YouTube Shorts video, "Would You Fly to Paris for a Baguette?" becoming his most-viewed content, garnering over 1.3 billion views.
In 2024, Donaldson reached even greater heights. On June 2, he overtook T-Series to become the most-subscribed channel on YouTube, surpassing 267 million subscribers. By July 10, he became the first individual YouTuber to cross 300 million subscribers. To celebrate, he released "50 YouTubers Fight for $1,000,000", a special featuring celebrities like Howie Mandel and Miranda Cosgrove. The video garnered 71 million views within 24 hours, becoming his fastest-growing upload.
These achievements highlight Donaldson’s unparalleled ability to merge entertainment with virality, solidifying his legacy as a digital pioneer and one of the most influential creators of the modern era.
Jimmy Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast, began his YouTube journey with modest content including Let's Plays, "best and worst" rankings, and commentary on YouTube culture. However, his channel has since evolved into a global phenomenon, characterized by ambitious production values and distinct video genres. His current content is typically divided into three main categories: stunt videos, "junklord" videos, and giveaway videos. Stunt videos feature Donaldson and participants performing extreme, often physically demanding or attention-grabbing challenges. "Junklord" videos are characterized by the extravagant or unconventional use of products, often in massive quantities or with exorbitant budgets. Giveaway videos, arguably the cornerstone of his brand, involve Donaldson distributing substantial sums of money or luxury items, frequently incorporating competitive elements.
Donaldson's meteoric rise is largely attributed to his strategic understanding of YouTube's recommendation algorithm. His approach emphasizes optimizing click-through rates with captivating topics, sensationalized titles, and vibrant thumbnails. In interviews, he has explained that viral content must be original, visually engaging, and conceptually unique. The pacing of his videos is meticulously crafted to sustain viewer interest, with introductions explaining the premise in under 30 seconds and narratives structured to promise climactic conclusions. These strategies often result in videos ranging between 10 and 30 minutes, ensuring both viewer engagement and higher monetization potential.
The financial demands of Donaldson's productions are enormous, with reports indicating he spends approximately $1 million per video. Funding stems primarily from sponsorships and Google's AdSense program, bolstered by income from secondary ventures such as merchandise, MrBeast Burger, and Feastables. He has also leveraged his secondary channels, like his reaction and gaming channels, as lower-cost operations that generate significant revenue to support his main channel. This self-sustaining cycle of viral content, brand collaborations, and reinvestment has allowed Donaldson to continually escalate the scale and ambition of his projects. He expressed in an interview with Rolling Stone that while he could produce cheaper content, his focus remains on pushing creative boundaries.
By 2023, Donaldson's operations had grown to include over 250 employees, encompassing roles such as writers, editors, and producers. Many of these team members were friends or family, reflecting the personal connections that underpin his enterprise. However, allegations have surfaced regarding his work environment. Former employees have described a high-pressure atmosphere, citing instances of verbal beratement and excessive demands. In particular, Matt Turner, who worked as an editor from 2018 to 2019, claimed he was subjected to daily verbal abuse, denied proper credit for his work, and faced an overall challenging environment. Another former employee, Nate Anderson, quit after a week, describing Donaldson as a demanding perfectionist. Both Turner and Anderson faced backlash from Donaldson's devoted fanbase after sharing their experiences, including receiving death threats.
Despite these allegations, Donaldson has defended his workplace culture, stating that while he maintains high standards, it is not a toxic environment. He contends that he offered Turner financial support and job referrals at the end of his contract. The divide between public perception—shaped by Donaldson's philanthropic and larger-than-life persona—and the reported experiences of some former employees highlights the complexities of managing a rapidly growing media empire.
Through his innovative approach to content creation, business acumen, and relentless ambition, Donaldson has redefined what is possible on YouTube. His ability to scale his vision while maintaining audience engagement places him at the forefront of digital entertainment, though not without controversies that underscore the challenges of leadership at such an unprecedented scale.
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has extended his creative energy and entrepreneurial acumen into a range of ventures beyond his YouTube channel, creating an empire that spans technology, food, gaming, and television. His ventures demonstrate a keen ability to diversify his brand while tapping into unique markets and leveraging his massive online influence.
Finger on the App
In collaboration with the Brooklyn-based art collective MSCHF, Donaldson launched Finger on the App, a multiplayer mobile game designed to test endurance and patience. Players were required to keep their fingers on their phone screens, with the last person remaining eligible for a cash prize. The original game, released in June 2020, awarded $20,000 each to four winners after a grueling 70-hour competition. Its success led to Finger on the App 2, which featured a $100,000 grand prize and a runner-up reward of $20,000. Despite delays caused by server crashes due to overwhelming interest, the sequel maintained the popularity of the concept, though the shorter endurance time of 51 hours reflected the punishing nature of the competition.
MrBeast Burger
In December 2020, Donaldson disrupted the restaurant industry with the launch of MrBeast Burger, a virtual dining concept developed in partnership with Virtual Dining Concepts. Restaurants across the United States were licensed to prepare and deliver MrBeast-branded menu items via delivery apps. By 2022, Donaldson took the brand offline with the opening of a flagship MrBeast Burger restaurant at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey, signaling a pivot toward traditional brick-and-mortar locations. The restaurant opening drew significant fanfare, reflecting his ability to mobilize an enthusiastic audience.
Feastables
In January 2022, Donaldson introduced Feastables, a line of chocolate bars marketed as a premium, simple-ingredient alternative to traditional snacks. Launch flavors included original, almond, and quinoa crunch, paired with a sweepstakes promising over $1 million in prizes. The promotional campaign reached its zenith with a video mimicking Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, in which contestants competed for the choice of a chocolate factory or a $500,000 cash prize, judged by Michelin-starred chef Gordon Ramsay. Within its first few months, Feastables reported $10 million in sales, solidifying it as a major venture in Donaldson's portfolio. However, a 2023 social media campaign asking fans to rearrange Feastables products in stores led to backlash, as critics accused the brand of exploiting unpaid labor.
In a bid to expand its reach, Feastables secured a high-profile partnership with the Charlotte Hornets for the 2023–24 NBA season, with MrBeast’s logo appearing on team jerseys. The partnership was short-lived, but it demonstrated Donaldson's interest in leveraging sports marketing.
Lunchly
In 2024, Donaldson joined forces with fellow YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul to create Lunchly, a line of snack kits positioned as a healthier alternative to Lunchables. Each kit included existing products from the creators, such as Prime beverages and Feastables, along with options like crackers, nachos, or pizza. Despite its branding as a family-friendly and nutritious option, Lunchly faced criticism for its nutritional quality and marketing approach, with notable figures like YouTuber DanTDM criticizing the product as exploitative.
Investments and Collaborations
Donaldson's portfolio includes strategic investments in tech and finance. He is a backer of Backbone, which designs smartphone controllers and content creation apps. In 2021, he collaborated with Creative Juice to launch Juice Funds, a $2 million initiative aimed at supporting content creators. That same year, he partnered with fintech company Current, though a cryptocurrency promotion associated with him led to significant financial losses for fans, drawing criticism.
He has also ventured into academia, partnering with East Carolina University to develop a YouTube content creation course, reflecting his interest in empowering aspiring creators. Additionally, Donaldson was featured as a guest judge on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars in 2023, further demonstrating his crossover appeal.
Beast Games and Streaming
Donaldson's entry into traditional media took a bold step in 2024 with the announcement of Beast Games, a reality competition series developed with Amazon MGM Studios. Billed as the largest competition series in history, it offers a $5 million cash prize to one winner from a pool of 1,000 contestants. However, the production has faced significant backlash due to reports of inadequate contestant care, including lack of food, water, and medical assistance, as well as injuries sustained during filming. Despite these controversies, Beast Games is expected to cement Donaldson’s presence in the streaming landscape.
Simultaneously, a free ad-supported streaming TV network dedicated to his YouTube content was launched on Roku in 2023, illustrating his efforts to maximize the reach and longevity of his digital library.
Legacy and Challenges
Through ventures like MrBeast Burger, Feastables, and Beast Games, Jimmy Donaldson has demonstrated an ability to transcend the confines of YouTube, creating a multimedia empire that merges entertainment, food, and technology. While his ventures have achieved remarkable financial success, they are not without controversy, with critics questioning the ethics of his business practices and promotional campaigns. Nonetheless, Donaldson continues to redefine what is possible for digital creators, using his platform and resources to experiment with bold, large-scale projects that captivate audiences and push boundaries.
Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, has built a reputation as both a pioneering content creator and a philanthropist. However, his rapid rise to fame and his expanding empire have not been without significant controversies and challenges, ranging from business disputes to allegations involving his brand and employees. These controversies have cast a shadow over his entrepreneurial endeavors, raising questions about accountability and the ethical dimensions of his operations.
Controversies Surrounding MrBeast Burger
In June 2023, Donaldson publicly criticized the declining quality of MrBeast Burger, his virtual dining concept launched in partnership with Virtual Dining Concepts, LLC. He expressed regret over what he described as a "bad deal" that tied him to a partnership prioritizing rapid expansion over quality, which he believed harmed his brand. The situation escalated in July 2023 when Donaldson filed a lawsuit against Virtual Dining Concepts, alleging that the company compromised his reputation and failed to compensate him. In response, the company claimed that MrBeast Burger had significantly enhanced Donaldson’s visibility and accused him of using "bullying tactics" to renegotiate terms. This legal battle reflects the complexities of managing a personal brand intertwined with external corporate interests.
Debunked Allegations Against Ava Kris Tyson
A major controversy erupted in July 2024 when allegations of sexual misconduct were leveled against Ava Kris Tyson, an original member of the MrBeast brand. These allegations, involving minors and workplace misconduct, prompted Tyson's departure from the team. Tyson, however, stated that her departure was mutual and unrelated to the accusations. Independent investigations by the law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan later deemed the allegations baseless, citing extensive evidence and testimonies that refuted the claims. This incident highlighted the challenges faced by high-profile figures in managing team dynamics and the impact of public allegations on their operations.
Accusations Against Donaldson
In July 2024, a former employee accused Donaldson of unethical practices, including rigging contests, operating illegal lotteries, and creating an exploitative work environment. Additional claims implicated Donaldson in hiring decisions that allowed a registered sex offender to work for his brand. Allegations also surfaced against his cameraman, accusing him of sexual harassment. These accusations were amplified through YouTube exposés, sparking debates about transparency and ethical standards within Donaldson’s rapidly growing enterprise.
Beast Games and Class Action Lawsuit
In 2024, Beast Games, Donaldson’s reality competition series featuring a $5 million grand prize, faced severe backlash. Contestants reported mistreatment during filming, including lack of access to food, water, and medical assistance, with several hospitalizations and injuries reported. These allegations led to a class-action lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming violations such as forced participation in illegal contracts and deceptive practices related to Nevada tax credits. This lawsuit underscored the logistical and ethical challenges of producing large-scale events under intense scrutiny.
Philanthropy Amid Controversies
Despite these controversies, Donaldson has maintained an active philanthropic profile, spearheading initiatives like #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas, which have collectively raised millions for environmental causes. These campaigns, organized with YouTuber Mark Rober, showcased the power of digital creators to mobilize resources for meaningful causes. Similarly, Beast Philanthropy, launched in 2020, focuses on direct community impact, from providing meals and shoes to underserved populations to funding clean water projects in Africa.
However, some critics argue that Donaldson’s philanthropy can overshadow the ethical questions surrounding his business practices. Instances like the MrBeast Burger lawsuit and the Beast Games allegations raise concerns about the balance between altruism and the operational demands of his ventures.
Balancing Growth with Responsibility
The controversies surrounding Donaldson illustrate the complexities of managing an expansive brand in the public eye. While his philanthropic initiatives highlight his potential for positive impact, the allegations and legal disputes reveal vulnerabilities in his business model and management approach. As Donaldson continues to innovate and expand, these issues serve as reminders of the need for transparency, ethical oversight, and accountability in navigating the challenges of fame and influence.
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, offers a complex portrait of an internet sensation whose relentless work ethic and innovation have made him one of the most influential figures on YouTube. However, his personal life and public positions reflect a careful balancing act between maintaining relatability and managing his vast audience.
Donaldson describes himself as an introvert, attributing his reserved nature partly to frequent relocations during his childhood and his struggles with Crohn’s disease. These challenges shaped his withdrawn personality, as noted by his mother, Sue. His intense focus on his YouTube career has also made maintaining a social life difficult, an admission that underscores his single-minded dedication to creating content.
Romantically, Donaldson has been open about his relationships. From 2019 to 2022, he dated fellow YouTuber Maddy Spidell, and since 2022, he has been in a relationship with gaming streamer Thea Booysen. These glimpses into his private life contrast with his otherwise guarded demeanor, allowing fans a closer, albeit controlled, view of his personal experiences. A particularly striking anecdote emerged in June 2023, when Donaldson revealed he had been invited to join the ill-fated OceanGate Titan expedition, which tragically ended in disaster. He declined the invitation, a decision that underscores the fine line between high-stakes experiences and calculated risk.
Politically, Donaldson identifies as apolitical, a stance aimed at preserving his wide-reaching audience. While he has occasionally flirted with the idea of entering the political arena, as demonstrated by his comments on potentially running for president in the future, he emphasizes that charity and audience inclusivity remain his primary concerns. His public statements suggest an intentional distancing from divisive rhetoric, prioritizing his philanthropic goals over political engagement.
Donaldson's evolving views on LGBTQ+ issues highlight his journey of personal growth. Raised in the conservative environment of the Bible Belt, he initially held anti-LGBTQ+ views influenced by evangelical teachings. However, he has since renounced such beliefs and has openly supported his friend and collaborator Ava Kris Tyson, a trans woman, against backlash. This shift not only marks his personal transformation but also signals his willingness to use his platform to challenge prejudice and support marginalized communities.
Despite these efforts, Donaldson’s past has not been without controversy. His early use of homophobic slurs on social media, revealed in a 2018 article by The Atlantic, prompted public scrutiny. While he has apologized and removed the offensive tweets, critics remain divided on whether his actions adequately reflect accountability or damage control.
Donaldson's public image is one of contrasts: he is simultaneously celebrated as a trailblazer and scrutinized for the ethical implications of his content. His philanthropic endeavors, such as funding eye surgeries and organizing large-scale charitable campaigns like #TeamTrees and #TeamSeas, have garnered widespread acclaim. Yet detractors accuse him of engaging in "charity porn," leveraging poverty and suffering for views without addressing systemic causes. Donaldson has defended himself by emphasizing that all proceeds from Beast Philanthropy go directly to charitable efforts and by advocating for government intervention to tackle systemic issues.
In the larger context of YouTube, Donaldson's success represents a paradigm shift in content creation, moving from traditional vlogs to elaborate, high-production challenges. His influence extends beyond his channel, inspiring other creators to adopt ambitious, experimental formats. Critics and admirers alike recognize him as a driving force in reshaping the digital entertainment landscape, blending innovation with philanthropy and storytelling.
Donaldson’s story is one of relentless ambition, personal growth, and an evolving public persona, reflecting both the opportunities and complexities of modern digital fame. As he continues to expand his influence, his legacy will likely hinge on his ability to navigate the ethical challenges that come with his immense reach and responsibility.