The MrBeast Formula: How He Made Money With YouTube

By David Presley

MrBeast, the alias of the charismatic Jimmy Donaldson is known for his jaw-dropping philanthropy, thrilling challenges, and sensational stunts. MrBeast has not only captivated audiences worldwide but also amassed a jaw-dropping fortune. As of May 2023, it is estimated that MrBeast’s net worth sits at an astounding $500 million, a sum that primarily stems from his YouTube ventures.

“When he uploads, people click. They know that when they click on a MrBeast video, there’s going to be a heck of a lot of effort gone into making it really entertaining,” says Steven Bridges, a fellow YouTuber with 470,000 subscribers. Bridges himself underwent a transformation on YouTube, transitioning from magic content to card counting. His most popular video, exposing a common scam used to deceive tourists in London, has garnered 4.6 million views.

Maintaining a decade-long career on YouTube is no small feat, but MrBeast has cracked the code. His secret? Putting the audience first and constantly asking, “What can I give them that they’re really going to love?”

Donaldson’s videos are a unique blend of challenges and cash prizes, such as surviving in Antarctica or orchestrating a $1 million game of hide and seek. However, his most recent videos, featuring a train driven off its rails into a massive pit and being buried alive for 7 days, defies categorization. It’s this boundless creativity that fuels his exponential growth.

While MrBeast reigns as the most-subscribed individual user on YouTube, he still lags behind the largest single YouTube channel held by T-Series, an Indian music video publishing company, boasting over 246 million subscribers. Nonetheless, with 172 million and counting, the possibility of MrBeast dethroning T-Series remains within reach.

Jimmy Donaldson’s YouTube journey began in 2012 at the tender age of 13. Initially focusing on video game walkthroughs, his content evolved to cover various topics, including commentary and analysis of other YouTube channels. However, his breakthrough came in 2017 with the audacious “counting to 100,000” video, marking the start of his ascent to YouTube stardom.

MrBeast’s primary income source is YouTube ad revenue, driven by his colossal viewership with billions of video views. Estimates suggest he could be earning several million dollars annually from ad revenue alone. However, that’s not where his income stream ends.

Brand sponsorships play a pivotal role in his financial success. Collaborations with brands for product placements and sponsorships have added significantly to his earnings. His vast reach and high engagement rate make him a sought-after partner for brands aiming to reach a global, youthful audience.

Diversification is the name of the game, and MrBeast doesn’t fall short. His merchandise sales through “Beast Apparel” offer fans a range of items, from T-shirts to hoodies, bearing his branding, and don’t forgert MrBeast Burger.

In an industry where success stories are scarce, MrBeast’s journey serves as an inspiring blueprint. Creativity, determination, and a deep understanding of the YouTube platform have propelled him to unprecedented heights. Jimmy Donaldson has shown that with the right approach, anyone can carve out a lucrative career on YouTube.

As the world watches in awe, MrBeast continues to redefine what’s possible on YouTube, leaving us all with one resounding question: “What will he do next?”