Top 7 highest-paid creators of 2026

 

 

… How digital content became a $1.02 billion business

The creator economy has reached another milestone, with the world’s 50 highest-paid creators earning a combined $1.02 billion between March 2025 and March 2026, according to Forbes.

The annual ranking reflects how digital creators have evolved from social media personalities into business owners, building companies around their audiences through consumer products, podcasts, subscriptions, live events, licensing agreements and other ventures.

Leading the list is MrBeast, who earned an estimated $300 million, around 4.6 times more than second-placed Dhar Mann, whose earnings reached $65 million. The gap between the two highlights the scale that a handful of creators have achieved as they expand beyond online content.

Forbes’ ranking is based on more than estimated earnings. It also considers audience size, engagement and entrepreneurial success, offering a picture of how creators are building businesses that compete with traditional media companies.

The list also reflects the diversity of today’s creator economy. Alongside entertainers are educators, gamers, podcasters and business creators, showing that digital audiences are willing to support a wide range of content.

Where the money comes from

For many of today’s leading creators, online content is only one part of the business.

While advertising revenue remains important, many have diversified their income through consumer brands, merchandise, books, courses, subscription platforms, live events, sponsorships and licensing deals. This shift has reduced their dependence on social media algorithms and advertising payouts while creating businesses that continue to generate revenue across multiple channels.

The ranking also shows that audience size alone does not determine earnings. Creators with smaller but engaged communities are increasingly building profitable businesses by focusing on specialised content and products.

Here are the seven highest-paid creators in the Forbes ranking.

1. MrBeast — $300 million

MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, retained the top spot after earning an estimated $300 million. With 873 million followers, he also has the largest audience among the creators on the list.

His business extends beyond YouTube through consumer products, brand partnerships and other commercial ventures. His success illustrates how creators are turning online influence into businesses that generate income beyond advertising.

2. Dhar Mann — $65 million

Dhar Mann ranked second with estimated earnings of $65 million and 171 million followers.

Known for producing short stories centred on life lessons and personal choices, Mann has built a media company around scripted digital content while expanding into other business activities.

3. Steven Bartlett — $52 million

Entrepreneur and podcast host Steven Bartlett secured third place with estimated earnings of $52 million and 38.7 million followers.

His ranking highlights the growing commercial value of podcasts. Through interviews with entrepreneurs, business leaders, athletes and public figures, Bartlett has built multiple revenue streams including publishing, investments and speaking engagements.

4. Markiplier — $38 million

Gaming creator Markiplier earned an estimated $38 million, placing fourth on the list. He has 76.8 million followers.

His business has expanded beyond gaming videos into entertainment projects, collaborations and digital media production, showing the continued strength of gaming as one of the largest segments of the creator economy.

5. Rhett & Link — $37 million

Comedy and entertainment duo Rhett & Link ranked fifth after earning $37 million. Together they have 45.6 million followers.

Their business includes online shows, podcasts, merchandise and production activities, demonstrating how long-established creators continue to grow by expanding beyond video content.

6. Codie Sanchez — $31 million

Business educator Codie Sanchez earned an estimated $31 million, despite having the smallest audience among the top seven at 10 million followers.

Her position shows that earnings do not always correspond with follower numbers. Through educational content, business investments, courses and subscription products, she has built a business around a focused audience.

7. IShowSpeed — $30 million

Streaming personality IShowSpeed completed the top seven with estimated earnings of $30 million and 184 million followers.

His live streams and gaming content continue to attract large audiences across digital platforms, reflecting the growing commercial opportunities in livestreaming and interactive entertainment.

What the rankings reveal

Beyond the leading names, the full list of 50 includes entertainers, educators, gamers, podcasters, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Together, they represent a creator economy that has expanded beyond the traditional idea of the “influencer”.

The rankings suggest that the most successful creators are those who treat content as the starting point rather than the finished product. By developing consumer brands, media companies, educational platforms and subscription businesses, they have created income streams that extend well beyond social media.

The list also highlights two different paths to success. Creators such as MrBeast have built massive global audiences before expanding into business ventures. In contrast, others, including Codie Sanchez, have generated substantial earnings from smaller but engaged communities through specialised products and services.