If you’re part of Gen Z, you probably already know who MrBeast is. But if social media isn’t really your thing, you might have heard his name without knowing much about him, what he’s done, or why he’s so famous. Recently, he made waves when people started talking about him as a possible ‘savior’ of TikTok. He caused quite a stir with a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he said: “Okay, I’ll buy TikTok so they don’t ban it.”
But, who exactly is MrBeast? Jimmy Donaldson—his real name— is one of the most popular and influential content creators of our time. Born on May 7, 1998, in Kansas, United States, he started his YouTube channel in 2012 when he was just a teenager. Over the years, his channel has grown into one of the most subscribed in the world, with over 200 million followers by 2025.
At first, Donaldson posted videos about video games like Minecraft and Call of Duty under the name MrBeast6000. However, his big break came in 2017 when he uploaded a video called ‘Counting to 100,000,’ where he filmed himself counting up to that number over 40 hours.
This unusual idea, combining creativity and sheer commitment, grabbed people’s attention. From that point on, his projects became bigger, more ambitious, and incredibly viral, cementing his place as a trailblazer in the digital world.
What makes MrBeast stand out from other creators is his focus on large-scale challenges and experiments. From giving away millions of dollars to hosting huge competitions with amazing prizes, his videos are the kind of content that keeps viewers hooked.
Some of his most memorable projects include recreating scenes from shows like Squid Game, where he gave $456,000 to the winner, and donating millions of dollars to charities.
De último momento: El youtuber Mr.Beast ha recreado los juegos de la famosa serie Squid Game con 456 participantes. pic.twitter.com/9LU5aSUMzN
— Cerebros (@CerebrosG) November 24, 2021
MrBeast has also branched out beyond YouTube. He’s also known for supporting important social and environmental causes. In 2019, he launched the Team Trees campaign with other creators to plant 20 million trees. The project exceeded its goal, raising over $23 million and earning him admiration from fans and the wider community.
In 2021, MrBeast started the Team Seas initiative, raising over $30 million to help clean plastic waste from the oceans. These efforts have made him a role model for younger generations, showing that entertainment can also make a positive difference in the world.
Mr. Beast went from counting numbers to doing stuff like this pic.twitter.com/545ChhvBxf
— jotman🌵 (@jotmanjotman) January 30, 2023
He created Feastables, his own chocolate brand, and MrBeast Burger, a virtual burger chain that works with local restaurants across the globe. These projects not only show his creativity as an entrepreneur but also his ability to connect with people worldwide.
MrBeast has completely changed the way we see digital entertainment. He’s shown that it’s possible to create entertaining content while making a real difference, using his platform to support important causes and improve lives. His hard work, creativity, and generosity have set a new standard for content creators everywhere.
Today, MrBeast is much more than just a YouTuber. He’s a philanthropist and entrepreneur who has redefined what success looks like in the digital age. He’s a clear example of how online platforms can be used to make a lasting impact, inspiring millions around the world.