YouTube started as a place to share funny clips, vlogs, and homemade skits. Today, it has become a full-fledged career path for those who know how to blend creativity with business acumen. Some creators are now worth more than entire production studios, with multiple income streams that stretch far beyond ad revenue.
These top YouTubers are pulling in staggering
sums through branded merchandise, live tours, original product lines, sponsorships, and in some cases, full entertainment companies. They are no longer faces on a screen; they’re moguls who build empires with the click of a camera shutter.
Here’s a look at the ten wealthiest YouTubers in 2025, based on reported earnings and business ventures. Each of them has carved out a distinct lane, and the numbers prove that YouTube can be just as profitable as Hollywood.
1. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson)
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, holds the crown as the richest YouTuber of 2025, with an estimated $85 million in annual earnings, according to Forbes’ latest breakdown of creator revenue here.
What makes MrBeast stand out isn’t just the staggering sums he earns but how he reinvests his money. He famously plows millions back into his videos, creating spectacles like real-life recreations of Squid Game, building Willy Wonka-style chocolate factories, and staging elaborate competitions where the winner might walk away with a house or a Lamborghini. These projects are enormously expensive but keep viewers glued to the screen.
His empire now stretches far beyond YouTube. MrBeast’s Feastables snack line is stocked in major retailers, while MrBeast Burger took the fast food industry by storm before scaling back to a packaged product model. He even struck a significant deal with Amazon to launch Beast Games, blending reality TV and YouTube’s signature wild energy source.
Despite his nearly $1 billion net worth, highlighted in this Business Insider feature, MrBeast doesn’t live like a conventional billionaire. Instead of yachts or private jets, he’s known for an almost obsessive focus on building bigger content, cementing himself as YouTube’s ultimate showman.
2. Dhar Mann
Dhar Mann has built a fortune creating motivational short films with real-life lessons. His channel and studio reportedly earned $56 million in the past year, according to industry estimates.
Mann’s videos often play out like short dramas where someone faces adversity—like bullying, greed, or dishonesty—and learns an essential moral by the end. Some critics call them predictable, but their formulaic nature is precisely what makes them binge-worthy for millions of viewers worldwide. The comments section is often filled with people saying how his stories helped them through tough times.
What many don’t realize is how much infrastructure Dhar Mann has built around his content. His production company, Dhar Mann Studios, employs actors, writers, and production staff to churn out videos at an impressive pace. He’s also developed a thriving merchandise line, selling inspirational products tied to his brand’s uplifting message.
Unlike creators who thrive on viral stunts, Mann has found success in consistency. His ability to reliably deliver feel-good lessons has made him a dependable player in the digital entertainment landscape, even if he’s not grabbing headlines like some of his flashier counterparts.
3. Jake Paul
Jake Paul may have started as a controversial YouTuber, but he’s now a hybrid entertainer and boxer, pulling in around $50 million annually, as reported in financial tallies of creators.
Jake’s career has been one long balancing act between scandal and success. From his days on Disney Channel to becoming one of YouTube’s most polarizing stars, he’s managed to stay in the spotlight. His transition into professional boxing shocked many, but the pay-per-view events and sponsorship deals proved how lucrative his pivot could be.
While boxing may now be his biggest cash cow, Jake continues to leverage his YouTube presence. His fights are hyped with the same strategies that once fueled his video virality—trash talk, feuds, and larger-than-life stunts. Like it or not, it works.
His career shows that controversy can be currency. While many creators burn out when scandals hit, Jake has somehow turned them into fuel for his brand, keeping him among the highest earners in the creator economy.
4. Matt Rife
Comedian Matt Rife has shot up the rankings, now earning about $50 million a year. Forbes recently highlighted his spot in their 2025 creator revenue list here.
Rife’s story is a little different from most YouTubers on this list. He first made a name for himself in the stand-up comedy circuit, but clips of his comedy went viral on TikTok and YouTube. From there, he built a digital following that translated into sold-out international tours.
His YouTube channel isn’t just about uploading stand-up sets. It’s where fans get behind-the-scenes looks at his life on the road, special projects, and exclusive comedy content. That combination of online and offline presence is a big reason for his earnings, as confirmed here.
Matt Rife proves that traditional entertainers can thrive in the YouTube ecosystem if they know how to harness social media momentum. His blend of charm, humor, and accessibility has made him one of the most bankable comedy stars of the digital age.
5. Rhett & Link
Longtime comedy duo Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, stars of Good Mythical Morning, bring in around $36 million annually, according to creator income breakdowns.
Their daily show, filled with quirky challenges and food experiments, has become a YouTube institution. For more than a decade, Rhett & Link have delivered content that feels like sitting down with two old friends. That reliability is why they’ve been able to keep such a dedicated fan base.
But their reach goes far beyond Good Mythical Morning. They’ve launched podcasts, produced spinoff shows, and built a full-fledged company called Mythical Entertainment. This media empire allows them to expand into merchandise, live shows, and licensing deals, ensuring income that’s much broader than YouTube ads.
The secret to their longevity may be their chemistry. Their friendship and goofy banter translate into authenticity, which advertisers and audiences alike find irresistible. In a space that often prizes shock value, Rhett & Link show that consistency and charm can pay just as well.
6. Ryan Kaji (Ryan’s World)
At just 13 years old, Ryan Kaji continues to be one of the most profitable creators worldwide. His brand, Ryan’s World, is estimated to have earned $35 million this year, according to this industry ranking.
Ryan’s journey began with simple toy unboxing videos filmed by his parents. Those clips struck a chord with kids everywhere, turning him into one of YouTube’s youngest stars. Today, Ryan’s World is a global franchise with toys on Walmart shelves, TV shows on Nickelodeon, and partnerships with major companies.
The scale of his success is staggering. While regulations have made it harder to monetize kids’ videos on YouTube directly, Ryan’s team pivoted to licensing and merchandising. His brand now generates revenue streams most adult creators could only dream of.
Ryan’s case highlights how family involvement and careful branding can transform a hobby into a multimillion-dollar empire. For many parents, his videos have become a trusted staple of their children’s daily screen time.
7. Markiplier (Mark Fischbach)
Markiplier, one of YouTube’s most beloved gaming personalities, earns around $32 million per year, as listed in revenue estimates.
He rose to fame with his energetic playthroughs of horror games, but his career has expanded into interactive film projects, merchandise, and charity streams. His fans aren’t just viewers—they’re a loyal community that supports him across everything he does.
One of Markiplier’s standout ventures was his interactive YouTube Originals project A Heist with Markiplier, which blended gaming with cinematic storytelling. It demonstrated his willingness to push the boundaries of what a YouTube video can be.
What sets him apart is his authenticity. He doesn’t chase trends as aggressively as some creators, yet his devoted audience ensures his videos rack up millions of views regardless. That loyalty is the foundation of his long-term success.
8. Mark Rober
Former NASA engineer Mark Rober is reportedly earning around $25 million per year through YouTube and related ventures, as per income summaries of creators.
Rober is known for creating massive science experiments that blend education with entertainment. From glitter bomb traps for porch pirates to giant water guns, his videos are engineered to amaze. The production costs can be sky-high, but sponsorships from major brands balance the books.
Beyond YouTube, he’s collaborated with educational platforms, appeared on mainstream media outlets, and even designed science kits for children. His mission is clear: make STEM subjects exciting and accessible.
By packaging complex concepts in fun, digestible formats, Rober has become a trusted figure for parents, teachers, and kids alike. His success proves there’s a huge demand for educational content that’s as entertaining as it is informative.
9. Ms. Rachel
Ms. Rachel, beloved by parents of toddlers everywhere, has become a powerhouse in the children’s learning space, with estimated annual earnings of $23 million. Her channel focuses on early language development, songs, and simple activities designed to engage preschoolers. Parents often say her content has helped their children learn to talk or develop social skills, giving her channel a uniquely emotional connection with its audience.
While ads for kids’ content are restricted, Ms. Rachel has expanded her brand with books, live shows, and educational products. Her approachable, teacher-like presence gives her credibility in a space where trust is everything.
The success of Ms. Rachel underscores the power of niche content. By focusing on a single critical developmental stage, she has built an empire that not only entertains but also provides genuine value for families.
10. Rebecca Zamolo
Rebecca Zamolo rounds out the list with about $22 million in annual earnings. Her channel combines vlogs, challenges, storytelling, and interactive content, often targeting younger audiences. With her background in performance and improvisation, Rebecca has crafted a brand that feels both playful and engaging.
Beyond YouTube, she’s built a merchandise line and leveraged cross-platform collaborations to grow her reach. Her projects often feel like a hybrid between family-friendly sitcoms and immersive challenges, which keeps her fans invested.
Rebecca might not grab as many headlines as MrBeast or Jake Paul, but her steady growth and savvy business decisions have cemented her place among YouTube’s top earners.
Conclusion
These top YouTubers prove that success on the platform requires more than just uploading videos. They’ve expanded into products, businesses, tours, and licensing, turning digital fame into generational wealth.
MrBeast remains the king of YouTube with near-billionaire status, but creators like Dhar Mann, Jake Paul, and Matt Rife demonstrate that there are multiple paths to financial success. Whether through comedy, boxing, kids’ content, or moral storytelling, each has discovered a formula that resonates with millions—and brings in millions.
If there’s a takeaway, it’s this: YouTube stardom isn’t about chasing one viral hit. It’s about consistency, business strategy, and turning audiences into communities that support creators for the long run.