:MrBeast

James Stephen Donaldson{{efn|name="name"}} was born in Wichita, Kansas,{{cite web |last=Stokel-Walker |first=Chris |title=New YouTube king MrBeast: amateur poster who became $54m-a-year pro |website=The Guardian |date=November 18, 2022 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/nov/18/new-youtube-king-mrbeast-amateur-poster-who-became-54m-a-year-pro |access-date=February 9, 2023 |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906051647/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/nov/18/new-youtube-king-mrbeast-amateur-poster-who-became-54m-a-year-pro |url-status=live }} on May 7, 1998.{{Cite web |date=October 23, 2020 |title=MrBeast makes a name for himself with expensive stunts and philanthropy |url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/mrbeast-makes-name-himself-expensive-190833226.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228192036/https://www.yahoo.com/now/mrbeast-makes-name-himself-expensive-190833226.html |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |access-date=December 28, 2022 |website=In The Know (Yahoo!)}} He was mainly raised in Greenville, North Carolina.{{Cite magazine |last=Dickson |first=Ej |date=April 19, 2022 |title=Is MrBeast for Real? Inside the Outrageous World of YouTube's Cash-Happy Stunt King |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/mrbeast-youtube-cover-story-interview-1334604/ |access-date=July 7, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420123848/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/mrbeast-youtube-cover-story-interview-1334604/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Delouya |first=Paige Leskin, Samantha |title=Who is MrBeast? Meet the 24-year-old YouTube star who's famous for giving away millions of dollars to strangers. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-youtube-jimmy-donaldson-net-worth-life-career-challenges-teamtrees-2019-11 |access-date=August 5, 2023 |website=Business Insider |date=June 16, 2019 |language=en-US |archive-date=December 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225224118/https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-youtube-jimmy-donaldson-net-worth-life-career-challenges-teamtrees-2019-11 |url-status=live }} He moved houses often and was under the care of au pairs because his parents worked long hours and served in the military. His parents divorced in 2007. In 2016, Donaldson graduated from Greenville Christian Academy, a private evangelical Christian high school in the area. He briefly attended East Carolina University before dropping out.{{Cite news |last=Wanbaugh |first=Taylor |date=July 30, 2018 |title=Greenville YouTuber MrBeast racks up millions of views |work=Business North Carolina |url=http://businessnc.com/greenville-youtuber-mrbeast-racks-up-millions-of-views/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007221625/https://businessnc.com/greenville-youtuber-mrbeast-racks-up-millions-of-views/ |archive-date=October 7, 2019}} While at Greenville Christian, Donaldson played baseball as an outfielder for several years.{{Cite web |title=Jimmy Donaldson's Baseball Stats |url=https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/greenville/greenville-christian-academy-knights/athletes/jimmy-donaldson/baseball/stats/?careerid=sj2vii81b0sdd |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=www.maxpreps.com | date=September 16, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604121931/https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/greenville/greenville-christian-academy-knights/athletes/jimmy-donaldson/baseball/stats/?careerid=sj2vii81b0sdd |url-status=live }} After dropping out of college, Donaldson and his friends attempted to analyze and understand YouTube's recommendation algorithm to create viral videos.{{Cite web |last1=Shaw |first1=Lucas |last2=Bergen |first2=Mark |date=January 1, 2021 |title=How a kid cracked YouTube's secret code |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/2021/01/01/how-kid-cracked-youtubes-secret-code/4100868001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107022444/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/2021/01/01/how-kid-cracked-youtubes-secret-code/4100868001/ |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |access-date=February 24, 2022 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}} Donaldson recalled regarding this period, "There's a five-year point in my life where I was just relentlessly, unhealthily obsessed with studying virality, studying the YouTube algorithm. I woke up. I would Uber Eats food. And then I would sit on my computer all day just studying shit nonstop with [other YouTubers]."

File:Mr. Beast crew as of July 29 2024.jpg, Nolan Hansen, and Chandler Hallow]]

Donaldson uploaded his first YouTube video in February 2012, at 13, under the channel name "MrBeast6000". His early content included Let's Plays focusing on Minecraft and Call of Duty: Black Ops II,{{Cite web |title=21-year-old YouTuber MrBeast was one of the most-viewed YouTube creators in 2019 – check out how he got his start and found success with elaborate stunts and giveaways |url=https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/21-year-old-youtuber-mrbeast-was-one-of-the-most-viewed-youtube-creators-in-2019-check-out-how-he-got-his-start-and-found-success-with-elaborate-stunts-and-giveaways/articleshow/72480478.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206152534/https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/21-year-old-youtuber-mrbeast-was-one-of-the-most-viewed-youtube-creators-in-2019-check-out-how-he-got-his-start-and-found-success-with-elaborate-stunts-and-giveaways/articleshow/72480478.cms |archive-date=December 6, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2021 |website=Business Insider|date=June 16, 2019 }} videos estimating the wealth of other YouTubers, videos that offered tips to upcoming YouTube creators, and commentary on YouTube drama. Donaldson appeared infrequently in these videos.

In 2015 and 2016, Donaldson gained popularity with his "Worst Intros on YouTube" series poking fun at YouTube video introductions. By mid-2016, Donaldson had around 30,000 subscribers. Donaldson dropped out of college in late 2016 to pursue a full-time career as a YouTuber.{{Cite news |last1=Shaw |first1=Lucas |last2=Bergen |first2=Mark |date=December 22, 2020 |title=The North Carolina Kid Who Cracked YouTube's Secret Code |work=Bloomberg.com |publisher=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-22/who-is-mrbeast-meet-youtube-s-top-creator-of-2020 |url-status=live |access-date=December 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223060415/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-22/who-is-mrbeast-meet-youtube-s-top-creator-of-2020 |archive-date=December 23, 2020}} His mother disapproved of his decision and forced him to leave the family home.{{Cite web |date=May 11, 2021 |title=Is MrBeast the world's most controversial YouTuber? |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3132914/mrbeast-worlds-most-controversial-youtuber-meet-22-year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511185546/https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3132914/mrbeast-worlds-most-controversial-youtuber-meet-22-year |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}

As his channel grew, Donaldson hired four childhood friends—Ava Kris Tyson, Chandler Hallow, Garrett Ronalds, and Jake Franklin—to contribute to his channel. Franklin left the crew in 2020. Afterward, Karl Jacobs, previously a cameraman, was promoted to take his place.{{Cite web |title=Karl Jacobs reveals how a Mr. Beast fluke made him a Minecraft icon |date=March 29, 2022 |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/karl-jacobs-interview-minecraft-mr-beast |access-date=August 25, 2022 |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416011130/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/karl-jacobs-interview-minecraft-mr-beast |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2022 |title=Why Did Jake the Viking Leave MrBeast and What's He up to Now? |url=https://www.distractify.com/p/why-did-jake-leave-mrbeast |access-date=August 25, 2022 |archive-date=August 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825194415/https://www.distractify.com/p/why-did-jake-leave-mrbeast |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Why I Left MrBeast |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTl8HxAPJf0 |website=YouTube | date=April 6, 2020 |access-date=August 25, 2022 |archive-date=August 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825194415/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTl8HxAPJf0 |url-status=live }}

File:MrBeast.png

In January 2017, Donaldson published an almost day-long video of himself counting to 100,000, which became his breakthrough viral video. The ordeal took him 40 hours, with some parts sped up to "keep it under 24 hours".{{Cite news |last=Farquhar |first=Peter |date=January 12, 2017 |title=Millions of people watched YouTuber 'MrBeast' count to 100,000 |work=Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.com.au/millions-of-people-have-watched-youtuber-mrbeast-count-to-100000-2017-1 |url-status=dead |access-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007221615/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/millions-of-people-have-watched-youtuber-mrbeast-count-to-100000-2017-1 |archive-date=October 7, 2019}} Donaldson gained popularity during this period with stunts, such as attempting to break glass using a hundred megaphones, watching paint dry for an hour, staying underwater for 24 hours, which ended up failing due to health issues, and an unsuccessful attempt to spin a fidget spinner for a day.{{Cite news |last=Grasso |first=Samantha |date=May 28, 2017 |title=Watch these YouTubers attempt to break a fidget spinner record |work=Daily Dot |url=https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/fidget-spinner-record-youtube/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007221613/https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/fidget-spinner-record-youtube/ |archive-date=October 7, 2019}} By 2018, Donaldson had given out $1 million through his stunts, earning him the title "YouTube's biggest philanthropist".

During the PewDiePie vs. T-Series rivalry in 2018, a competition to become the most-subscribed channel on YouTube, Donaldson bought billboards and numerous television and radio advertisements to help PewDiePie gain more subscribers than T-Series.{{Cite web |date=October 29, 2018 |title=YouTuber 'MrBeast' Buys Smorgasbord Of Advertising To Help PewDiePie Stay Ahead Of T-Series |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2018/10/29/pewdiepie-billboards-entire-town-mrbeast/ |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=Tubefilter |language=en-US |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210630/https://www.tubefilter.com/2018/10/29/pewdiepie-billboards-entire-town-mrbeast/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Mr Beast explains how many ads for Pewdiepie he bought, and what types of ads. |url=https://twitter.com/mrbeast/status/1055928398646784002 |access-date=November 2, 2022 |website=Twitter |language=en |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102142358/https://twitter.com/mrbeast/status/1055928398646784002 |url-status=live }} During Super Bowl LIII, he purchased multiple seats for himself and his team, whose shirts spelled out "Sub 2 PewDiePie".{{Cite news |date=February 5, 2019 |title=YouTubers MrBeast, Jake Paul spotted at Sup Dogs |work=The East Carolinian |url=http://www.theeastcarolinian.com/arts_and_entertainment/article_82c0df66-2903-11e9-a2cb-13262ce83230.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526075433/http://www.theeastcarolinian.com/arts_and_entertainment/article_82c0df66-2903-11e9-a2cb-13262ce83230.html |archive-date=May 26, 2019}}{{Cite news |last=Hamilton |first=Isabel Asher |date=February 4, 2019 |title=PewDiePie's war with T-Series hit the Super Bowl, as YouTuber Mr Beast turned up to the game with 'Sub 2 PewDiePie' shirts |work=Business Insider |url=https://www.businessinsider.sg/pewdiepie-war-with-t-series-hits-super-bowl-mr-beast-2019-2/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526075815/https://www.businessinsider.sg/pewdiepie-war-with-t-series-hits-super-bowl-mr-beast-2019-2/ |archive-date=May 26, 2019}}

In March 2019, Donaldson organized and filmed a real-life battle royale competition in Los Angeles with prizes totaling $200,000 (two games were played, each awarding $100,000) in collaboration with Apex Legends.{{Cite news |date=March 14, 2019 |title=MrBeast Hosts Real-life Battle Royale Tournament |work=Associated Press |url=https://www.apnews.com/fa94b3068e03411e86d5240414ec502d |url-status=live |access-date=May 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526074958/https://www.apnews.com/fa94b3068e03411e86d5240414ec502d |archive-date=May 26, 2019}} Apex Legends publisher Electronic Arts sponsored the event and prize pool.{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=James |date=March 13, 2019 |title=MrBeast Drops Video Of Real Life, EA-Sponsored 'Apex Legends' Battle |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2019/03/13/mrbeast-ea-apex-legends-sponsorship-youtubers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708223100/https://www.tubefilter.com/2019/03/13/mrbeast-ea-apex-legends-sponsorship-youtubers/ |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |access-date=May 16, 2020 |website=Tubefilter}}

Donaldson was accused of using counterfeit money in his "I Opened A FREE BANK" video, published on November 23, 2019. He later explained that he used fake money to avoid participant safety concerns and that participants received real checks after the shoot.

In April 2020, Donaldson created a rock, paper, scissors competition stream that featured 32 influencers and a grand prize of $250,000, which, at the time, became YouTube's most-watched live Original event with 662,000 concurrent viewers.{{Cite news |date=April 27, 2020 |title=MrBeast's 'Creator Games' Is YouTube's Most-Watched Live Original Ever, With 662K Concurrent Viewers |language=en-US |work=Tubefilter |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2020/04/27/mrbeast-youtube-creator-games-nadeshot-ninja/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512050444/https://www.tubefilter.com/2020/04/27/mrbeast-youtube-creator-games-nadeshot-ninja/ |archive-date=May 12, 2021}} Professional esports player Nadeshot won the event.{{Cite web |title=Nadeshot Wins MrBeast Rock Paper Scissors Charity Livestream |url=https://teneightymagazine.com/2020/04/26/nadeshot-wins-mrbeast-rock-paper-scissors-charity-livestream/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511211907/https://teneightymagazine.com/2020/04/26/nadeshot-wins-mrbeast-rock-paper-scissors-charity-livestream/ |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |language=en-GB}} In October 2020, Donaldson hosted another influencer tournament. This time, it was trivia, featuring 24 competitors with a grand prize of $300,000. The tournament's winners were siblings Charli and Dixie D'Amelio, which caused controversy due to claims that they cheated.{{Cite web |last=Tenbarge |first=Kat |title=TikTok star Charli D'Amelio's family was accused of cheating on trivia questions after winning a $300,000 charity competition between influencers |url=https://www.insider.com/charli-dixie-damelio-parents-cheating-mrbeast-creator-games-2020-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084328/https://www.insider.com/charli-dixie-damelio-parents-cheating-mrbeast-creator-games-2020-10 |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |website=Insider |language=en-US}}

{{see also|$456,000 Squid Game in Real Life!|50 YouTubers Fight for $1,000,000}}

On January 1, 2021, Donaldson released the "Youtube Rewind 2020, Thank God It's Over" video. In Donaldson's video, he explains that he had always believed that YouTubers "should get more say in Rewind", and with this in mind, he decided to call "hundreds of YouTubers". At the end of the video, Donaldson gives a shout-out to PewDiePie, citing him and his 2018 Rewind as the inspiration for Donaldson's Rewind.{{Cite web |last=Tran |first=Fonticha |date=January 1, 2021 |title=MrBeast's "YouTube Rewind 2020, Thank God It's Over" |url=https://www.exclusivehollywood.co.uk/mrbeast-youtube-rewind-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111032922/https://www.exclusivehollywood.co.uk/mrbeast-youtube-rewind-2020 |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |access-date=January 9, 2021 |website=Exclusive Hollywood |language=en}} Donaldson signed a Facebook and Snapchat content distribution deal with Jellysmack a month later.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=April 7, 2021 |title=MrBeast Signs Exclusive Snapchat, Facebook Video Distribution Pact With Jellysmack |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/mrbeast-snapchat-facebook-video-distribution-1234946051/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505163635/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/mrbeast-snapchat-facebook-video-distribution-1234946051/ |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=April 7, 2021 |title=MrBeast Signs Exclusive Facebook, Snapchat Distribution Deal with Jellysmack |work=Tubefilter |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/04/07/mrbeast-snapchat-facebook-distribution-deal-jellysmack/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505163637/https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/04/07/mrbeast-snapchat-facebook-distribution-deal-jellysmack/ |archive-date=May 5, 2021}}

File:MrBeast KCA2023 104 (cropped) 3.jpg|314x314px]]

During a Clubhouse room in February 2021, Donaldson removed entrepreneur Farokh Sarmad after he allegedly said he could not pronounce his name, a move that Sarmad later said was racist. Sarmad's claims were questioned and denied by other Clubhouse users, who were present at the call and argued against Sarmad's claims, claiming that Donaldson removed him and others to make room for women to be more inclusive.{{Cite web |date=February 27, 2021 |title=YouTube accused of 'blatant racism' over social media spat with entrepreneur |url=https://www.indy100.com/news/mrbeast-youtuber-clubhouse-entrepreneur-racism-b1805556 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511205603/https://www.indy100.com/news/mrbeast-youtuber-clubhouse-entrepreneur-racism-b1805556 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |website=Indy100}}{{Cite web |last=Tenbarge |first=Kat |title=MrBeast booted a user whose name he couldn't pronounce on Clubhouse, sparking a debate over racism and microaggressions |url=https://www.insider.com/mrbeast-clubhouse-racism-allegations-cancelled-racist-farokh-debate-drama-2021-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084325/https://www.insider.com/mrbeast-clubhouse-racism-allegations-cancelled-racist-farokh-debate-drama-2021-2 |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |access-date=May 11, 2021 |website=Insider}}

In November 2021, Donaldson uploaded "$456,000 Squid Game in Real Life!", a recreation of the survival drama streaming television series Squid Game in real life. The video had 456 people compete for a $456,000 cash prize.{{Cite news |last=Wilde |first=Tyler |date=November 25, 2021 |title=$3.5M Squid Game recreation is about as accurate as you can get without actually shooting anyone |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/mr-beast-squid-game-real-youtube/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126011446/https://www.pcgamer.com/mr-beast-squid-game-real-youtube/ |archive-date=November 26, 2021}} It was one of the most-watched YouTube videos of 2021, receiving over 130 million views within a week.{{Cite web |last=Kesvani |first=Hussain |date=December 2, 2021 |title=The success of MrBeast's Squid Game is its own dystopia |url=https://www.polygon.com/22812548/mrbeast-squid-game-youtube-copycat-reaction |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202173316/https://www.polygon.com/22812548/mrbeast-squid-game-youtube-copycat-reaction |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |access-date=December 2, 2021 |website=Polygon}} A review of the video in Vice argued that it "badly misunderstood the anti-capitalist message of Squid Game".{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2021 |title=YouTuber MrBeast Surpasses 100 Million Views on Controversial Squid Game Recreation Video |url=https://observer.com/2021/11/youtuber-mrbeast-million-views-controversial-squid-game-recreation-video/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |website=Observer |language=en-US |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605171948/https://observer.com/2021/11/youtuber-mrbeast-million-views-controversial-squid-game-recreation-video/ |url-status=live }} Despite this, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has reacted positively to the recreations and parodies of the series.{{cite web |date=December 4, 2021 |title=Squid Game Creator Gives His Thoughts On MrBeast's Youtube Version |url=https://screenrant.com/squid-game-mrbeast-video-hwang-dong-hyuk-reaction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213105046/https://screenrant.com/squid-game-mrbeast-video-hwang-dong-hyuk-reaction/ |archive-date=February 13, 2022 |access-date=January 21, 2022 |website=ScreenRant |language=en-US}}

In December 2021, Donaldson created a third influencer tournament featuring 15 competitors with a grand prize of $1 million.{{Cite news |last=Weiss |first=Geoff |date=December 14, 2021 |title=MrBeast's Third 'Creator Games' To Host Bella Poarch, Logan Paul, With $1 Million Prize |work=Tube Filter |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/12/14/mrbeast-third-creator-games-bella-poarch-logan-paul/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214210433/https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/12/14/mrbeast-third-creator-games-bella-poarch-logan-paul/ |archive-date=December 14, 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Rolta |first=Mehul |date=December 17, 2021 |title=MrBeast Hosts Stunning Million-Dollar Tournament Featuring Some of YouTube's Biggest Stars |work=Essentially Sports |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/mrbeast-hosts-stunning-million-dollar-tournament-featuring-some-of-youtubes-biggest-stars-esports-news/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227082617/https://www.essentiallysports.com/mrbeast-hosts-stunning-million-dollar-tournament-featuring-some-of-youtubes-biggest-stars-esports-news/ |archive-date=December 27, 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Francis |first=Bryan |date=December 18, 2021 |title=MrBeast has started a new $1,000,000 Influencer tournament |work=First Sportz |url=https://firstsportz.com/esports-news-mrbeast-started-a-influencer-tournament/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227082618/https://firstsportz.com/esports-news-mrbeast-started-a-influencer-tournament/ |archive-date=December 27, 2021}} In January 2022, Forbes ranked Donaldson as YouTube's highest-earning creator, earning an estimated $54 million in 2021. Forbes stated that his income in 2021 would have placed him 40th in the 2020 Forbes Celebrity 100, earning as much money as Vin Diesel and Lewis Hamilton did in 2020.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Abram |title=The Highest-Paid YouTube Stars: MrBeast, Jake Paul And Markiplier Score Massive Paydays |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2022/01/14/the-highest-paid-youtube-stars-mrbeast-jake-paul-and-markiplier-score-massive-paydays/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117180838/https://www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2022/01/14/the-highest-paid-youtube-stars-mrbeast-jake-paul-and-markiplier-score-massive-paydays/ |archive-date=January 17, 2022 |access-date=August 25, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Celebrity 100: The World's Highest-Paid Celebrities 2020 |url=https://www.forbes.com/celebrities/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040628043820/https://www.forbes.com/celebrities/ |archive-date=June 28, 2004 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |website=Forbes}}

On July 28, 2022, Donaldson surpassed 100 million subscribers on his main channel, making him the fifth channel and the second individual YouTuber to achieve the milestone.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=July 28, 2022 |title=MrBeast Tops 100 Million YouTube Subscribers: 'I Hope to Do YouTube Until the Day I Die' |url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/mrbeast-100-million-youtube-subscribers-1235328739/ |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729201818/https://variety.com/2022/digital/news/mrbeast-100-million-youtube-subscribers-1235328739/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Cheong |first=Charissa |date=July 29, 2022 |title=YouTube star MrBeast just became the second person in the world to reach 100 million subscribers, and livestreamed the moment he found out |url=https://www.insider.com/mrbeast-100-million-youtube-subscribers-reaction-livestream-2022-7 |access-date=August 3, 2022 |website=Insider |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808165144/https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-100-million-youtube-subscribers-reaction-livestream-2022-7 |url-status=live }} On November 17, 2022, Donaldson achieved the Guinness World Record of "Most Subscribers for an Individual Male on YouTube" with his MrBeast channel at 112 million subscribers.{{Cite web |last=Suggitt |first=Connie |date=November 17, 2022 |title=Mr Beast now most-subscribed YouTuber ever, overtaking PewDiePie |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2022/11/mr-beast-now-most-subscribed-youtuber-ever-overtaking-pewdiepie-726321 |access-date=November 20, 2022 |website=Guinness World Records |archive-date=November 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119054620/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2022/11/mr-beast-now-most-subscribed-youtuber-ever-overtaking-pewdiepie-726321 |url-status=live }} The previous record holder, PewDiePie, had held the record as the most subscribed YouTuber for almost ten years.{{Cite news |last=Gerken |first=Tom |date=November 16, 2022 |title=MrBeast overtakes PewDiePie as most-subscribed YouTuber |publisher=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-63635382 |access-date=June 21, 2023 |archive-date=August 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802184124/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-63635382 |url-status=live }} Donaldson achieved one billion video views over 30 days on his main YouTube channel in November 2022.{{Cite web |last=Ghoshal |first=Shivaditya |date=November 22, 2022 |title=YouTube King MrBeast Has Now Officially Crossed 1 Billion Views On His Main Channel in Just 30 Days, Gets 2nd Rank As... |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/esports-news-youtube-king-mrbeast-has-now-officially-crossed-1-billion-views-on-his-main-channel-in-just-30-days-gets-2nd-rank-as/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=EssentiallySports |archive-date=June 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623044057/https://www.essentiallysports.com/esports-news-youtube-king-mrbeast-has-now-officially-crossed-1-billion-views-on-his-main-channel-in-just-30-days-gets-2nd-rank-as/ |url-status=live }} On October 15, 2023, Donaldson surpassed 200{{Nbsp}}million subscribers.{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=James |date=October 16, 2023 |title=MrBeast gained 100 million subscribers in 15 months. Here's why. |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2023/10/16/mrbeast-gained-100-million-subscribers-in-15-months-heres-why/ |access-date=October 28, 2023 |website=Tubefilter |language=en-US |archive-date=October 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028012428/https://www.tubefilter.com/2023/10/16/mrbeast-gained-100-million-subscribers-in-15-months-heres-why/ |url-status=live }} His YouTube Shorts video "Would You Fly to Paris for a Baguette?" is the most-watched video on his main YouTube channel, having more than 1.3 billion views and 50 million likes as of January 2024.{{cite news |last=Tomar |first=Vaibhav Singh |title=MrBeast Just Got His First Billion Views Video |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/gaming-news-mrbeast-just-got-his-first-billion-views-video/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |work=EssentiallySports |date=December 22, 2023 |archive-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230175808/https://www.essentiallysports.com/gaming-news-mrbeast-just-got-his-first-billion-views-video/ |url-status=live }}

On June 2, 2024, Donaldson surpassed India-based music label and film production company T-Series for the title of the most subscribed channel on YouTube, at 267 million.{{cite news |last=Davis |first=Wes |date=June 2, 2024 |title=PewDiePie 'avenged' as MrBeast becomes YouTube's most-subscribed channel |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/2/24170045/mrbeast-youtube-most-subscribed-channel-t-series-pewdiepie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808165133/https://www.theverge.com/2024/6/2/24170045/mrbeast-youtube-most-subscribed-channel-t-series-pewdiepie |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |work=The Verge |language=en}} On July 10, 2024, Donaldson became the first YouTuber to surpass 300 million subscribers.{{Cite web |date=July 10, 2024 |title=MrBeast makes history, becomes first YouTuber to reach 300 million subscribers |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/mrbeast-makes-history-becomes-first-youtuber-to-reach-300-million-subscribers-101720623424789.html |access-date=July 15, 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808165053/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/mrbeast-makes-history-becomes-first-youtuber-to-reach-300-million-subscribers-101720623424789.html |url-status=live }} On July 13, 2024, Donaldson uploaded his 300 million subscribers special, "50 YouTubers Fight for $1,000,000". The video featured guest appearances from Howie Mandel, Miranda Cosgrove, and Joey Chestnut.{{cite web |title=JaidenAnimations wins MrBeast's $1 million YouTube challenge, outlasting Logan Paul and KSI |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2479628/jaidenanimations-wins-mrbeasts-1-million-youtube-challenge-outlasting-logan-paul-and-ksi |website=tribune.com |date=July 14, 2024 |access-date=July 19, 2024 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718160602/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2479628/jaidenanimations-wins-mrbeasts-1-million-youtube-challenge-outlasting-logan-paul-and-ksi |url-status=live }} This video reached 71 million views in the first 24 hours, becoming Donaldson's most-viewed video within its first 24 hours.{{Cite tweet |number=1812524185228320980 |user=MrBeast |title=New video is my most viewed video ever in 24 hours 😮 |date=July 14, 2024 |access-date=July 19, 2024}} In his video Beat Ronaldo, Win $1,000,000, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady, and Noah Lyles made guest appearances.

In his early career, Donaldson's content usually consisted of Let's Plays, "best and worst" videos, and YouTube commentary. Donaldson's present-day videos are categorized into three genres: stunt videos, where Donaldson or other participants perform challenges that are interesting, challenging, or dangerous; "junklord" videos, where Donaldson uses a large quantity of a particular product unusually or spends an extravagant amount on it; and giveaway videos, where Donaldson gives away large amounts of money or extravagant prizes to people, usually including a competitive aspect.{{Efn|name="genreExamples"|Examples of each genre:

• Stunt: "Microwaving a microwave," "I counted to 100,000"
• Junklord: "I built a giant house using only Legos," "I ate $100,000 golden ice cream"
• Giveaway: "Extreme $500,000 game of tag," "Giving a random homeless man $10,000"

}} Giveaway videos are considered a distinctive feature of Donaldson's content.

Donaldson's videos leverage YouTube's recommendation algorithm to go viral, mainly by maximizing click-through rate and viewer retention.{{cite journal |last1=Miller |first1=Vincent |last2=Hogg |first2=Eddy |title='If you press this, I'll pay': MrBeast, YouTube, and the mobilisation of the audience commodity in the name of charity |journal=Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies |date=March 8, 2023 |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=997–1014 |doi=10.1177/13548565231161810|s2cid=257461167 |language=en |issn=1354-8565 |doi-access=free }} He prioritizes creating effective topics, titles, and thumbnails to maximize the click-through rate.{{cite web |last=Perelli |first=Amanda |title=How YouTube star MrBeast, who has 22 million subscribers, uses keywords and the 'shock and awe' effect to maximize views |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-youtube-star-mr-beast-uses-keywords-to-get-trending-2019-7 |website=Business Insider |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726183708/https://www.businessinsider.com/how-youtube-star-mr-beast-uses-keywords-to-get-trending-2019-7 |url-status=live }} In an interview with Lex Fridman, he stated that for him to make a viral video, it needed to be "original, creative, something people really need to see, ideally never been done before".{{cite podcast|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3_PwvvfxIU&t=2506s|title=MrBeast: Future of YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram|host=Lex Fridman|date=January 11, 2023|time=41:46|access-date=July 26, 2023|archive-date=July 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726183708/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3_PwvvfxIU&t=2506s|url-status=live}} He designed his titles to attract attention by promising outrageous stunts and using specific keywords like "24-hours" and "challenge". His thumbnails are easily understandable, clearly focused, and brightly colored.{{cite news |last=Perelli |first=Amanda |title=YouTube star MrBeast breaks down how he makes eye-catching thumbnails and why he'd pay $10,000 for the best possible one |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-youtube-thumbnail-strategy-advice-for-creators-2021-10 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=Business Insider |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726183710/https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-youtube-thumbnail-strategy-advice-for-creators-2021-10 |url-status=live }} To maximize viewer retention, Donaldson paces the videos to have viewers engaged throughout. His videos typically span 10–30 minutes. He hooks viewers by explaining the premise in under half a minute at the start of the video and promises a "finale" to engage viewers until the end.

Donaldson's funding for these videos mainly comes from sponsorships, as well as Google's AdSense program.{{cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |title=MrBeast, YouTube's viral philanthropist, explains where all that money comes from |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/28/18157845/mrbeast-youtube-donations-adsense-brand-deals |website=The Verge |access-date=July 28, 2023 |date=December 28, 2018 |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217185340/https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/28/18157845/mrbeast-youtube-donations-adsense-brand-deals |url-status=live }} In 2022, Donaldson was reported to spend about $1 million on each video. Donaldson uses his reaction and gaming channel to help finance his main channel, as their videos are relatively cheap to produce and make a substantial amount of money. The Verge noted that his revenue is self-perpetuating: "The more viral he becomes, the more brands want to work with him, and the bigger his own AdSense earnings get. He can then entice viewers with even bigger giveaway videos. It's a never ending cycle." In an interview with Rolling Stone, he stated, "I could be doing cheaper videos, [...] But I just don't want to. I want to push the boundaries to go bigger, bigger."{{cite news |last=Read |first=Max |date=June 12, 2023 |title=How MrBeast Became the Willy Wonka of YouTube |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/12/magazine/mrbeast-youtube.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725200742/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/12/magazine/mrbeast-youtube.html |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |access-date=July 29, 2023 |work=The New York Times |language=en}} Donaldson earns passive income through merchandise, MrBeast Burger, and Feastables.{{cite magazine |last=Jones |first=C. T. |title=MrBeast Has Your Views. Now He Wants Your Cash |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/youtube-mrbeast-funding-business-expansion-1234617936/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=July 28, 2023 |date=October 25, 2022 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728152927/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/youtube-mrbeast-funding-business-expansion-1234617936/ |url-status=live }}

{{As of|2023}}, Donaldson employs over 250 people, from writers to editors to producers.{{cite news |last1=Harwell |first1=Drew |last2=Lorenz |first2=Taylor |title=Greenville was quiet. Then a hometown kid became YouTube's biggest star. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/11/03/mr-beast-money-hometown-greenville-creator-economy/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=November 3, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116112351/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/11/03/mr-beast-money-hometown-greenville-creator-economy/ |url-status=live }} Many employees include people familiar with Donaldson, such as friends and family members.

{{main|Finger on the App}}

In June 2020, Donaldson, in collaboration with Brooklyn-based art collective MSCHF, released a one-time multiplayer mobile game titled Finger on the App. In the game, players touch their phone screen, and the last person to remove their finger from the screen wins $25,000.{{Cite web |last=Beresford |first=Trilby |date=June 30, 2020 |title=YouTuber MrBeast Launches Multiplayer Endurance Game 'Finger on the App' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/youtuber-mrbeast-launches-multiplayer-endurance-game-finger-app-1300746/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505125934/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/youtuber-mrbeast-launches-multiplayer-endurance-game-finger-app-1300746/ |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} In the end, four people won $20,000 each after keeping their finger on the application for over 70 hours.{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=July 3, 2020 |title=MrBeast ends Finger on the App competition by telling players to stop after 70 hours |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/3/21312701/mrbeast-finger-app-competition-stream-winner-final-four-prize-youtube-mschf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318231923/https://www.theverge.com/2020/7/3/21312701/mrbeast-finger-app-competition-stream-winner-final-four-prize-youtube-mschf |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=The Verge |language=en}} The game was reportedly so successful that a sequel titled Finger on the App 2 was planned to initially launch in December 2020 initially. The game was postponed to February, then further delayed to March 2021 due to a flood of downloads, causing the game to crash and requiring its developers to upgrade their servers. This time, the game featured a grand prize of $100,000.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=March 19, 2021 |title=MrBeast's $100,000 'Finger on the App 2' Contest Kicks Off Saturday |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/mrbeast-finger-on-the-app-2-start-time-date-1234934406/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505042841/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/mrbeast-finger-on-the-app-2-start-time-date-1234934406/ |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} The winner kept their finger on the phone screen for around 51 hours. The second-place finisher also received a prize of $20,000.{{Cite web |date=March 23, 2021 |title=MrBeast Crowns $100,000 'Finger on the App' Winner After 50-Hour Contest |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/03/23/mrbeast-crowns-finger-on-the-app-winner-50-hours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505162501/https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/03/23/mrbeast-crowns-finger-on-the-app-winner-50-hours/ |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=Tubefilter.com}}

{{main|MrBeast Burger}}

File:Mr. Beast Burger Restaurant in American Dream Mall East Rutherford New Jersey.jpg

Will Hyde, a producer for the MrBeast channel, announced in a November 2020 article with The Wake Weekly that Donaldson would launch a virtual restaurant called MrBeast Burger in December 2020. Hyde said his team worked with Virtual Dining Concepts while developing the restaurant concept. He said MrBeast Burger will sell franchise rights to serve the burgers to restaurants across the U.S., and customers can order the burgers via online delivery services.{{Cite web |last=Handgraaf |first=Brie |date=November 10, 2020 |title=Fast food with a side of cash: Burger Boy becomes Mr. Beast Burger for the day |url=https://wakeweekly.com/stories/fast-food-with-a-side-of-cash-burger-boy-becomes-mr-beast-burger-for-the-day,220789 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130003724/https://wakeweekly.com/stories/fast-food-with-a-side-of-cash-burger-boy-becomes-mr-beast-burger-for-the-day,220789 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |access-date=December 18, 2020 |website=The Wake Weekly}} The restaurant has since expanded to include over 2,000 locations internationally.{{Cite web |title=Locations |url=https://www.mrbeastburger.com/locations/ |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=MrBeast Burger |language=en-US |archive-date=February 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222025258/https://www.mrbeastburger.com/locations/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=MrBeast Burger Locations |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/mrbeast-burger-locations |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=www.sportskeeda.com}} On September 4, 2022, the first physical restaurant opened in the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.{{Cite web |title=Beast Mode at American Dream: MrBeast Burger opens first location to thousands of fans |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/local/2022/09/04/mrbeast-burger-restaurant-opens-american-dream-mall-nj/65467642007/ |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=North Jersey Media Group |language=en-US |archive-date=September 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905022705/https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/local/2022/09/04/mrbeast-burger-restaurant-opens-american-dream-mall-nj/65467642007/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|Feastables}}

File:Feastables Milk Chocolate Bar.png

In January 2022, Donaldson announced the creation of a new snack company called Feastables, which started with the launching of its brand of chocolate bars called MrBeast Bar. At launch, they offered three flavors of bars: original, almond, and quinoa crunch. The launch corresponded with a sweepstakes with over $1 million in prizes, including $10,000 prize winners who could receive a chance to compete for a chocolate factory in a future video, emulating Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.{{Cite press release |last=Feastables |title=MrBeast Launches Better-For-You Snacking Brand Feastables |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mrbeast-launches-better-for-you-snacking-brand-feastables-301471133.html |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-01-30 |title=MrBeast set to become Willy Wonka with new Feastables snack brand |url=https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/mrbeast-set-to-become-willy-wonka-with-new-feastables-snack-brand-1751773/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Dexerto |language=en |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127031450/https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/mrbeast-set-to-become-willy-wonka-with-new-feastables-snack-brand-1751773/ |url-status=live }} The video, released in June 2022, contained a series of elimination challenges where the winner won the choice of the chocolate factory or a $500,000 cash prize. Michelin Star chef Gordon Ramsay was featured as a judge in the final challenge of the video and ultimately decided who won the cash prize.{{Cite news |last=Diaz |first=Eric |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Uncanny Replica of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory Is Unsettling And Delicious |work=Nerdist |url=https://nerdist.com/article/willy-wonka-chocolate-factory-replica-competition-mrbeast/ |access-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-date=June 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610184236/https://nerdist.com/article/willy-wonka-chocolate-factory-replica-competition-mrbeast/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Cheong |first=Charissa |date=June 6, 2022 |title=MrBeast recreated Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, featuring a toilet made of cake, a dessert contest judged by Gordon Ramsay, and a 'chocolate waterfall' |work=Insider |url=https://www.insider.com/mr-beast-gordon-ramsay-willy-wonkas-factory-youtube-video-2022-6 |access-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231018102538/https://www.insider.com/mr-beast-gordon-ramsay-willy-wonkas-factory-youtube-video-2022-6 |url-status=live }} Feastables reportedly made $10{{Nbsp}}million in its first few months of operation.{{Cite web |last=Perelli |first=Amanda |title=How MrBeast's Feastables used giveaways and data to sell $10 million worth of chocolate bars |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/how-youtuber-mrbeast-feastables-uses-giveaways-data-to-sell-chocolate-2022-5 |access-date=January 25, 2023 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125202432/https://www.businessinsider.com/how-youtuber-mrbeast-feastables-uses-giveaways-data-to-sell-chocolate-2022-5 |url-status=live }}

On March 3, 2023, Donaldson asked fans on Twitter to "clean up the presentation" of Feastables displays on store shelves and suggested that they obscure competing products. Feastables offered fans entry into a $5,000 raffle if they provided proof of their assistance. The tweets drew criticism and accusations that Feastables exploited fans for unpaid labor.{{Cite web |last=Grisafi |first=Patricia |date=March 7, 2023 |title=MrBeast sparks debate on Twitter after asking fans to clean up Feastables candy displays at Walmart |url=https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/mrbeast-sparks-debate-feastables-candy-displays-walmart-2/ |access-date=March 25, 2023 |website=The Daily Dot |language=en-US |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325064538/https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/mrbeast-sparks-debate-feastables-candy-displays-walmart-2/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2023 |title=MrBeast stirs backlash after asking fans to fix Walmart displays for his Feastables chocolate bars |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/mrbeast-tweet-walmart-feastables-rcna73546 |access-date=March 25, 2023 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325064547/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/mrbeast-tweet-walmart-feastables-rcna73546 |url-status=live }}

On October 2, 2023, Feastables partnered with the Charlotte Hornets to include MrBeast's insignia on their jerseys for the 2023–24 NBA season.{{cite news |last=Roth |first=Emma |title=MrBeast is putting his snack brand's logo on NBA jerseys |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/2/23899984/mrbeast-feastables-charlotte-hornets-nba-jersey-logo |work=The Verge |date=October 2, 2023 |language=en |access-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014163004/https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/2/23899984/mrbeast-feastables-charlotte-hornets-nba-jersey-logo |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Fischer |first=Sara |title=Charlotte Hornets sign MrBeast's "Feastables" as official jersey patch partner |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/10/02/charlotte-hornets-sign-mrbeasts-feastables-as-official-jersey-patch-partner |work=Axios |date=October 2, 2023 |access-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015000438/https://www.axios.com/2023/10/02/charlotte-hornets-sign-mrbeasts-feastables-as-official-jersey-patch-partner |url-status=live }} However, the partnership has since ended.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-16 |title=Hornets searching for jersey patch sponsor after MrBeast's Feastables departure |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nba/hornets/hornets-jersey-patch-sponsor-mrbeast-feastables/275-fddac5b6-75e0-4506-b26b-c49df398c445 |access-date=2024-11-21 |website=wcnc.com |language=en-US}}

In February 2024, Feastables rebranded their chocolates, including a new shape and formula.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-02-17 |title=Mr Beast rebrands Feastables introduces New Packaging |url=https://dailybrand.co.zw/mr-beast-rebrands-feastables-introduces-new-packaging/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Daily Brand |language=en-US |archive-date=July 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240720151235/https://dailybrand.co.zw/mr-beast-rebrands-feastables-introduces-new-packaging/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main article|Lunchly}}

File:Lunchly Fiesta Nachos.jpg

In September 2024, Donaldson announced the Lunchly brand of snack kits. The brand, marketed as a healthier alternative to Lunchables, was founded as a joint venture with fellow YouTubers Olajide "KSI" Olatunji and Logan Paul.{{Cite web |last=Weprin |first=Alex |date=2024-09-16 |title=MrBeast and Logan Paul Team Up to Launch Competitor to Lunchables |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/mr-beast-logan-paul-team-lunchly-lunchables-competitor-1236003924/ |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

At launch, each box included Prime and Feastables chocolate bars, existing products offered by the creators, along with three varieties of turkey with cheese and crackers, nachos with salsa and cheese, or pizza.{{Cite web |last=Roeloffs |first=Mary |date=2024-09-16 |title=MrBeast, Logan Paul And KSI Launch Lunchables Competitor 'Lunchly'—Here's What To Know |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/09/16/mrbeast-logan-paul-and-ksi-launch-lunchables-competitor-lunchly-heres-what-to-know/ |access-date=2024-09-22 |website=Forbes}}

Lunchly faced substantial criticism on various social media platforms from individuals who questioned the lunch kit's marketing tactics and nutritional quality. Notably, YouTuber DanTDM expressed his disapproval of Lunchly by posting on his X (formerly Twitter) profile, "This is selling crap to kids who don't know better than to trust the people who are selling it to them."{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Cass |date=2024-09-24 |title=The MrBeast controversy era continues, with lunch packs and a lawsuit |url=https://www.polygon.com/culture/455739/mrbeast-controversy-continues-lunchly-lunch-packs |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Polygon |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009153800/https://www.polygon.com/culture/455739/mrbeast-controversy-continues-lunchly-lunch-packs |url-status=live }} There also have been reports of mold being found within the product.{{Cite web |last=Placido |first=Dani Di |title=MrBeast's 'Lunchly' Mold Scandal, Explained |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2024/10/25/mrbeasts-lunchly-mold-controversy-explained/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124110220/https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2024/10/25/mrbeasts-lunchly-mold-controversy-explained/ |url-status=live }}

Donaldson is an investor in the tech startup Backbone, which produces the Backbone One, a controller accessory for smartphones, and the Backbone app, a content creation and social tools app for its users.{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2020 |title=MrBeast-Backed Gaming Venture Launches Backbone One, A Controller That Turns iPhones into Consoles |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2020/10/27/mrbeast-night-media-backbone-one-controller/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505165241/https://www.tubefilter.com/2020/10/27/mrbeast-night-media-backbone-one-controller/ |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=Tubefilter.com}}{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2020 |title=Backed by Mr. Beast and Nadeshot, Backbone One could finally crack mobile gaming |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/27/with-backing-from-mr-beast-and-nadeshot-backbone-one-could-finally-crack-competitive-mobile-gaming/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084331/https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/27/with-backing-from-mr-beast-and-nadeshot-backbone-one-could-finally-crack-competitive-mobile-gaming/ |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}

In March 2021, Donaldson partnered with the Creative Juice financial network to introduce Juice Funds, a $2 million investment fund for content creators.{{Cite web |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |date=March 24, 2021 |title=MrBeast working with $2 million fund to invest in up-and-coming creators |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/24/22348926/mrbeast-creator-investment-fund-creative-juice |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505165759/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/24/22348926/mrbeast-creator-investment-fund-creative-juice |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=The Verge |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Lorenz |first=Taylor |date=May 4, 2021 |title=Mr. Beast, YouTube Star, Wants to Take Over the Business World |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/04/technology/mr-beast-youtube.html |url-status=live |access-date=May 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504211043/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/04/technology/mr-beast-youtube.html |archive-date=May 4, 2021 |issn=0362-4331}}

In April 2021, Donaldson became a long-term investor and partner of financial technology company Current.{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2021 |title=MrBeast Invests in Fintech Company 'Current,' Kicks off Long-Term Partnership with $100,000 Giveaway |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/04/26/mrbeast-invests-current-banking-app-giveaway/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429202907/https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/04/26/mrbeast-invests-current-banking-app-giveaway/ |archive-date=April 29, 2021 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=Tubefilter.com}}{{Cite news |last=Perelli |first=Amanda |date=December 14, 2021 |title=How fintech startup Current has used influencer deals with MrBeast, Emma Chamberlain, and others as the cornerstone of its marketing strategy |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-current-influencer-marketing-strategy-examples-micro-influencers-mrbeast-2021-12 |access-date=December 27, 2024 |work=Business Insider}} The same month, Donaldson received backlash after fans lost significant amounts of money in a cryptocurrency scheme that Donaldson had invested in and promoted.

In November 2022, Donaldson partnered with East Carolina University to create a course centered around YouTube content creation.{{cite web |last=Shaffer |first=Josh |title=NC's MrBeast is the world's most popular YouTuber. He's sharing his techniques at ECU. |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article268869797.html |website=The News & Observer |access-date=October 14, 2023}}{{cite web |last=Tester |first=Brandon |title=East Carolina University, MrBeast to create exclusive educational partnership |url=https://www.wbtw.com/news/state-regional-news/east-carolina-university-mrbeast-to-create-exclusive-educational-partnership/ |website=WBTW |access-date=October 14, 2023 |date=November 16, 2022 |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015000435/https://www.wbtw.com/news/state-regional-news/east-carolina-university-mrbeast-to-create-exclusive-educational-partnership/ |url-status=live }}

In May 2023, Donaldson was featured as a guest judge on Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars show.{{Cite web |last=Malonepublished |first=Michael |date=2023-06-14 |title=MrBeast Turns Up on 'Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars' |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/mrbeast-turns-up-on-gordon-ramsays-food-stars |access-date=2024-11-12 |website=Broadcasting & Cable |language=en |archive-date=November 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112094127/https://www.nexttv.com/news/mrbeast-turns-up-on-gordon-ramsays-food-stars |url-status=live }}

In 2023, a free ad-supported streaming television channel named Mr. Beast that shows only previously released MrBeast YouTube videos began airing on the Roku Channel service.{{Cite web |last=Cranz |first=Alex |date=August 15, 2023 |title=The Roku Channel is getting better about news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/15/23832753/roku-channel-cbs-fox-news-mr-beast |access-date=December 28, 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=January 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114151825/https://www.theverge.com/2023/8/15/23832753/roku-channel-cbs-fox-news-mr-beast |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Beast Games}}

{{See also|Beast Games lawsuit}}

In March 2024, Donaldson and Amazon MGM Studios announced their plans to create a new reality competition series Beast Games, set to air exclusively on Prime Video. It was set to become the biggest reality competition series, with 1,000 contestants competing for a $5{{Nbsp}}million cash prize—the biggest single prize in the history of television and streaming.{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2024 |title=MrBeast and Amazon MGM Studios announce the new reality competition series 'Beast Games' |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/beast-games-mrbeast-prime-video |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=US About Amazon |language=en |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530213802/https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/beast-games-mrbeast-prime-video |url-status=live }}

The show faced criticism after contestants complained that they had been denied food, water, medication, and beds during production. Several contestants were hospitalized during the first filming sessions, with over a dozen contestants claiming that various injuries had occurred while participating in the challenges and that many had been seen being removed from the arena on stretchers.{{Cite news |last=Kircher |first=Madison Malone |date=August 2, 2024 |title=Willing to Die for MrBeast (and $5 Million) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/style/mrbeast-beast-games-competition-show.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802150655/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/02/style/mrbeast-beast-games-competition-show.html |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=August 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite web |last1=Beaty |first1=Thalia |last2=Pollard |first2=James |date=August 3, 2024 |title=MrBeast's giant reality competition faces safety complaints from initial contestants |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/mrbeasts-giant-reality-competition-faces-safety-complaints-initial-112530149 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803024925/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/mrbeasts-giant-reality-competition-faces-safety-complaints-initial-112530149 |archive-date=August 3, 2024 |access-date=August 3, 2024 |website=ABC News |language=en}} A spokesperson of Donaldson would blame external factors such as the global computer systems outage caused by CrowdStrike's update to its software, "extreme weather and other unexpected logistical and communications issues".{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=August 2, 2024 |title=MrBeast blames terrible Beast Games conditions on the CrowdStrike outage |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/2/24212298/mrbeast-beast-games-crowdstrike |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802235022/https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/2/24212298/mrbeast-beast-games-crowdstrike |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |access-date=August 3, 2024 |website=The Verge |language=en}} Beast Games debuted on Amazon Prime Video on December 19, 2024, with it becoming Prime Video's most watched unscripted series ever and getting 50 million viewers in 25 days.{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=2024-11-25 |title=MrBeast's Controversial 'Beast Games' First Trailer, Premiere Date Revealed |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/mrbeast-reveals-premiere-date-trailer-beast-games-1235180463/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=November 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126003902/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/mrbeast-reveals-premiere-date-trailer-beast-games-1235180463/ |url-status=live }} Donaldson stated that his $100 million deal with Amazon was a bad financial decision as he lost tens of millions of dollars from Beast Games.{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2025 |title='I Lost Tens Of Millions!' – MrBeast Admits His $100M Amazon Show Was A 'Poor Financial Decision'|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lost-tens-millions-mrbeast-admits-150044821.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGbM2RQTCVJ72wqvoMklV2rGz6NHkikm4W-sOsygUXQez8nz-cESyyp-OmpG_UJ-kdKqxqF9xb6PFX1rz6GKL5pQhnJt8PsAeHvnKi4GZOZB3BgI3J23A6xgm-H3XMLTTg_aV52PR9o-SJEJYMlprEvCUXd-BkIuwYSnPU6ItS0S|access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=US About Amazon |language=en |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530213802/https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/entertainment/beast-games-mrbeast-prime-video |url-status=live }}

{{See also|List of lawsuits involving MrBeast}}

Some former employees alleged that Donaldson nurtured a difficult work environment. In a May 2021 New York Times article, Matt Turner, an editor for Donaldson from February 2018 to September 2019, claimed that Donaldson berated him almost daily, including calling him a "retard". Turner reported that he was regularly not credited for his work. Reporting by Insider showed that Turner previously posted a video in 2018 explaining his allegations and, in October 2019, released a deleted Twitter thread that stated that he was "yelled at, bullied, called mentally retarded and replaceable by Donaldson every single day". Nate Anderson, another editor, quit after working for Donaldson for a week in 2018 over what he said were unreasonable demands and called Donaldson a perfectionist. After releasing a video describing his experience, Anderson reportedly received death threats from Donaldson's fans. Nine other employees who worked for Donaldson also stated that while he was sometimes generous, his demeanor would change when the cameras were off.{{Cite web |last=Asarch |first=Steven |title=Former employees of YouTuber MrBeast alleged the star created a toxic work environment where he berated and belittled staff, report says |url=https://www.insider.com/mrbeast-former-employees-allege-youtuber-berated-staff-used-slur-2021-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084331/https://www.insider.com/mrbeast-former-employees-allege-youtuber-berated-staff-used-slur-2021-5 |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2021 |website=Insider}} Donaldson disputed these claims, saying: "We have high standards, but it's not a toxic work environment." Donaldson also claimed that he gave Turner $10,000 and suggested a job at another company at the end of his contract.

{{Main article|List of lawsuits involving MrBeast#MrBeast Burger}}

On June 17, 2023, Donaldson expressed wishes to shut down MrBeast Burger due to quality issues, saying he regrets signing "a bad deal" with Virtual Dining Concepts, LLC, but said the company "won't let me stop even though it's terrible for my brand".{{Cite web |last=Robson |first=Shay |date=June 17, 2023 |title=MrBeast "moving on" from Beast Burger restaurants after just two years |url=https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/mrbeast-moving-on-from-beast-burger-restaurants-after-just-two-years-2180833/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618160643/https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/mrbeast-moving-on-from-beast-burger-restaurants-after-just-two-years-2180833/ |archive-date=June 18, 2023 |access-date=June 18, 2023 |website=Dexerto}}{{Cite web |last=Das Mahapatra |first=Tuhin |date=June 20, 2023 |title='I can't guarantee the quality of the order,' MrBeast regrets launching Beast Burger, Shifts focus to feastables amid |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/i-cant-guarantee-the-quality-of-the-order-mrbeast-regrets-launching-beast-burger-shifts-focus-to-feastables-amid-101687260817971.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627215226/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/i-cant-guarantee-the-quality-of-the-order-mrbeast-regrets-launching-beast-burger-shifts-focus-to-feastables-amid-101687260817971.html |archive-date=June 27, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Strozewski |first=Zoe |date=June 21, 2023 |title=Controversial Burger Brand MrBeast May Be Closing Up Shop |url=https://www.eatthis.com/mrbeast-burger-may-be-closing-up-shop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627215227/https://www.eatthis.com/mrbeast-burger-may-be-closing-up-shop/ |archive-date=June 27, 2023 |access-date=June 27, 2023 |website=Eat This Not That |language=en}} On July 31, 2023, Donaldson sued Virtual Dining Concepts in federal court{{Cite web |date=2023-12-13 |title=MrBeast Burger food delivery service partner denies 'disparaging' allegations |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/mrbeast-burger-food-delivery-service-partner-denies-allegations-rcna129383 |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008134906/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/mrbeast-burger-food-delivery-service-partner-denies-allegations-rcna129383 |url-status=live }} to end their partnership, alleging that the company damaged Donaldson's reputation by prioritizing the expansion of the MrBeast Burger brand over food quality. Donaldson also claimed he received no payment from the partnership.{{Cite web |last=Sato |first=Mia |date=July 31, 2023 |title=MrBeast is suing his ghost kitchen partner over "inedible" MrBeast Burgers |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/31/23814558/mrbeast-sues-ghost-kitchen-partner-burger-virtual-dining-concepts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801183616/https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/31/23814558/mrbeast-sues-ghost-kitchen-partner-burger-virtual-dining-concepts |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |access-date=August 1, 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Gerken |first=Tom |date=August 1, 2023 |title=MrBeast sues fast food company over 'revolting' burger |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66372675 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801185524/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66372675 |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |access-date=August 1, 2023 |publisher=BBC News |language=en-GB}} Virtual Dining Concepts disputed the claims, stating Donaldson had grown his reputation due to the MrBeast Burger brand, and accused Donaldson of attempting a new deal for personal gain and resorting to "bullying" when rejected.{{Cite news |last=Gerken |first=Tom |date=August 2, 2023 |title=MrBeast Burger firm accuses YouTuber of 'bullying' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66372677 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803215740/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-66372677 |archive-date=August 3, 2023 |access-date=August 3, 2023 |publisher=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

One week later, on August 7, Virtual Dining Concepts and its subsidiary, Celebrity Virtual Dining, LLC, filed a counter-suit against Donaldson and his company Beast Investments for allegedly breaching agreements, failing to honor his contractual obligations, as well as intentional tortious interference, with damages exceeding $100 million.{{Cite web |last=Wagmeister |first=Elizabeth |date=2023-08-07 |title=YouTube Superstar MrBeast Sued for $100 Million by Company Behind His Virtual Burger Restaurant Chain |url=https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/mr-beast-sued-burger-company-100-million-1235689127/ |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=January 21, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121031832/https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/mr-beast-sued-burger-company-100-million-1235689127/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-07 |title=After MrBeast sued his food delivery partner, the company sued him back |url=https://www.today.com/food/news/mrbeast-virtual-dining-concepts-lawsuits-rcna98550 |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=TODAY.com |language=en |archive-date=April 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418005521/https://www.today.com/food/news/mrbeast-virtual-dining-concepts-lawsuits-rcna98550 |url-status=live }} Donaldson later dropped his lawsuit to refile the case in a state court. As of January 2025, the lawsuit is still ongoing.

On July 24, 2024, Donaldson removed Ava Kris Tyson, one of the original cast members, from the MrBeast brand following allegations against Tyson of sexual misconduct with multiple minors and of pressuring a former employee to perform sexual acts.{{Cite magazine |last=Asarch |first=Steven |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Ava Kris Tyson 'Used Me': Former MrBeast Collaborator Accused of Sexual Misconduct |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/ava-kris-tyson-mrbeast-sexual-misconduct-claims-1235075537/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808052706/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/ava-kris-tyson-mrbeast-sexual-misconduct-claims-1235075537/ |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=August 8, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} Tyson responded by putting out her own statement, saying she willingly stepped away and that her decision to leave was mutual.{{Cite web |last=Haring |first=Bruce |date=July 24, 2024 |title=MrBeast Co-Host Steps Aside After Allegations Of Grooming A Minor |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/mrbeast-co-host-steps-aside-allegations-grooming-minor-1236021014/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725005459/https://deadline.com/2024/07/mrbeast-co-host-steps-aside-allegations-grooming-minor-1236021014/ |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |access-date=July 25, 2024 |website=Deadline}}{{Cite web |last=Parkel |first=Inga |date=July 25, 2024 |title=MrBeast 'disgusted' by grooming accusations against longtime collaborator Ava Kris Tyson |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/mrbeast-ava-kris-tyson-grooming-b2585844.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725165618/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/mrbeast-ava-kris-tyson-grooming-b2585844.html |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |access-date=July 25, 2024 |website=The Independent}} Tyson defended herself, stating that she had never gone beyond making "bad edgy jokes".

One of the alleged victims, going by the name LavaGS online, initially responded to the allegations by denying that he had been groomed, referring to it as "massive lies and twisting the truth", and claimed that Tyson had only "made a few edgy jokes", reaffirming Tyson's own claims.{{cite news |last=Donnelly |first=Dylan |date=July 24, 2024 |title=MrBeast's co-host Ava Kris Tyson quits YouTube channel and denies grooming allegations |url=https://news.sky.com/story/mrbeasts-co-host-ava-kris-tyson-quits-youtube-channel-and-denies-grooming-allegations-13184319 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724162540/https://news.sky.com/story/mrbeasts-co-host-ava-kris-tyson-quits-youtube-channel-and-denies-grooming-allegations-13184319 |archive-date=July 24, 2024 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |work=Sky News}}{{Cite news |last=Collins |first=Riyah |date=July 24, 2024 |title=MrBeast co-host Ava Kris Tyson quits over grooming claims |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw8y2w5n220o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724101642/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw8y2w5n220o |archive-date=July 24, 2024 |access-date=July 24, 2024 |publisher=BBC News |language=en-GB}} He later rescinded the statement, said that the conversations were inappropriate for his age, and acknowledged that he was a minor who did not recognize the wrongdoing at the time.{{Cite web |last=Haring |first=Bruce |date=July 27, 2024 |title=MrBeast Co-Host's Alleged Grooming Victim Changes Tune, Condemns Interactions |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/mrbeast-co-hosts-alleged-grooming-victim-changes-tune-1236024442/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727040738/https://deadline.com/2024/07/mrbeast-co-hosts-alleged-grooming-victim-changes-tune-1236024442/ |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |access-date=July 27, 2024 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} He then rescinded his previous rescission by stating, "It was incredibly difficult having my name thrown around in a public forum without being given the opportunity to share the truth. Thankfully the people doing the investigation actually did reach out and gave me the opportunity to tell the truth, which I very much appreciated. I was not groomed, these were false allegations made up by other people with my name thrown in them."

Donaldson released a statement saying he was hiring an independent investigator to look further into the matter.{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Riyah |date=July 25, 2024 |title=MrBeast hires investigators over Ava Kris Tyson grooming claims |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgr5pgevr39o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725083618/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgr5pgevr39o |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |access-date=July 25, 2024 |publisher=BBC News |language=en-GB}} On November 1, 2024, the law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan concluded the allegations against Tyson were baseless after conducting "39 interviews of current and former employees" and reviewing "over 4.5 million documents from mobile phones, emails, Telegrams, Discords, WhatsApps and Slack". The law firm reported, "The allegations were soundly rejected, including by alleged victims."{{Cite web |last1=Melas |first1=Chloe |last2=Tolentino |first2=Daysia |date=2024-11-01 |title=Sexual misconduct allegations directed at former MrBeast collaborator are baseless, law firm probe finds |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/mrbeast-jimmy-donaldson-allegations-legal-probe-findings-rcna178416 |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=NBC News |language=en}} These alleged victims have commented on the allegations as "massive lies", with one saying, "People used my name to make very serious allegations and claims without ever speaking to me."{{Cite web |date=2024-11-02 |title=MrBeast: Lawyers find grooming claims against YouTube co-host baseless |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxrn5k22p4o |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

On July 24, 2024, one of Donaldson's former employees, DogPack404, released a video on his YouTube channel accusing Donaldson of rigging contests, running illegal lotteries, faking his videos, faking signatures, and deceiving his fans.{{cite news |last1=Pollard |first1=James |last2=Beaty |first2=Thalia |date=July 31, 2024 |title=MrBeast, YouTube's biggest star, acknowledges past 'inappropriate language' as controversies swirl |url=https://apnews.com/article/mrbeast-jimmy-donaldson-allegations-philanthropy-feastibles-742306d7c77e2eca8d895bf439790c69 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803131057/https://apnews.com/article/mrbeast-jimmy-donaldson-allegations-philanthropy-feastibles-742306d7c77e2eca8d895bf439790c69 |archive-date=August 3, 2024 |access-date=August 4, 2024 |publisher=Associated Press |location=New York |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Marshall |first1=Cass |date=August 2, 2024 |title=MrBeast's new social media firestorms, explained |url=https://www.polygon.com/24211562/mrbeast-recent-controversies-ava-kris-tyson-fraud-video-beast-games |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803013052/https://www.polygon.com/24211562/mrbeast-recent-controversies-ava-kris-tyson-fraud-video-beast-games |archive-date=August 3, 2024 |access-date=August 3, 2024 |website=Polygon}}

In a second video, DogPack404 interviewed another former employee, Jake Weddle, who described poor working conditions, including not being allowed to sleep, which caused him to develop insomnia. The employee also stated that Donaldson hired Jake Franklin's brother-in-law, nicknamed "Delaware", despite knowing he was a registered sex offender who had been charged with assaulting an 11-year-old child.{{Cite web |last=Ettinger |first=Marlon |date=2024-08-09 |title=Who is Delaware, the alleged sex offender in multiple MrBeast videos? |url=https://www.dailydot.com/debug/mrbeast-delaware-sex-offender/ |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=The Daily Dot |language=en-US |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240809233416/https://www.dailydot.com/debug/mrbeast-delaware-sex-offender/ |url-status=live }} Franklin later claimed that he felt Delaware did "nothing wrong", in regards to the assault of the minor. DogPack404 also claimed that during the filming of one video, multiple women came forward with complaints about Donaldson's cameraman, who allegedly attempted to get them high on paint fumes and sexually assault them.{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Alexandria |date=August 8, 2024 |title=Alarming New Allegations Against MrBeast Arise From Former Employee |url=https://www.themarysue.com/mrbeast-jake-weddle-controversy-explained/ |access-date=August 8, 2024 |website=The Mary Sue |archive-date=September 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240918102037/https://www.themarysue.com/mrbeast-jake-weddle-controversy-explained/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main article|Beast Games lawsuit}}

In September 2024, a class action lawsuit on behalf of five former contestants of Beast Games was filed against Donaldson, Amazon, and associated production companies in Los Angeles Superior Court.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Beast Games allegations 'blown out of proportion' says YouTuber |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yxnddeyl0o |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213134849/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yxnddeyl0o |url-status=live }} The lawsuit alleged that the Beast Games contestants experienced widespread mistreatment, sexual harassment, and unpaid expenses and wages.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2024-09-18 |title=MrBeast, Amazon Sued by Contestants on 'Beast Games' Competition Show, With Allegations Including Sexual Harassment and 'Chronic Mistreatment' |url=https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/mrbeast-amazon-sued-beast-games-contestants-class-action-1236148181/ |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=November 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125040103/https://variety.com/2024/digital/news/mrbeast-amazon-sued-beast-games-contestants-class-action-1236148181/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Kircher |first=Madison Malone |date=2024-09-18 |title='Beast Games' Contestants File Lawsuit Claiming 'Dangerous Conditions' on Set |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/style/mrbeast-reality-show-lawsuit.html |access-date=2024-10-27 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=November 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122235731/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/style/mrbeast-reality-show-lawsuit.html |url-status=live }} The lawsuit also alleged that these violations occurred to gain Nevada tax credits: "Plaintiffs and the Proposed Class [were forced] to enter into illegal contracts and provid[e] false information to the State of Nevada to obtain unearned tax credits."{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=2024-09-18 |title=MrBeast & Amazon Hit With Sexual Harassment, Wages & Nevada Tax Credits-Scamming Class Action Suit By Game Show Contestants |url=https://deadline.com/2024/09/mrbeast-sexual-harassment-wages-lawsuit-amazon-1236092640/ |access-date=2024-10-06 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=September 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240926162826/https://deadline.com/2024/09/mrbeast-sexual-harassment-wages-lawsuit-amazon-1236092640/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|Team Trees}}

File:Team Trees logo.svg]]

On October 25, 2019, Donaldson and fellow YouTuber Mark Rober announced a collaborative fundraising challenge event on YouTube called #TeamTrees. This project aimed to raise $20 million for the Arbor Day Foundation by January 1, 2020, and plant trees "no later than December 2022". Every donation was said to go to the Arbor Day Foundation, which pledged to plant one tree for every dollar donated. Notable YouTubers such as Rhett & Link, Marshmello, iJustine, Marques Brownlee, The Slow Mo Guys, Ninja, Simone Giertz, Jacksepticeye, and Smarter Every Day brought attention to the project, and the foundation began planting trees in October 2019 in U.S. national parks.{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=October 25, 2019 |title=MrBeast partners with more than 600 YouTubers, including PewDiePie and MKBHD, to plant 20 million trees |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/25/20926852/mrbeast-teamtrees-charity-donations-pewdiepie-mkbhd-youtube-trending-tree-planting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028221715/https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/25/20926852/mrbeast-teamtrees-charity-donations-pewdiepie-mkbhd-youtube-trending-tree-planting |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |access-date=October 30, 2019 |website=The Verge}}{{Cite web |last=Tenbarge |first=Ken |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Here's why the top YouTubers from all corners of the platform are talking about planting 20 million trees for #TeamTrees |url=https://www.insider.com/why-top-youtubers-talking-about-planting-20-million-team-trees-2019-10 |access-date=October 30, 2019 |website=Insider Inc. |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416215304/https://www.insider.com/why-top-youtubers-talking-about-planting-20-million-team-trees-2019-10 |url-status=live }}

On December 19 of that year, the fundraiser surpassed the $20 million goal.{{Cite web |title=TeamTrees |url=https://www.facebook.com/teamtreesofficial/photos/a.127395948672470/153160966095968/?type=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015121111/https://www.facebook.com/teamtreesofficial/photos/a.127395948672470/153160966095968/?type=3 |archive-date=October 15, 2020 |access-date=December 19, 2019 |website=Facebook |language=en}} The project received large donations from corporate executives Jack Dorsey, Susan Wojcicki, Elon Musk,{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=David |date=October 30, 2019 |title=YouTube star MrBeast wants to plant 20 million trees. Elon Musk, Jack Dorsey, and more are helping him do it. |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/30/us/youtube-mrbeast-trees-trnd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030234714/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/30/us/youtube-mrbeast-trees-trnd/ |archive-date=October 30, 2019 |access-date=October 31, 2019 |website=CNN}} and Tobias Lütke,{{Cite web |last=Leskin |first=Paige |date=November 10, 2019 |title=A YouTuber launched a viral campaign to plant 20 million trees by 2020. Here's the list of prominent people who have donated, including Elon Musk, Jeffree Star, and other tech CEOs and YouTube personalities |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-pewdiepie-jeffree-star-donate-mrbeast-youtube-tree-planting-2019-10?r=US&IR=T |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015121018/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/elon-musk-pewdiepie-jeffree-star-donate-mrbeast-youtube-tree-planting-2019-10?r=US&IR=T |archive-date=October 15, 2020 |access-date=November 19, 2019 |website=Business Insider}} as well as companies such as Discovery, Verizon, and PopCap. Tobias Lütke, founder and CEO of Shopify, holds the record for the largest donation at 1,000,001 trees planted.{{Cite web |title=Team Trees leaderboard |url=https://teamtrees.org// |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211125910/https://teamtrees.org/ |archive-date=February 11, 2023 |access-date=February 11, 2023 |website=teamseas}} {{As of|2025|3}}, the original goal of 20 million trees had been far surpassed, with over 24.8 million trees planted.

{{main|Team Seas}}

File:TeamSeasLogo.png]]

On October 29, 2021, Donaldson and Rober organized another collaborative challenge event on YouTube titled #TeamSeas. This project aimed to raise $30{{Nbsp}}million for the Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Cleanup by January 1, 2022. The $30 million goal would fund the removal of 30 million pounds of plastic and other waste from oceans, rivers, and beaches. Donaldson and Rober enlisted thousands of content creators, including AzzyLand, DanTDM, TommyInnit, LinusTechTips, TierZoo, LEMMiNO, The Infographics Show, Hannah Stocking, Dhar Mann, and Marques Brownlee. They partnered with BEN and TubeBuddy's eight million global creators initiative to promote the fundraiser.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=October 29, 2021 |title=YouTubers MrBeast, Mark Rober Reteam for 'TeamSeas' Charity Fundraiser to Clean Up Trash From Marine Environments |url=https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/mrbeast-mark-rober-teamseas-1235100310/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029204012/https://variety.com/2021/digital/news/mrbeast-mark-rober-teamseas-1235100310/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=October 29, 2021 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Grace |date=October 29, 2021 |title=#TeamSeas: YouTubers MrBeast and Mark Rober pledge to remove 30 million pounds of trash from the ocean |url=https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/creator-economy-mrbeast-mark-rober-teamseas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029232239/https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/creator-economy-mrbeast-mark-rober-teamseas/ |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=October 30, 2021 |website=The Daily Dot |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=James |date=October 29, 2021 |title=MrBeast And Mark Rober's #TeamSeas Is Raising $30 Million For Ocean Cleanup |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/10/29/mrbeast-mark-rober-teamseas-fundraiser/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031123058/https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/10/29/mrbeast-mark-rober-teamseas-fundraiser/ |archive-date=October 31, 2021 |access-date=October 31, 2021 |website=Tubefilter |language=en-US}}

{{As of|2025|02}}, the original $30{{Nbsp}}million goal has been surpassed, with more than $34{{Nbsp}}million raised.{{Cite web |title=Team Trees count |url=https://teamseas.org |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605000353/https://teamseas.org// |archive-date=June 5, 2024 |access-date=June 5, 2024 |website=www.teamseas.org}}

File:Turkey Giveaway Event (51665254115).jpg received Thanksgiving meals as part of an initiative by Beast Philanthropy and Jennie-O.{{cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Mark |title=YouTube star MrBeast rethinks old notions of philanthropy |url=https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-technology-lifestyle-business-greenville-6a9751477b7376afd3962371ff11213e |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=AP News |date=December 16, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117182148/https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-technology-lifestyle-business-greenville-6a9751477b7376afd3962371ff11213e |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Molle |first=Claire |title=YouTube star Mr. Beast holds event to give away 10,000 free turkeys in Greenville |url=https://www.wnct.com/local-news/greenville/youtube-star-holds-event-to-give-away-10-thousand-free-turkeys-in-greenville/ |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=WNCT |date=November 7, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726124320/https://www.wnct.com/local-news/greenville/youtube-star-holds-event-to-give-away-10-thousand-free-turkeys-in-greenville/ |url-status=live }}]]

On September 17, 2020, Donaldson created the YouTube channel Beast Philanthropy.{{Cite web |title=Beast Philanthropy – YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAiLfjNXkNv24uhpzUgPa6A/about |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423185906/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAiLfjNXkNv24uhpzUgPa6A/about |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |access-date=April 23, 2021 |via=YouTube}} In the channel's first video, Donaldson announced the charity and food bank and named Darren Margolias, who appeared previously as an executive director.{{Cite web |title=MrBeast 3 - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZzvDDvaYti8Dd8bLEiSoyQ/about |access-date=November 11, 2022 |website=YouTube.com |archive-date=November 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111173256/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZzvDDvaYti8Dd8bLEiSoyQ/about |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hale |first=James |date=March 26, 2021 |title=MrBeast Opens His Own Food Bank, Shares Details On 'Beast Philanthropy' |url=https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/03/26/mrbeast-philanthropy-food-pantry-youtube-donations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423185905/https://www.tubefilter.com/2021/03/26/mrbeast-philanthropy-food-pantry-youtube-donations/ |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |access-date=April 23, 2021 |website=Tubefilter.com}} According to the channel's description, it donates 100% of its advertising revenue, brand deals, and merchandise sales to charity.

Notable initiatives by Beast Philanthropy include giving away 10,000 turkeys to his hometown of Greenville, donating 20,000 shoes to children in Africa,{{cite news |last=Mtembu |first=Xolile |title="Kindness is part of Mr Beast's DNA and he's determined to use his wealth to help improve the world" |url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/careers/kindness-is-part-of-mr-beasts-dna-and-hes-determined-to-use-his-wealth-to-help-improve-the-world-5fe2e287-714a-47d5-88e7-ffe90169fac7 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |work=IOL |date=March 15, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726124320/https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/careers/kindness-is-part-of-mr-beasts-dna-and-hes-determined-to-use-his-wealth-to-help-improve-the-world-5fe2e287-714a-47d5-88e7-ffe90169fac7 |url-status=live }} building 100 wells in Africa for villages with limited access to clean water,{{Cite web |last=Busari |first=Issy Ronald, Stephanie |date=November 6, 2023 |title=MrBeast builds 100 wells in Africa, attracting praise – and some criticism |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/06/africa/mrbeast-100-wells-africa-intl-scli/index.html |access-date=November 22, 2023 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=November 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122232429/https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/06/africa/mrbeast-100-wells-africa-intl-scli/index.html |url-status=live }} and gifting $300,000 worth of technology to various schools.{{cite web |last=Ward |first=Erin |title=YouTube star MrBeast donates tech to ECU students |url=https://news.ecu.edu/2021/06/08/youtube-star-mrbeast-donates-tech-to-ecu-students/ |website=ECU News Services |date=June 8, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726124323/https://news.ecu.edu/2021/06/08/youtube-star-mrbeast-donates-tech-to-ecu-students/ |url-status=live }}

Donaldson describes himself as an introvert and admits struggling to maintain a social life due to his intense focus on YouTube and work ethic. His mother, Sue, attributes his withdrawn lifestyle to their frequent relocations and his struggles with Crohn's disease.

Donaldson dated YouTuber Maddy Spidell from 2019 to 2022 and began dating gaming streamer Thea Booysen in 2022.{{cite web |last=Cheong |first=Charissa |title=Everything we know about MrBeast's rumored relationship with a Twitch streamer who says she met him 'by accident' |url=https://www.insider.com/mrbeast-thea-booysen-timeline-rumored-relationship-2022-12 |website=Insider |access-date=August 2, 2023}}{{cite news |last=Mussen |first=Maddy |title=MrBeast: the YouTuber on track to become a billionaire |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/mrbeast-youtube-net-worth-bio-studio-friend-chris-tyson-girlfriend-b1074966.html |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=Evening Standard |date=June 29, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804195557/https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/mrbeast-youtube-net-worth-bio-studio-friend-chris-tyson-girlfriend-b1074966.html |url-status=live }} On January 1, 2025, he announced his engagement to Booysen, which began on December 25, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Rosenbloom |first=Alli |date=2025-01-01 |title=MrBeast and Thea Booysen are engaged |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/01/entertainment/mrbeast-thea-booysen-engaged |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250108175444/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/01/entertainment/mrbeast-thea-booysen-engaged/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Coffey-Behrens |first=Kelly |date=2025-01-01 |title=MrBeast is Now Engaged |url=https://gamerant.com/mrbeast-engagement-announcement/ |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}

In June 2023, after the OceanGate submersible Titan imploded in the Atlantic Ocean during a tourist expedition to the wreck of the Titanic, which killed all five passengers, Donaldson claimed that he had been invited on the expedition but had declined the offer.{{Cite news |last=Rosenbloom |first=Alli |date=June 25, 2023 |title=MrBeast says he declined to join submersible trip: 'Kind of scary that I could have been on it' |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/25/entertainment/mrbeast-titan-submersible/index.html |access-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628034941/https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/25/entertainment/mrbeast-titan-submersible/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Chilton |first=Louis |date=June 26, 2023 |title=MrBeast claims he turned down trip on Titanic submarine days before fatal disaster |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/mrbeast-titanic-sub-youtube-b2364139.html |access-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628034942/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/mrbeast-titanic-sub-youtube-b2364139.html |url-status=live }}

Donaldson has stated that he is apolitical because he wants to avoid alienating his audience, which would interfere with his charity goal. On a podcast in September 2022, Donaldson commented that he would consider running for president of the United States "in like 20 years", adding that the U.S. is "due for younger presidents".{{cite web |last=Shapero |first=Julia |date=October 6, 2022 |title=YouTube giant MrBeast considering a White House run in 20 years |url=https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/3676237-youtube-giant-mrbeast-considering-a-white-house-run-in-20-years/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401060629/https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/3676237-youtube-giant-mrbeast-considering-a-white-house-run-in-20-years/ |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |access-date=April 18, 2023 |website=The Hill}}{{Cite web |last=Cheong |first=Charissa |title=YouTube star MrBeast said he will 'probably' run for President in his mid-40s and plans to win the election by giving away all of his money |url=https://www.insider.com/mrbeast-president-mid-40s-2022-9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808165658/https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-president-mid-40s-2022-9 |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |access-date=June 13, 2023 |website=Insider |language=en-US}} On July 6, 2024, during the 2024 presidential election, Donaldson wrote on Twitter, "If we lower the age to run for president I'll jump in the race."{{cite news |last=Dunn |first=Billie Schwab |date=July 9, 2024 |title=MrBeast's election remark takes internet by storm |url=https://www.newsweek.com/mrbeast-election-remark-viral-online-1922663 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709113030/https://www.newsweek.com/mrbeast-election-remark-viral-online-1922663 |archive-date=July 9, 2024 |access-date=July 9, 2024 |work=Newsweek |language=en}} Donaldson clarified in another Twitter post that he was reiterating his apolitical position.{{Cite web |last=Goodwin |first=Grace Eliza |date=July 11, 2024 |title=MrBeast is prepping us for his presidential run in 2036 |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-run-for-president-soon-as-old-enough-2024-7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725175938/https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-run-for-president-soon-as-old-enough-2024-7 |archive-date=July 25, 2024 |access-date=July 26, 2024 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}} However, he is close friends with Logan Paul and Jake Paul, who endorsed Trump in 2024, and he is also fan of Elon Musk.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=6&v=92ZB43XbNmM&feature=youtu.be |title=I Hugged The World's Top 100 Celebrities |date=2023-01-23 |last=Fidias |access-date=2025-04-21 |via=YouTube}}

In an April 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, Donaldson announced that he had left evangelical Christianity and identified as an agnostic theist. He revealed that he had once agreed with Christian opposition to homosexuality, influenced by his upbringing in the Bible Belt, where religion was "beat into [his] head every day". He recalled being told, "Gay people are the reason God's going to come and burn this Earth." He has since rejected those views and disavowed anti-LGBTQ rhetoric.{{Cite web |last=Darling |first=Daniel |date=April 19, 2023 |title=Reality intrudes on MrBeast |url=https://wng.org/opinions/reality-intrudes-on-mrbeast-1681905138 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422002250/https://wng.org/opinions/reality-intrudes-on-mrbeast-1681905138 |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=April 22, 2023 |website=WORLD |language=en}}

In May 2018, The Atlantic published an article on Donaldson's history of using homophobic slurs.{{Cite news |last=Lorenz |first=Taylor |author-link=Taylor Lorenz |date=May 24, 2018 |title='YouTube's Biggest Philanthropist' Has a History of Homophobic Comments |work=The Atlantic |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/05/youtubes-biggest-philanthropist-has-a-history-of-homophobic-comments/561248/ |url-status=live |access-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715091820/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2018/05/youtubes-biggest-philanthropist-has-a-history-of-homophobic-comments/561248/ |archive-date=July 15, 2019}} The article stated that Donaldson, while still a teenager, had a habit of referring to people as "fags" on Twitter and regularly treated being homosexual as a punchline and "gay" as an insult. Donaldson later removed the tweets, and in 2021, a spokesperson for Donaldson said that he had "grown up and matured into someone that doesn't speak like that".

After Ava Kris (then Chris) Tyson, Donaldson's childhood friend and employee, acknowledged in April 2023 that she was receiving feminizing hormone replacement therapy, Donaldson defended her against backlash she had received: "Yeah, this is getting absurd. Chris isn't my 'nightmare' he's{{efn|At the time of this quote, Tyson was still using the forename Chris and did not have a pronoun preference.{{cite news |last=Williamson |first=Harriet |title=YouTuber Chris Tyson breaks silence over MrBeast removal rumours |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/07/mrbeast-chris-tyson-youtube-rumours/ |access-date=2 March 2024 |work=PinkNews |date=7 May 2023 |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302090258/https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/07/mrbeast-chris-tyson-youtube-rumours/ |url-status=live }}}} my {{Sic|fucken}} friend and things are fine. All this transphobia is starting to piss me off."{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/mrbeast-transphobic-critics-chris-tyson-1234714626/ | title=MrBeast Calls Out Transphobic Backlash to Chris Tyson's Hormone Therapy | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=April 13, 2023 | access-date=February 4, 2024 | archive-date=February 4, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204002346/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/mrbeast-transphobic-critics-chris-tyson-1234714626/amp/ | url-status=live }} Tyson subsequently came out as a trans woman.{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2023 |title=MrBeast's Kris Tyson says she's 'so much happier' after six months of hormone replacement therapy |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/31/entertainment/kris-tyson-mrbeast-hormone-replacement-therapy-cec/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101012414/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/31/entertainment/kris-tyson-mrbeast-hormone-replacement-therapy-cec/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2023 |title=MrBeast's Kris Tyson Comes Out as Transgender: 'I Am a Woman! She/Her' |url=https://people.com/mrbeast-kris-tyson-comes-out-as-transgender-7564588 |website=People |access-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103193805/https://people.com/mrbeast-kris-tyson-comes-out-as-transgender-7564588 |url-status=live }}

File:VidCon_2022_Anaheim_California_YouTube_Shorts_TikTok_Mr._Beast.jpg 2022]]

Since June 2, 2024, MrBeast has been the most subscribed channel on YouTube, surpassing T-Series.{{Cite web |date=June 2, 2024 |title=MrBeast Is Now The Most Subscribed YouTuber: 'Avenged Pewdiepie' |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-buzz/mrbeast-is-now-the-most-subscribed-youtuber-surpasses-t-series-article-110631244 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |website=Times Now |language=en |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602003236/https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-buzz/mrbeast-is-now-the-most-subscribed-youtuber-surpasses-t-series-article-110631244 |url-status=live }} A February 2021 poll from Insider showed that 70% of respondents had a favorable view of him, compared to 12% who had an unfavorable view.{{Cite web |last=Asarch |first=Steven |date=February 16, 2021 |title=POWER RANKING: the 10 most well-liked influencers on the internet |url=https://www.insider.com/most-liked-influencers-insider-data-mrbeast-markiplier-corpse-2021-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084324/https://www.insider.com/most-liked-influencers-insider-data-mrbeast-markiplier-corpse-2021-2 |archive-date=February 24, 2022 |access-date=May 6, 2021 |website=Insider |language=en-US}} His channel appeals strongly to younger viewers.{{cite magazine |last=Espada |first=Mariah |title=Why MrBeast's New Video Became The Second Most Watched in 24 Hours in YouTube History |url=https://time.com/6287028/mrbeast-youtube-views-record/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |magazine=Time |date=June 13, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031839/https://time.com/6287028/mrbeast-youtube-views-record/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Frost |first=Alexandra |title=Kids obsessed with MrBeast? Here's what parents should know about the hugely popular YouTuber. |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/kids-obsessed-mrbeast-heres-parents-150025606.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |work=Yahoo Life |date=May 24, 2023 |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209033825/https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/kids-obsessed-mrbeast-heres-parents-150025606.html |url-status=live }} Donaldson also builds a parasocial relationship with his viewers by "looking directly at the camera and talking to the audience" and displaying himself as "an exciting, relatable, authentic, down-to-earth person".{{cite news |last=Karimi |first=Faith |title=Behind the staggering success of MrBeast |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/15/entertainment/mrbeast-youtube-jimmy-donaldson-cec/index.html |access-date=November 25, 2023 |work=CNN |date=July 15, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204044331/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/15/entertainment/mrbeast-youtube-jimmy-donaldson-cec/index.html |url-status=live }}

However, some critics have questioned Donaldson's motives and ethics. Users on social media accused Donaldson of exploiting poverty for views, deeming his content "charity porn".{{cite news |last=Benton |first=Charlotte |title=MrBeast: Why has YouTuber faced criticism for blind surgery video? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-64490431 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |publisher=BBC |date=February 1, 2023 |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202132542/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-64490431 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Ryu |first=Jenna |title=A YouTuber cured 1,000 blind people for a video. But is it performative altruism? |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/02/01/mrbeast-cures-blind-people-video-why-its-receiving-backlash/11161719002/ |work=USA TODAY |access-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201232745/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/02/01/mrbeast-cures-blind-people-video-why-its-receiving-backlash/11161719002/ |url-status=live }} His philanthropy has been criticized for not addressing the root causes of systemic inequality.{{cite news |last=Thompson |first=Oliver |title=MrBeast's charitable efforts have helped thousands. But is his approach to philanthropy problematic? |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/mr-beast-charity-controversy-1.6846810 |access-date=November 25, 2023 |work=CBC |date=May 28, 2023 |archive-date=August 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805185921/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/tapestry/mr-beast-charity-controversy-1.6846810 |url-status=live }} In response, Donaldson claimed that he does not profit from Beast Philanthropy or its videos and that all revenue goes towards charity. He also stressed the importance of the government's role in solving systemic issues.{{cite news |last=Mohammed |first=Leyla |title=MrBeast Hit Back At Criticism Of His Video Paying For Blind People's Surgeries After Being Called Exploitative |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/leylamohammed/youtuber-mrbeast-responds-criticism-curing-blindness-video |access-date=November 25, 2023 |work=BuzzFeed News |date=January 31, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818195635/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/leylamohammed/youtuber-mrbeast-responds-criticism-curing-blindness-video |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Weiss |first=Geoff |title=MrBeast is pushing back against criticism for his latest charity stunt, as viewers are outraged that he keeps getting bashed for doing good deeds |url=https://www.insider.com/twitter-decries-mrbeast-backlash-amid-latest-shoes-charity-video-2023-3 |access-date=November 25, 2023 |work=Insider |date=March 10, 2023 |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808165601/https://www.businessinsider.com/twitter-decries-mrbeast-backlash-amid-latest-shoes-charity-video-2023-3 |url-status=live }}

According to Charissa Cheong of Insider, Donaldson becoming the most-subscribed YouTuber marks a shift in YouTube content away from traditional vlogging towards elaborate high-production videos that create a more "television-like experience". She wrote, "the future of YouTube content will likely look more 'experimental' now that Donaldson's high-stakes challenges are performing so well. Creators are going to keep trying to 'push the boundaries of what is possible' by trying new and 'extreme' formats and genres."{{Cite web |last=Cheong |first=Charissa |title=MrBeast just became the biggest YouTuber in the world. His ascension marks the death of old YouTube and the rise of 'over-the-top' content. |url=https://www.insider.com/mrbeast-pewdiepie-death-old-youtube-experts-2022-11 |access-date=November 25, 2023 |website=Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=August 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808165700/https://www.businessinsider.com/mrbeast-pewdiepie-death-old-youtube-experts-2022-11 |url-status=live }} Fellow YouTuber and former NASA engineer Mark Rober wrote that Donaldson is "constantly raising the bar for creators whether it's through re-creating Squid Game in real life or paying for the eye surgeries of 1,000 blind people".{{Cite magazine |date=April 13, 2023 |title=MrBeast: The 100 Most Influential People of 2023 |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6270005/mrbeast-jimmy-donaldson/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |magazine=Time |language=en |archive-date=April 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413144911/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2023/6270005/mrbeast-jimmy-donaldson/ |url-status=live }} Donaldson has inspired many young YouTubers. His "extreme challenge videos" have influenced other YouTubers like Fidias and Airrack, who have made videos in a similar style.{{cite news |last=Youshaei |first=Jon |title=The MrBeast Blueprint: How YouTube Stars Like Matthew Beem Went Broke For Their Big Break |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonyoushaei/2023/09/24/the-mrbeast-blueprint-how-youtube-stars-like-matthew-beem-went-broke-for-their-big-break/?sh=64dc9ae6594e |access-date=November 25, 2023 |work=Forbes |date=September 24, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=November 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125104112/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonyoushaei/2023/09/24/the-mrbeast-blueprint-how-youtube-stars-like-matthew-beem-went-broke-for-their-big-break/?sh=64dc9ae6594e |url-status=live }}

• List of YouTubers
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