The 50 highest-paid creators of 2026: Collective revenue exceeds $1 billion for first time | World News
In 2026, the creator economy reached a historic milestone. According to Forbes’ 2026 Top Creators rankings, the world’s 50 highest-paid social media stars combined to generate $1.02 billion between March 2025 and March 2026, marking the first time collective revenue has exceeded the $1 billion mark. The list represents a 20% increase from the $853 million earned by top creators in 2025 and an 80% jump from the first ranking in 2022. The list, released during France’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, highlights how digital creators have grown into major media businesses, attracting billions of fans and competing directly with traditional entertainment companies.For the fifth year in a row, MrBeast has topped Forbes’ annual rankings. The YouTube star, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has made an estimated $300 million over the past year from his content empire, which includes Feastables, Lunchly, Viewstats and Amazon Prime’s Beast Games.Dhar Mann ranks second with estimated earnings of $65 million, and entrepreneur and podcast host Steven Bartlett ranks third with $52 million. Other familiar names in the top 20 include Markiplier, Rhett & Link, Charli D’Amelio, Druski, IShowSpeed, Mark Rober, Codie Sanchez, Khaby Lame, Alix Earle and Rebecca Zamolo.The 2026 list also welcomes several newcomers, reflecting the growing diversity of the creator economy. Newcomers include chef and content creator Tineke “Tini” Younger, School of Hard Knocks co-founder James Dumoulin, fitness creator Ashton Hall and Love Island USA star Leah Kateb. Their addition highlights that the opportunities in digital media now extend far beyond traditional entertainment categories.
Who makes Forbes’ list of top creators in 2026?
- MrBeast – YouTube’s largest creator, known for large-scale challenges, philanthropy, and business ventures.
- Dhar Mann – Creator of inspirational short films and founder of Dhar Mann Studios.
- Steven Bartlett – Entrepreneur and host of the CEO Diary podcast.
- Markiplier – Game creator, filmmaker and podcast host.
- Red and Link – the comedy duo behind The Morning Myth.
- Charli D’Amelio – Social media star turned entertainer and fashion celebrity.
- Druski – Comedian known for viral sketches and celebrity collaborations.
- IShowSpeed – Live streamer known for gaming and football content.
- Mark Rober – Former NASA engineer and science educator.
- Codie Sanchez – Entrepreneur specializing in small business ownership and investing.
- Jake Shane – Comedian, podcaster and social media personality.
- Brent Rivera – Entertainment creator known for his pranks and challenges.
- Adam W – Creator of the globally popular visual comedy sketches.
- Jesser – Basketball creator and sports entertainer.
- Khaby Lame – TikTok star known for his silent reaction videos.
- Alix Earle – Lifestyle and beauty influencer.
- Mikayla Nogueira – Beauty Creator and Cosmetics Entrepreneur.
- Stokes Twins – Twin creators known for their massive stunts and challenges.
- Nick DiGiovanni – Celebrity chef and food content creator.
- Rebecca Zamolo – Family-friendly YouTube creator and entrepreneur.
- MrBallen – Former Navy SEAL turned true crime storyteller.
- Drew Afualo – commentator and podcaster known for his social commentary.
- Haley Baylee – Creator and model known for comedy and fashion content.
- Ms. Rachel – Children’s educator and one of the most recognized figures in children’s media.
- Alan Chikin Chow – Creator of the popular scripted series Alan Chikin Chow.
- Typical Gamer – Game creators and entrepreneurs focused on Fortnite and streaming content.
- Marques Brownlee – Influential technology critic and YouTube personality.
- Nurse John – Nurse-turned-comedian with fans all over the world.
- Tana Mongeau – Internet personality, podcaster and entrepreneur.
- Josh Richards – Creator and entrepreneur known for trendy and comedic content.
- Dixie D’Amelio – Singer, influencer and entrepreneur.
- Dani Austin – Lifestyle creator and founder of hair care brand Divi.
- Nara Smith – Cooking and lifestyle creator known for her homemade recipes.
- Lexi Rivera – Influencer known for challenges, pranks, and lifestyle content.
- Jacksepticeye – Irish game creator and founder of Top of the Mornin’ Coffee.
- Tini Younger – Chef and cookbook author who made a name for herself through food content.
- James Dumoulin – Financial educator and Hard Knocks School representative.
- Brooke Monk – Lifestyle and comedy creator with a huge online following.
- Hannah Stocking – Comedy creator and actress known for her viral sketches.
- Erika Kullberg – Former attorney turned personal finance educator.
- Ashton Hall – Fitness entrepreneur known for his viral wellness routines.
- Leah Kateb – Reality TV personality and entrepreneur.
- Katie Fang – Lifestyle creator known for her popular “Get Ready With Me” video.
- Anna Sitar – Travel and lifestyle influencer with millions of followers.
- Vivian Tu – Financial educator, better known online as “Your Rich BFF”.
- Jordan The Stallion – Food creator known for his recipes and restaurant content.
- Anwar Jibawi – Comedy creator with a global audience.
- iJustine – Senior technology creator covering gadgets and consumer electronics.
- Steven He – Comedian known for sketches inspired by Asian family culture.
- Logan Moffitt – Food creator who has gained a following through simple recipe videos.
