5 Richest YouTubers in the World (And How They Make Millions)
YouTube isn’t just a platform for entertainment—it’s a money-making machine. Some creators have turned their channels into multi-million-dollar businesses, earning from ads, sponsorships, merchandise, and even their own companies.
In this guide, we’ll break down the richest YouTubers in the world, how they built their wealth, and what you can learn from them.
Let’s dive in.
1. MrBeast – $500 Million+ Net Worth
Subscribers: 200M+
Main Niche: Challenges, philanthropy, business ventures
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is the richest YouTuber in the world. He doesn’t just make videos—he builds businesses, gives away millions, and reinvests every dollar into creating bigger and better content.
How He Makes Money:
- YouTube Ad Revenue – His videos get 100M+ views each, generating massive ad earnings.
- Sponsorships – Brands pay up to $1M per video for promotions.
- Merch Sales (Beast Apparel) – A huge revenue driver.
- Mrs Beast Burgers & Feastables – His food brands bring in millions.
- International Channels – He translates content into multiple languages, expanding his reach.
Key Takeaway: MrBeast reinvests almost everything into scaling his content and businesses—a growth strategy that skyrocketed his success.
2. PewDiePie – $120 Million Net Worth
Subscribers: 111M+
Main Niche: Gaming, reaction videos, lifestyle
Felix Kjellberg, aka PewDiePie, dominated YouTube for over a decade. While he’s no longer uploading daily, his brand and legacy continue to generate income.
How He Makes Money:
- YouTube Ads – His past videos still rake in cash.
- Brand Sponsorships – Even at a reduced pace, he commands premium deals.
- Merch (Tsuki Clothing) – A high-end fashion brand with his wife.
- Affiliate Marketing & Investments – Passive income streams add to his wealth.
Key Takeaway: Building a strong personal brand can keep earning you money—even after stepping away.
3. Jake Paul – $110 Million Net Worth
Subscribers: 20M+
Main Niche: Boxing, vlogging, entertainment
Jake Paul leveraged YouTube fame into a boxing career—and it worked. His fights bring in millions, and he’s built a brand beyond social media.
How He Makes Money:
- YouTube Ad Revenue & Sponsorships – Still a steady income source.xing Pay-Per-View (PPV) Fights – Earned $40M+ in 2022 alone.
- Merchandise & NFTs – Sold millions in limited-edition drops.
- Investments & Startups – Dives into crypto, sports, and new businesses.
Key Takeaway: Jake proves that YouTube can be a launchpad to other high-paying careers
4. Markiplier – $105 Million Net Worth
Subscribers: 36M+
Main Niche: Gaming, entertainment, business
Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) is one of YouTube’s most trusted and consistent creators. He’s built an empire beyond gaming videos.
How He Makes Money:
- YouTube Ad Revenue & Brand Deals – Millions watch his gaming content.
- Merch (Cloak Brand) – A premium fashion brand with fellow creators.
- Podcasting & Film Projects – Expanding into Hollywood.
- Memberships & Crowdfunding – Fans pay for exclusive content.
Key Takeaway: Expanding into new media and businesses is key to long-term success.
5. Rhett & Link – $100 Million Net Worth
Subscribers: 18M+
Main Niche: Comedy, talk shows, business ventures
The duo behind Good Mythical Morning turned their channel into a full-scale media company.
How They Make Money:
- YouTube Ads & Sponsorships – Consistently high engagement.
- Mythical Entertainment – Runs multiple shows and projects.
- Merch, Books & Paid Memberships – Diversified income streams.
- Investments & Acquisitions – Buying smaller YouTube brands.
Key Takeaway: Treating YouTube like a real business can lead to massive success.
Final Thoughts: How You Can Learn from the Richest YouTubers
The richest YouTubers don’t just rely on ad revenue. They build multiple income streams, invest in businesses, and constantly innovate.
Want to start your own YouTube empire?
- Pick a niche you’re passionate about.
- Create high-quality, engaging content.
- Monetize beyond YouTube ads (merch, sponsorships, memberships).
- Stay consistent and think long-term.
You don’t need millions of subscribers to start making money—but learning from the best will speed up your success.
Which YouTuber’s strategy do you like the most? Drop a comment below!
