The creator economy reaches a historic milestone in 2026. According to Forbes’ 2026 Top Creators list, the world’s 50 highest-earning social media stars earned a combined $1.02 billion between March 2025 and March 2026, marking the first time their collective earnings have surpassed the $1 billion mark.
The total represents a 20 percent increase from the $853 million earned by top creators in 2025 and an 80 percent jump from the inaugural rankings in 2022. The list, unveiled during the Cannes Lions festival in France, highlights how digital creators are evolving into major media companies, attracting billions of followers and competing directly with traditional entertainment companies.For the fifth year in a row, MrBeast has maintained the top spot in Forbes magazine’s annual rankings.
The YouTube star, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is estimated to have earned $300 million over the past year through his content empire, which includes Feastables, Lunchly, Viewstats and Amazon Prime’s Beast Games.Dhar Mann took second place with estimated profits of $65 million, while businessman and podcast host Stephen Bartlett took third place with estimated profits of $52 million. Other familiar names in the top 20 include Markiplier, Rhett & Link, Charli D’Amelio, Drusky, iShowspeed, Mark Robert, Cody Sanchez, Javi Lamy, Alex Earle and Rebecca Zamolo.
The 2026 list also welcomed many 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. Its inclusion highlights how opportunities in digital media now extend beyond traditional entertainment categories.
Who made Forbes’ list of the best innovators of 2026?
- MrBeast – YouTube’s largest content creator known for large-scale challenges, charity work, and business ventures.
- Ther Man – Creator of motivational short films and founder of Ther Man Studios.
- Stephen Bartlett – Entrepreneur and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast.
- Markiplier – Game creator, filmmaker, and podcast host.
- Rhett and Link – the comedy duo behind Good Mythical Morning.
- Charli D’Amelio – Social media star turned entertainment personality and fashion personality.
- Drusky – Comedian known for viral sketches and celebrity collaborations.
- IShowSpeed – a live streaming sensation famous for its gaming and football content.
- Mark Robert – former NASA engineer and science teacher.
- Cody Sanchez – Entrepreneur focused on small business ownership and investing.
- Jake Chen – Comedian, podcaster, and social media personality.
- Brent Rivera – Entertainer known for pranks and challenges.
- Adam W. – Creator of world-famous visual comedy sketches.
- Geiser – Basketball creator and sports artist.
- Khaby Lame – TikTok star known for his silent reaction videos.
- Alex Earle – Lifestyle and beauty influencer.
- Micaela Nogueira – Beauty creator and cosmetics entrepreneur.
- Stokes Twins – Twin creators known for large-scale stunts and challenges.
- Nick DiGiovanni – Celebrity chef and food content creator.
- Rebecca Zamolo – Family-friendly YouTube creator and entrepreneur.
- MrBallen – A former US Navy SEAL turned true crime storyteller.
- Drew Afwalo – Commentator and podcaster known for social commentary.
- Halle Bailey – Creator and model known for her comedy and fashion content.
- Ms. Rachel – a children’s teacher and one of the biggest names in children’s media.
- Alan Chicken Chow – Creator of the popular written series Alan’s Universe.
- Typical Gamer – Game creator and entrepreneur who focuses on Fortnite and streaming content.
- Marquis Brownlee – Influential technology reviewer and YouTube personality.
- Nurse June – A nurse turned comedian with a global fan base.
- Tana Mongeau – Internet personality, podcaster, and entrepreneur.
- Josh Richards – Creator and entrepreneur known for comedic trends and content.
- Dixie D’Amelio – Singer, Influencer, and Entrepreneur.
- Danny Austin – lifestyle innovator and founder of hair care brand Divi.
- Nara Smith – Cooking and lifestyle creator known for her homemade recipes.
- Lexi Rivera – Influencer famous 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 rose to fame through her food content.
- James Dumoulin – Financial educator and face of the School of Hard Knocks.
- Brooke Monk – Lifestyle and comedy creator with a large online following.
- Hannah Stocking – Creator and comedian known for her viral sketches.
- Erika Kohlberg – Former lawyer turned personal finance guru.
- Ashton Hall – Fitness entrepreneur known for his viral health routines.
- Leah Kateb – Reality TV personality and entrepreneur.
- Katie Fang – Lifestyle creator known for her popular “Get Ready With Me” videos.
- Anna Sitar – Travel and lifestyle influencer with millions of followers.
- Vivian Tu – Financial guru known online as “Your Rich Friend.”
- Jordan The Stallion – Food creator known for recipes and restaurant content.
- Anwar Jabawi – a comedy creator with an international audience.
- iJustine – Veteran technology builder covering gadgets and consumer electronics.
- Steven Hee – Comedian known for sketches inspired by Asian family culture.
- Logan Moffitt – Food creator who built a following through simple recipe videos.