Overview
- Forbes unveiled the 2026 Top Creators list on Tuesday, June 23 at the Cannes Lions Festival and reported the 50 honorees collectively earned $1.02 billion and hold about 3.6 billion followers across platforms.
- Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, retained the number-one spot with $300 million in reported earnings, followed by Dhar Mann in second place.
- Forbes ranks creators using a formula that weights reported earnings, entrepreneurship and clout, meaning the list measures money, business ventures and audience reach rather than platform fame alone.
- The 2026 roster reflects a wider range of monetization, including podcasts, kids’ entertainment, streaming shows, production studios and branded products, with examples such as MrBeast’s Beast Games and Dhar Mann’s digital studio.
- The list marks a 20% year-over-year rise and an 80% increase since 2022, a trend that is likely to drive more brand deals, advertising dollars and traditional-media partnerships with top creators.