July 4, Kathmandu – Content creation is no longer just a casual hobby or a pastime; it has now become a multi-billion-dollar industry competing with Hollywood. The recently released Forbes Top Creators 2026 list confirms this trend. Forbes ranks creators based on their total earnings, follower base, engagement rates, and entrepreneurial ventures, meaning creators with lower income but high influence can still rank high. While the population working in the Los Angeles film industry (Hollywood) has historically declined, creators are outperforming Hollywood at the box office. For instance, the horror web series-based movie “Backrooms” by Kane Parsons was produced with a budget of only $10 million but earned over $260 million. Similarly, “Obsession,” produced on a budget of $750,000, grossed over $290 million. In Forbes’ five-year history, the total earnings of the top 50 creators crossed $1 billion for the first time, reaching $1.02 billion (approximately 136 billion Nepali rupees), which is a 20% increase from last year’s $853 million.
Who are the top 10 content creators on this list, what type of content do they produce, and how much do they earn? Let’s find out:
1. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson)
MrBeast has secured the No. 1 spot on the Forbes list for the fifth consecutive year and is the biggest star on YouTube. He is famous for large-scale, expensive stunts, challenges, and massive philanthropic projects. Transforming YouTube stunts into a global production studio, Jimmy Donaldson rules the platform. His YouTube channels have over 640 million subscribers and receive over 500 million views annually. He is now not just a YouTuber but runs an entire media empire. His income comes from YouTube ads, sponsorships, his snack brand (Feastables), the lunch service, and major projects like “Beast Games” on Amazon Prime. In February 2026, he took a step into personal finance by acquiring the app “Step,” which teaches teenagers about investing and asset management.
Estimated earnings: $300 million (approximately 40 billion Nepali rupees)
Followers: 873 million
2. Dhar Mann
Dhar Mann, originally from India, is a storyteller who creates life-applicable and inspirational short films. He is the founder of Dhar Mann Studios, where over 200 employees work. His videos are translated into 13 languages and garner around 300 million views weekly. His main revenue comes from YouTube ads, corporate partnerships with brands like Adobe and NFL, and deals with television networks. He has signed a contract with Fox Entertainment to produce 40 vertical dramas within 18 months.
Estimated earnings: $65 million
Followers: 171 million
3. Steven Bartlett
Steven is a successful entrepreneur and host of the popular podcast “The Diary of a CEO.” Starting his interview program from his kitchen, it has grown into a $425 million company named Steven.com. He conducts long and deep interviews with CEOs, scientists, athletes, and celebrities. His audio and video podcasts enjoy worldwide popularity. He generates income from advertisements, sponsorships, and transforming the podcast into a large media business. Steven has also returned as an investor (judge) on the sixth season of “Dragons’ Den.”
Estimated earnings: $52 million
Followers: 38.7 million
4. Markiplier (Mark Fischbach)
Mark has held a royal position in the YouTube gaming world for over a decade. He is now busy with independent filmmaking and horror movies, working to bridge content and Hollywood. He earns from gaming videos, brand deals, podcasts, merchandise sales, and his own film productions. His self-funded feature film “Iron Lung” was released in 3,000 theaters across North America, grossing $50 million at the box office, with Mark holding a 50/50 share with theaters.
Estimated earnings: $38 million
Followers: 76.8 million
5. Rhett & Link
Rhett & Link are a comedy duo running the daily YouTube show “Good Mythical Morning” since 2012, producing about 240 episodes annually. They have around 20 million viewers. They founded their own studio network called “Mythical Entertainment.” Through daily videos, collaborations with various brands, and their production company, they have amassed significant wealth.
Estimated earnings: $37 million
Followers: 45.6 million
6. Charli D’Amelio
Charli, who went viral on TikTok with dance videos, has become an entertainer and fashion personality. Although her earnings are lower compared to other top creators, her influence places her in sixth place. She earns from major fashion brand deals, her own fashion line, and various entertainment projects. After a Broadway stint, she has returned to her popular dance videos and YouTube vlogs.
Estimated earnings: $18 million
Followers: 209.8 million
7. Druski (Drew Desbordes)
Druski is a famous sketch comedian known for his unscripted comedy and the fictional record label “Trash Bin Records,” which has gone viral. He has turned internet viral comedy into a corporate venture and earns through brand deals, acting, and live shows. Collaborations with Hollywood stars such as Kevin Hart and Timothée Chalamet, brand endorsements, and hosting gigs contribute to his income. This June, he hosted the prestigious BET Awards.
Estimated earnings: $20 million
Followers: 38.5 million
8. IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr.)
Speed is a livestream sensation who creates gaming and football-related content, notably as a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. He is widely recognized worldwide. His earnings come not only from YouTube ads but also from massive donations during live streams and global tours such as streaming during the 2026 World Cup.
Estimated earnings: $30 million
Followers: 184 million
9. Mark Rober
Former NASA engineer Mark Rober creates entertaining videos that teach science and engineering in fun ways. He is known as the “Mad Scientist” on social media. He earns from viral YouTube videos, sponsorships, and educational engineering kits targeted at children. Brands like Revlon, Google, and Disney are attracted to his educational content. His company, CrunchLabs, sells science kits. This spring, he also gave a TED talk about energizing STEM education in the U.S.
Estimated earnings: $30 million
Followers: 90.7 million
10. Kody Sanchez
Former journalist Kody Sanchez now creates content on buying small businesses, investing, and financial education. She has expanded her empire through financial architecture, small business investments, newsletters, and various courses and consulting on finance. She earns significant income from millions of followers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube through small business tips, financial courses, and investment consulting.
Estimated earnings: $31 million
Followers: 10 million
