How did MrBeast become a billionaire by giving it all away?

Jimmy Donaldson, better known online as MrBeast, has done what few could imagine: become a billionaire not by keeping, but by giving. At just 27, he's now the youngest self-made billionaire, having built an empire from scratch through YouTube videos that mix wild challenges with generosity.

Hailing from a small town in North Carolina, Jimmy started uploading videos to YouTube at 12. His early content was simple, like gaming clips, reaction videos, and goofy stunts. Then came a game-changer: a 44-hour-long video of him counting to 100,000. It was bizarre, oddly addictive, and wildly popular. That viral moment unlocked a formula: doing something ridiculous, filming it, and tying it all to massive giveaways.

But this wasn’t just about fame. MrBeast quickly leaned into over-the-top generosity as his brand. Whether it was tipping delivery drivers with houses or giving £800,000 (₹8.4 crore) to the last person touching a briefcase of cash, each stunt pushed the line between entertainment and philanthropy. And viewers couldn’t get enough.

Today, his main channel boasts 270 million subscribers, the highest for any individual creator, with his other channels, including Beast Reacts and MrBeast Gaming, pushing the total to over 415 million. But YouTube is just one piece of his empire.

MrBeast turned that attention into business gold. He launched Beast Burger, a virtual fast-food chain, and Feastables, a chocolate brand, both multi-million-pound ventures. He’s also invested in up-and-coming creators and crypto, showing he’s not just generous but also sharp with money.

Still, what sets Jimmy apart is his mindset. He’s often said that he doesn’t aim to stack wealth for luxury but to use it for good. His foundation, Beast Philanthropy, runs food drives, builds homes, and even funds surgeries. It’s not just a side project, it’s central to his identity.

Court documents in 2024 revealed his businesses generated hundreds of millions, officially confirming his billionaire status. Yet on a podcast earlier this year, he casually noted he barely keeps any money for himself.

MrBeast Is now a billionaire after giving away more than anyone on YouTubeGetty Images

MrBeast isn’t following a blueprint; he’s making one. He built a fortune on kindness, and in doing so, redefined what modern success can look like: not how much you keep, but how much good you can do.