Quick Answers
- Who is the richest YouTuber in 2025?
MrBeast tops the list with an estimated net worth of $185 million. - How do YouTubers make money?
Not just ads—top creators combine sponsorships, merch, businesses, licensing, and more. - Who’s the richest female YouTuber?
Right now: Nastya, thanks to her global brand and licensing empire. - Want the full Top 10?
Jump to the 2025 rankings ↓
Why Are YouTubers So Rich in 2025?
Once seen as an outlier career, YouTube stardom is now big business. The platform’s top creators are household names, earning more than many athletes, musicians, or Hollywood stars. What changed?
- Massive global reach: YouTube’s audience rivals TV and streaming.
- Business expansion: Creators aren’t just making videos—they’re launching products, brands, and even entire companies.
- Personality matters: Fans invest in creators, not just content.
Fun Fact: In 2025, five YouTubers landed on the Forbes Celebrity 100—an all-time high.
Curious how these fortunes are calculated? See How We Research Net Worth ↓
How We Research & Estimate Net Worth (Trust Block)
Wondering how these numbers come together? Our net worth estimates combine:
- Public filings (where available)
- Industry reporting (Forbes, Social Blade, Insider)
- Interviews & brand disclosures
- Market trends & multipliers
Disclaimer: Actual net worth may vary—these are the best research-based estimates, updated regularly as new data emerges.
Top 10 Richest YouTubers (2025 Rankings)
Who’s really winning the YouTube game this year? Here’s your up-to-date list, with quick links to in-depth profiles:
| Rank | Name | Channel | Niche | Net Worth (Est.) | Main Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MrBeast | MrBeast | Challenge/Philanthropy | $185M | Ad revenue, brands, merch, Feastables, investments |
| 2 | PewDiePie | PewDiePie | Gaming/Commentary | $75M | Ads, sponsorships, merch, book sales |
| 3 | Ryan Kaji | Ryan’s World | Kids/Education | $65M | Toys, AdSense, licensing |
| 4 | Nastya | Like Nastya | Kids | $58M | Brand deals, AdSense, merch |
| 5 | Dude Perfect | Dude Perfect | Sports/Entertainment | $52M | Sponsors, merch, tours, ads |
| 6 | Markiplier | Markiplier | Gaming/Variety | $48M | Ads, brands, merch |
| 7 | Rhett & Link | Good Mythical Morning | Talk/Comedy | $46M | Merch, ads, podcasts, Mythical Kitchen |
| 8 | Logan Paul | Logan Paul | Entertainment/Boxing | $44M | Ads, boxing, PRIME, podcasts, merch |
| 9 | Jeffree Star | Jeffree Star | Beauty/Entrepreneur | $42M | Cosmetics, ads, sponsors |
| 10 | Preston Arsement | PrestonPlayz | Gaming/Entertainment | $39M | Ads, gaming, merch, servers |
What Sets These Creators Apart?
- MrBeast keeps pushing boundaries—giant giveaways, philanthropy, and new businesses like Feastables.
- PewDiePie stays on top with authentic commentary and creative pivots.
- Ryan Kaji & Nastya prove that “kidfluencer” brands are now global empires.
👉 Explore the full Top 10 breakdown & mini-profiles here →
👉 Read in-depth: MrBeast Net Worth | PewDiePie’s Earnings
How Do YouTubers Make Money?
Forget the myth that YouTubers just cash in on ad views. The highest earners run full-fledged media businesses. Here’s how they really rake it in:
- YouTube Ad Revenue: Still key, but affected by seasonality and niche.
- Sponsorships & Brand Deals: Big brands pay huge sums for exposure.
- Merchandise & Product Lines: T-shirts, toys, snacks (like Feastables), and more.
- Apps & Digital Content: Exclusive videos, courses, games.
- Licensing & Toys: Especially for family/kids channels.
- Live Events: Tours, meetups, or even celebrity boxing.
- Equity & Investments: MrBeast and Logan Paul both invest in and launch businesses.
Did You Know?
MrBeast’s Feastables company is valued at over $300 million, built from his YouTube fame.
See the full breakdown of YouTuber revenue streams →
Richest YouTubers by Category (Female, Kids, Gaming & More)
Richest Female YouTubers
- Nastya: From YouTube to Nickelodeon and worldwide licensing, she’s the undisputed queen of family-friendly content.
- Jeffree Star: Turned his beauty brand into a multi-million dollar business.
Discover the richest women on YouTube →
Richest Kid YouTubers
- Ryan Kaji: Launched a toy line at 7; now his face is on everything from toothpaste to video games.
- Nastya: Also dominates this space, with parents managing a global brand.
Meet the top kid YouTubers making millions →
Richest Gaming YouTubers
- PewDiePie: The original gaming superstar.
- Markiplier & PrestonPlayz: Mix gameplay with massive personalities and charity streams.
See the complete gaming creator rankings →
Other Categories to Watch
- By Niche: (Beauty, Vlogs, Pranks, etc. Coming soon!)
- By Country/Region: (See which countries are home to rising stars—future update.)
Yearly Rankings & Biggest Surprises
2025 brought some big shake-ups:
- MrBeast set new records with wild stunts and new businesses.
- Logan Paul transformed controversy into cash—thanks to PRIME and celebrity boxing.
- Global stars from India, Brazil, and Korea are climbing the rankings fast.
- Collaborations are on the rise, proving that partnership can out-earn rivalry.
Quick Stat:
The top 20 richest YouTubers now control over $900 million in combined net worth.
See annual rankings, historical charts, and this year’s breakout stars →
Net Worth vs. Earnings: What’s the Real Difference?
A common question: Is “net worth” the same as “annual earnings”?
Not at all!
- Net Worth: The total value of all assets (businesses, property, investments, cash).
- Earnings: Income made this year (ad revenue, deals, product launches, etc.).
Example:
MrBeast may earn $60–$80 million per year, but his net worth factors in growing businesses like Feastables and other investments.
Dive deep into the difference and see how these numbers are calculated →
Frequently Asked Questions About YouTuber Wealth
Who is the richest YouTuber in 2025?
MrBeast, with a net worth over $185 million.
Read his full profile →
How much does MrBeast make per year?
An estimated $60–$80 million from YouTube, businesses, and brands.
How he does it →
Who’s the richest female YouTuber?
Nastya leads with her international brand deals and family-friendly empire.
See more female YouTube millionaires →
Which YouTuber made the biggest leap in 2025?
Logan Paul, due to PRIME and boxing success.
Explore this year’s surprises →
How do YouTubers really get paid?
Through a mix of ads, sponsors, merch, products, and even apps.
See a full income breakdown →
How accurate are net worth estimates?
They’re based on public data, expert reporting, and industry analysis, but actual figures can vary.
Got more questions? Visit our complete FAQ →
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Conclusion: Explore More & Get Involved
YouTube is more than a hobby—it’s a launchpad to real wealth and influence.
With fortunes changing every year, there’s always a new millionaire in the making.
- Read deep-dive profiles of top creators →
- See exactly how YouTubers make money →
- Check yearly rankings for the latest movers and shakers →
Who’s your pick for the next breakout YouTube millionaire? Drop your prediction in the comments!
This guide is updated as the money moves—so check back often or subscribe to stay ahead of the curve.