Who’s on Top in 2025?
Remember when people used to say “nobody gets rich making YouTube videos?” Those days are long gone. Today, YouTube isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a launchpad for global business empires, game-changing brands, and once-in-a-generation personalities.
But which creators really made it big in 2025? Whether you’re curious, inspired, or even a little skeptical, you’re in the right place. Here’s the inside scoop on the creators who are making headlines and breaking the bank this year.
Note: Net worth figures are researched estimates, rounded for clarity. Actual numbers can fluctuate with investments, business sales, and ongoing deals.
The Top 10 Richest YouTubers: 2025 List
| Rank | Name | Channel | Niche | Net Worth (Est.) | Main Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MrBeast | MrBeast | Challenges/Philanthropy | $185M | Ads, brand deals, merch, Feastables, investments |
| 2 | PewDiePie | PewDiePie | Gaming/Commentary | $75M | Ads, sponsors, merch, book sales |
| 3 | Ryan Kaji | Ryan’s World | Kids/Education | $65M | Toys, AdSense, licensing |
| 4 | Nastya | Like Nastya | Kids/Family | $58M | Brand deals, AdSense, merch |
| 5 | Dude Perfect | Dude Perfect | Sports/Entertainment | $52M | Sponsors, merch, tours, ads |
| 6 | Markiplier | Markiplier | Gaming/Variety | $48M | Ads, merch, brand deals |
| 7 | Rhett & Link | Good Mythical Morning | Talk/Comedy | $46M | Merch, AdSense, podcasts, Mythical Kitchen |
| 8 | Logan Paul | Logan Paul | Entertainment/Boxing | $44M | AdSense, boxing, PRIME, podcasts |
| 9 | Jeffree Star | Jeffree Star | Beauty/Entrepreneur | $42M | Cosmetics, AdSense, sponsors |
| 10 | Preston Arsement | PrestonPlayz | Gaming/Entertainment | $39M | AdSense, gaming, merch, servers |
Meet the Creators: How They Built Their Fortunes
1. MrBeast — Still Breaking Records
Jimmy Donaldson isn’t just YouTube’s biggest philanthropist—he’s the world’s most-watched charity showman. Every upload is an event, every stunt pushes boundaries, and his snack brands (like Feastables) are turning him into a mogul outside of YouTube. What’s wild? He famously reinvests nearly everything back into bigger, bolder projects—fueling both his growth and generosity.
Fun fact: MrBeast’s 2025 squid game reboot drew more views in 24 hours than the Super Bowl.
2. PewDiePie — The Gaming OG
Felix Kjellberg remains a legend. After more than a decade at the top, he’s managed to keep fans loyal by evolving—branching into books, business, and occasional viral moments. Even with a lighter upload schedule, PewDiePie’s brand value (and merch) keeps him in the millionaire club.
3. Ryan Kaji — Kid Toy Tycoon
Ryan is still the benchmark for “kidfluencer” success. His YouTube reviews turned into major toy and media deals, and you’ll spot his face everywhere from Target to video games. He’s proof that digital-first brands can own the real world too.
4. Nastya (Anastasia Radzinskaya) — Global Kid Star
From playtime vlogs to animated adventures, Nastya speaks to millions of kids (and parents) worldwide. Her team’s mastery of language localization and licensing makes her one of the world’s most successful family-friendly creators.
5. Dude Perfect — Trick Shots, Real Money
What began as a backyard basketball trick shot is now an international sports brand. Dude Perfect tours, sells out stadiums, and has even pitched a TV show. Their secret? Chemistry, creativity, and always keeping it fun.
6. Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) — The Generous Gamer
Markiplier is as famous for his charity streams as his gaming commentary. Always inventive, he’s explored interactive YouTube series and even original films—building a die-hard community in the process.
7. Rhett & Link — Comedy Breakfast Kings
The hosts of Good Mythical Morning have turned quirky humor into a Mythical media empire. From taste tests to podcasts and a thriving merch shop, they show how “consistency is key” can really pay off.
8. Logan Paul — Controversy to Comeback
Logan Paul is 2025’s comeback kid. After early controversies, he pivoted into boxing, then co-founded PRIME with KSI—now one of the world’s hottest energy drinks. Love him or hate him, he knows how to stay in the spotlight.
9. Jeffree Star — Beauty and the Bank
Jeffree turned beauty tutorials into a cosmetics empire, proving that authenticity (and a little drama) sells. Even as YouTube drama cools down, Jeffree’s business smarts keep the checks coming.
10. Preston Arsement — Gaming, IRL
Preston turned Minecraft and Roblox into a mini-empire with his own servers, merch, and cross-platform presence. He’s a master of adapting to new trends, which keeps his fanbase (and income) growing.
Key Trends & Surprises This Year
- MrBeast’s lead is bigger than ever—and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
- Logan Paul’s surge is the year’s biggest surprise, thanks to PRIME’s explosive sales and his return to the boxing ring.
- Gaming, kids’ content, and product crossovers keep dominating, but look out for more creators branching into tech, finance, and lifestyle.
- Global diversity: More creators from outside the U.S. are entering the top 20 than ever before.
Quick Stat: Six of these creators have launched at least one multi-million dollar business outside of YouTube.
How Do the Richest YouTubers Make Money?
The days of living off AdSense alone are over. Here’s how the top earners really cash in:
- YouTube Ad Revenue: Still a core income source, but only the starting point.
- Brand Sponsorships: Multi-year, multi-million dollar deals are the new normal.
- Merch and Products: From snack brands (MrBeast) to energy drinks (Logan Paul) to beauty lines (Jeffree Star).
- Licensing: Toys, games, even animated series—especially big for Ryan and Nastya.
- Tours and Live Events: Stadium shows, comedy festivals, fan meetups.
- Investments: Top YouTubers now invest in startups, crypto, real estate, and even other creators.
Want more details? Check our complete guide to YouTuber revenue streams.
FAQs: Richest YouTubers 2025
How accurate are these net worth numbers?
They’re the best researched estimates available—based on public business filings, interviews, and media analysis—but true net worths are usually private.
Who is the youngest millionaire on this list?
Ryan Kaji remains the youngest, still leading the kid creator movement at just 13.
How did MrBeast become so successful?
Smart reinvestment, ambitious charity stunts, and launching his own businesses—he’s always thinking bigger.
Which YouTuber had the biggest jump this year?
Logan Paul, hands down. PRIME energy drinks and high-profile events sent his income into overdrive.
Are there any female YouTubers in the top 10?
Yes—Nastya and Jeffree Star are global superstars with businesses beyond YouTube.
What’s Next? Explore More
If these numbers seem wild, remember: YouTube fortunes change fast.
Want to go deeper?
- Richest YouTubers: The Ultimate 2025 Guide (hub)
- MrBeast Net Worth Breakdown →
- Richest Female YouTubers →
- How YouTubers Make Money →
- Annual rankings & rising stars →
Who’s your pick for YouTube’s next big millionaire? Drop a comment or explore the profiles above—there’s always a new story unfolding.