The creator economy reached a historic milestone in 2026. According to Forbes’ 2026 Top Creators list, the world’s 50 highest-earning social media stars generated a combined $1.02 billion between March 2025 and March 2026, marking the first time collective earnings crossed the billion-dollar mark. The total represents a 20 per cent increase from the $853 million earned by the top creators in 2025 and an 80 per cent jump from the inaugural ranking in 2022. Unveiled during the Cannes Lions Festival in France, the list highlights how digital creators have evolved into major media businesses, attracting billions of followers and competing directly with traditional entertainment companies.For the fifth consecutive year, MrBeast retained the top position on Forbes’ annual ranking. The YouTube superstar, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, was estimated to have earned $300 million over the past year through his content empire, which includes Feastables, Lunchly, Viewstats and Amazon Prime’s Beast Games.Dhar Mann secured second place with estimated earnings of $65 million, while entrepreneur and podcast host Steven Bartlett ranked third with $52 million. Other familiar names in the top 20 include Markiplier, Rhett & Link, Charli D’Amelio, Druski, IShowSpeed, Mark Rober, Codie Sanchez, Khaby Lame, Alix Earle and Rebecca Zamolo.The 2026 list also welcomed several newcomers, reflecting the growing diversity of the creator economy. New entrants include chef and content creator Tineke “Tini” Younger, School of Hard Knocks cofounder James Dumoulin, fitness creator Ashton Hall and Love Island USA star Leah Kateb. Their inclusion highlights how opportunities in digital media now extend far beyond traditional entertainment categories.
Who made Forbes’ 2026 Top Creators list?
- MrBeast – YouTube’s biggest creator known for large-scale challenges, philanthropy and business ventures.
- Dhar Mann – Creator of motivational short films and founder of Dhar Mann Studios.
- Steven Bartlett – Entrepreneur and host of The Diary of a CEO podcast.
- Markiplier – Gaming creator, filmmaker and podcast host.
- Rhett & Link – Comedy duo behind Good Mythical Morning.
- Charli D’Amelio – Social media star turned entertainer and fashion personality.
- Druski – Comedian known for viral sketches and celebrity collaborations.
- IShowSpeed – Livestreaming sensation famous for gaming and football content.
- Mark Rober – Former NASA engineer and science educator.
- Codie Sanchez – Entrepreneur focused on small-business ownership and investing.
- Jake Shane – Comedian, podcaster and social media personality.
- Brent Rivera – Entertainment creator known for pranks and challenges.
- Adam W – Creator of globally popular visual comedy sketches.
- Jesser – Basketball creator and sports entertainer.
- Khaby Lame – TikTok star known for silent reaction videos.
- Alix Earle – Lifestyle and beauty influencer.
- Mikayla Nogueira – Beauty creator and cosmetics entrepreneur.
- Stokes Twins – Twin creators known for large-scale stunts and challenges.
- Nick DiGiovanni – Celebrity chef and food content creator.
- Rebecca Zamolo – Family-friendly YouTube creator and entrepreneur.
- MrBallen – Former Navy SEAL turned true-crime storyteller.
- Drew Afualo – Commentator and podcaster known for social commentary.
- Haley Baylee – Creator and model known for comedy and fashion content.
- Ms. Rachel – Children’s educator and one of the biggest names in kids’ media.
- Alan Chikin Chow – Creator behind the popular scripted series Alan’s Universe.
- Typical Gamer – Gaming creator and entrepreneur focused on Fortnite and streaming content.
- Marques Brownlee – Influential technology reviewer and YouTube personality.
- Nurse John – Nurse-turned-comedian with a global fanbase.
- Tana Mongeau – Internet personality, podcaster and entrepreneur.
- Josh Richards – Creator and entrepreneur known for trends and comedy content.
- Dixie D’Amelio – Singer, influencer and entrepreneur.
- Dani Austin – Lifestyle creator and founder of the hair-care brand Divi.
- Nara Smith – Cooking and lifestyle creator known for homemade recipes.
- Lexi Rivera – Influencer famous for challenges, pranks and lifestyle content.
- Jacksepticeye – Irish gaming creator and founder of Top of the Mornin’ Coffee.
- Tini Younger – Chef and cookbook author who rose to fame through food content.
- James Dumoulin – Financial educator and face of School of Hard Knocks.
- Brooke Monk – Lifestyle and comedy creator with a massive online following.
- Hannah Stocking – Comedy creator and actress known for viral sketches.
- Erika Kullberg – Former lawyer turned personal finance educator.
- Ashton Hall – Fitness entrepreneur known for his viral wellness routines.
- Leah Kateb – Reality TV personality and entrepreneur.
- Katie Fang – Lifestyle creator known for her popular “Get Ready With Me” videos.
- Anna Sitar – Travel and lifestyle influencer with millions of followers.
- Vivian Tu – Financial educator better known online as “Your Rich BFF.”
- Jordan The Stallion – Food creator known for recipes and restaurant content.
- Anwar Jibawi – Comedy creator with a global audience.
- iJustine – Veteran technology creator covering gadgets and consumer electronics.
- Steven He – Comedian known for sketches inspired by Asian family culture.
- Logan Moffitt – Food creator who built a following through simple recipe videos.
