Making millions from YouTube videos is a pipe dream for most people. The platform that started as a simple video-sharing site has become a career path, with top creators building big businesses.
Fear holds most creators back. They wonder if they can turn content into cash, have what it takes to stand out, or are too late to the game.
There’s never been a better time to build a creator business. Today’s top YouTubers aren’t just making ad revenue– they’re launching products, securing brand deals, and building businesses worth hundreds of millions.
This article shows how 2025’s richest YouTubers built their businesses and what sets them apart.
YouTube Wealth Evolution
YouTube has changed so much since its launch in 2005 as a video platform. What started as simple video monetization through Google Ads has become another beast.
The modern YouTuber isn’t just a content creator, they’re a business owner with multiple income streams:
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Ad revenue
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Brand deals
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Merchandise sales
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Live streaming donations
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Channel memberships
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Business ventures
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Premium content
“Success in this space goes way beyond just making videos,” says MrBeast, YouTube’s first billionaire creator. “It’s about building a brand and finding new ways to deliver value to your audience.”
The Top 15 Richest YouTubers of 2025
MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson)
Net Worth: Approximately $500 million
At 26, Jimmy Donaldson has rewritten the book on what’s possible for a YouTuber. With 346 million subscribers and $50 million monthly earnings, he’s built a $1 billion business through:
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Viral challenge videos
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Philanthropic content
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Beast Burger (1,000+ locations, $150M revenue)
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Feastables chocolate brand
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Amazon Prime streaming deals
MrBeast also leverages other social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to share engaging snippets and content, driving traffic back to YouTube and building a stronger online community.
What sets MrBeast apart is his reinvestment strategy. Instead of pocketing profits, he puts money back into bigger and bigger videos, creating a growth cycle that keeps viewers coming back for more.
Jeffree Star
Net Worth: Approximately $200 million.
Jeffree Star has built a $200M business from MySpace influencer to makeup mogul by turning online fame into real-world success with 15.7 million subscribers in YouTube. His groundbreaking makeup tutorials were foundational to his early success on YouTube, contributing to his massive following and subsequent entrepreneurial ventures. His journey shows how creators can use their platform to build a traditional business:
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Jeffree Star Cosmetics ($100M annual revenue)
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YouTube earnings ($15-20M yearly)
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Wyoming ranch investments
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Star Yak Ranch venture
“Digital influence is just the starting point,” Star often says. “The real opportunity comes from building something tangible that outlasts viral fame.”
Logan Paul
Net Worth: Approximately $300 million
Traditional media used to call YouTubers internet celebrities, but Logan Paul’s $300M net worth proves them wrong with 23.6 million YouTube subscribers. At 28, he’s diversified his business through:
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PRIME Hydration ($100M+ first-year sales)
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WWE performances and championships
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IMPAULSIVE podcast sponsorships
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Strategic tech investments
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Real estate portfolio
What sets Logan apart is his ability to turn controversy into opportunity. Instead of letting setbacks define him, he’s used them as a springboard to bigger and better things.
“Success isn’t just about views anymore,” Logan often says. “It’s about building real businesses that solve real problems.”
Ryan Kaji (Ryan’s World)
Net Worth: Approximately $100 million
13 years old and already redefining kids’ entertainment with Ryan’s World, Ryan Kaji has built a $100M business that proves age is just a number. His story teaches us:
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Building parent trust
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Educational content balance
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Product licensing strategies
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Brand expansion timing
Ryan’s World features a variety of content, including unboxing videos and educational videos, which have significantly contributed to his popularity and success.
Monthly earnings include:
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YouTube revenue ($700K-1M)
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Merchandise sales ($250M+ annually)
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Retail partnerships
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Movie licensing deals
“Quality kid’s content isn’t just about entertainment,” says Ryan’s dad. “It’s about creating value for both kids and parents.”
Like Nastya
Net Worth: Approximately $50 million
Turning personal struggles into global inspiration, Like Nastya has built a $50M business that proves authenticity is key. Her success comes from:
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Content evolution
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Multi-language approach
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Smart licensing
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NFTs
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Educational partnerships
With 125 million subscribers, she’s proved that genuine connection knows no language.
Dude Perfect
Net Worth: Approximately $100 million
Five friends turned backyard trick shots into a $100M business, proving collaboration can multiply creative success. Their journey teaches us about scaling content.
Revenue streams include:
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YouTube ad revenue ($20-25M annually)
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Live tours
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Mobile gaming
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Merchandise
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Brand partnerships
“Success at this level requires thinking beyond individual videos,” says Tyler Toney. “You need to build a brand that can scale beyond the platform.”
Their Panda-monium World Tour shows how digital creators can transition into traditional entertainment and keep their core audience.
Jake Paul
Net Worth: Approximately $100 million
Following his brother’s footsteps but forging his path, Jake Paul has built a $100M business by combining digital influence with athleticism. His journey from Disney star to boxing sensation shows how creators can transition into traditional entertainment.
His success comes from:
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High-profile boxing matches ($40M Tyson fight)
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Strategic brand partnerships
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Real estate investments
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Body care product line
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Merchandise sales
“Never let yourself be limited,” Jake says. “Your audience will follow you into new things if you stay yourself.”
PewDiePie
Net Worth: Approximately $90 million
Felix Kjellberg’s journey from gaming commentator to semi-retired mogul with a $90M business teaches us:
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Content evolution
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Passive income building
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Brand longevity
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Strategic semi-retirement
Minecraft videos also played a significant role in PewDiePie’s popularity, attracting a large audience and contributing to his wealth through views and sponsorships.
“The goal isn’t to work forever,” PewDiePie says. “It’s to build something that generates value even when you step back.”
Markiplier
Net Worth: Approximately $40 million
Mark Fischbach’s $40M net worth shows how combining entertainment with purpose can create long-term success. His strategy includes:
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Charity initiatives ($2.6M raised)
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Diverse content formats
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Voice acting ventures
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Clothing line success
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Strategic partnerships
Vlad and Niki
Net Worth: Estimated between $50 million and $100 million
These Russian-American brothers have turned playtime into profit, building a $100M business through:
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Multi-language content strategy
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Global merchandise partnerships
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Mobile app development
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Interactive experiences
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Educational gaming
Their business shows how family-friendly content can create long-term value when appropriately monetized.
Rising Stars Reshaping the Landscape
The Tren Twins
Net Worth: Estimated at around $1 million to $5 million.
Twenty-two years old and already worth $2M, Michael and Christian Gaiera have proved that authenticity and timing can build a fitness empire fast. Their viral “How to Grow a Superhero Chest” video wasn’t just luck– it triggered a planned business expansion.
“Fitness isn’t just about the body,” Michael says. “It’s about building trust and delivering value to your audience.”
Their business includes:
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Tren Tech supplement company
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YouTube ad revenue ($400K-1M annually)
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Brand partnerships
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Merchandise sales
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Fitness programs
What sets them apart is their relatability. Despite their impressive transformations from 170 lbs to 215 lbs, they’re approachable and down to earth.
Roma Army
Net Worth: Estimated between $10 million and $20 million
Roma Army (Chloe Sunderland) has built a $1M business by creating content around challenging social issues.
She’s built it from:
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YouTube monetization
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“C’est La Vie” merchandise
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Speaking engagements
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Brand partnerships
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Advocacy work
“Building a platform isn’t just about making money,” Roma says. “It’s about creating real change while building a sustainable business.”
DDG
Net Worth: Estimated at around $8 million to $10 million
DDG (Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr.) has turned digital influence into an entertainment empire worth up to $8M by not staying in one lane. His journey from YouTube comedian to musician teaches us about platform expansion. Music videos have been a significant part of DDG’s content strategy, contributing to his diverse and engaging offerings.
Key income streams:
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Music streaming and sales
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Zooted Ent record label
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Multiple YouTube channels
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Brand partnerships
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Merchandise revenue
“The secret is never limiting yourself,” DDG says. “Every platform is an opportunity to reach new audiences and build new income streams.”
McKinley Richardson
Net Worth: Estimated at around $5 million to $10 million
McKinley Richardson, 22, is from Champaign, Illinois. She has built a $2M business that proves age is no barrier to digital success. She’s mastered multi-platform content creation. McKinley leverages various social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to enhance her reach and engagement.
Her income streams include:
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YouTube earnings ($981-$2,900 monthly)
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Brand partnerships (CASETiFY, Edikted)
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Merchandise sales
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Sponsored content
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TikTok collaborations
“Building a sustainable creator business isn’t about going viral once,” McKinley says. “It’s about consistent engagement and diversifying your income streams.”
Multi-Platform Maestros
Sam Sulek
Net Worth: Estimated at around $2 million to $5 million
At 22, Sam Sulek has gone from college student to fitness social media star, with an estimated net worth of $1.5-3 million. His rise to fame is marked by 3.9 million YouTube subscribers and an annual income of $400,000-2 million.
Sulek’s success comes from his raw approach to content creation. His YouTube channel, which makes $1,800-$29,000 a month, features workout videos, nutrition guidance, and daily vlogs of his bodybuilding journey. This has resonated with his audience, and he makes up to $348,000 a year from YouTube alone.
He has a business beyond content creation with partnerships with companies like Hosstile Nutrition, a merchandise line, and a multi-platform presence on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Every piece of content serves two purposes: to educate the viewer on fitness and to be entertaining. His collaborations with other fitness influencers expand his reach and diversify his content.
Another example of a successful YouTube show is ‘Good Mythical Morning,’ a highly popular digital variety show created by Rhett and Link. Known for its comedic content and unconventional experiments, it engages a large audience of 19.1 million subscribers and showcases the creators’ multi-faceted media empire, including merchandise, a podcast, and live tours.
The Secret to YouTube Success
What sets these top earners apart from the millions of other creators? Three things:
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Multiple Income Streams. The most successful YouTubers never rely on ad revenue alone. They build multiple income streams through merchandise, partnerships, and business ventures.
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Brand Evolution. Top creators constantly evolve their content while staying true to their core audience. They’re not afraid to try new things or platforms while keeping their tone.
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Business Mentality. These creators see YouTube as a launchpad, not a destination. They use their platform to build more enormous business empires that generate passive income.
Build Your Empire
2025’s top YouTubers show us that content creation can generate real wealth. Not everyone will be the next MrBeast, but the strategies of these creators can help anyone build a sustainable creator business:
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Quality over quantity.
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Diversify early.
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Think beyond the platform.
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Invest in your audience.
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Be authentic while evolving.
The Future of Creator Wealth
The creator economy is evolving, and there are more ways to build wealth through content. We see several trends emerging:
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AI and automation tools make content creation more efficient.
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New monetization features from platforms
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Brands investing more in creator partnerships
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Creator-led businesses growing
Many YouTubers are becoming some of the world’s highest paid entertainers, showcasing the significant financial success that can be achieved in the industry.
“The ceiling for creator earnings just keeps getting higher,” says Logan Paul, whose PRIME Hydration brand is an excellent example of a creator-led product.
Capping off
While these top creators show you what’s possible on YouTube, one thing becomes clear: high-quality, consistent content is the foundation of their success. Behind many successful YouTubers is a team handling the time-consuming parts of content creation, especially video editing.
At Vidpros, we’ve seen firsthand how professional video editing can help creators focus on what they do best– creating content and building their empires. We’ve helped many content creators streamline their production process, maintain their posting schedule, and increase their video quality.
Book a call to see how we can help you create professional video content!