Portrait of MrBeast

Photo: Tyren Redd, CC BY 4.0, source

Parent dossier

MrBeast

  • Creators
  • Real name: James Stephen Donaldson
  • Age 28 as of (as of October 8, 2026)
  • From Greenville, North Carolina

MrBeast is a leading American YouTuber and philanthropist known for high-production, expensive challenge videos and large-scale charity initiatives. He oversees a diversified conglomerate including food and media brands.

By the numbers

  • YouTube @MrBeast520M subscribersAs of October 8, 2026 · source
  • TikTok @mrbeast142.8 millionAs of October 7, 2026 · source
  • Instagram @MrBeast90.1 millionAs of October 7, 2026 · source
  • X @MrBeast35 millionAs of October 7, 2026 · source
  • Twitch @MrBeast6000638.1 thousandAs of October 7, 2026 · source

Rounded counts refer to the linked account, not totals across multiple channels. They are reported by the linked sources, not live counters. The source date can differ from our check date.

Claims to fame

Why they’re famous

  1. Most subscribed YouTube channel
  2. Creator of Team Trees, Team Seas, and Team Water
  3. Frequent Streamy Award winner

The appeal

Why teens follow them

The appeal is rooted in the high-stakes, fast-paced nature of his challenges, which offer significant entertainment value through elaborate set pieces and substantial rewards. His content bridges the gap between traditional game shows and modern influencer stunts.

Parent notes

What parents should know

  • High-production stunts may inspire unsafe imitation; remind users to prioritize safety.
  • Content includes commercial products like Lunchly; discuss consumer marketing with younger viewers.
  • Charity efforts provide a positive lesson in community impact, but maintain perspective on the corporate scale of his operations.

Receipts

Controversies, sourced

  • Workplace allegations — contested

    In April 2026, BBC News reported that a former executive sued MrBeast's company over alleged sexual harassment and gender bias. Beast Industries denied the allegations and called them categorically false. These are allegations in a civil lawsuit, not findings against Donaldson.

    Source: BBC News, April 23, 2026 (opens in new tab)

Checked October 8, 2026

Sources

Last checked October 8, 2026. Counts show their own as-of dates. “Why teens follow them” is editorial interpretation, not age-demographic research or Lowkey interview testimony. These are parent briefings, not age ratings or endorsements. Facts change; tell us if something is off via contact.

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