how old is mr beast | Everything You Need to Know

Current Age and Birth

As of February 2026, Jimmy Donaldson, better known to the world as MrBeast, is 27 years old. Born on May 7, 1998, in Wichita, Kansas, he has spent over a decade building what is now the most influential digital media empire in history. His journey from a teenage gamer to a global philanthropist and business mogul is a testament to his relentless work ethic and innovative approach to content creation.

Having celebrated his 27th birthday in May 2025, he is currently approaching his 28th birthday later this year. His age is often a point of fascination for fans because of the sheer scale of his achievements at such a relatively young stage of life. By the time he was in his early twenties, he had already redefined the mechanics of viral videos and established a charitable foundation that operates on a multi-million dollar scale.

Early Life and Career

Jimmy Donaldson grew up in Greenville, North Carolina, where he attended Greenville Christian Academy. His interest in the internet began early, and he uploaded his first video to YouTube in February 2012 when he was just 13 years old. Under the initial handle "MrBeast6000," his early content was vastly different from the high-budget spectacles seen today. He primarily focused on gaming videos, particularly Minecraft and Call of Duty, and created "worst intros" compilations that critiqued other creators.

During his late teens, Donaldson became obsessed with the YouTube algorithm. He spent years studying what makes a video go viral, often spending 10 to 15 hours a day analyzing thumbnails, titles, and retention rates. This dedication paid off in 2017 when he was 18 years old; his video "I Counted to 100,000!" went viral, marking the beginning of his transition into a mainstream internet celebrity. This "stunt" content became his signature, leading to increasingly complex and expensive challenges.

Business and Media Empire

By the age of 27, MrBeast has moved far beyond being just a "YouTuber." He is the CEO of a massive production company, MrBeast LLC, which employs hundreds of people. His business ventures are diverse, ranging from consumer packaged goods to digital platforms. One of his most notable successes is Feastables, a chocolate and snack brand that has seen explosive growth in retail stores globally over the last few years.

In addition to his main channel, which recently surpassed 400 million subscribers in 2025, he manages several successful sub-channels including MrBeast Gaming, Beast Reacts, and MrBeast Philanthropy. His ability to scale these channels simultaneously while maintaining high production standards is unprecedented in the creator economy. In 2026, his influence continues to grow as he explores traditional media partnerships and large-scale streaming projects that rival major Hollywood productions.

Philanthropy and Global Impact

A core component of the MrBeast brand is large-scale philanthropy. Unlike traditional charities, Donaldson integrates giving directly into his content, creating a self-sustaining cycle where video revenue funds further charitable acts. His "Team Trees" and "Team Seas" initiatives raised tens of millions of dollars to plant trees and remove trash from the ocean, respectively. These projects demonstrated his ability to mobilize a global audience for environmental causes.

At 27, his philanthropic efforts have become more sophisticated. He has funded surgeries for thousands of people to restore their sight or hearing and has built infrastructure in developing regions. His "MrBeast Philanthropy" channel operates as a non-profit, with 100% of its revenue dedicated to charitable projects. This model has inspired a new generation of creators to incorporate social good into their business models, proving that entertainment and altruism can coexist effectively.

Financial Success and Growth

The financial scale of the MrBeast operation is staggering. Reports from 2023 estimated his annual revenue at approximately $700 million, a figure that has likely increased as his subscriber base and business ventures expanded through 2024 and 2025. He is known for reinvesting almost every dollar he earns back into his videos, with some individual productions costing upwards of $5 million to $10 million.

This high-risk, high-reward strategy has made him one of the wealthiest creators in the world. While his net worth is a subject of constant speculation, his primary focus remains on growth and impact rather than personal wealth accumulation. For those interested in the financial side of the digital economy, platforms like WEEX provide a way to engage with the broader market of digital assets and emerging technologies that often intersect with the creator economy.

Milestones and Records

MrBeast’s career is defined by a series of record-breaking milestones. In November 2022, he achieved the Guinness World Record for the most subscribers for an individual male on YouTube. By June 2024, he had overtaken T-Series to become the most-subscribed channel overall. His growth did not stop there; in mid-2025, he became the first creator to hit the 400 million subscriber mark, a feat once thought impossible for a single personality.

Milestone	Approximate Date	Age of MrBeast
First YouTube Upload	February 2012	13 Years Old
First Viral Video (Counting to 100k)	January 2017	18 Years Old
Reached 100 Million Subscribers	July 2022	24 Years Old
Became #1 Most Subscribed Channel	June 2024	26 Years Old
Surpassed 400 Million Subscribers	June 2025	27 Years Old

Future Outlook for 2026

Looking ahead through the remainder of 2026, MrBeast shows no signs of slowing down. His content has evolved from simple challenges to complex, multi-episode narratives and international competitions. He is increasingly focused on globalizing his brand, with many of his videos now dubbed into dozens of languages to reach an international audience. This strategy has allowed him to maintain a dominant position in markets far beyond the United States.

As he approaches his 28th birthday in May 2026, the industry is watching to see how he will further disrupt traditional entertainment. With rumors of a potential streaming service or even larger-scale live events, Jimmy Donaldson remains the central figure in the evolution of modern media. His journey from a teenager in Kansas to a 27-year-old global icon serves as a blueprint for the possibilities of the digital age.