Forbes has unveiled its 2026 Top Creators list showcasing the creator economy's biggest names.
For the first time in the five years the magazine has published the ranking, Forbes reported on Monday (June 23) that the 50 creators on the list collectively surpassed $1 billion in annual earnings, bringing in a combined $1.02 billion over the past year.
That total represents a 20 percent increase from the $853 million earned last year and an 80 percent rise from the $570 million recorded when the list debuted in 2022.
Jimmy Donaldson, the 28-year-old best known as MrBeast, leads the ranking with $300 million in earnings. His business empire includes YouTube channels with more than 640 million subscribers, a production studio, food ventures, and his Beast Games reality competition show on Amazon Prime.
Dhar Mann ranks second with $65 million in earnings, leading a 200-person team that produces digital shows generating nearly 300 million views in a typical week. On his approach to content, Mann said, "Most traditional studios create content and hope the audience follows. We listen to the audience and follow what they want."
Other top earners include Steven Bartlett with $52 million, Markiplier with $38 million, and comedy duo Rhett and Link with $37 million. Codie Sanchez earned $31 million through online business education content.
The 2026 ranking also highlights the range of the creator economy, with stars across education, lifestyle, food, wellness, technology, and finance.
Educator Ms. Rachel earned $26 million teaching toddlers on YouTube, while lifestyle influencer Alix Earle brought in $12 million.
Jordan Howlett, known online as Jordan The Stallion, earned $12.4 million through food content and brand partnerships, and wellness creator Ashton Hall generated $10 million largely from online fitness and nutrition programs.
Other notable names include podcast host Tana Mongeau ($8 million), TikTok chef Nara Smith ($7.5 million), and tech reviewer iJustine ($3.4 million).
Check out Forbes’ complete Top Creators 2026 list here.
