Forbes releases 2026 Top Creators list featuring YouTube stars MrBeast and IShowSpeed

Khizar Mundia Published 24/06/2026

Forbes has revealed its 2026 Top Creators list, featuring several prominent digital personalities, including Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson and Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr.

Forbes is widely regarded for its annual rankings, with the global media company curating several lists, ranging from the World’s Billionaires list to the 30 Under 30 franchise. The company has now revealed its 2026 Top Creators ranking, evaluating creators based on annual earnings, total followers, average engagement and entrepreneurship scores — 50 creators in total made the rankings.

Below are the big-name streamers and content creators who made top 10 in the the list:

MrBeast
Dhar Man
Steven Bartlett
Markiplier
Rhett & Link
Charli D’Amelio
Druski
IShowSpeed
Mark Rober
Codie Sanchez

MrBeast tops Forbes’ 2026 Top Creators list, while IShowSpeed ranks eighth

The metrics used for the ranking help explain why MrBeast secured the top spot, with estimated earnings of $300 million and a combined following of 873 million across platforms. The YouTuber also recorded an average engagement rate of 3% and received an entrepreneurship score of 4. Forbes described how he evolved from posting simple stunt videos into building a large-scale production company.

The profile also highlighted MrBeast’s other ventures, including Beast Industries, which oversees his media, food, apparel and other business interests. The streamer also recently reached 500 million subscribers.

iShowSpeed

IShowSpeed, who is currently covering the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ranked lower on the list but still secured a place in the top 10. The IRL streamer reportedly earned $30 million and amassed 184 million followers, including more than 50 million subscribers on YouTube. His average engagement rate was 0.39%, while his entrepreneurship score was 4. Forbes’ profile also noted that he began by creating NBA 2K and Fortnite videos before pivoting to soccer-related content and collaborating with Cristiano Ronaldo. The introduction further highlighted his popularity for IRL streams.

MrBeast, IShowSpeed and the other creators on the list are among the most influential figures in online entertainment and frequently feature in rankings of the industry’s biggest personalities. However, Forbes’ rankings are widely regarded as prestigious, which could further enhance the profiles of creators included on the list. MrBeast’s top ranking is unlikely to surprise many observers, given the scale of his productions and his numerous business ventures, as well as his extensive net worth. Meanwhile, IShowSpeed’s eighth-place finish generated positive reactions from many fans, who said they were pleased to see his success recognized.

Feature image credit: Forbes

Khizar Mundia

About Khizar Mundia

Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.

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