Creator Economy Earnings Reach $1.02 Billion in 2026

The 50 highest-earning social media creators collected $1.02 billion in the past year, according to the 2026 Forbes Top Creators list published June 26. The total rose 20 percent from the $853 million reported in 2025 and 80 percent from the $570 million recorded on the first list in 2022.

Donaldson, known as MrBeast, ranked first with $300 million in earnings and 873 million total followers across platforms. His company operates media, food, analytics, and licensing businesses and purchased the teen investing app Step in February 2026.

Dhar Mann placed second with $65 million in earnings. His 200-person team produces content that averages nearly 300 million weekly views, and he entered an agreement in January to create 40 vertical dramas for Fox Entertainment. Steven Bartlett ranked third with $52 million.

com includes podcast, book, event, and investment divisions and holds partnerships with Spotify, LinkedIn, and Adobe.

Fischbach, known as Markiplier, earned $38 million. They produce 240 episodes annually of Good Mythical Morning and will release their fourth food book this summer. Charli D’Amelio earned $18 million. She recently completed a Broadway run in & Juliet and continues brand work with Prada and Kate Spade.

Drew Desbordes, known as Druski, earned $20 million and is scheduled to host the BET Awards in June. I Show Speed earned $30 million. He began a World Cup 2026 Tour with FIFA this summer. Mark Rober earned $30 million. His educational content has moved to Netflix.