Latest news with #BeastGames'
2 days ago
- Business
MrBeast CEO and 'Beast Games' winner rally brand partners and rare disease support on Wall Street
NEW YORK -- MrBeast's new CEO hit Wall Street Wednesday as YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson's media empire looks to develop long-term brand partnerships and, in turn, unlock more funding for its charitable content. Venture capitalist Jeff Housenbold took over MrBeast leadership last summer with a mandate to professionalize an ever-growing entertainment company. YouTube's most popular creator had reached record audience levels far outpacing its startup days, while vowing to reassess its internal culture amid multiple controversies. But, despite joining Nasdaq's closing bell ceremony on Wednesday, Housenbold said their strategic plan does not currently include a public offering — or any active funding rounds. 'Do I want to make banger content? Yeah. That's cool," Housenbold told The Associated Press. "But what can we do with that banger content? Generate profits, make a sustainable business that gives us greater ability to impact people's lives around the world.' 'We're marching quickly to profitability, so we don't have to raise additional capital,' he added. Instead, MrBeast is focused on securing multi-year exclusive advertising deals as opposed to single-video brand partnerships. With 416 million subscribers and legions of impressionable young fans, Housenbold argued that MrBeast is uniquely positioned to deliver more bang for companies' marketing bucks by pointing that 'firehouse of attention' at them. Along the way, Housenbold said he is encouraging Donaldson to tout the channel's charitable works — which often feature quantifiable stunts such as building wells, removing ocean plastic or covering cataract surgery costs. The company, in his view, 'can do good while doing well.' 'The more people who like us 'cause we do good, the more people watch our videos," he said. 'The more people watch our videos, the more we're able to drive in fees from our advertising partners... the more we can invest in more content to do more good in the world.' New projects such as the Amazon Prime reality show and a James Patterson novel from HarperCollins aim to diversify the genders and ages of his audience. Housenbold said that base has historically consisted mostly of 8-to-25-year-olds and men. But Housenbold acknowledged missteps in last year's production of 'Beast Games," which prompted allegations of 'unsafe' conditions from some contestants who said an unorganized set led to injuries, irregular food provision and lacking access to medication. While describing most of those reports as 'inaccurate,' Housenbold said they were 'better prepared' for the second season's recently wrapped shoot. 'Building sets for a 10-episode show is different than a 22-minute YouTube video," he said. "The scale, the size, the sophistication, the safety, the security, the cost effectiveness of doing that. We didn't staff up enough for Beast Games.' Ringing Nasdaq's closing bell Wednesday with Housenbold was the winner of the $10 million grand prize awarded in that inaugural 'Beast Games' season. Jeffrey Allen, the father of a child with creatine transporter deficiency, has promised to put some of his winnings toward existing treatments and research for a cure to the rare genetic disorder. He said the Association for Creatine Deficiencies, where he is a board member, added 1,000 new donors in the weeks following the final 'Beast Games' episodes' release. He hopes Wednesday's visit will draw more attention and money to all rare diseases. 'This is where companies that are bringing true change to the marketplace come to listen to other companies," Allen said. "So, there's no better place for a budding rare disease nonprofit to come and show, 'Hey we're trying to change the world, too.''
CNBC
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNBC
Inside Mr. Beast's media empire: We're trying to make kindness go viral, says Beast Industries CEO
Jeff Housenbold, Beast Industries president and CEO, and Jeffrey Allen, Beast Games Season 1 winner, join 'Squawk Box' to discuss the rise of Mr. Beast's business and media empire, the making of 'Beast Games' show, what to expect in season 2, Mr. Beast's global reach, and more.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MrBeast Net Worth: Everything famous YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson owns in 2025
One of the biggest names on the internet, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is only 27 and has reached the farthest corners of the globe with his videos. While we enjoy his YouTube challenges and giveaways, people are more interested in one thing i.e how much money does MrBeast make? His earnings in 2025 shocked fans, and the numbers are still rising. MrBeast's monthly YouTube earnings and revenue sources As of June 2025, Forbes has named MrBeast a staggering $85 million earner in just one year, from 2024 to 2025. That's huge! Celebrity Net Worth is claiming his wealth to be close to a billion meaning he is likely one of the youngest near billionaires in the world today. MrBeast is best known for his outrageous challenge videos, such as giving away a private island and opening up a house priced at $1 versus a house priced at $1,000, videos pull in millions of views and huge ad revenue. In an interview with Time in early 2025, he shared that he makes 'a couple million' each month just from ads and sponsorships. His channel manager, Marc Hustvedt, also revealed that brand deals cost up to $3 million for just one mention. With a CPM (cost per thousand views) of about $20, MrBeast's videos easily generate over $2 million per upload in ads alone. His YouTube empire includes MrBeast Gaming, Beast Reacts, and more, all bringing in extra income. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo MrBeast's growing wealth through business ventures beyond YouTube MrBeast runs several big businesses. One is Feastables, a candy brand launched in the U.S., which has been growing fast across supermarkets and online platforms. He also started MrBeast Burger, a fast-food chain operating from ghost kitchens. In May 2025, he launched his competition show 'Beast Games' on Prime Video, which broke viewership records and was renewed for two more seasons. These businesses are doing so well that experts say they make up a big part of his yearly income. 'We're building something bigger than just YouTube,' MrBeast told Forbes in a January 2025 interview. MrBeast tops 2025's creator list with 634 million followers In June 2025, Forbes released its Top Creators list, and MrBeast was at #1. With 634 million followers across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), he's the most-followed digital creator in the world right now. His average engagement rate is 1.39%, which is very high given the massive audience. MrBeast leads the creator economy boom MrBeast's success is also part of a much larger trend. In 2025, Forbes said that the top 50 digital creators made over $853 million together—18% more than in 2024. Brands are now spending more money than ever on influencer marketing, and experts estimate this industry could hit $50 billion by 2026. 'Creators like MrBeast aren't just influencers,' said Marc Hustvedt to The Verge in March 2025. 'They're running full businesses with real teams, products, and major partnerships.' MrBeast's future looks bigger than ever even with his huge earnings Mr. Beast is still working hard. He posts very often and continues to find new types of content. He gives millions of dollars to charity, and he has helped people all around the world, that's part of the reason he has so many fans. From viral videos in North Carolina to managing global businesses, Jimmy Donaldson is now more than a YouTuber, he has evolved into a one-man media empire. Also Read: YouTuber MrBeast Says That He Is Impressed With His Work Despite Working 15 Hours A Day And Little Sleep; Bryan Johnson Responds: In Time You Will Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legislative failure aside, Nevada still has film tax credits, and MrBeast wants another $2.5m worth
Nevada last year approved $2.2 million in transferable tax credits to "Beast Games." Last week, the Nevada Film Office approved an additional $2.5 million. (Screenshot of YouTube video filmed in Allegiant Stadium promoting season one of Beast Games) Days after the death of a proposal to massively expand the state's film tax credit program, the Nevada Film Office approved up to $2.5 million in transferrable tax credits for a reality competition show that made headlines last year for unsafe conditions for contestants and crew. On Friday, 'Beast Games,' a reality competition show hosted by Jimmy 'MrBeast' Donaldson, YouTube's biggest content creator, was approved to receive up to $2.5 million in transferrable tax credits to film an episode of its second season at a temporary soundstage in Las Vegas near the South Point Casino. The approval comes roughly a year after a promo video for its inaugural season was approved for up to $2.2 million in transferrable tax credits. Filming for a 24-minute YouTube video promoting season one of 'Beast Games' took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in July 2024 and was embroiled in controversy, according to multiple news reports and a class-action lawsuit. Reporting from KSNV, New York Times and Time quote 'Beast Games' contestants alleging that they were not properly fed or given access to their prescribed medications and did not receive adequate medical care after being injured in physical challenges. Contestants described the staff as overwhelmed and unprepared for the scope of the production, which involved 2,000 contestants attempting to earn one of 1,000 available spots. The Nevada Labor Commissioner's Office told the Nevada Current no complaints against the production have been filed with them. The class-action lawsuit was filed in September in California against Donaldson, 'Beast Games' and associated production companies. The contestants alleged numerous labor code violations and sexual harassment against women contestants. The lawsuit alleges producers 'knowingly misclassified' contestants on their 2024 film tax application 'in part, to obtain a tax credit' they 'would not have received if they had disclosed the Production's actual labor costs,' according to a redacted copy of the lawsuit published byVariety and KSNV. Contestants on unscripted reality or game shows are not typically considered employees, though there is an evolving conversation on that as a labor issue at the national level. Lawyers for the plaintiffs could not be reached for comment. Spokespeople for MrBeast declined to respond to specific questions about the lawsuit or public allegations about the conditions of their production last year. In a provided statement, they said last year's shoot in Las Vegas was 'unfortunately complicated by the CrowdStrike incident,' referring to a nationwide IT outage that affected millions of Windows systems, 'extreme weather, and other unexpected logistical and communications issues, which we reviewed.' The statement added that 'virtually all of those invited to Toronto' where the full inaugural season was filmed 'enthusiastically accepted.' The Governor's Office of Economic Development, which houses the Nevada Film Office, did not respond to specific questions from the Current asking if they are looking into any of the allegations related to the filming of 'Beast Games' last year, or whether the allegations were considered when approving additional tax credits. GOED spokesperson Carli Smith in a statement said the office is 'aware of the ongoing lawsuit' and 'actively tracking developments.' She added that the production has not completed a required third-party audit and therefore has not received any tax credits from the state. How the film tax credit program works Production companies can apply with the Nevada Film Office to receive transferable film tax credits equaling a certain percentage of qualified expenses. Because their own tax liability is less than the amount of tax credits they receive, the companies sell them to other Nevada companies at less than face value, though the state accepts them as payment at full face value. The procedure provides a financial subsidy to the tax credit recipients (the tv or film production company), and a tax break to the tax credit purchasers (typically gaming or insurance companies). A delay of over a year between the approval of tax credits and the issuance of them is not uncommon. According to GOED, projects involving post-production have up to 270 days after post-production wraps to submit a third-party audit, which is required before any tax credits are issued. A 90-day extension can also be requested. Off One's Base, the North Carolina-based independent production company that filed for the tax credits for 'Beast Games' season one is still within that window of time. Audits are not considered public records, though companies can approve requests to make them public. The final amounts issued are reported by GOED within their annual reports. Friday's hearing for the $2.5 million in transferable tax credits for 'Beast Games' season two was brief, with GOED staff and an executive producer restating details included in their public application. This year's application was filed by Trailblazer Events, a North Carolina-based production company associated with MrBeast. The same point of contact was listed on both applications. According to its film tax credit application, Episode 201 of 'Beast Games' season two will be shot entirely in Las Vegas with a budget of approximately $22.1 million, approximately $17 million of which covers what are considered qualified expenses for film tax credits. The budget includes $9.4 million in set construction and $2.2 million in wages to Nevada residents. 'Beast Games' was promoted as having the 'largest cash prize, most contestants, and most cameras ever' with 1,000 people competing for a $5 million grand prize. The 10-episode season aired on Amazon Prime Video in December. The promotional video featuring Allegiant Stadium streamed on YouTube. Amazon last month announced there would be two additional seasons and called 'Beast Games' the 'most-watched unscripted show ever, amassing 50 million viewers.' Locally, the reaction was more mixed. KSNV quoted the production's 'contestant wranglers' alleging they were unable to call for medics when needed and were asked to clean a sleeping bag covered in human excrement. A spokesperson for MrBeast in a statement to the Current said the company 'communicated directly' with 97% of the 2,000 people who participated in last year's Las Vegas shoot to ask for feedback, adding they 'took the necessary steps to ensure that we learned from this experience and continue to comply with standard industry rules and regulations.' MrBeast operates the most-subscribed channel on YouTube and is known for outrageous stunts and giving away money. The 27-year-old, based in Greenville, North Carolina, had 320 million subscribers on his main account and nearly 9 billion views last year, according to Forbes, which named him the internet's top creator in 2024.
San Francisco Chronicle
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
YouTuber who gave $10 million to Bay Area man says he has to borrow money for upcoming wedding
Internet personality and reality game show host MrBeast has revealed he is short on cash months after giving away $10 million to a Bay Area resident on his Prime Video reality competition series. The social media star, whose real name is James 'Jimmy' Stephen Donaldson, revealed on the social platform X that he is strapped for cash despite having an estimated net worth of around $1 billion and more than 400 million subscribers on YouTube. 'I personally have very little money because I reinvest everything,' he wrote in response to a post that described him as 'the only billionaire under 30 to have not inherited his wealth.' 'But sure, on paper the businesses I own are worth a lot.' He added that his team plans to spend roughly a quarter of a billion dollars on content this year, and said that as a result, he is borrowing money from his mother to pay for his upcoming wedding to fellow content creator Thea Booysen. MrBeast first rose to prominence online in 2017, and has since become known for hosting challenge videos during which he donates large sums of money to his viewers. In December 2024, he launched his reality television show, 'Beast Games,' on Prime Video, which challenges competitors in a series of mental and physical challenges over the course of 10 episodes. In February, he gave away $10 million to San Mateo resident Jeffrey Randall Allen, who beat out 1,000 contestants. Allen's win made history as the largest prize ever awarded on a game show. Prime Video has since renewed the show for a second and third season. During the NBA All-Star Game at San Francisco's Chase Center, just a few days after the Season 1 finale of 'Beast Games' aired, MrBeast gave away $100,000 to East Bay college student Jaren Barajas. He beat Milwaukee Bucks guard and Oakland native Damian Lillard in a shooting contest to secure the money. MrBeast's next venture is a bid to build up his nonprofit, Beast Philanthropy. The YouTuber is offering an exclusive weekend on the set of 'Beast Games' to the first 40 people who make $100,000 donations to the organization, which focuses on food insecurity and disaster relief. The lucky donors will be able to bring two guests for a tour of MrBeast's North Carolina studio, a private Q&A with his production team and a visit to Beast Philanthropy's food pantry on June 27-29.
