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Top 10 Creators of 2023: Influencers Shaping the Digital Era

Explore the top 10 digital creators of 2023 with earnings that redefine success in the digital era.
PUBLISHED OCT 5, 2023
Comedian/actor Matt Rife co-hosts the 2023 Adult Video News Awards at Resorts World Las Vegas on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images | Photo by Ethan Miller
Comedian/actor Matt Rife co-hosts the 2023 Adult Video News Awards at Resorts World Las Vegas on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images | Photo by Ethan Miller

Top 10 Online Creators of 2023

Emma Chamberlain, Madelyn Cline, Stella McCartney, and Aubrey Plaza attend The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating
Emma Chamberlain, Madelyn Cline, Stella McCartney, and Aubrey Plaza attend The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023, in New York City. Getty Images | Photo by Matt Winkelmeye

Step into the world of digital influence with us as we unveil the Top 10 Creators of 2023. In a landscape where social media, content creation, and online presence reign supreme, these exceptional individuals have risen to prominence. They've not only amassed followers but have also wielded their influence to shape trends, ignite conversations, and redefine industries. Join us on this journey as we dive into the stories and achievements of these trailblazing creators who are at the forefront of the ever-evolving digital realm, setting the stage for a new era of online inspiration, innovation, and impact.

1. Jimmy Donaldson – MrBeast

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 04: MrBeast accepts the Favorite Male Creator award onstage during the 2023 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards at Microsoft Theater on March 04, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images | Photo by Monica Schipper
MrBeast accepts the Favorite Male Creator award onstage during the 2023 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards at Microsoft Theater on March 04, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images | Photo by Monica Schipper

Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has amassed staggering earnings of $82 million. His online following of 312 million is nearly equivalent to the entire U.S. population. MrBeast's fame is rooted in high-production videos and daring feats, from surviving 50 hours in Antarctica to building a real Wonka chocolate factory. Leveraging his influence, he's ventured into the real world with brands like Feastables and the MrBeast Burgers restaurant chain, along with a vast merch line. He also boasts an impressive 9.8% average engagement rate.

2. Olajide Olatunji (KSI)

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Joe Fournier looks on against KSI (JJ Olajide Olatunji) during their X Series 007 MF Cruiserweight Championship bout at Wembley Arena on May 13, 2023 in London, England. Getty Images | Photo by Paul Harding
Joe Fournier looks on against KSI (JJ Olajide Olatunji) during their X Series 007 MF Cruiserweight Championship bout at Wembley Arena on May 13, 2023, in London, England. Getty Images | Photo by Paul Harding

Olajide Olatunji, known as KSI, has accumulated impressive earnings of $24 million and commands a dedicated following of 112 million fans. Starting as a YouTube personality reacting to FIFA video games in 2009, he transitioned into a rapper and boxer, releasing two singles in 2023 and securing a multiyear distribution deal for his promotional company, Misfits Boxing. KSI is the prominent face of Prime Hydration, the official drink for FC Barcelona, UFC, and Arsenal. Despite controversies, his 6.5% average engagement rate showcases his enduring influence in the entertainment industry.

3. Jake Paul

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 05: Jake Paul attends the PrettyLittleThing x Naomi Campbell runway show at Cipriani 25 Broadway on September 05, 2023 in New York City. Getty Images | Photo by Jamie McCarthy
Jake Paul attends the PrettyLittleThing x Naomi Campbell runway show at Cipriani 25 Broadway on September 05, 2023, in New York City. Getty Images | Photo by Jamie McCarthy

Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation turned boxer, earned an impressive $34 million with a fan following of 66 million. Known for his wild stunts, he's also been mired in controversies. However, his ability to create spectacles catapulted him to being one of the highest-earning athletes in 2022. He secured a sponsorship deal with Celsius energy drink, co-founded the sports betting app "Betr" with $50 million in Series A funding, and recently signed an MMA contract for a new pay-per-view division. All this despite a modest 1.6% average engagement rate.

4. Rhett & Link

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 06: Rhett & Link attend HBO's Official Golden Globe Awards After Party at Circa 55 Restaurant on January 6, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images | Photo by FilmMagic
Rhett & Link attend HBO's Official Golden Globe Awards After Party at Circa 55 Restaurant on January 6, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images | Photo by FilmMagic

Rhett James McLaughlin and Charles Lincoln “Link” Neal III, lifelong friends and former engineers, ventured into YouTube comedy in 2006. They've built Mythical, their Burbank, California-based entertainment company, into a powerhouse. With over 100 employees, Mythical creates content for its 18 million subscribers, including the daily variety show Good Mythical Morning, Mythical Kitchen's cooking series, and the Smosh sketch comedy channel. They also produce podcasts, live tours, live stream events, books, and TV shows. Their Creator Accelerator fund supports emerging creators. Despite a modest 0.85% average engagement rate, they've earned a substantial $35 million.

5. Charli D’Amelio

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 12: Charli D'Amelio attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. Getty Images | Photo by Taylor Hill
Charli D'Amelio attends the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023, in Newark, New Jersey. Getty Images | Photo by Taylor Hill

Charli D’Amelio, a TikTok sensation, and Forbes Top Creators list fixture, has earned $23 million and has an astounding 213 million followers, with an average engagement rate of 0.7%. She represents Prada, Amazon, CeraVe, and SKIMS by Kim Kardashian. Her fragrance, Born Dreamer, is available in the U.S. and Europe, and she co-launched the Social Tourist clothing brand with sisters Dixie and Hollister in 2021. The D'Amelio family is currently filming the third season of their Hulu reality series, "The D’Amelio Show," and overseeing their new shoe brand, D’Amelio Footwear, all while Charli is still under 20.

6. Logan Paul

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Logan Paul in the ring WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium on April 01, 2023 in Inglewood, California. Getty Images | Photo by Unique Nicole
Logan Paul in the ring WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium on April 01, 2023, in Inglewood, California. Getty Images | Photo by Unique Nicole

Logan Paul, with earnings of $21 million and a substantial 74 million followers, initially gained fame on Vine alongside his brother Jake. They transitioned to YouTube, showcasing vlogs and daring stunts, amassing 23.6 million subscribers. However, controversies, including a video in Japan's "suicide forest," led to temporary demonetization. He pivoted into wrestling, recently resigning from WWE, and promotes Prime Hydration alongside YouTuber KSI. Paul co-hosts the Impaulsive podcast with his brother, addressing ongoing controversies, all with an average engagement rate of 1.25%.

7. Elliot Tebele – F*ckJerry

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 15: Elliot Tebele accepts the award for Best Meme/Parody Account for fuckjerry onstage during the 10th Annual Shorty Awards at PlayStation Theater on April 15, 2018 in New York City. Getty Images | Photo by Dave Kotinsky
Elliot Tebele accepts the award for Best Meme/Parody Account for fuckjerry onstage during the 10th Annual Shorty Awards at PlayStation Theater on April 15, 2018, in New York City. Getty Images | Photo by Dave Kotinsky

Elliot Tebele, known as the original meme king, has earned a significant $30 million with a follower base of 17 million and an average engagement rate of 1%. Tebele is the mastermind behind the social media empire FJerryLLC, boasting a collective 40 million followers across accounts like F*ckJerry, BeigeCardigan, DudeWithSign, and JerryNews. Beyond memes, his board game empire, featuring the popular "What Do You Meme," is a nationwide hit, available at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Tebele has also ventured into the liquor industry with the viral tequila brand Jaja.

8. Emma Chamberlain

Emma Chamberlain attends the Miu Miu Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 03, 2023 in Paris, France. Getty Images | Photo by Marc Piasecki
Emma Chamberlain attends the Miu Miu Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 03, 2023, in Paris, France. Getty Images | Photo by Marc Piasecki

Emma Chamberlain, with $20 million in earnings and a following of 28 million fans, transformed from a high school dropout filming YouTube videos at home into a lifestyle empire creator. Her dry humor and fashion sense landed her a groundbreaking deal with Louis Vuitton, and she continues to partner with Cartier, Lancome, Levi's, Aritzia, and Canon. Her beverage venture, Chamberlain Coffee, sells at Walmart and Sprouts, while her podcast, "Anything Goes," secured an exclusive Spotify video deal in February. All this while maintaining an impressive 6.25% average engagement rate.

9. Matt Rife

 Comedian/actor Matt Rife co-hosts the 2023 Adult Video News Awards at Resorts World Las Vegas on January 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images | Photo by Ethan Miller
Comedian/actor Matt Rife co-hosts the 2023 Adult Video News Awards at Resorts World Las Vegas on January 07, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images | Photo by Ethan Miller

Stand-up comedian Matt Rife is capitalizing on his social media prominence, transitioning into a live show sensation. After ten years of performing in small clubs, Rife gained TikTok notoriety through a viral video where he engaged with a female fan. Over the last year, he has amassed an astonishing 17 million TikTok followers and sold over 750,000 tickets for his international tour. In addition to his live success, his Netflix stand-up special, "Natural Selection," is set to stream this year. With earnings reaching $25 million and a devoted following of 22 million, Rife maintains an impressive 10.7% average engagement rate.

10. Brent Rivera

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Brent Rivera attends the 2022 Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on April 09, 2022 in Santa Monica, California. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Kravitz
Brent Rivera attends the 2022 Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on April 09, 2022, in Santa Monica, California. Getty Images | Photo by Jeff Kravitz

Brent Rivera, a social media sensation, has earned $17.5 million with a massive following of 96 million fans and an impressive average engagement rate of 11.25%. Rivera's digital journey began on Vine, leading to success on YouTube, and now he dominates TikTok with comedic videos often featuring his sister, Lexi, amassing 50 million followers. Beyond content creation, this 25-year-old Streamy Award-winner is a savvy businessman, collaborating with major brands like Starbucks, Xbox, and Prada. Additionally, his Amp Studios, founded in 2017, supports emerging creators and brands, solidifying his influence in the digital realm.

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