Top 10 Creators of 2023: Influencers Shaping the Digital Era

Top 10 Online Creators of 2023

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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, 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

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

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.