MrBeast’s Big Plan: Building a New Entertainment Empire
Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, is the most popular creator on YouTube with over 380 million subscribers. Now, he wants to grow his brand into a full-fledged media company called Beast Industries, valued at about US $5 billion. His goal is to build a business like Disney, with its own characters, shows, and products.
Why MrBeast Is Making This Move
Disney has been a giant in movies, TV, and theme parks for decades. But now, many young people spend more time watching YouTube than going to Disney parks or even streaming on Disney+. In fact, YouTube accounts for 12% of all TV viewing time in the United States—more than Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ combined. Kids today often say, “I watch YouTube more than TV.” MrBeast saw this change and decided it was the right moment to expand beyond simple videos.
Early Success with Products
MrBeast already tests his ideas with real products. His snack brand, Feastables, made US $215 million in sales last year by selling chocolate bars and cookies. He also launched MrBeast Lab toys, which earned US $65 million in just six months. These successes show that fans are excited to buy items tied to his name and videos.
The “Beast Universe”
To grow like Disney, MrBeast is creating a “Beast Universe.” He has a writers’ room to develop new characters and stories. Soon, fans can expect:
- Toys and action figures
- Comic books about his adventures
- Video games set in Beast worlds
- Animated shows for YouTube and streaming services
He even held a live event in Las Vegas to test how fans enjoy a “MrBeast Experience.” This helped him learn how to run big shows and attractions.
Challenges Ahead
Building an empire is not easy. Disney has decades of experience, while Beast Industries is just starting. MrBeast depends on his own image—if he ever steps back, the business could face trouble. Also, moving into toys, comics, and shows means dealing with many new partners and rules.
Why It Matters
MrBeast’s plan shows how the entertainment world is changing. A single YouTuber can now be as powerful as big studios. By mixing creative videos with real products and live events, MrBeast is shaping a new model for the future. If he succeeds, Beast Industries might become the next big name in entertainment—showing that anyone with a bold idea and a loyal audience can build something as grand as a theme-park empire.
Questions
- Do you think MrBeast can truly compete with a giant like Disney?
- Is creating a “Beast Universe” of characters and stories a smart move?
- How important is MrBeast’s personal brand to the success of Beast Industries?
- Would you buy toys or comics based on a YouTuber’s universe?
- Can fan loyalty on YouTube translate into success in other media?
- Is it risky to rely so heavily on one person’s image and creativity?
- How might traditional studios respond to this creator-driven model?
- Do you think Beast Industries should expand into theme parks someday?
- How do you feel about influencers moving into consumer products and retail?
- What could Disney learn from MrBeast’s success with digital audiences?
