YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson – aka MrBeast – has spoken out about the number of people he believes are copying his work, calling them “MrBeast Clones.”
In a statement on his official @MrBeast Twitter account, Donaldson says he regrets “sharing everything” [he knows] about YouTube,” accusing creators of copying its content.
Despite expressing his frustration, 25-year-old Donaldson said he would ‘keep sharing everything’ [he knows] public’.
Donaldson’s tweets suggested that he regrets appearing on podcasts and other shows, where he has tried to offer advice to other content creators in the hopes that they would “innovate” and “be inspired” by his words .
Born in Wichita, Kansas, before growing up in Greenville, North Carolina, Donaldson uploaded his first YouTube video in February 2012, when he was 13.
YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson – aka MrBeast – has spoken out about the number of people he believes are copying his work, calling them ‘MrBeast Clones’
In a statement on his official @MrBeast Twitter account, Donaldson says he regrets “sharing everything” [he knows] about YouTube,” accusing creators of copying its content
In response to a tweet from entrepreneur Michael Aubry – who pointed out that people can create new and original content after following tips from MrBeast – he replied, “That’s not stealing haha. We all get inspiration from somewhere’
His early content revolved around harmless pranks with friends.
His first hit was a video in which he took four hours to count to 100,000. As his following grew, Donaldson moved into the lavish giveaways that have become his trademark.
It started small, giving away cash prizes to members of his community, but it quickly gained momentum and in 2018 he donated $100,000 worth of products to a homeless shelter.
He has since repeated the dose for an Uber driver, a waitress, and people in parking lots.
In one video, he dropped $20,000 from a drone and gave a pizza man the house he was delivering to as a tip.
He is also the channel’s “biggest philanthropist.” His viral videos are based on extravagant stunts in which he offers lavish gifts to unwitting members of the public.
Most of Donaldson’s giveaways are funded by brand deals and ad revenue.
In 2021, it was reported that less than half (45 percent) of Donaldson’s revenue was reinvested in his channel
His philanthropy, as is often the case, is not devoid of self-interest.
In a 2018 video, his mother repeatedly refutes his attempts to give her a $100,000 check. Donaldson quips, “If I don’t give it to you, I don’t have a viral video.” His mother asks, “So you’re using me for views?” To which he replies: ‘Yes, but you also get money, so we are both happy.’
In 2021, it was reported that less than half (45 percent) of his revenue was reinvested in his channel.
Another of Donaldson’s recent projects is MrBeast Burger, a delivery service that sold over a million burgers before Donaldson even uploaded a video.
He’s also launched smartphone apps, started video game tournaments, and struck a deal with Walmart to sell his Feastables chocolate bar.
Donaldson is currently the world’s richest YouTuber, with an estimated net worth of over $500 million.
The social media sensation also made headlines recently when three contestants in his Olympic-style YouTube competition were injured.
He filmed “an Olympic-style challenge” with participants from all over the world on his North Carolina property, which resulted in several injuries, TMZ reported.
It is said that the competition included running, hurdles and other obstacles.