Top 10 creators of 2023: How They're Dominating Social Media
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, the powerhouses of social media continue to amass immense fortunes by captivating audiences worldwide. Forbes has compiled the Top 10 Creators of 2023 who are redefining the landscape of entertainment and advertising. These influencers are not only influential but are also turning their massive followings into substantial earnings. Here’s a closer look at why they are the top creators of the year:
10. Brent Rivera
- Earnings: $17.5M
- Total Followers: 96M
- Avg. Engagement: 11.25%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 3
- Notable Achievements: Multi-platform mastery defines Brent Rivera’s career, with brand partnerships and the establishment of Amp Studios.
9. Matt Rife
- Earnings: $25M
- Total Followers: 22M
- Avg. Engagement: 10.7%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 3
- Notable Achievements: Stand-up comedian Matt Rife leverages TikTok fame for sold-out live shows and a Netflix stand-up special.
8. Emma Chamberlain
- Earnings: $20M
- Total Followers: 28M
- Avg. Engagement: 6.25%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 4
- Notable Achievements: Emma Chamberlain’s humor and fashion sense led to high fashion deals, coffee brand Chamberlain Coffee, and a successful podcast.
7. Elliot Tebele (F*ckJerry)
- Earnings: $30M
- Total Followers: 17M
- Avg. Engagement: 1%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 4
- Notable Achievements: Tebele’s meme empire FJerryLLC expands into board games and viral tequila brands.
6. Logan Paul
- Earnings: $21M
- Total Followers: 74M
- Avg. Engagement: 1.25%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 4
- Notable Achievements: Logan Paul’s versatility includes YouTube vlogs, wrestling, and co-hosting a podcast, despite past controversies.
5. Charli D’Amelio
- Earnings: $23M
- Total Followers: 213M
- Avg. Engagement: 0.7%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 4
- Notable Achievements: TikTok’s top female creator, Charli D’Amelio, has diversified her portfolio with fragrance, clothing, reality TV, and footwear brands.
4. Rhett & Link
- Earnings: $35M
- Total Followers: 51M
- Avg. Engagement: 0.85%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 4
- Notable Achievements: Childhood friends turned digital sensations, Rhett & Link run Mythical, an entertainment company with YouTube series, podcasts, and investments in emerging creators.
3. Jake Paul
- Earnings: $34M
- Total Followers: 66M
- Avg. Engagement: 1.6%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 4
- Notable Achievements: Jake Paul’s journey from Vine star to boxer led to deals with Celsius energy drink and an MMA contract in a new pay-per-view division.
2. Olajide Olatunji (KSI)
- Earnings: $24M
- Total Followers: 112M
- Avg. Engagement: 6.5%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 4
- Notable Achievements: From FIFA video reactions to a rapper and boxer, KSI’s ventures include Prime Hydration and endorsements from major sports organizations.
1. Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast)
- Earnings: $82M
- Total Followers: 312M
- Avg. Engagement: 9.8%
- Entrepreneurship Score: 4
- Notable Achievements: Known for high-production videos and daring stunts, MrBeast’s digital empire includes Feastables snack bars, the MrBeast Burgers restaurant chain, and a sprawling merch line.
These creators have harnessed the unparalleled reach and trust of their audiences to shape the realms of media, marketing, entertainment, and personal brands. They exemplify the immense earning potential of the digital marketing landscape, which continues to grow exponentially.