Kathmandu. Content creation is no longer just a simple hobby or a way to pass the time, it has now become a multi-billion dollar business that rivals Hollywood itself.
The recently published Forbes Top Creators 2026 list proves it. फोर्ब्सले यो र्याङ्किङ क्रियटरहरूको कुल कमाइ, फलोअर सङ्ख्या, इन्गेजमेन्ट रेट र उनीहरूको व्यापारिक उद्यमशीलताको आधारमा तयार पार्ने गर्छ, त्यसैले कमाइ थोरै हुने क्रियटर पनि धेरै प्रभावका कारण माथिल्लो र्याङ्कमा पर्न सक्छन्।
On the one hand, the number of people working in the film industry (Hollywood) in Los Angeles, USA, has historically decreased, while on the other hand, creators are surpassing Hollywood itself at the box office.
For example, ‘Backrooms’, based on Ken Parsons’ horror web series, went on to gross over $260 million on a budget of just $10 million. Similarly, ‘Obsession’, made on a budget of 750,000 dollars, did more than 290 million dollars.
For the first time in the 5-year history of Forbes, the total income of the top 50 creators has crossed the 1 billion dollar mark and reached 1.02 billion dollars (about 1 trillion 36 billion Nepalese rupees). This is a 20 percent increase from last year’s $853 million.
१. मिस्टर बिस्ट (जिमी डोनाल्डसन)
Mr. Beast is YouTube’s biggest star, having been ranked number 1 on the Forbes list for the fifth year in a row. He is famous for big and expensive stunts, challenges and huge charity work.
Jimmy Donaldson is the king of YouTube, turning YouTube stunts into global production studios. His YouTube channels have over 640 million subscribers and receive over 5 billion views annually.
He is no longer just a YouTuber but runs an entire media empire. His earnings come from YouTube ads, sponsorships, his own snack brand (Fistables), Launchly and big projects like ‘Beast Games’ coming to Amazon Prime.
In February 2026, he ventured into personal finance by purchasing ‘Step’, an app that teaches teenagers investing and wealth management. Estimated earnings: 300 million dollars (about 40 billion Nepalese rupees)
२. धर मान
Indian-origin Dhar Mann is a storyteller who makes short films that are vital and inspiring. He is the founder of Dhar Maan Studios, which employs more than 200 employees. His videos are translated into 13 languages and garner nearly 300 million views a week.
His main earnings come from YouTube ad revenue as well as corporate partnerships with big brands like Adobe, NFL and deals with television networks. Has signed a deal with Fox Entertainment to produce 40 vertical dramas within 18 months. His estimated earnings are $65 million.
३. स्टिभन बार्टलेट
Steven is a successful entrepreneur and host of the popular podcast ‘The Diary of a CEO’. Host Steven has turned the interview show he started in his own kitchen into a holding company worth $425 million, Steven.com. He conducts long and in-depth interviews with CEOs, scientists, athletes and celebrities.
His audio broadcasting and video podcasts are widely heard around the world. He earns this income through advertising, sponsorships, and turning the podcast itself into a large media business. He is back as an investor (judge) in the sixth season of ‘Dragon’s Den’. His estimated earnings are $52 million.
४. मार्किप्लायर (मार्क फिसब्याक)
Mark, who has ruled the gaming YouTube world for over a decade, has recently been busy making independent films and horror films. He is now working on connecting content and Hollywood. He earns from gaming videos, brand deals, podcasts, merchandise (Lugafata sales) and producing his own films.
His self-funded feature film ‘Iron Long’ was released in 3,000 theaters in North America and earned $50 million at the box office. Hall and he had a 50/50 share in it. His estimated earnings are $38 million.
५. रेट र लिङ्क
Rhett and Link are a comedy duo who have been hosting the daily YouTube show ‘Good Mythical Morning’ since 2012. It shoots 240 episodes annually. They have about 20 million viewers.
They have set up their own studio network called ‘Mythical Entertainment’. Through daily videos, collaborations with various brands and a production company, they have added to this wealth. His estimated earnings are 37 million dollars.
६. चार्ली डामेलियो
Charli, who went viral with dance videos on TikTok, has now become an entertainer and fashion personality. She is the ambassador of Prada. Although her earnings are lower than those of the creators below, she is ranked sixth due to her influence. U
Nay earns from contracts with major fashion brands, her own fashion line, and various entertainment projects. After Broadway, she returned to her popular dance videos and YouTube vlogs. His estimated earnings are $18 million.
७. ड्रस्की (ड्रिउ डेसबोर्डेस)
Drusky is a popular sketch comedian who has gone viral for his unscripted comedy and fictional record label called ‘Kuda Bin Records’. He has turned an internet viral comedy into a corporate venture. He earns this from brand deals, acting, and live shows.
He earns from collaborations, brand deals and hosting with Hollywood stars (eg: Kevin Hart, Timothée Chalamet). This June, he hosted the prestigious ‘BET Awards’. His estimated earnings are $20 million.
८. आई सो स्पीड (ड्यारेन जेसन वाटकिन्स जूनियर)
Speed is a live-streaming sensation, known worldwide for creating gaming and soccer-related content (especially as a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo).
His income is not just from one big job or contract. He earns millions from YouTube ads, huge donations from live streams, and tours around the world (like streaming during the 2026 World Cup). His estimated earnings are $30 million.
९. मार्क रोबर
Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, now makes videos that teach science and engineering in a fun way. He is called the ‘Mad Scientist’ of social media. He makes a fortune from viral YouTube videos, sponsorships, and merchandising educational engineering kits aimed at children.
Brands like Rivian, Google and Disney are attracted to his educational content. His company ‘CrunchLabs’ sells science kits. This spring, he also gave a TED Talk on his plan to energize America’s STEM education system. His estimated earnings are $30 million.
१०. कोडी सान्चेज
Former journalist Cody Sanchez now creates content on small business buying, investing and financial education. She has built her empire through various courses and consulting on financial architecture, investing in small businesses, running newsletters and financial education.
She earns a fortune from her millions of followers on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube through small business tips, financial education courses, and investment consulting. His estimated earnings are $31 million.