- Top creators are moving beyond ads into sustainable businesses.
- Brands like Feastables, Chamberlain Coffee, and Prime drive massive sales.
- YouTube is now a launchpad, not the main revenue source.
YouTube has grown into a massive economic force, adding more than $55 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2023. But for many creators, ad revenue and sponsorships are no longer enough. Unpredictable algorithms and shifting monetization rules have pushed top YouTubers to diversify their income, often turning side projects into multimillion-dollar brands.
From Merch to Media Empires
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is the clearest example of this shift. What began as a simple merchandise store has become a sprawling portfolio of ventures, including his snack brand Feastables, which pulled in $250 million in 2024—far more than his YouTube channel generated. Donaldson is even eyeing the mobile carrier industry, with plans to launch his own network operator.
Coffee, Energy Drinks, and Consumer Brands
Other creators are building consumer goods empires of their own. Emma Chamberlain transformed her lifestyle brand into Chamberlain Coffee, now projected to hit $33 million in sales by 2025 after expanding into ready-to-drink products and retail stores. Meanwhile, Logan Paul and KSI’s Prime Energy skyrocketed to over $1.2 billion in sales before facing regulatory challenges and slowing demand.
Family Channels and Food Brands
YouTube’s younger stars are also scaling beyond the platform. Ryan’s World, built by 13-year-old Ryan Kaji, turned toy unboxings into a global licensing empire, generating hundreds of millions in retail sales. Food-focused creators like Rosanna Pansino and Andrew Rea (Babish) have also tapped into cookware, cookbooks, and product lines that reach far beyond YouTube.
Early influencers like Michelle Phan and Huda Kattan pioneered the leap from content to cosmetics. Phan co-founded Ipsy, now a dominant beauty subscription service, while Kattan built Huda Beauty into a brand worth hundreds of millions. Their success inspired a wave of beauty YouTubers to follow suit, proving that content can be the launchpad for global consumer businesses.
Also Read: YouTube Music AI Hosts: Personalized Stories, Trivia, and Commentary While You Listen
For today’s creators, YouTube is no longer the end goal—it’s the starting point. Whether it’s chocolate bars, coffee, or cosmetics, the most successful YouTubers are building businesses designed to outlast platform shifts. The new era of online creators is less about chasing views and more about building brands with real-world staying power.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of CoinBrief.io. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Coin Brief is not responsible for any financial losses.
