Really? no, Really?

MrBeast Dominates YouTube…but who is he?

Feb 27, 2024

Exploring MrBeast's rise on YouTube, from cracking algorithms to his philanthropy. His Hollywood-style studio system and viral challenges. Is his charity work inspiration or exploitation? Introducing the bizarre world of Skibidi Toilet. Plus, the debate on success, authenticity, and cultural gaps in the online space.

39:29

Creator website

Episode guests

Ej Dickson

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

MrBeast's success stems from innovative content creation strategies and his philanthropic endeavors.

MrBeast's unique approach to YouTube and dedication to high-budget stunts set him apart from other creators.

Deep dives

Possible Mr. Beast Imitation Show: Mr. Beast Lee Under $100 Stunts

Jason and Peter humorously discuss creating a show imitating Mr. Beast's stunts with minimal budget, planning to fake the train-in-hole stunt under $100 and possibly bury Jason underground for cheap thrills. The banter reflects on humorous yet absurd possibilities similar to Mr. Beast's expensive stunts.

Introduction

3min

The Influence of Mr. Beast on YouTube

13min

The Altruism Debate: Mr. Beast's Philanthropy

4min

The Dichotomy of Success and Authenticity

11min

Skibity Toilet Innovation and Lucy Pet Food Ads

5min

Exploring Cultural Gaps and Budget Stunt Replication

2min

Exploring Extreme Challenges and Entertainment Stunts

3min

Exploring Season Arcs and Mr. Beast's Origin

2min

Global Influence and Popularity of a Soccer Player

5min

MrBeast aka 25-year-old Jimmy Donaldson is the biggest solo performer on YouTube. He’s followed by over 400 million people who watch his insane stunts and his enormous acts of philanthropy.

So, who is this introverted twenty-five-year-old and what makes him tick? Did he really figure out the YouTube recommendation algorithm, and what makes him different from thousands of similar creators on YouTuber? For answers we contacted a writer who for three days, embedded herself with MrBeast, in his enormous compound, in Greenville, North Carolina…Ej Dickson.

Ej is a Senior Writer for Rolling Stone and covers internet culture. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, New York Magazine, Elle, GQ, and Playboy, among others. She's also been featured on NPR's All Things Considered and This American Life, as well as the Hulu docuseries "Only Fans: Selling Sexy," The New Yorker once called her "ineffably cool."

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