YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has set a historic milestone by becoming the first individual creator to surpass 400 million subscribers on his main channel. According to Forbes report, world’s richest content creator MrBeast’s position achieved on June 1, 2025, this feat cements as one of the most influential digital creators worldwide. To celebrate, YouTube awarded him a unique Play Button trophy, specially designed to mark this unprecedented achievement. However, while fans praised his incredible success, the trophy design sparked controversy online, with many calling it uninspired and even “AI-generated” in appearance. The debate has raised questions about YouTube’s creativity in its awards, overshadowing what is otherwise one of the biggest milestones in digital content history.
MrBeast hits 400 million YouTube subscribers, thanks fans for support
MrBeast’s channel, known for its large-scale challenges, philanthropy, and viral social experiments, has dominated YouTube for years. Surpassing 400 million subscribers places him far ahead of T-Series, which currently holds 299 million. Celebrating the milestone, MrBeast shared an emotional note, recalling how he was once discouraged from pursuing content creation:“A decade ago everyone told me I was too obsessed and would never make it. I loved making content so much I told my mom I’d rather be homeless than do anything else. Thanks to YouTube and you guys, I now have a purpose every single day.”
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan presents MrBeast with a unique 400 million subscriber Play Button
To celebrate the milestone, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan personally handed MrBeast a custom-designed Play Button. Unlike traditional Gold or Diamond buttons, this award features a metallic frame with a rare blue gemstone centerpiece, symbolizing the uniqueness of this achievement. MrBeast proudly shared the picture of his award with the caption: “400,000,000 Subscriber Play Button! Thank you, YouTube.”This marks the first time YouTube has created a personalised award for an individual creator, underscoring how MrBeast has become the face of creator culture worldwide.
Mixed reactions as YouTube’s 400M trophy for MrBeast sparks criticism
While fans praised MrBeast’s achievement, many were critical of the trophy’s design. Some argued it looked like a repainted version of previous awards, while others felt YouTube could have made something more iconic. A Reddit user commented: “This looks like they made one just for the sake of it.”Another added: “It’s just a 10 million button with a blue center.”A few fans defended YouTube, pointing out that the blue centerpiece might be crafted from precious materials like lapis lazuli or azurite, but the overall sentiment leaned toward disappointment, with some calling it “AI-generated” in design.
MrBeast’s journey from YouTuber to billionaire entrepreneur
MrBeast is more than a YouTuber; he is a global entrepreneur. Earlier this year, Celebrity Net Worth estimated his wealth at $1 billion, making him the eighth-youngest billionaire in the world and the only one under 30 to achieve such status without inheritance. His business empire, Beast Industries, generated $473 million in 2024 alone and is expected to double in revenue this year. Alongside his core YouTube content, MrBeast runs multiple businesses, including food chains, gaming channels, merchandise, and tech ventures, making him one of the most influential digital entrepreneurs of this generation.Also Read | Will Joe Biden face a sudden medical emergency in 2025? Living Nostradamus sparks global debate
