Janice R. Andrews
In an era where digital creators often succumb to the demands of fame, Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has adopted a distinctive approach. The YouTube star, boasting over 317 million subscribers, is not merely looking for employees—he’s seeking those who are “obsessed,” as revealed in a leaked 36-page document titled, “How to Succeed in MrBeast Production.”
MrBeast’s Remarkable Rise
MrBeast’s climb to YouTube stardom was anything but a fluke. Famous for his big-budget viral videos such as “Ages 1-100 Fight for $500,000” and “I Spent 50 Hours Buried Alive,” 26-year-old Donaldson has turned his channel into a content empire. In addition to his extravagant videos, he has expanded into business, venturing into food enterprises and preparing to host what may be the world’s largest game show. Last year alone, his company generated an estimated $700 million in revenue.
Despite his enormous success, Donaldson remains rooted in his hometown of Greenville, North Carolina, where he runs his business from a 63,000-square-foot office. Rather than relocate to Hollywood or other influencer hubs, he continues to live in Greenville, with his mother serving as the company’s chief compliance officer overseeing the financials.
A Peek Inside the MrBeast Handbook
The recently leaked handbook offers a deep dive into MrBeast’s unorthodox management style and the rigorous standards he demands from his employees. Donaldson highlights that his videos are becoming increasingly difficult to produce, requiring an even higher level of dedication from his team.
In the handbook, he emphasizes the importance of perfectionism, stating, “I want you to have a mindset that God himself couldn’t stop you from making this video on time.” Employees are encouraged to check in daily and leave no room for mistakes. Donaldson believes that this relentless drive for perfection is what sets his team apart in the hyper-competitive content creation space.
Creativity in cost-saving measures is also encouraged. For example, instead of offering a $20,000 cash prize, MrBeast could give away a year’s supply of Doritos (five bags per day for 365 days), delivering the same shock value at a fraction of the cost. Employees are expected to multitask, whether it’s working on multiple video shoots or customizing a Lamborghini decal.
While the demands are high, Donaldson provides flexibility when it comes to working hours. He prioritizes results over the number of hours worked, telling his team, “At the end of the day, you will be judged on results, not hours.”
Beast Mode: The Blueprint for Success
Donaldson’s own meteoric rise follows the principles outlined in his handbook. He has mastered finding unconventional ways to save money and working beyond the traditional 9-to-5, all while striving for higher-quality content.
Producing content at MrBeast’s level is no small task, with costs reaching up to $4 million per month. Most of his earnings are reinvested into the production of more elaborate videos. He also diversifies his business ventures by partnering with other influential figures, such as Logan Paul and KSI, to launch products like Lunchly, which features Paul’s Prime energy drinks and MrBeast’s Feastables candy bars.
Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
However, the journey to success hasn’t been without its obstacles. MrBeast’s workplace culture has been under fire amid several allegations. Collaborator Ava Kris Tyson recently left the company following accusations of inappropriate messaging to a minor. Additionally, MrBeast is facing a lawsuit filed earlier this month, claiming that contestants in his upcoming “Beast Games” on Amazon were not compensated fairly and were denied meal breaks.
Despite these controversies, Donaldson openly acknowledges his imperfections, stating in the leaked guide, “I’m young, and I’ll be the first to admit I’m not perfect.” He also emphasized his commitment to his company, noting that no one on Earth wants MrBeast to succeed more than he does.
Conclusion
As MrBeast continues to break new ground in the world of YouTube content creation, his message is clear—his team must match his level of obsession to keep pace with his ambitious vision. While the challenges are significant, so too are the rewards, with creative freedom and success on offer. For those willing to take on the high-stakes, fast-paced environment of MrBeast’s production team, embracing the grind is the key to success.
