As The Creator Economy Continues To Thrive, Forbes’ 2024 Top Creators Are Earning More And Driving Global Influence

Forbes unveiled its 2024 Top Creators List, the third-annual definitive ranking of the 50-highest earning, most influential social media-savvy stars across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and other social platforms.

Entrepreneurial creators are growing their stake in the media and advertising industry and challenging the traditional marketing strategies of these industries by tapping their massive fan bases. This year the 50 Top Creators are continuing to prove their growing capital in the global economy as well, the list members estimated to have earned nearly $720 million cumulatively, up from 2023’s $700 million. Their audiences are also growing – the creators on this year’s list have more than 2.75 billion combined followers, up from 2.6 billion in 2023, expanding their global reach and influence on several demographics, especially Gen Z.

When compiling the Top Creators list, Forbes takes into account three factors: earning, entrepreneurship, and clout (follower and engagement ratio), creating a formula that evaluates and ranks each creator. For the third consecutive year, YouTuber and entrepreneur Mr. Beast retains the number one spot on the list. Other stars that made this year’s list include TikTok creators Alix Earle, Jake Shane, Nara Smith, Addison Rae, Call Her Daddy cost Alex Cooper and comedian Matt Rife. There were 16 newcomers who debuted on this year’s list including: Haley Baylee (Haley Kalil), Amelie Zilber, iJustine and Flau’jae Johnson.

“This year’s list shows that the creator economy is growing fast––and growing up,” said Steven Bertoni, Assistant Managing Editor, Forbes. “Creators are harnessing their social influence to evolve from entertainers to entrepreneurs and building their own brands. Others continue to jump from phone screens to mainstream media. And in an industry once built on selfies, many are building streaming studios. The ecosystem will only get bigger and more powerful.”

In tandem with the Top Creators list, Forbes will be hosting its inaugural Creator Upfronts event in partnership with Walmart Creator from October 28-29, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA. The first-of-its-kind event will showcase the world’s most innovative creators to the world’s most influential brands, featuring panel discussions with some of this year’s list makers.

To view the full list and features, visit: 2024 Top Creators List.

To join the conversation on social, follow #ForbesTopCreators.