From Kansas Kid to Global YouTube Phenomenon - The MrBeast Story

The Origins of MrBeast - Chris Tyson's Journey to YouTube Stardom

Before he was the massively popular YouTube star known as MrBeast, he was just Chris Tyson - a regular kid with big dreams. Chris launched his MrBeast channel in 2012 at the young age of 13, not knowing where his passion for creating videos would take him.

Discovering YouTube and Building an Audience

Chris discovered YouTube early on and was drawn to the creative entrepreneurs who were making names for themselves through entertaining videos. He decided to try it out for himself, filming silly stunts and commentary videos with his friends in his backyard in Kansas City, Missouri.

It was slow going at first, but Chris persisted. He stayed true to making the kind of videos he found funny, slowly building a small but dedicated audience. He chose the nickname "MrBeast" not knowing how prophetic it would become.

Breakthrough Videos and Original Content

His breakthrough came through experiments in binge-watching viral videos and original stunts, like reading the dictionary for hours straight. Chris realized he could combine humor with feats of endurance for something wholly unique.

He also discovered that philanthropy performed on camera seemed to resonate with many viewers. Stunts like counting to 100,000 brought difficult challenges and donated money to good causes together in fresh new ways.

Teaming Up With Friends to Form MrBeast Crew

Around 2015, Chris began collaborating with close friends, including Chandler Hallow, Chris Tyson, and others near his Kansas City home. Calling themselves the "MrBeast Crew," together they expanded the channel's content output drastically.

More elaborate viral stunts and donation efforts followed, earning fans through Chris's outrageous creativity and charitable spirit. Interest and subscribers exploded when the crew started ramping up production.

MrBeast's Massive Popularity Through Outrageous Stunts

By 2018, Chris "MrBeast" Tyson's channel became one of the most viewed on YouTube seemingly overnight thanks to his increasingly extreme, expensive, and logistically complicated video ideas. Despite their absurdity, fans couldn't get enough.

ishments and Original Series

His most famous early feats included reading books for 50 hours non-stop, being buried alive for 50 hours, and hosting intense elimination competitions. The MrBeast crew also pioneered popular series like "Last to Remove Hand Wins $10,000" and "Spin the Mystery Wheel."

No matter how taxing Chris's ideas were to pull off, the crew made sure productions values were top-notch. Fans constantly flocked to see what new outrageous stunt or series concept Chris would try next.

Epic Philanthropic Efforts

As MrBeast's viewership swelled into the tens of millions, his philanthropy increased proportionally. He evolved donor drives into empire-like efforts raising millions for charity. Chris also pioneered creative ways to "give back" directly to his dedicated subscribers.

Notable historic efforts included teaming with Mark Rober to plant 20 million trees and creating the $10 million YouTube Creator Games for fans. MrBeast and crew's caring spirit and extreme generosity became just as famous as their stunts.

The MrBeast Business and Brand Continues Strong Growth

While Chris could have earned a comfortable living keeping up his trademark outrageous YouTube content, he continued exhibiting business savvy behind the scenes. MrBeast has expanded into apparel, food, and even financial services, collecting talented entrepreneurs under one umbrella.

Apparel and Merchandise

Chris re-invested YouTube revenue early on into apparel, positioning the colorful MrBeast logo across t-shirts, hats, backpacks, and more. The limited "drops" of hot new merch always sold out immediately helping build further hype.

MrBeast Burger and Ghost Kitchens

Capitalizing on his impressions and fame in an oversaturated market, MrBeast launched the delivery-only MrBeast Burger chain in late 2020. Over 300 nationwide ghost kitchen locations now serve his menu of burgers, fries, and shakes.

Beast Philanthropy and Business Endeavors

In 2022 Chris unveiled Beast Philanthropy - a vehicle supporting good causes chosen by fans. He also founded the Beast Business consultation service to provide mentorship and capital investments to upstart YouTuber entrepreneurs.

Chris Tyson aka MrBeast sees no limit to how big the MrBeast brand can become. But he hasn't forgotten his roots - crazy videos made just for fun with friends. And that's why fans both old and new connect with him on such a massive scale.

FAQs

How old was MrBeast when he started YouTube?

Chris Tyson was 13 years old when he created his MrBeast YouTube channel in 2012. He filmed videos in his backyard in Kansas City, Missouri.

What was MrBeast's first viral video?

An early viral hit for MrBeast was the video where he counted to 100,000 in one continuous take. This built his audience and established his willingness to take on endurance challenges.

How does MrBeast make money on YouTube?

MrBeast generates revenue on YouTube through advertisements that play before and during his videos. As his viewership grew exponentially, so did his earnings. He now reinvests a lot into his elaborate video productions.

What businesses does the MrBeast brand have?

Beyond his main YouTube channel, MrBeast has created a merchandise line, the MrBeast Burger ghost kitchen franchise, Beast Philanthropy, and Beast Business consulting/investment firm. He continues expanding the brand into new areas.