Jimmy Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast, has made a statement about AI and its impact on the creator economy.
The YouTube star described the moment as “scary times,” warning that AI-generated content could disrupt how millions of creators earn a living.
On Monday, MrBeast shared his thoughts on social media. He questioned how the rise of AI video tools might affect the “millions of creators currently making content for a living.”
His comments drew immediate attention. MrBeast ranks No. 1 on Forbes’ 2025 list of top creators, with $85 million in earnings and a following of 634 million across platforms.
His influence makes his concerns particularly significant. If a creator of his scale sees AI as a potential threat, smaller creators are likely even more vulnerable.
AI Video Tools
MrBeast’s comments followed the launch of Sora 2, OpenAI’s new audio and video generator.
Alongside the release, OpenAI introduced a mobile app that allows users to create AI-generated videos, including personalized clips, in a TikTok-style feed.
The app quickly climbed to the top of the U.S. App Store, reflecting rising interest in AI-powered media creation.
YouTube has also interwoven AI into its app. The platform now offers editing features that can animate still images, apply stylistic effects, and generate clips or highlights from longer videos.
It also provides an AI chatbot in YouTube Studio to assist creators with channel management.
MrBeast’s AI History
MrBeast has previously experimented with AI. Earlier this year, he introduced an AI thumbnail generator through his analytics platform, Viewstats.
This move triggered backlash from fans and artists, who accused him of sidelining human talent.
He removed the tool shortly after and replaced it with links to human artists available for commission. His company’s philanthropic arm has also invested in AI initiatives in the past.
The AI Industry
Some argue that AI could democratize content creation by making professional-grade tools accessible to everyone.
Others worry it could flood platforms with low-quality, mass-produced videos that drown out original voices.
Many users have already labeled some AI-generated content as “slop,” criticizing its lack of creativity and emotional depth.
However, as technology improves, the line between human-made and AI-made videos may blur further.
Transparency will play a critical role going forward. Creators who use AI without disclosure risk damaging their reputation if audiences later discover the truth.
Trust is central to creator-fan relationships, and losing it can have lasting consequences.
