MrBeast’s Rise Beyond YouTube: How Chocolate is Outpacing Videos in Earnings

MrBeast, the name behind some of YouTube’s most viral content, is now proving that the real money doesn’t come from viral videos, but from chocolate bars.

Beast Industries is making a big mark in the food industry with its chocolate brand, Feastables, which has far outstripped its media business in terms of revenue. As the second most followed person on social media, MrBeast has expanded his business empire far beyond creating eye-popping YouTube videos, venturing into several industries, including gaming, beverages, and wellness.

In a bid to scale further, Beast Industries is now looking to raise additional funds, with goals to move into new markets. The latest report by Bloomberg reveals that the company’s Feastables brand generated a massive $250 million in sales last year alone, with a profit exceeding $20 million. By contrast, MrBeast’s media arm, which includes his YouTube channels and his Amazon Prime reality show Beast Games, faced losses amounting to almost $80 million over the same period. But despite the setbacks, the company’s overall financial future seems promising, with projections estimating a profit of $300 million by 2026.

Image Credit: Investor pitch deck

Bloomberg's insights paint a picture of a massive shift in how MrBeast monetizes his fame. While YouTube content has earned him billions of views, his company is now increasingly focusing on turning his immense social media reach into a diversified empire. In addition to Feastables, Beast Industries has investments in the snack brand Lunchly and owns Viewstats, a software company that helps other content creators manage their digital presence. MrBeast has also set his sights on areas such as video games, beverages, and wellness, signaling a move towards even more expansion.

One of the major factors driving Beast Industries' growth is its recent fundraising success. Over the past four years, the company has raised over $450 million and is now looking to secure even more capital to fuel its expansion. With a current valuation of around $5 billion – up from $1.5 billion a few months ago – Beast Industries ranks as one of the most valuable companies founded by a social media influencer. This success has been fueled by MrBeast’s ability to leverage his celebrity status to attract investors, much like the creators behind other popular brands such as Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty and Kim Kardashian’s Skims.

Image Credit: Jeffrey Housenbold | PRNewswire | Leaf Home

Beast Industries’ journey has not been without its challenges. For instance, the company experienced significant losses in 2024, including nearly $60 million in expenses related to scaling its business. However, the company is now under the leadership of Jeffrey Housenbold, a seasoned venture capitalist who was hired as CEO in 2024. Under his guidance, Beast Industries is cutting costs, refining operations, and restructuring its approach to production. Housenbold believes the company will be able to turn a profit by 2026, thanks to a more streamlined business model that reduces inefficiencies while still capitalizing on the power of its media presence.

While Feastables currently takes the spotlight, MrBeast’s ambitious plans go beyond chocolate. The company is forecasting that Feastables will triple in size over the next couple of years, with media revenue making up just a fraction of its total sales by 2026. This shift signifies how MrBeast’s content is now seen as a powerful marketing tool for his other ventures, rather than the main income driver.

Image Credit: Bloomberg | MrBeast during a Lamborghini giveaway at the Feastables launch in Sydney in June 2024.Photographer: Brendon Thorne | Getty Images

The success of Feastables comes after MrBeast’s team learned some hard lessons. From the initial hiccups in packaging to navigating the complexities of international expansion, MrBeast and his team have been able to overcome early obstacles. Feastables, which started in 2021, has now expanded to Europe, Africa, and Asia, selling its chocolate bars at major retailers like Walmart.

The company’s move to sell Feastables at scale represents a strategic business shift for MrBeast. He’s learned to use his content to create buzz around other products, from snacks to beverages, and even plans for video games. Despite facing losses in his media ventures, MrBeast continues to expand into new areas, showing that he’s not just a YouTube creator – he’s a brand-building mogul in the making.

While many other influencers like Logan Paul, Alex Cooper, and Emma Chamberlain have ventured into product lines, none have expanded their reach and business portfolio quite like MrBeast. From luxury giveaways to his massive philanthropic stunts, he’s created an empire that extends far beyond the world of video content.

Image Credit: Fast Company

And although his media business hasn’t been the money machine he might have hoped for, MrBeast's ventures into the food and beverage sectors show promise. In fact, with a projected profit surge and the company’s continued diversification, it seems likely that the content mogul could soon be a household name in more than just social media.

As MrBeast continues to push boundaries, the world watches as he transforms from a viral video star to a full-fledged entrepreneur. His future looks bright as Beast Industries plans its next big leap into multiple new industries, and if history is any guide, there’s no telling what heights this YouTube legend will reach next.

It’s safe to say that while MrBeast may still be chasing views and likes on YouTube, his bigger chase is for long-term success across various industries. And if Feastables is any indicator, he’s well on his way.