1 billion views and 1 billion subscribers

> Creating a viral video is all about quality over quantity. A single great video can keep getting views years after it's posted because YouTube's algorithm constantly serves the best content. "It's much easier to hypothetically get 10 million views on one video than a hundred thousand on a hundred."

> Hitting massive subscriber numbers, like 1 billion, comes down to one consistent approach: make great videos. Rather than focusing on vanity metrics, grinding out high-quality content is key. "Just make good videos."

> The results of the $10,000 death poll were eye-opening and a tad disturbing. The fact that many people would accept killing a random person for money suggests some darker elements of human nature. "I assumed it'd be 90 no and 10 yes, but there are a lot of serious people."

Mortality

> Point 1: "I have videos scheduled to release after my death as a way to create a form of digital immortality. It's a way for me to continue to connect with my audience even if I'm no longer physically present."

> Point 2: "I believe recording videos for after death is not only about YouTube but also about social media. It's a way to leave behind a meaningful message and help loved ones cope in case of sudden loss."

> Point 3: "The thought of death can be scary, but I'm hopeful for advancements in technology to extend human life. I'm intrigued by the idea of digital immortality but feel it's important to maintain the authenticity and meaning of my content even after I'm gone."

Improving YouTube

> YouTube's home page feels just right for me; I never open it wondering, “what are these 10 videos?”. I curate my watch habits carefully, which makes all the difference. But the comment section? Ugh, it’s filled with spam and bots—it’s frustrating! I dream of a platform like Reddit where high-effort comments get recognized. “Imagine the community we could build if YouTube invested in that!”

> Also, for feedback, I turn to Twitter instead of YouTube comments. The verified users there really up the quality of responses! Since I started checking the verified tab, it’s been so refreshing to engage with sensible thoughts, making me “live for the day that YouTube's comment section is like that.”

Twitter

> I had this cool conversation with Elon about Twitter, and honestly, the speed at which he's moving with changes is super exciting. Traditional platforms take forever to roll out updates, but with Elon’s fast-paced approach, I think Twitter's going to evolve in some really interesting ways. We tossed around a lot of ideas, and if I became CEO, I’d want to dig into enhancing content dissemination and discovery, making Twitter more dynamic while keeping its raw, off-the-cuff charm.

> When it comes to video, I see Twitter being more like TikTok than YouTube. I don't think it's designed for longer videos, but stronger integration could make a huge difference. For instance, YouTube videos should be embeddable directly within tweets to keep users on the platform. That alone could boost engagement without disrupting Twitter's unique style. Despite the challenges, I'm curious to see how Twitter balances out these possibilities.

Brand deals

> One thing I find essential is integrating brand deals seamlessly into content to maintain viewer engagement and avoid the sellout label. It's about using the brand deal money to enhance the video quality for the audience.

> Maintaining creative control and storytelling freedom with brands is key. If a brand doesn't allow artistic input, it's a red flag. For me, ensuring a natural and engaging brand integration is crucial for viewer satisfaction and conversion rates.

Audience retention

> There’s a thrill in recognizing “there's probably like 50 of these people have no fucking clue” about what I do, and that fuels my excitement to grow and reach new audiences. It’s like a treasure hunt in this vast sea of content, and the unknown is the fun part!

> Understanding retention is all about getting viewers “immersed in the content” and holding them there; it’s crucial to create engaging stories while also keeping each second entertaining. It’s just like cooking—the right blend of flavor and excitement keeps people coming back for more!

Hiring

> Hiring in the content creation world isn't like traditional media; it's all about finding people who are coachable, obsessed, and see the same value in what we're doing. Most traditional media folks think their way is superior, so it's better to train passionate people from scratch rather than trying to change someone's ingrained habits and perspectives.

> The key to viral content is almost second nature now—I’ve watched so many viral videos that my brain feels like a neural network, automatically recognizing patterns for thumbnails, titles, and pacing that capture attention. It’s data-driven; optimizing content is about understanding and applying these deeply ingrained patterns to keep retention high and make videos as engaging as possible.

> To keep content innovative, I avoid rigid procedures for my team. Giving them too many constraints kills creativity and makes everything formulaic. Instead, I offer suggestions and minimal guidelines to ensure they have the freedom to innovate and produce fresh, engaging content while still maintaining the core style and standards of our videos.

Talking to the camera

> I spend a lot of time looking at the camera when creating content. I picture what the viewer sees and constantly analyze my shots in real time, almost like real-time editing for my videos. It's a skill that has developed over the years and allows me to see myself from a third person perspective, making it easier to film content than to talk to a person directly.

> I believe in "cloning" by finding people who think like me, training them to understand my vision, and empowering them to make decisions aligned with what I would choose. It's about developing a team of individuals obsessed with excelling and enabling them to operate independently. This approach not only streamlines the creative process but also allows me to focus on broader tasks while trusting my team to execute ideas in line with our shared vision.

Brainstorming

> "Brainstorming sessions are like magic for me; the more inspiration I take in, the more creative ideas I can churn out.” It’s all about generating fresh, original content that’s never been done before to consistently hit those 100 million view milestones.

> The key to a successful title isn’t just about being catchy; it’s about making it “so intrinsically interesting that it messes with you if you don’t click on it.” It’s crucial that the title accurately represents what viewers will experience throughout the video.

> "After a certain point, a big dollar amount just becomes a big number” - anything above $100K tends to resonate the same way with viewers. The joy of seeing someone win $20 is just as powerful because it speaks universally.

> "You’re not going to do what I do better; you need to forge your own lane.” I believe in sharing my secrets because I see other creators as collaborators, not competitors. Helping others only brings value back to my work and life.

TikTok

> Harnessing the power of short-form content on platforms like TikTok was a game-changer. Transitioning from 15-minute YouTube videos to sub-one-minute vertical content was challenging, but we found ways to innovate and stand out by doing things no one else was, like flying someone to Paris for a baguette. This adaptability led to unprecedented virality across multiple platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and more.

> The idea generation and brainstorming phase is critical. High-quality ideas drive success, and many creators fail because they don’t spend enough effort on fleshing out their concepts. Consistency in virality is not just about luck; it’s a learnable, teachable skill that involves studying what works and relentlessly pursuing improvement. The key is to constantly evolve by reflecting on past projects and striving for better execution.

> Continuous learning and collaboration are essential for staying on top. Regularly engaging with knowledgeable peers and seeking out new insights keeps the creative engine running. Whether through mastermind groups or casual learning conversations, maintaining a “never-ending thirst for learning” is vital. This mindset has shifted my focus from just content creation to also building a scalable content production company to achieve even bigger and crazier ideas.

Advice for beginners

> First off, stop overthinking and just start creating content. Stop planning endlessly, make 100 videos, and improve something each time. Only on the 101st video, you can start expecting more views.

> Secondly, when faced with challenges, don't give up. Think creatively and find alternative ways to achieve your goals. There are always multiple paths to success, so push through obstacles with resilience and a dominant personality.

How to grow on YouTube

> "10x is not just about numbers; it's personal. It’s crucial to figure out what success means to you individually because if you're chasing someone else's definition, you're setting yourself up for failure."

> "There's a fine line between understanding your audience through data and becoming obsessed with it. I love creating content that excites me, and I worry about how numbers can pull me away from that fun and genuine creativity."

> "Brainstorming with others is invaluable! I've learned that bouncing ideas off those who think differently ignites fresh concepts, leading to videos that really resonate. Remember, 'it's much easier to make a video around a good idea than a bad one.'"

Elon Musk and Twitter

> The hardest metric to optimize is the survey responses because they provide a clear, unfiltered reflection of viewers' satisfaction. "You can get people to click a video, you can get them to watch it, but you can't really fake whether or not they're satisfied."

> Competing with YouTube is extremely challenging. "I don't think anyone's gonna do what YouTube does better than them, at least not in the next 10 years." The platform's sophistication and the feedback loop through survey systems make it a formidable presence in digital media.

10 million dollars vs 10 million subscribers

> If you believe in your ability to grow a channel, 10 million dollars can help you get 10 million subscribers. "It's like, hmm, you know, a million dollars is a life-changing amount of money, but if you know what you're doing, you probably make a million dollars off a 10 million subscriber channel."

> Analyzing videos and social behavior on YouTube is like a giant social experiment. "I think there's just a lot of curious humans in the world. It's fascinating to step outside yourself and understand why people like certain platforms."

> Centralized control, shadow banning, and censorship on platforms like YouTube raise important issues. "I think the big thing is transparency, especially around shadow banning. If there's no transparency, who's pulling the strings and manipulating content?"

Going to Antarctica

> Going to Antarctica was an insane adventure, and honestly, the hardest part was just getting there. It’s so remote, and when you land, it feels sketchy being on an ice runway. But once you’re there, it’s breathtaking—“standing on top of a mountain and just seeing nothing in every direction” really makes you realize how small we are compared to the vast beauty of the planet.

> The technical challenges were real too! Dealing with the extreme cold, like “negative 20 or negative 30 degrees,” meant we had to keep our camera batteries warm or they’d just die on us. We really lucked out with the warmest day in ages, but preparation is key in those environments. It was all about adapting and making the most of the situation!

Process of making a video

> When creating ambitious videos, the process is incredibly intricate and iterative. From building an independent crew for 100 days to setting up multiple cameras and logistics, every step is thoughtfully planned to ensure we can keep producing content consistently. Adaptations and enhancements, like using a crane to drop a house for a better intro, often happen in real-time to make the content more engaging.

> Delegation and logistics require astute management, especially in large-scale productions like "100 Kids vs. 100 Adults." The lessons from previous projects, such as dealing with audio issues and the need for better visual documentation, guide improvements. Ensuring clear roles, such as assigning a lead cam for coordination, and learning from past challenges, helps to refine future projects and make complex ideas a reality.

Overcoming depression

> Embracing Objectivity in Evaluating Videos: "I just look at it objectively unemotional and then just move on. If a video does bad, remove emotion from the equation and figure out how to improve for the next one."

> Evolving from Fear to Confidence in Publishing: "Publishing used to make me nervous to the point of almost puking. But once you believe in yourself and your content, the fear dissipates, leading to a healthier detachment and a more sustainable approach."

> Importance of Balancing Work and Recharging: "Recharging is crucial for success. If downtime doesn't recharge you, you're just a ticking time bomb. Finding a balance between work and activities that rejuvenate you is key to long-term sustainability and mental well-being."

Building a business

> "A perfect day for me is when I film a main channel video because those get 100 million views. The energy and excitement of creating something that resonates with so many people is truly unmatched."

> Managing multiple companies at just 24 has been a wild ride; I’ve learned to prioritize by tackling the biggest pain points from eight different ventures, making it as efficient as possible. It's all about "clearing the bottlenecks" for my teams and helping them thrive.

> "I want to be constantly learning and experimenting, even as we see success. The key is to innovate while we're still growing, not waiting for a plateau to change things up. It’s a balancing act, but that's how I keep everything fresh and engaging."

MrBeast Burger and Feastables

> Launching Beast Burger was kind of a happy accident—it started as a pop-up idea with just a few hundred restaurants and exploded into a massive success, consistently pulling in six figures a day. It was never in the original plan to run a restaurant chain, but when you see that kind of demand and success, you just have to roll with it.

> With Feastables, it was a passion project aimed at revolutionizing American snacks, which I think are often unhealthy and uninnovative. We spent over two and a half years meticulously building the right team and strategy. The biggest surprise has been the supply chain challenges—keeping up with the insane demand in retail stores like Walmart and ensuring products are always available for our fans has been tough, but incredibly rewarding as we look to expand even further.

Creating video games

> I'm really considering branching into mobile or computer games for the future because of the reach and impact it can have on my international audience. It's a quicker way to engage with them compared to physical products like Beast burger or Feastables that take time to expand globally.

> Moving towards software like games allows me to instantly connect with all my fans worldwide, creating a more inclusive experience for everyone. While venturing into a new field like game development might seem daunting, I believe focusing on creating a great product that resonates with my audience will lead to success, much like my approach to YouTube.

Making billions of dollars

> First off, the key to my journey is making “the best video possible.” All the other goals, including hitting that $100 billion mark, naturally follow when you focus on creating content that resonates with people. It's all about scaling, getting more views, and building a foundation that allows me to keep innovating.

> Then there's the thrill of expanding my ventures like Feastables and Beast Burger, dreaming about the day I can “give away a billion dollars in a video.” That’s the vision I’m pushing toward, and honestly, it feels exhilarating to think about the possibilities ahead.

Money vs Happiness

> Money doesn't buy happiness beyond a certain point. It can bring joy by ensuring basic needs and helping loved ones, but once those essentials are covered, additional wealth doesn't add much to happiness. "Going from $10 million to $100 million makes no difference."

> Finding trustworthy people is challenging as you gain wealth and fame. Most of my close friends, like Chandler and Chris, I knew before I became big. Trust is crucial, and it's often easier to trust those who knew you before your success.

> The journey can be lonely. I expected to find many like-minded people obsessed with making great videos and building businesses, but among millions of subscribers, only a few share that kamikaze approach. A lot of people grow more conservative as they get more successful, which is isolating. "It’s just so interesting…every level I got up…it’s like I just got more and more lonely.”

Mental health

> "The best thing for my mental health was giving in to my innate nature to work. The key is to work when I feel like working and not restrict myself. That's when I feel happiest."

> "Surrounding myself with people who encourage my passions has been a game-changer. I thrive when others support my drive to keep going, even if it means pulling all-nighters or diving deep into what I love."

> "The advice I swear by is 'you're crazy until you're successful, then you're a genius.' Along the way, many doubted me, but now they call me a genius. It's crucial to find people who believe in you, add value, and challenge you to be better."

Love

> Love is powerful, and I believe it should elevate you; "I can’t truly love someone that doesn’t make me better." It’s a game-changer when you find someone who helps you shut off that overactive brain and supports your growth, making your life richer and more fulfilling.

> Don’t settle when searching for that special person. The world is huge, "there are billions," so keep pushing until you find someone who genuinely makes you happier and helps you become the best version of yourself. Surround yourself with people who make you better!

Legacy

> I want my legacy to be a net positive on the world, impacting billions of people in a way that brings lasting change. It's about creating something that, even long after I'm gone, continues to bring joy and positive experiences to people globally, much like how the iPhone has affected so many lives.

> Admiring the meticulous passion and effort people like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk put into their work inspires me deeply. That little bit of love transferred through their creations is such a beautiful thing, and it's what I strive for in everything I do, whether through my videos or other ventures.