Quick Read
- MrBeast criticized Rolling Stone for ranking Caleb Hearon above him on their 2025 influential creators list.
- The backlash against MrBeast’s remarks was swift, with many defending Hearon’s cultural influence.
- Caleb Hearon responded humorously, thanking Rolling Stone and joking about ‘peace talks’ with MrBeast.
- The incident sparked debates about the meaning of influence in the digital age, beyond follower counts.
In the realm of online influence, where social media and digital content reign supreme, even the smallest perceived slights can spark a firestorm. This was precisely the case on August 26, 2025, when YouTube megastar Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, publicly criticized Rolling Stone magazine’s annual ranking of the ’25 Most Influential Creators of 2025.’ The controversy centered around comedian Caleb Hearon, who was ranked sixth on the list, just above MrBeast, who came in seventh. What followed was an online spectacle that illuminated the cultural divide between follower counts and actual influence.
MrBeast’s Reaction: A Battle of Numbers
Known for his philanthropic stunts, extravagant giveaways, and eye-popping challenges, MrBeast is the most-subscribed YouTuber in the world, boasting over 425 million subscribers. Yet, when Rolling Stone placed him at number seven, one spot behind Caleb Hearon, a comedian with just 1 million followers, Donaldson took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his dissatisfaction. He posted a screenshot of Hearon’s ranking alongside the caption, “According to this list, a guy with 1 million followers is more influential than me. What did I do to piss off The Rolling Stones?”
The post quickly went viral but not in the way Donaldson might have hoped. Critics, including fellow content creator Rosanna Pansino, were quick to condemn his remarks. “Imagine being a billionaire and caring about some random magazine list,” Pansino quipped. Her sentiment was echoed by many, with users pointing out that influence is not solely measured by follower counts. As Buzzfeed noted, the backlash was swift and unrelenting, forcing MrBeast to delete his original post.
Caleb Hearon’s Response: Humor Over Hostility
While MrBeast faced criticism, Caleb Hearon chose to respond with humor and grace. The progressive comedian, known for his sharp political commentary and podcast “So True With Caleb Hearon,” celebrated his inclusion on the Rolling Stone list by sharing a screenshot of Donaldson’s now-deleted tweet. Captioning it with a simple “thank you @rollingstone it’s an honor,” Hearon turned the moment into a lighthearted acknowledgment of his achievement.
Later, Hearon joked on Instagram that he was in “peace talks” with MrBeast, further demonstrating his ability to defuse tension with wit. As Dexerto highlighted, Hearon’s response showcased the very qualities that likely earned him his spot on the influential list: relatability, humor, and an ability to resonate with audiences beyond mere numbers.
A Cultural Divide: Influence Beyond Followers
The incident sparked a broader discussion about what it truly means to be influential in today’s digital age. Rolling Stone’s rankings often prioritize creators who have made significant cultural impacts, even if their follower counts are modest. Hearon, with his incisive humor and devoted fanbase, represents a different kind of influence—one rooted in meaningful connections rather than sheer scale.
In contrast, MrBeast’s empire is built on massive viewership and high-budget content. While undeniably popular, his reaction to the ranking revealed a potential blind spot: a reliance on quantitative metrics as the sole measure of success. As Newsweek noted, the clash highlighted a growing divide between creators who build niche, engaged communities and those who dominate through mass appeal.
What’s Next for Both Creators?
In the aftermath of the controversy, MrBeast walked back his comments, acknowledging in a follow-up post that he had watched some of Hearon’s content and found it “actually good.” This conciliatory tone marked a shift from his initial defensiveness, suggesting a willingness to move past the debacle. Meanwhile, Hearon continues to ride the wave of goodwill generated by his measured response.
The episode serves as a reminder that influence is a multifaceted concept, one that cannot be reduced to follower counts or revenue streams. For Hearon, the recognition by Rolling Stone is a testament to his unique voice in a crowded digital landscape. For MrBeast, it is perhaps a moment of introspection—a chance to reconsider what it truly means to be influential.
In an era where digital creators shape culture and discourse, this clash between two contrasting figures underscores the evolving nature of influence. As the online world continues to grow, so too will the debates about what—and who—truly matters.