MrBeast warns AI could threaten creators’ livelihoods

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YouTube megastar MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) has warned that artificial intelligence could endanger the livelihoods of millions of digital creators. In a social media post, the world’s highest-earning creator described it as “scary times,” voicing concern about how AI-generated videos could disrupt the creator economy.

The comments follow the release of OpenAI’s Sora 2, an upgraded audio and video generator paired with a TikTok-style mobile app that lets users produce AI-made videos of themselves. The app surged to No. 1 on the U.S. App Store after launch, amplifying fears that AI tools could saturate social feeds with synthetic, low-quality content.

MrBeast’s remarks reflect growing anxiety among creators over how AI could automate entertainment and undermine originality. Although he has experimented with AI himself — including a now-removed thumbnail generator on his Viewstats platform — he has faced backlash from fans who prefer human artistry.

The creator community is divided: some see AI as an assistive tool, while others warn of creative displacement. Tech observers note that YouTube’s own AI features, including Veo (for generating video styles) and an AI Studio chatbot, further blur the line between human-made and machine-made content.

Industry experts say the long-term impact will depend on how platforms manage disclosure, copyright, and compensation. Even if AI becomes indistinguishable from human work, creators who use it without transparency risk losing credibility — something MrBeast says could be fatal in an economy built on trust.