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The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

Top 50 highest-earning creators of 2026: Collective earnings surpass $1 billion for the first time

Alix Earle Ashton Hall Charli DAmelio Codie Sanchez Dhar Mann Entertainment Khaby Lame Leah Kateb Mark Rober Steven Bartlett

The creator economy reached a historic milestone in 2026. According to Forbes' 2026 Top Creators list, the world's 50 highest-earning social media stars generated a combined $1.02 billion between March 2025 and March 2026, marking the first time collective earnings crossed the billion-dollar mark. The total represents a 20 per cent increase from the $853 million earned by the top creators in 2025 and an 80 per cent jump from the inaugural ranking in 2022. Unveiled during the Cannes Lions Festival in France, the list highlights how digital creators have evolved into major media businesses, attracting billions of followers and competing directly with traditional entertainment companies.

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