About MrBeast’s guidebook

In an allegedly leaked guidebook, MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), the most popular YouTuber, shares his secrets with his team on creating viral YouTube content.

Most of these tips are applicable to various forms of social media content: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, X/Twitter, etc.

🎯 Your Main Goal

Make the BEST YOUTUBE VIDEOS possible.

Not the best-produced or best-looking – specifically optimized for YouTube.

📊 VIDEO STRUCTURE

• First minute: CRUCIAL – hook viewers immediately
• Minutes 1-3: Transition from hype to story
• Minutes 3-6: Most exciting, simple content
• Back half: More complex stuff for invested viewers
• Average video length: ~13.5 minutes

🎬 PRODUCTION ESSENTIALS

• Video everything! Don’t rely on memory
• Always have backup plans
• Check on contractors DAILY
• Work on multiple videos every day
• Keep sets simple and clean
• Identify “Critical Components” (things video can’t happen without)
• Pull all-nighters WEEKS before shoot, not days before

👥 TEAM & COMMUNICATION

• Follow proper communication lines
• Higher forms of communication (in-person > call > text)
• Use consultants – they’re cheat codes
• Don’t leave contestants waiting more than 3 hours
• Support talent (Chris, Karl, etc.) – let them be naturally funny

🎨 CREATIVE APPROACH

• Goal: Excite Jimmy (which excites viewers)
• Keep formats fresh – don’t overuse them
• Brand deals should be entertaining content
• No dull moments allowed
• Understand culture and current trends
• Don’t fake anything
• End videos abruptly

🎯 AUDIENCE & REACH

• Core: Teenage memers who like video games
• But reaches everyone (families watch together)
• 50%+ viewers from America and Europe
• 70% male, 30% female viewers
• Videos get millions of views per month for years

💼 CAREER GROWTH

• Company expanding from 2 to 4 teams (maybe 8 soon)
• Needs more leaders
• No yearly reviews – ask for feedback anytime
• Not a stepping stone – meant to be final destination
• Rewards based on responsibility and results
• Opportunity for massive growth

🧠 MINDSET & VALUES

• Results matter more than hours worked
• Only “A Players” survive (obsessive, coachable, intelligent)
• Own mistakes and learn from them
• No excuses – take ownership
• Push through “no” – find another way
• Being creative saves money
• Watch ALL MrBeast videos to understand brand

⚠️ COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

• Working on only one video per day
• Taking “no” as final answer
• Dumping tasks on contractors without follow-up
• Poor communication across departments
• Not understanding video timing/structure
• Ignoring backup plans
• Not videoing everything

📈 KEY METRICS FOR VIDEOS

• Click-Through Rate (CTR): How many people click thumbnail
• Average View Duration (AVD): How long they watch
• Average View Percentage (AVP): What % of video they watch
• “Wow Factor”: Things only MrBeast can do

Remember!

This is not a rulebook. Apply everything with common sense and adapt to each situation! 🚀