MrBeast Calls Rapid Rise of AI “Scary” for Millions of Creators
The world’s biggest YouTuber, MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson), has voiced alarm over the rapid evolution of generative AI, warning that it poses a real threat to millions of content creators. His comments come after OpenAI’s latest video-generation model, Sora, sparked debate for its ability to create realistic videos from simple text prompts—including copyrighted characters.
On X (formerly Twitter), MrBeast asked a sobering question: “What happens to creators like me when AI videos are just as good as real ones?” His post resonated widely across the creator community, reigniting fears that AI-generated content could eventually replace human creativity in entertainment.
The anxiety isn’t new. Across film, gaming, and digital media, writers, actors, and artists have protested the unchecked rise of AI, arguing it could undermine creative jobs. Yet, paradoxically, AI tools are also becoming standard in the same industries. Platforms like YouTube now integrate Google’s Veo—an AI video generator—to assist creators with production, scriptwriting, and subtitling.
Experts say the shift is unavoidable. According to Prof. Lars Erik Holmquist of Nottingham Trent University, AI is “making creativity cheaper,” and the short-term winners will be those who embrace it to improve their work. Still, he believes MrBeast’s appeal lies in authenticity—“If it wasn’t real, nobody would watch it.”
Earlier this year, MrBeast faced backlash after introducing an AI thumbnail generator for YouTube videos. Critics accused such tools of relying on copyrighted data without proper credit to creators. Following the criticism, he removed the feature and redirected users to hire human designers instead.
While AI continues to reshape digital creativity, MrBeast’s warning highlights a deeper tension: how can technology empower creators—without replacing them?
