MrBeast & Top YouTubers Reveal Viral Secrets in MasterClass

Welcome to the ultimate YouTube MasterClass, where I’ve brought together some of the top YouTubers in the world to reveal the biggest secrets behind viral success, audience growth, and making millions beyond AdSense.

If you’ve ever wondered how to crack the YouTube algorithm, create the perfect thumbnail, or turn your channel into a full-scale business, this is for you.

We’ll break down everything that works today—from extreme challenges and storytelling to monetization, retention hacks, and long-term relevance.

These aren’t just random tips—they’re proven strategies from creators who’ve stayed on top for years.

By the end of this, you’ll know exactly what it takes to dominate YouTube and build a brand that lasts. Let’s get started!

(Note: This is an imaginary conversation, a creative exploration of an idea, and not a real speech or event.)

Mastering the YouTube Algorithm

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), Ryan Trahan, Nas Daily, Ludwig, PewDiePie

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, guys, today we're diving into the YouTube algorithm—the invisible force that decides if your video gets a million views or dies in the void. Everyone here has cracked it in different ways, so let’s break down what really works.

Marques, let’s start with you. You’ve been at this for over a decade. How do you think about algorithm-friendly videos while keeping your high production value?

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD):

For me, watch time and click-through rate (CTR) are the two biggest factors. If people click and stay, YouTube keeps pushing it. I focus on clear, curiosity-driven titles without feeling clickbaity. Something like “This is the Best Smartphone of the Year?” makes people curious enough to click, and once they’re in, the goal is to keep them engaged with clean pacing, music, and visuals.

I also structure my videos so that the most important stuff comes up front—so even if people leave early, they still get value. But honestly, retention graphs tell you everything. If people are dropping off at a certain point, I tweak my editing to stop that from happening.

Ryan Trahan:

I totally agree. But for my channel, momentum is everything. I do challenge-based content that people binge, so I design my videos with a “loop” in mind—meaning, I end with a setup for the next video, or I reference past challenges so people go back and rewatch.

Also, I always say: your video has to answer one question immediately—“Why should I care?” The faster you answer that, the better. That’s why I show stakes in the first 10 seconds. If I’m doing a “Surviving on 1 Penny” challenge, I start with something extreme like “I have no money, no food, and 7 days to survive”—boom, you’re hooked.

Nas Daily:

That’s a killer strategy! And I’ll add this—watch time is king, but storytelling is queen. People stay for stories, not just fancy editing.

For example, every Nas Daily video follows a 3-act structure:

1. Set up a problem (“This guy can make water out of air”)
2. Build intrigue (“But here’s the crazy part—no one believed him”)
3. Deliver an emotional payoff (“Now he’s saving entire villages”).

I keep my pacing super fast because YouTube rewards videos that don’t let people get bored. If you look at my retention graph, the moment I slow down too much, people leave. So my rule is: cut out everything that isn’t exciting, educational, or emotional.

Ludwig:

I love that, and I think there’s another big secret—streaming is the hidden algorithm hack. If you can get people to engage in live content, then chop it up into highlights, you get built-in watch time and engagement.

Twitch streamers who move to YouTube always do well because they understand that the more minutes people spend on your channel, the more YouTube favors you. I take my longest streams, cut the best 5-minute chunks, and post them as highlights. That way, I’m feeding YouTube content constantly while also running live streams that keep people engaged for hours.

PewDiePie:

Yeah, and let’s not forget—you gotta be yourself. The algorithm is great and all, but people subscribe to you, not just your content.

One mistake I see is people chasing trends without making them their own. Like, if everyone’s doing Minecraft videos, don’t just do the same thing—add your personality, your weird humor, your own spin.

For years, my videos weren’t even optimized for retention—I’d ramble, go off-topic, make dumb jokes—but people stuck around because they connected with me. So, my biggest advice? Make content that feels like hanging out with a friend, not just a YouTube video.

MrBeast’s Biggest Algorithm Secrets

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, you guys just dropped some insane wisdom—but now it’s my turn. Here are my biggest secrets to cracking the YouTube algorithm:

1. Title & Thumbnail = 80% of success. If people don’t click, nothing else matters. I test 10+ thumbnails and titles before publishing.
2. Fast pacing, no fluff. Cut anything boring. I try to make every 5 seconds interesting.
3. Start with stakes. If the first 10 seconds don’t hook you, you’re gone.
4. Use curiosity loops. Don’t answer everything at once—keep people waiting for a reveal.
5. Give YouTube a reason to promote you. That means: high watch time + high engagement (likes, comments, shares).
6. Make videos people binge. If you can get one person to watch 3 videos in a row, YouTube loves you.
7. Post BIGGER videos less often. One insane video per month is better than 10 average ones.
8. Surprise your audience. If you can break their expectations, they’ll always come back.

At the end of the day, the algorithm is just a reflection of human psychology—make videos people can’t stop watching, and YouTube will reward you.

Final Thoughts

🔥 Marques: “So basically, quality, pacing, and curiosity-driven storytelling.”
🔥 Ryan: “And making people binge.”
🔥 Nas Daily: “And making them feel something.”
🔥 Ludwig: “And using streams to boost overall watch time.”
🔥 PewDiePie: “And actually being fun to watch.”

MrBeast:

Bingo. Master those things, and you win YouTube.

Extreme Challenges & Stunts – Why Over-the-Top Generosity Works

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: Dude Perfect, Logan Paul, Sidemen (KSI, Miniminter, etc.), How Ridiculous, David Dobrik

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, today we’re talking about one of the biggest drivers of viral YouTube content—crazy challenges, high-stakes stunts, and over-the-top generosity.

Let’s be real—people love watching extreme things, whether it’s insane trick shots, massive giveaways, or record-breaking challenges. But there’s a formula behind it. So let’s break it down.

Dude Perfect, you guys have been making big stunt-based content for years. What’s the secret to making people keep watching?

Dude Perfect:

For us, it’s spectacle and build-up. If we’re doing a trick shot from a 200-foot tower, we don’t just show the shot—we build up the anticipation:

1. We show the stakes ("This is the hardest shot we’ve ever done!").
2. We show failures so the final success feels bigger.
3. We tease the ending so people want to keep watching.

The YouTube algorithm loves it when people watch the whole video, so we use storytelling to keep them engaged. The more they want to see how it ends, the longer they stay.

Logan Paul:

That’s huge. But I think the biggest thing with extreme content is making people FEEL something.

If I do a crazy challenge—like boxing KSI or jumping out of a moving vehicle—it’s not just about the action. It’s about the energy, reactions, and tension.

If you look at my viral moments, they always have:
✅ High emotional stakes ("This could go horribly wrong.")
✅ People reacting in real time ("Oh my god, is he actually gonna do it?")
✅ A huge payoff ("HOLY SHT, HE DID IT!"*)

People don’t just watch the action—they watch the reaction.

Sidemen (KSI, Miniminter, etc.):

That’s why group dynamics are so powerful. Our challenges aren’t just about who wins—they’re about the drama, roasting, and friendly competition.

We do:

• Extreme challenge videos (“Last to Leave Wins $100,000”).
• Crazy punishments ("Loser has to eat the world’s spiciest wings!").
• Massive audience participation (“You control what we do for 24 hours!”).

The secret? It’s not just the challenge—it’s the banter, the build-up, and the stakes.

How Ridiculous:

For us, it’s about going bigger than what anyone expects.

We started doing trick shots, but then we realized:
👉 People get bored of the same thing.
👉 You have to level up every time.

So instead of throwing a basketball into a hoop, we’re now dropping a car onto a trampoline from 150 feet. 😂

YouTube rewards channels that constantly outdo themselves. If your videos feel predictable, people stop clicking.

David Dobrik:

I agree with all of that, but one thing that made my challenge videos blow up was fast editing and unpredictability.

• I cut out all the fluff. If there’s a 30-second boring part, it’s gone.
• I make every second count so that people don’t click away.
• I cram multiple surprises into every video. If you think the video is just about giving away a car, BAM—suddenly, I’m jumping into a pool with a live shark. 😂

The biggest mistake people make? They drag things out too long. The moment people sense a “boring” moment, they’re gone.

MrBeast’s Biggest Secrets on Extreme Challenges & Stunts

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, I love everything you guys just said, and I’ll add my biggest secrets for viral extreme content:

1️⃣ Start big. Within the first 5 seconds, people should know exactly what’s at stake. ("I just bought an island, and I’m giving it away!")

2️⃣ Make the stakes MASSIVE. The bigger the risk/reward, the more people watch.

3️⃣ Drag people in with an “impossible” setup. If people can’t believe what they’re seeing, they’ll stay. (“No way he actually does this.”)

4️⃣ Show real reactions. The shock, excitement, fear, anticipation—that’s what people feel through the screen.

5️⃣ Keep leveling up. If your last video gave away $100K, the next one needs to be even crazier.

6️⃣ Retention is everything. Every second has to feel important. If people drop off, YouTube stops recommending your video.

7️⃣ End on a high. Leave people feeling something, so they come back. ("This was insane, I can’t wait for the next one!")

Final Thoughts

🔥 Dude Perfect: "So, make it feel impossible, but achievable."
🔥 Logan Paul: "And make people actually care about what’s happening."
🔥 Sidemen: "And use the group dynamic to keep things unpredictable."
🔥 How Ridiculous: "And keep leveling up!"
🔥 David Dobrik: "And edit out every second of boredom!"

MrBeast:

BOOM. That’s how you make challenge videos go viral. 🚀

Psychology of Virality – What Makes People Share a Video

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: Zach King, Collins Key, Emma Chamberlain, Nas Daily, Ryan Trahan

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, today we’re diving deep into something that every successful YouTuber understands—the psychology of virality.

Why do some videos spread like wildfire while others get ignored? What makes people share a video, not just watch it?

To break it down, we’ve got some of the best viral creators here. Zach, let’s start with you. Your videos get insane engagement—what’s your formula for virality?

Zach King:

For me, virality is all about surprise and delight.

If people can predict what’s going to happen, they lose interest. But if you can make them go “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!”, they’ll not only watch till the end but also share it with friends.

My formula is simple:
1️⃣ Set up a normal situation. ("Watch me pour this coffee.")
2️⃣ Break expectations. (Instead of pouring, the coffee FLOATS in mid-air!)
3️⃣ Leave them wondering. (“HOW did he do that?!”)

When people are confused but excited, they send the video to others just to talk about it. That’s the psychology of sharing—people want to look smart, amazed, or entertained when they send something.

Collins Key:

That’s so true! And I’ll add this: emotional reactions drive shares.

People don’t share “just good” videos—they share things that make them feel something big:
✅ Excitement (“Bro, you have to see this trick!”)
✅ Shock (“OMG, I can’t believe this happened!”)
✅ Laughter (“Dude, this is hilarious!”)

When I do magic tricks, I always focus on the reaction more than the trick itself. Because people aren’t just watching the trick—they’re experiencing the excitement along with me. And that excitement makes them want to share it with friends.

Emma Chamberlain:

Okay, but here’s something different—I don’t do crazy magic or effects, but my videos still go viral.

Why? Because of authenticity.

A lot of people think virality only comes from shock or surprises, but honestly, relatable content is just as powerful.

When I started, my videos weren’t high production, but people felt like they were hanging out with me. That’s a different kind of virality—it’s the kind where people see themselves in you and want to send it to a friend because they relate.

So for me, the psychology of virality is:
👉 Be real, be imperfect. People share things that feel human.
👉 Make them feel seen. If your video reflects their emotions, they’ll pass it along.
👉 Turn everyday moments into humor. A simple “me waking up late again” can be more shareable than some huge production.

Nas Daily:

That’s super interesting, and I’ll add another angle—people share things that give them social currency.

If a video makes someone feel:
✅ Smarter (“This explains something I didn’t know!”)
✅ Inspired (“This guy changed lives with one small action!”)
✅ Powerful (“Watch how one person made a difference!”)

…they’ll share it because it makes them look good.

This is why storytelling is HUGE in virality. A viral video isn’t just cool—it makes people feel like they learned something important, and they want to spread the message.

Ryan Trahan:

And I think all of these ideas work together.

My biggest viral moments came from curiosity loops—making people so invested in the story that they HAD to see the outcome.

• “Can I survive on 1 penny for a week?” (People NEED to know how it ends.)
• “I traveled across America with no money” (People are curious HOW it’s possible.)

When people are hooked on a journey, they feel like they’re part of the challenge—and when they’re part of something, they share it.

MrBeast’s Biggest Secrets on Virality

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, now it’s my turn. Here’s what I’ve learned about viral psychology after making hundreds of videos:

1️⃣ MAKE PEOPLE FEEL SOMETHING INTENSE. Whether it’s shock, happiness, or inspiration—no emotion = no sharing.

2️⃣ SET UP A CURIOSITY LOOP. Give them a reason to keep watching because they NEED to see the result.

3️⃣ MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE. Your title and thumbnail should make people feel like they’re missing out if they don’t click.

4️⃣ GIVE PEOPLE SOCIAL CURRENCY. If sharing your video makes them look smart, funny, or “in the know,” they’ll pass it along.

5️⃣ DON’T JUST ENTERTAIN—MAKE THEM TALK. The best viral videos start conversations. If people feel the need to discuss what they just saw, they’ll send it to friends.

6️⃣ SHORTER IS OFTEN BETTER. People share videos that don’t waste their time. The faster you get to the WOW moment, the better.

7️⃣ TEST MULTIPLE THUMBNAILS & TITLES. A great video with a bad title won’t go viral. I test 10+ thumbnails and titles before picking the best one.

8️⃣ ADD UNEXPECTED TWISTS. The more you break predictability, the more people talk about your video.

9️⃣ MAKE IT REWATCHABLE. If someone watches a video twice, the algorithm automatically favors it.

🔟 STUDY YOUR AUDIENCE. Every niche has different viral triggers—what works for me might not work for Emma, and vice versa. You gotta know YOUR people.

Final Thoughts

🔥 Zach King: "So, surprise and delight keeps them watching."
🔥 Collins Key: "And emotional reactions make them share."
🔥 Emma Chamberlain: "And authenticity creates viral connection."
🔥 Nas Daily: "And social currency makes people want to spread it."
🔥 Ryan Trahan: "And curiosity loops keep them hooked till the end."

MrBeast:

Exactly. Virality isn’t luck—it’s psychology. If you understand what makes people FEEL, THINK, and SHARE, you can engineer viral videos over and over again. 🚀

Video Editing for Retention – Fast Cuts, Sound Design, and Pacing

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: PewDiePie, Logan Paul, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), NikkieTutorials, Nas Daily

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, today we’re talking about a topic that every YouTuber needs to master—clickbait.

Now, let’s be real—if people don’t click your video, nothing else matters. But there’s a difference between good clickbait and bad clickbait.

Good clickbait gets people excited and delivers on the promise. Bad clickbait tricks people, and they leave disappointed—which actually hurts your channel in the long run.

So let’s break down what actually works. PewDiePie, you’ve been in the game forever. What’s your approach to titles and thumbnails?

PewDiePie:

For me, clickbait has to feel natural. If it looks too staged or too desperate, people don’t trust it.

I like using:

1. Curiosity-driven titles – Something that makes people wonder what’s inside (“This Shouldn’t Be Allowed…”).
2. Facial expressions – If my face looks shocked, confused, or hyped, people feel the emotion and click.
3. No over-promising – If the title says "The Craziest Thing Ever", it better be crazy.

Also, inside jokes help a lot. If your audience knows you’re being ironic or funny, they’ll still click because they trust you.

Logan Paul:

Yeah, I think trust is huge. My thumbnails always have:
✅ Big emotions – Shock, intensity, or extreme expressions.
✅ Clear storytelling – You should know what’s happening instantly.
✅ Minimal text – Too many words, and people scroll past.

But the real secret? The title and thumbnail should make people FEEL something.

If the title says “I Almost Died Doing This”, and my face looks TERRIFIED, people instinctively want to know what happened.

But like Pewds said—you have to deliver on the promise. If you trick people too much, they’ll stop trusting your videos.

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD):

That’s why I take a different approach. I don’t do exaggerated clickbait—I use authority-based intrigue.

My titles usually:
👉 Ask a question (“Is This the Best Smartphone Ever?”).
👉 Challenge expectations (“Apple Just Did Something Crazy”).
👉 Give a clear benefit (“Why You Should Wait Before Buying”).

And my thumbnails are clean—usually a high-quality image of the product with a tiny bit of text.

For me, the key is making people feel like they NEED the information.

NikkieTutorials:

That’s super interesting because in beauty content, it’s all about visuals.

What works for me is:
✅ Extreme close-ups – People need to see the texture and detail.
✅ Color contrast – Bright, eye-catching colors make a thumbnail pop.
✅ A sense of transformation – If my video is about makeup, people need to see before vs. after in the thumbnail.

For titles, I do:

• Dramatic statements (“I TRIED THE MOST EXPENSIVE FOUNDATION EVER!”).
• Personal storytelling (“This Changed My Makeup Routine Forever”).
• Comparison hooks (“$5 vs. $500 Makeup – SHOCKING Results”).

People love a good transformation or comparison, so those work really well.

Nas Daily:

I think the key takeaway from all of this is—clickbait should always tell a story.

For example, one of my most viral videos was titled:
👉 “This Guy Made $1 Million Doing Nothing”

People clicked because:
✅ It sounded impossible.
✅ They wanted to know HOW.
✅ It made them feel like they might be missing out on something.

If you can make people curious, excited, or feel like they NEED to know something, they will click.

MrBeast’s Biggest Secrets for Ethical Clickbait

MrBeast (Moderator):

Everything you guys said is spot on. But here’s my step-by-step process for making high-performing thumbnails and titles:

1️⃣ Make the thumbnail work without the title. If someone sees your thumbnail without reading the title, they should still get the idea.

2️⃣ Simplify, simplify, simplify. Too much text or too many elements = bad thumbnail. Keep it clean.

3️⃣ Use contrast. Bright colors, dark shadows, or something that pops makes people stop scrolling.

4️⃣ Add a human element. Thumbnails with faces and emotions get way more clicks than ones without.

5️⃣ Test multiple versions. I always create at least 10 thumbnails before picking the best one.

6️⃣ Numbers and extremes work. Titles with numbers (“I Gave Away $100,000”) or extreme words (“This is INSANE”) perform better.

7️⃣ Curiosity > clickbait. If you create a title that makes people ask a question in their head, they’ll click.

8️⃣ Use power words. Words like “shocking,” “crazy,” “biggest,” “impossible,” and “first ever” trigger curiosity.

9️⃣ Deliver on the promise. If your video doesn’t match the hype, people will stop clicking on your future videos.

🔟 Study what’s already working. The best way to make great titles and thumbnails is to see what’s working for other top creators—then put your own spin on it.

Final Thoughts

🔥 PewDiePie: "Clickbait should feel natural, not forced."
🔥 Logan Paul: "The goal is to make people FEEL something before they click."
🔥 Marques Brownlee: "Authority-based intrigue works for educational content."
🔥 NikkieTutorials: "Visual contrast and transformations are key for beauty content."
🔥 Nas Daily: "The best clickbait tells a story in just a few words."

MrBeast:

At the end of the day, clickbait isn’t bad if you deliver on what you promise. If you make your title and thumbnail irresistible, AND your video amazing, you’ll win the YouTube game.

Clickbait That Works – Ethical Ways to Make People Click

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: PewDiePie, Logan Paul, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), NikkieTutorials, Nas Daily

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, today we’re talking about a topic that every YouTuber needs to master—clickbait.

Now, let’s be real—if people don’t click your video, nothing else matters. But there’s a difference between good clickbait and bad clickbait.

Good clickbait gets people excited and delivers on the promise. Bad clickbait tricks people, and they leave disappointed—which actually hurts your channel in the long run.

So let’s break down what actually works. PewDiePie, you’ve been in the game forever. What’s your approach to titles and thumbnails?

PewDiePie:

For me, clickbait has to feel natural. If it looks too staged or too desperate, people don’t trust it.

I like using:

1. Curiosity-driven titles – Something that makes people wonder what’s inside (“This Shouldn’t Be Allowed…”).
2. Facial expressions – If my face looks shocked, confused, or hyped, people feel the emotion and click.
3. No over-promising – If the title says "The Craziest Thing Ever", it better be crazy.

Also, inside jokes help a lot. If your audience knows you’re being ironic or funny, they’ll still click because they trust you.

Logan Paul:

Yeah, I think trust is huge. My thumbnails always have:
✅ Big emotions – Shock, intensity, or extreme expressions.
✅ Clear storytelling – You should know what’s happening instantly.
✅ Minimal text – Too many words, and people scroll past.

But the real secret? The title and thumbnail should make people FEEL something.

If the title says “I Almost Died Doing This”, and my face looks TERRIFIED, people instinctively want to know what happened.

But like Pewds said—you have to deliver on the promise. If you trick people too much, they’ll stop trusting your videos.

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD):

That’s why I take a different approach. I don’t do exaggerated clickbait—I use authority-based intrigue.

My titles usually:
👉 Ask a question (“Is This the Best Smartphone Ever?”).
👉 Challenge expectations (“Apple Just Did Something Crazy”).
👉 Give a clear benefit (“Why You Should Wait Before Buying”).

And my thumbnails are clean—usually a high-quality image of the product with a tiny bit of text.

For me, the key is making people feel like they NEED the information.

NikkieTutorials:

That’s super interesting because in beauty content, it’s all about visuals.

What works for me is:
✅ Extreme close-ups – People need to see the texture and detail.
✅ Color contrast – Bright, eye-catching colors make a thumbnail pop.
✅ A sense of transformation – If my video is about makeup, people need to see before vs. after in the thumbnail.

For titles, I do:

• Dramatic statements (“I TRIED THE MOST EXPENSIVE FOUNDATION EVER!”).
• Personal storytelling (“This Changed My Makeup Routine Forever”).
• Comparison hooks (“$5 vs. $500 Makeup – SHOCKING Results”).

People love a good transformation or comparison, so those work really well.

Nas Daily:

I think the key takeaway from all of this is—clickbait should always tell a story.

For example, one of my most viral videos was titled:
👉 “This Guy Made $1 Million Doing Nothing”

People clicked because:
✅ It sounded impossible.
✅ They wanted to know HOW.
✅ It made them feel like they might be missing out on something.

If you can make people curious, excited, or feel like they NEED to know something, they will click.

MrBeast’s Biggest Secrets for Ethical Clickbait

MrBeast (Moderator):

Everything you guys said is spot on. But here’s my step-by-step process for making high-performing thumbnails and titles:

1️⃣ Make the thumbnail work without the title. If someone sees your thumbnail without reading the title, they should still get the idea.

2️⃣ Simplify, simplify, simplify. Too much text or too many elements = bad thumbnail. Keep it clean.

3️⃣ Use contrast. Bright colors, dark shadows, or something that pops makes people stop scrolling.

4️⃣ Add a human element. Thumbnails with faces and emotions get way more clicks than ones without.

5️⃣ Test multiple versions. I always create at least 10 thumbnails before picking the best one.

6️⃣ Numbers and extremes work. Titles with numbers (“I Gave Away $100,000”) or extreme words (“This is INSANE”) perform better.

7️⃣ Curiosity > clickbait. If you create a title that makes people ask a question in their head, they’ll click.

8️⃣ Use power words. Words like “shocking,” “crazy,” “biggest,” “impossible,” and “first ever” trigger curiosity.

9️⃣ Deliver on the promise. If your video doesn’t match the hype, people will stop clicking on your future videos.

🔟 Study what’s already working. The best way to make great titles and thumbnails is to see what’s working for other top creators—then put your own spin on it.

Final Thoughts

🔥 PewDiePie: "Clickbait should feel natural, not forced."
🔥 Logan Paul: "The goal is to make people FEEL something before they click."
🔥 Marques Brownlee: "Authority-based intrigue works for educational content."
🔥 NikkieTutorials: "Visual contrast and transformations are key for beauty content."
🔥 Nas Daily: "The best clickbait tells a story in just a few words."

MrBeast:

At the end of the day, clickbait isn’t bad if you deliver on what you promise. If you make your title and thumbnail irresistible, AND your video amazing, you’ll win the YouTube game.

Perfect Thumbnail & Title Formula – The Secrets Behind Millions of Clicks

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: Zach King, Nas Daily, PewDiePie, Sidemen (KSI, Miniminter, etc.), Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, today we’re breaking down one of the most important aspects of YouTube success—thumbnails and titles.

Let’s be real—your video could be amazing, but if no one clicks, it doesn’t matter. The title and thumbnail are what make people stop scrolling and say, “I need to watch this.”

So let’s get into it. Zach, your videos are highly visual—what makes a great thumbnail for you?

Zach King:

For me, a great thumbnail tells a story in one image.

I focus on:
✅ A clear action or magic moment – If it makes people go “Wait, how is that possible?”, they’ll click.
✅ Bright colors and contrast – So it pops in the feed.
✅ No distractions – If there’s too much going on, people ignore it.

For example, if my video is “Jumping Through a Mirror”, my thumbnail won’t show the whole trick—it’ll show me halfway inside the mirror so people wonder, “How did he do that?”

Nas Daily:

That’s so true! A thumbnail should create a question in the viewer’s mind.

For me, the simplest formula is:
👉 Face + Big Text + Mystery

If my title is “This Guy Made $1 Million Doing Nothing”, my thumbnail will show:

• A shocked face looking at money.
• The words “HOW?!” in big, bold text.
• No extra distractions.

The more brainpower someone has to use to understand a thumbnail, the less likely they are to click. Keep it obvious, intriguing, and easy to process in one second.

PewDiePie:

Yeah, I’ve always followed the rule: the simpler, the better.

A lot of people think you need a crazy thumbnail, but actually, some of my best ones have been:
✅ Just my face making a weird reaction
✅ Minimal text, or none at all
✅ Something unexpected

For example, if my title is “The Weirdest Game I’ve Ever Played”, my thumbnail is just me looking confused at the screen. People click because they want to experience the weirdness with me.

Also, color psychology matters—Red and yellow grab attention, while blue and gray feel calmer. I sometimes saturate my thumbnails to make them stand out.

Sidemen (KSI, Miniminter, etc.):

We have a different challenge because we do group content, so our thumbnails need to:
✅ Show clear reactions from multiple people.
✅ Highlight the stakes (“$100,000 on the line!”).
✅ Use arrows, circles, or zoom-ins to point at the key focus.

For a title like “The Most Intense Challenge We’ve Ever Done”, our thumbnail will have:

• A huge reaction face.
• Someone mid-action, so there’s movement.
• A number or symbol to create urgency (“24 HOURS” or “$10,000”).

Group thumbnails are harder to get right, but the key is making people feel FOMO—like they’re missing out on an insane moment.

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD):

I take a totally different approach because I focus on tech and reviews, so my thumbnails are more clean and professional.

What works for me:
✅ Big, clear images of the product (No clutter).
✅ Minimal text (Just enough to create intrigue, like “Is This the Best Phone Ever?”).
✅ A/B testing – I test multiple thumbnails before publishing.

For tech content, people want to see what they’re clicking on—so I make sure the product is the focus, not me.

MrBeast’s Biggest Secrets for Thumbnails & Titles

MrBeast (Moderator):

These are all great points. Let me share what I’ve learned after testing thousands of thumbnails and titles.

For Thumbnails:
1️⃣ Keep it SIMPLE. If it’s too cluttered, people scroll past it.
2️⃣ Use contrast and bold colors – Bright images stand out in YouTube’s feed.
3️⃣ Make the main focus HUGE. If it’s a person’s face, make it big. If it’s money, make it huge.
4️⃣ Add curiosity. If people don’t know what’s going on, they’ll click to find out.
5️⃣ Faces with big emotions work best. People click when they feel the emotion in the thumbnail.

For Titles:
1️⃣ Numbers and extremes work. “I Spent $1,000,000 in 24 Hours” is better than “I Spent a Lot of Money”.
2️⃣ Curiosity is key. If people ask themselves “What happens next?”, they’ll click.
3️⃣ Shorter is better. Titles under 50 characters perform best.
4️⃣ Make it feel urgent. Words like “Insane,” “Crazy,” “First Ever” increase CTR.
5️⃣ Deliver on the promise. Clickbait works only if the video actually delivers—if people feel tricked, YouTube stops recommending it.

Final Thoughts

🔥 Zach King: "A thumbnail should tell a story in one glance."
🔥 Nas Daily: "The best thumbnails create curiosity and FOMO."
🔥 PewDiePie: "Simple, expressive thumbnails outperform cluttered ones."
🔥 Sidemen: "For group content, reactions and stakes are key."
🔥 Marques Brownlee: "For tech, clarity and clean visuals work best."

MrBeast:

At the end of the day, a great title and thumbnail make people stop scrolling. If you can master those two things, you’ve already won half the battle on YouTube.

Scaling a YouTube Team – Hiring Editors, Producers, and Managers

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), Nas Daily, David Dobrik, Logan Paul, Casey Neistat

MrBeast (Moderator):

One of the biggest mistakes creators make is trying to do everything themselves.

When I started out, I edited my own videos, made my own thumbnails, and handled everything alone. But as my channel grew, I realized that if you want to scale, you need a team.

So today, we’re breaking down how to build and manage a team that helps you grow without losing creative control. Marques, you run one of the most polished channels on YouTube—how do you structure your team?

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD):

For me, the key was hiring slowly and intentionally. I didn’t want to just bring in people—I wanted specialists.

Right now, my team includes:
✅ A full-time editor – So I can focus on filming.
✅ A production manager – They handle scheduling and logistics.
✅ A research assistant – They gather info so I can focus on content.

I think the mistake people make is hiring too fast or hiring for the wrong role. My rule is: only hire if you’ve done the job yourself and understand exactly what you need.

Nas Daily:

That’s so true! I started as a one-man army, but now my team is over 50 people worldwide.

The secret to scaling is delegation.

I focus on:
1️⃣ Creative roles – Editors, writers, thumbnail designers.
2️⃣ Operational roles – Managers, legal, finance.

The biggest shift for me was trusting other people to edit my videos. I realized I didn’t need to touch every frame—I just needed to set a clear vision and let my team execute it.

David Dobrik:

For me, my team is more about staying flexible.

I don’t have a massive company, but I do have:
✅ A few trusted editors – So I don’t have to stay up all night editing.
✅ A small but close-knit group – I treat my friends as part of my “team” because they’re in my videos.
✅ A business manager – To handle sponsorships, brand deals, and logistics.

I keep it lean, so I can still move fast and make quick creative decisions.

Logan Paul:

That’s interesting because I went from doing everything myself to running a full-on media business.

At first, I resisted hiring because I thought, “No one can do this better than me.” But eventually, I brought in:
✅ A dedicated camera crew – So my shots always look professional.
✅ An in-house editor – Because editing takes way too long.
✅ A full business team – To help me grow Prime, my merch, and my other brands.

One thing I learned? You need a mix of creative and business-minded people. A lot of creators only hire editors—but if you’re serious about growth, you also need people who understand marketing, branding, and partnerships.

Casey Neistat:

I love this discussion because I did the opposite of what you guys did.

I never built a big team. My videos are still just me filming, editing, and telling my own story.

Why? Because for me, YouTube is about personal storytelling. If I outsourced too much, I’d lose my unique style.

But I do think there’s a balance—if you’re trying to scale like MrBeast, you need a big team. But if you’re making personal content like mine, you can stay lean and still be successful.

MrBeast’s Biggest Secrets for Scaling a YouTube Team

MrBeast (Moderator):

You guys all have great points. Here’s what I’ve learned from scaling my channel to one of the biggest on YouTube:

1️⃣ Only hire when you absolutely need to. Don’t just hire because you think you should—hire when a task is stopping your growth.

2️⃣ Your first hire should be an editor. Editing is the most time-consuming part. Once you delegate that, you’ll have way more time to focus on bigger ideas.

3️⃣ Find people better than you. If you’re hiring an editor, don’t just pick someone who can do what you do—pick someone who can do it better.

4️⃣ Creative + Business = Growth. If you want to scale, you need both creative minds and business strategists.

5️⃣ Trust your team. Micromanaging slows everything down. Set a clear vision, then let your team handle the execution.

6️⃣ Pay people well. If you want top-tier talent, you have to compensate them fairly.

7️⃣ Test different team structures. What works for me might not work for Casey or Marques. Experiment and see what works best for your content style.

8️⃣ Outsource tasks that don’t require your creativity. If someone else can do it just as well as you, delegate it so you can focus on big-picture growth.

Final Thoughts

🔥 Marques Brownlee: "Hire slow and focus on specialists."
🔥 Nas Daily: "Delegation is the key to scaling beyond yourself."
🔥 David Dobrik: "Keep it lean and only hire for what you truly need."
🔥 Logan Paul: "Mix creative and business talent for long-term success."
🔥 Casey Neistat: "Scaling isn’t for everyone—sometimes, smaller is better."

MrBeast:

At the end of the day, you can’t do everything yourself forever. If you want to grow, you need a team that helps you scale without losing what makes you special.

Cross-Platform Growth – How to Turn YouTube Fame into a Business

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: Logan Paul, Emma Chamberlain, PewDiePie, Nas Daily, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, today we’re talking about one of the biggest opportunities for YouTubers—turning YouTube success into a real business.

A lot of creators focus just on YouTube, but the smartest ones expand beyond the platform—whether it’s launching a product, starting a company, or building a brand that lasts longer than their YouTube career.

Let’s start with Logan Paul. You’ve taken YouTube and turned it into an empire—boxing, Prime, and more. How do you think about cross-platform growth?

Logan Paul:

For me, the biggest lesson was: You can’t rely on YouTube forever.

I started out thinking I’d just be making videos—but once I realized how powerful my brand was, I knew I needed to turn that attention into real businesses.

My formula is simple:
1️⃣ Build a loyal audience. Before launching a product, make sure people actually care about YOU first.
2️⃣ Align products with your personality. Prime Energy blew up because it fits my brand perfectly—fitness, energy, and competition.
3️⃣ Leverage partnerships. I didn’t build Prime alone—I partnered with KSI and a strong business team.

The biggest mistake creators make? Selling something just to make money. If your product doesn’t make sense for your audience, it won’t last.

Emma Chamberlain:

That’s so true! And I think it’s important to realize that not every creator needs to start a massive company—sometimes, a personal brand is enough.

For me, my biggest win was launching Chamberlain Coffee. But here’s why it worked:
✅ I built trust first. People already saw me drinking coffee in my vlogs every day.
✅ It felt authentic. It wasn’t just a cash grab—it was something I genuinely loved.
✅ I expanded beyond YouTube. Now I have a podcast, sponsorships, and an audience outside of YouTube.

The key is not relying on one platform. If YouTube disappeared tomorrow, would you still have an audience?

PewDiePie:

That’s a great point. For me, I never really thought about business early on—I was just making videos.

But over time, I realized:
✅ Merch is an easy first step. My audience loved inside jokes, so I made meme-based merch that actually sold.
✅ Diversify income streams. At one point, I was relying too much on YouTube ad revenue—big mistake. Now, I have sponsorships, brand deals, and investments.
✅ You don’t have to go big. Not every YouTuber needs to launch a billion-dollar company. Sometimes, just being smart with your money is enough.

Nas Daily:

I love this conversation because I see so many creators stuck in the YouTube grind, not realizing how big their opportunity is.

For me, I expanded beyond YouTube by creating:
1️⃣ A paid learning platform. Instead of just making videos, I now teach people how to create viral content.
2️⃣ A production company. Brands hire me to make viral content for them.
3️⃣ A global movement. I built a brand around storytelling—not just me, but a whole community of storytellers.

The best advice I can give? Your content is just the start. Think about how you can turn your audience into something bigger than just views.

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD):

I take a more slow and steady approach.

For me, cross-platform growth is about sustainability—I don’t want to chase trends. Instead, I focus on:
✅ Building credibility. People trust me for high-quality tech reviews, so I don’t do anything that would hurt that trust.
✅ Expanding into other media. I launched a podcast (Waveform) because it fit my style of content.
✅ Investing for the long term. I’m not just thinking about quick money—I’m thinking about where I’ll be in 10 years.

The biggest mistake creators make? Jumping into too many things too fast. Not everything has to be a huge business overnight—sometimes, slow and steady wins the race.

MrBeast’s Biggest Secrets for Cross-Platform Growth

MrBeast (Moderator):

You guys all made amazing points. Here’s what I’ve learned about expanding beyond YouTube:

1️⃣ Start with trust. If your audience doesn’t trust you, they won’t buy from you. Build that relationship first.

2️⃣ Pick the right business. Don’t just sell random products—create something that actually fits your brand.

3️⃣ Leverage YouTube’s reach. Use your videos to promote your brand naturally, not in a forced way.

4️⃣ Don’t rely on ad revenue. AdSense is unpredictable. Sponsorships, products, and brand deals are more stable.

5️⃣ Think long-term. Don’t just chase quick cash—build something that will last for years.

6️⃣ Test before you go big. Before launching a huge company, start small and see if your audience actually wants it.

7️⃣ Don’t be afraid to hire experts. If you want to start a serious business, hire people who know what they’re doing.

8️⃣ Stay consistent with your brand. If people know you for one thing, don’t suddenly switch into something that doesn’t make sense.

Final Thoughts

🔥 Logan Paul: "Your brand should make sense—don’t just sell random stuff."
🔥 Emma Chamberlain: "A strong personal brand can be just as powerful as a company."
🔥 PewDiePie: "Merch and investments are an easy way to start diversifying."
🔥 Nas Daily: "Think about how your content can create something bigger than just videos."
🔥 Marques Brownlee: "Slow and steady wins—don’t chase short-term trends."

MrBeast:

At the end of the day, YouTube is just the starting point. If you use it right, it can become the foundation for something much bigger—a business, a movement, or a legacy that lasts beyond the platform.

How to Reinvent Content – Staying Relevant for Years

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: PewDiePie, Logan Paul, Casey Neistat, NikkieTutorials, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)

MrBeast (Moderator):

One of the biggest challenges in YouTube is staying relevant.

A lot of people blow up fast but fade away just as quickly. The best YouTubers are the ones who reinvent themselves and stay at the top for years.

So today, we’re breaking down how to evolve your content without losing your audience. PewDiePie, you’ve been on top for over a decade—how do you keep people watching?

PewDiePie:

For me, evolution is everything. If I kept making the same videos from 2012, I’d be irrelevant by now.

The secret?
✅ Follow what excites you. If you’re not excited, your audience won’t be.
✅ Experiment in small ways. I tested meme reviews, Minecraft, and vlogs before fully shifting.
✅ Listen to your audience—but not too much. Fans hate change at first, but they’ll follow if you do it right.

One thing that helped? Taking breaks. A lot of YouTubers burn out because they force themselves to keep making the same content forever. You gotta step back sometimes.

Logan Paul:

Yeah, I went through the biggest reinvention of my life—from vlogger to boxer to business mogul.

What I learned:
👉 If you outgrow your content, don’t be afraid to change. I knew I couldn’t keep doing daily vlogs forever.
👉 Take risks. Switching to boxing could’ve been a disaster—but I committed 100%, and it paid off.
👉 Don’t let one platform define you. Now I’m running Prime, WWE, and other ventures, but my YouTube brand is what made it all possible.

The biggest mistake people make? They get comfortable. The moment you stop pushing yourself, you start falling off.

Casey Neistat:

I totally agree. For me, reinvention has always been about storytelling.

Here’s what worked for me:
✅ Make content that grows with you. My audience was young when I started, but as I matured, so did my content.
✅ Change formats, not identity. I went from daily vlogging to filmmaking, but my storytelling style stayed the same.
✅ Know when to step away. I left daily vlogging at its peak because I knew sticking around too long would kill it.

The secret to long-term success? Stay ahead of your audience. If they feel like they’re growing alongside you, they’ll stick with you forever.

NikkieTutorials:

That’s interesting because I had a different experience. My content didn’t completely change—I just had to adapt to the industry.

Here’s how I stayed relevant:
✅ Jumped on trends without losing my brand. I did viral makeup challenges, but still in my style.
✅ Expanded my reach. I collaborated with celebrities like Adele, Kim Kardashian, and Lady Gaga, which kept my content fresh.
✅ Let my personality shine. If people only come for the content, they’ll leave. But if they come for YOU, they’ll stay.

The biggest lesson? Reinvention doesn’t always mean a complete change—it can just mean evolving within your niche.

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD):

I think consistency AND reinvention are both important.

For me, I didn’t change my core content—tech reviews—but I reinvented how I do them.
1️⃣ Better production quality. Every year, I push my videos to look more cinematic.
2️⃣ Expanding into new formats. I launched a podcast, tested different video lengths, and experimented with more behind-the-scenes content.
3️⃣ Staying ahead of trends. I cover the latest tech news before it becomes mainstream.

The key? Improve without losing what made you successful in the first place.

MrBeast’s Biggest Secrets for Staying Relevant

MrBeast (Moderator):

This is one of my favorite topics because I never want to become irrelevant. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1️⃣ Always be testing. If you’re not constantly trying new things, you’ll get left behind.

2️⃣ Listen to your audience, but don’t let them control you. People resist change at first, but they’ll adapt if you lead them.

3️⃣ Double down on what’s working. If a new style or series blows up, lean into it.

4️⃣ Don’t be afraid to pivot. If you outgrow your content, switch it up before your audience loses interest.

5️⃣ Keep improving. Even if your format stays the same, your production, storytelling, and delivery should keep leveling up.

6️⃣ Take breaks if needed. Burnout kills creativity. Stepping away can actually extend your career.

7️⃣ Find new challenges. Once you master one type of content, challenge yourself to do something even bigger.

8️⃣ Think long-term. YouTube is a marathon, not a sprint. The smartest creators build a career, not just viral moments.

Final Thoughts

🔥 PewDiePie: "Reinvention is the only way to survive."
🔥 Logan Paul: "Taking risks is what keeps you growing."
🔥 Casey Neistat: "Your content should evolve as you do."
🔥 NikkieTutorials: "Adaptation is key—you don’t always need a total change."
🔥 Marques Brownlee: "Consistency + innovation = long-term success."

MrBeast:

The biggest mistake you can make as a creator? Getting stuck. If you keep evolving and improving, you’ll never become irrelevant.

Monetization Secrets – Making Money Beyond AdSense

Moderator: MrBeast
Guests: Logan Paul, Nas Daily, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), PewDiePie, Emma Chamberlain

MrBeast (Moderator):

Alright, today we’re talking about how to make real money on YouTube—not just through AdSense, but through multiple income streams that can turn a channel into a serious business.

A lot of people think YouTube money comes only from ads, but the top creators make WAY more from other sources—sponsorships, merch, brand deals, and even companies of their own.

Logan, you’ve built one of the biggest YouTube-to-business transitions with Prime and your other ventures. What’s your monetization strategy?

Logan Paul:

For me, AdSense was never the goal—it was just the launchpad.

My strategy:
✅ Start with content that builds brand value. Your videos should make people trust and admire your brand.
✅ Then, create a product that aligns. Prime works because it fits my brand—sports, fitness, competition.
✅ Leverage partnerships. I teamed up with KSI and experienced business people to scale Prime into a billion-dollar brand.

The biggest mistake creators make? Selling something random just to make money. If it doesn’t make sense for your audience, it won’t last.

Nas Daily:

That’s spot on. And for me, I took a different approach—instead of selling physical products, I turned my content into a paid education platform.

My revenue streams:
1️⃣ Sponsored brand videos. Companies pay me to tell their stories.
2️⃣ Nas Academy. I teach people how to create viral videos.
3️⃣ Speaking engagements. Big companies pay me to talk about content and branding.

The key lesson? Your audience isn’t just viewers—they’re potential customers, students, and community members.

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD):

I focus on sustainability—I don’t chase every revenue stream, I only pick what fits my brand.

My biggest income sources:
✅ Sponsorships. I work with brands like Apple and Tesla, but only ones I truly believe in.
✅ AdSense. It’s not my biggest revenue, but I still optimize for it.
✅ Merch & side projects. I launched a tech-related merch line that fits my audience.

One thing I avoid? Random cash grabs. If you sell something just for money and it doesn’t align with your brand, you’ll lose trust, which is worth more than any short-term profit.

PewDiePie:

I agree, and for me, keeping things simple was key.

My strategy was:
👉 Massive audience = long-term revenue. I never chased money too hard—I focused on building a loyal fanbase first.
👉 Merch was my biggest win. Meme-based merch worked because it was fun, easy to sell, and fit my brand.
👉 Investing smartly. Instead of launching a crazy business, I made smart investments with my YouTube money.

A lot of creators burn out chasing every money-making opportunity. But honestly, if you focus on building an audience that loves you, you’ll never run out of ways to make money.

Emma Chamberlain:

That’s true! And I think a lot of YouTubers forget that personal branding is everything.

My income streams:
✅ Brand collaborations. I worked with big fashion brands because it aligned with my audience.
✅ Chamberlain Coffee. I turned something I already loved (coffee) into a business.
✅ Podcasting. Expanding beyond YouTube means I don’t have to rely on one platform.

Biggest lesson? Your personal brand is your most valuable asset. Protect it, and your audience will follow you wherever you go.

MrBeast’s Biggest Secrets for Monetization

MrBeast (Moderator):

These are all great insights. Here’s what I’ve learned about making money beyond AdSense:

1️⃣ Build trust first. If people don’t trust you, they won’t buy from you.

2️⃣ Start with sponsorships. They’re the easiest way to monetize early on—just make sure they fit your brand.

3️⃣ Launch your own product (if it makes sense). Whether it’s merch, a business, or a digital product, make sure it aligns with what your audience loves.

4️⃣ Diversify your income streams. Don’t rely on just one thing—use AdSense, sponsors, merch, investments, and more.

5️⃣ Think long-term. Quick money is tempting, but the real money comes from building a business that lasts.

6️⃣ Leverage your audience across platforms. Don’t just sell to YouTube fans—expand into podcasts, social media, and even offline businesses.

7️⃣ Keep reinvesting. Don’t just spend your money—put it back into your content and business to keep growing.

Final Thoughts

🔥 Logan Paul: "AdSense is just the beginning—your brand is your real asset."
🔥 Nas Daily: "Your audience isn’t just viewers—they’re customers, students, and community members."
🔥 Marques Brownlee: "Only pick revenue streams that align with your brand."
🔥 PewDiePie: "Build an audience first, and the money will follow."
🔥 Emma Chamberlain: "Your personal brand is the foundation of everything."

MrBeast:

At the end of the day, making money isn’t hard if you have an engaged audience. Focus on trust, authenticity, and long-term thinking, and you’ll always have opportunities to monetize.

MrBeast’s Final Thoughts:

"If there’s one thing you take away from this MasterClass, it’s this—YouTube success isn’t luck. It’s strategy, creativity, and constant evolution.

Every top creator here has tested, failed, adapted, and improved to stay ahead. They didn’t just rely on viral moments—they mastered the fundamentals:
✅ Thumbnails & Titles that Demand Clicks
✅ Retention Hacks to Keep People Watching
✅ Smart Monetization Beyond AdSense
✅ Scaling Teams & Businesses for Long-Term Growth

The biggest mistake most creators make? They stop improving. YouTube is always changing, and if you don’t evolve, you’ll get left behind.

So, here’s my challenge for you—take action. Apply these strategies, experiment, and never settle. The difference between 1,000 views and 100 million views is the willingness to outwork and outlearn everyone else.

Now, go make something amazing. I’ll see you at the top!

Short Bios: