Hajra Naz
YouTube megastar Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, has officially etched his name into history by becoming the first individual creator to surpass 400 million subscribers on the platform. The milestone, achieved on June 1, 2025, was recognized by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, who personally presented MrBeast with a one-of-a-kind 400 million Subscriber Play Button.
While the achievement itself is monumental, the internet’s reaction to the special trophy has been surprisingly mixed.
The 400M Play Button
YouTube traditionally awards creators with shiny plaques based on subscriber milestones—silver for 100k, gold for 1 million, diamond for 10 million, and the rare Red Diamond Play Button for 100 million subscribers. But since no one had ever crossed the 400 million mark before, YouTube crafted a custom trophy just for MrBeast.
The award features a sleek silver base with a futuristic aesthetic, topped by the iconic Play Button symbol embedded with striking blue crystals. It was designed to be a dazzling tribute to the platform’s biggest creator.
On Instagram, MrBeast shared a photo of himself alongside CEO Neal Mohan holding the award, captioning:
“400,000,000 Subscriber Play Button! Thank you, YouTube ❤️.”
Earlier, he reflected on his journey in a heartfelt post:
“400,000,000 subscribers! A decade ago before I blew up, everyone in my life told me I was too obsessed and that I’d never make it. Despite that, I was in love with making content and grinded every moment my eyes were open for seven years before anyone started watching. I literally told my mom I’d rather be homeless than do anything else. The greatest gift in life is being able to wake up every day with a purpose, and thanks to YouTube and you guys, I have that. Thanks for 400M.”
The Internet Reacts—”Meh”
Despite the record-breaking feat, many fans weren’t impressed with the Play Button’s design. Some said it looked too similar to the 10 million award—only with a blue center.
One Reddit user commented:
“It looks like they made one just for the sake of it. Could’ve been something entirely different.”
Others chimed in with remarks such as
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“It’s just a 10 million button painted blue.”
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“YouTube should come up with a new design.”
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“This looks AI-generated.”
Another fan added:
“Remember when the gold button had a golden YouTube logo in the middle? Now it’s just a painted board.”
While some admired the crystal centerpiece—with guesses that it might be lapis lazuli or azurite—the general sentiment was disappointment that YouTube didn’t go “all out” for its biggest milestone ever.
Read More: YouTube Eases Ad Restrictions for Videos Containing Bad Language
The Rivalry with T-Series
MrBeast’s 400 million mark puts him far ahead of T-Series, the Indian music giant that currently sits at around 299 million subscribers. For years, the two have been rivals for the title of most-subscribed channel. At one point, MrBeast even jokingly challenged T-Series CEO Bhushan Kumar to a boxing match, though the rivalry has since taken a playful tone.
About MrBeast
MrBeast’s rise to the top of YouTube has been nothing short of extraordinary. Earlier this year, he joined the billionaire club, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion (via Celebrity Net Worth). At 27, he is now the eighth youngest billionaire in the world and the only one under 30 who didn’t inherit wealth.
Beyond YouTube, his company Beast Industries—which includes Beast Burger, Feastables, and merchandise lines—generated nearly $473 million in revenue in 2024, with projections to double in 2025.
The Legacy of 400 Million
Love it or hate it, the 400M Play Button marks a new chapter in YouTube history. MrBeast has not only set a record that may take years for anyone else to reach, but he’s also proven that persistence, creativity, and obsession with content can turn a hobby into a billion-dollar empire.
As for the trophy? It may not have blown the internet away, but it stands as a symbol of a milestone no one else has achieved. And for MrBeast, that’s the real win.
