section_path: YouTube career/2012–2017: Early career
section_name: 2012–2017: Early career
paragraph_text: 2012–2017: Early career
  
  Donaldson uploaded his first YouTube video in February 2012, at the age of 13, under the channel name "MrBeast6000". His early content included Let's Plays focusing on Minecraft and Call of Duty: Black Ops II, videos estimating the wealth of other YouTubers, videos that offered tips to upcoming YouTube creators, and commentary on YouTube drama. Donaldson appeared infrequently in these videos.
  
  In 2015 and 2016, Donaldson gained popularity with his "Worst Intros on YouTube" series poking fun at YouTube video introductions. By mid-2016, Donaldson had around 30,000 subscribers. Donaldson dropped out of college in late 2016 to pursue a full-time career as a YouTuber. His mother disapproved of his decision and forced him to leave the family home.
  
  As his channel grew, Donaldson hired four childhood friends—Ava Kris Tyson, Chandler Hallow, Garrett Ronalds, and Jake Franklin—to contribute to his channel. Franklin left the crew in 2020. Karl Jacobs, previously a cameraman, was promoted to replace him.
  
  Donaldson uploaded his first YouTube video in February 2012, at the age of 13, under the channel name "MrBeast6000". His early content included Let's Plays focusing on Minecraft and Call of Duty: Black Ops II, videos estimating the wealth of other YouTubers, videos that offered tips to upcoming YouTube creators, and commentary on YouTube drama. Donaldson appeared infrequently in these videos.
  
  In 2015 and 2016, Donaldson gained popularity with his "Worst Intros on YouTube" series poking fun at YouTube video introductions. By mid-2016, Donaldson had around 30,000 subscribers. Donaldson dropped out of college in late 2016 to pursue a full-time career as a YouTuber. His mother disapproved of his decision and forced him to leave the family home.
  
  As his channel grew, Donaldson hired four childhood friends—Ava Kris Tyson, Chandler Hallow, Garrett Ronalds, and Jake Franklin—to contribute to his channel. Franklin left the crew in 2020. Karl Jacobs, previously a cameraman, was promoted to replace him.