MrBeast posts first video on Elon Musk’s X

YouTube sensation MrBeast posted a full video on Elon Musk’s X for the first time this week, giving the struggling social media platform a boost.

SUBMIT | How big is your hole? Send us your pictures!

MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, is the world’s most popular YouTuber with more than 230 million subscribers.

“I’m curious how much ad revenue a video on X would make so I’m reuploading this to test it. Will share ad rev next week,” MrBeast posted on Monday on the platform formally known as Twitter.

ALSO READ: Kylie Jenner makes comeback with bubblegum-pink hair

$1 Car vs $100,000,000 Car!!!

I’m curious how much ad revenue a video on X would make so I’m reuploading this to test it. Will share ad rev next week ❤️ pic.twitter.com/amSSmddFht

— MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 15, 2024

The video, which sees MrBeast and friends test out flashy sports cars, saw nearly 50 million views in just 14 hours after being posted.

Last month, after being encouraged by X-owner Musk to post on his platform, MrBeast complained that even a billion views on X “wouldn’t fund a fraction” of his costs of production.

BOOKMARK | For the latest helpful, insightful and expert news, visit The South African website

“I’m down though to test stuff once monetisation is really cranking!” MrBeast added in the post on X.

The upload by MrBeast was hailed by Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino, who pointed to content deals signed last week with several US personalities.

“Building a whole video ecosystem in plain sight… Who’s next?” Yaccarino posted.

ALSO READ | Elon Musk’s X tells watchdog it has shed 1 000 ‘safety’ staff

X last week announced shows from former CNN anchor Don Lemon, former US congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and sports radio host Jim Rome.

Last year, X broadcast shows by conservative figure Tucker Carlson after he was fired from Fox, but Carlson has since said he will launch his own streaming service this year.

Musk’s ambition is to turn X into an “everything app” that would combine social media with streaming and online shopping.

MUST READ | Elon Musk’s use of ‘illegal drugs’ a concern for Tesla, SpaceX execs

However, the chaotic management and controversial posts since his takeover of Twitter in 2022 has seen user traffic drop and major advertisers halt spending on the platform.

Last year Musk bitterly criticised advertisers who had left the platform, saying they would kill X.

This advertiser exodus gained momentum after Musk endorsed an anti-semitic conspiracy theory on the platform.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse