Lessons for creative founders from MrBeast’s leaked production guide

This week, a previously hidden treasure surfaced on 𝕏: MrBeast’s leaked production guide—a gold mine brimming with insights on how to think about and run a digital business in .

It’s a pretty long doc, so I read through it for you and extracted the most valuable nuggets specifically for founders of digital products and services.

Straight from the mind of one of the most relentless and unconventional founders today, here are ten transformative takeaways you can apply to your business right now.

1. Prioritize impact over effort

We’ve been conditioned to equate long hours with hard work and hard work with better outcomes. While dedication is important, for many digital products and services, it’s not just about the hours you put in—it’s about your impact.

High-leverage activities like sharing on social media, building an audience, and starting a newsletter can move the needle more than traditional “progress.” MrBeast recognizes this and reminds his team it’s not about being busy—it’s about being impactful.

2. Redefine the rules of your medium

“YouTube isn’t Hollywood,” MrBeast proudly tells his staff. He embraces the new rules of his digital-first business, knowing that copying outdated frameworks have little bearing on how well his business performs.

Take, for example, his approach to content creation: instead of following traditional media scripts, he crafts videos tailored to the platform’s algorithms and audience behavior.

As digital founders, we too must recognize our unique playing fields and be willing to experiment. Whether it’s trying out new content formats, adjusting pricing models, or exploring unconventional marketing strategies, embracing flexibility can lead to breakthroughs.

Be adaptable, and don’t fear trying something new—you can always pivot later.

3. Let data inform, not dictate

MrBeast obsesses over metrics like CTR (Click-Through Rate) and AVD (Average View Duration), but he doesn’t become a slave to them. He views data as a compass, not a map.

In your business, it’s crucial to balance analytical insights with intuition. Know your numbers, but remember to balance analytics with intuition about what your audience, clients, and customers truly need and want from you.

4. Constraints as catalysts

Constraints aren’t roadblocks, they’re launchpads. When MrBeast started, he didn’t have the massive budgets he has now. Limited resources forced him to be creative—like making a video counting to 100,000, which cost nothing but his time and went viral.

When resources are tight, creativity often shines through. Embrace limitations as opportunities to innovate. Tight budgets can lead to more authentic marketing strategies, and small teams can be more agile, trying a few things to see what sticks.

By viewing constraints as challenges to overcome creatively, you’ll set yourself apart in a saturated market.

5. Own every outcome

In MrBeast’s business, there’s no room for finger-pointing. If something goes wrong, he expects his team to own the problem and fix it.

This is a powerful message for every creative business owner. Taking full ownership grants you full control, turning mistakes into lessons rather than liabilities.

Cultivate a culture where accountability is embraced, not feared. It accelerates learning and fosters trust.

6. Complacency is the enemy of progress

MrBeast’s team doesn’t just consume content—they study it, dissect it, and learn from it. They’re perpetual students in the ever-evolving classroom of the YouTube algorithm and their audience. They continuously refine their storytelling skills to stay ahead in the game.

You should do the same. Attend webinars, read industry reports, and engage with thought leaders. But don’t stop there—look beyond your industry for inspiration. Ideas from different sectors can spark innovative solutions in your own business.

Be curious and voracious. Knowledge is your competitive advantage.

7. Turn rejection into redirection

We’ve all faced setbacks: an employee quits, a product flops, a client relationship sours. In our line of work—or any, really—rejection is inevitable. But how you respond defines your trajectory. MrBeast’s persistence in the face of “no” is a testament to resilience.

“No” is often just another step toward “yes.” Every rejection holds a lesson. Was it the pitch? The timing? The fit? Deconstruct the “no” to refine your approach for next time.

8. Collaboration leads to amplification

You don’t have to be an expert at everything—you just need to partner with those who are. MrBeast actively brings in specialists to elevate his content, understanding that collaboration enhances both the quality and reach of his work.

Identify your strengths and acknowledge your gaps. Then, bring in people who can not only fill those gaps but also expand your horizons.

As the saying goes, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

9. Fail forward, fast

Embracing failure as part of the journey accelerates growth. MrBeast encourages his team to take risks, understanding that mistakes are inevitable and can be valuable learning tools.

In my businesses, I encourage an environment where failures aren’t shunned but openly discussed and analyzed without backlash or ridicule. This builds trust with your team and creates a stronger, more resilient business.

10. Storytelling over selling

People don’t buy products—they buy stories and experiences. MrBeast excels at weaving narratives into his content, making his audience feel part of something bigger. His videos serve as prime storytelling examples that engage viewers on a deeper level.

In your marketing efforts, focus on storytelling over selling. Upping your storytelling skills can help you connect with your audience more authentically. Authenticity resonates with people, building trust and loyalty. For example, if you’re launching a new product, share the journey of its creation, the problems it solves, and the impact you hope it will have.

Your digital business roadmap

These ten takeaways offer more than just a glimpse into MrBeast’s extraordinary success—they serve as a roadmap for any digital entrepreneur aiming to make a mark this year and beyond.

Remember, the most significant breakthroughs often come from stepping outside comfort zones and rewriting the rules. So, tell your unique story, embrace the journey with all its twists and turns, and watch as your business not only grows but thrives in ways you hadn’t imagined.