Executive Summary: In June 2026, Forbes released its annual Top Creators list, ranking British entrepreneur and The Diary of a CEO host Steven Bartlett as the 3rd highest-earning creator globally. With reported earnings of $52 million and an audience of 38.7 million followers, Bartlett is the highest-placed UK creator, trailing only YouTube creators MrBeast and Dhar Mann.
Below is a detailed breakdown of Bartlett’s 2026 Forbes ranking, his primary income streams, and the corporate structure of his $425 million holding company, Steven.com.
Steven Bartlett: 2026 Forbes Top Creators Statistics
Here is a direct summary of Steven Bartlett’s metrics according to the 2026 Forbes Top Creators list:
- Global Rank: #3
- UK Rank: #1
- 2026 Estimated Gross Earnings (Only from creator revenue): $52,000,000
- Total Followers: 38.7 Million
- Core Content Focus: Business, Entrepreneurship and Investing.
The Forbes Top 5 Creators of 2026
The 2026 Forbes Top 50 Creators list marked a historic milestone, with the top 50 creators collectively generating over $1 billion in a single year. Here is how Bartlett compares to the top five earners globally:
| Rank | Creator Name | Estimated Earnings | Primary Content Focus |
| 1 | MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) | $300 Million | Stunts, Philanthropy, Consumer Brands |
| 2 | Dhar Mann | $65 Million | Scripted Short Films, Vertical Dramas |
| 3 | Steven Bartlett | $52 Million | Business Podcasts, Investments |
| 4 | Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) | $38 Million | Gaming, Horror, Independent Films |
| 5 | Rhett & Link | $37 Million | Comedy, Talk Shows, Entertainment |
How Steven Bartlett Built a $52 Million Income Stream
Bartlett’s financial success in 2026 is driven by the transition from traditional content creation to building a robust corporate infrastructure. He has frequently stated his goal is to build the “Disney of the creator economy” – using his intellectual property (IP) as a foundation for a wider commercial ecosystem.
His core business pillars include:
1. Steven.com and FlightStory
In 2025, Bartlett consolidated his creator businesses under a new US-based parent entity named Steven.com. This holding company recently secured an eight-figure investment, valuing the enterprise at $425 million. A major component of this entity is FlightStory, a media production and marketing arm that scales audiences and commercializes IP for both creators and major brands.
2. The Diary of a CEO (DOAC)
Launched in 2017 from his kitchen table, The Diary of a CEO remains Bartlett’s flagship IP. The podcast drives massive ad revenue, live event ticket sales, and book deals. Through DOAC, Bartlett has secured high-profile corporate partnerships with global brands including Spotify, LinkedIn, and Adobe. Last month The Diary Of A CEO was the most viewed YouTube podcast in the world.
3. Strategic Venture Capital and Investments
Beyond content, Bartlett is a highly active investor, holding equity in approximately 100 companies. His venture portfolio bridges technology and consumer goods.