Becoming CarryMinati, The Most-Subscribed Individual YouTuber In Asia

In the bustling city of Faridabad, just outside New Delhi, a 10-year-old boy uploaded his first YouTube video about football tutorials. Little did anyone know that this young creator, Ajey Nagar, would eventually become CarryMinati – Asia’s most-subscribed individual YouTuber with more than 44 million subscribers on his main channel alone.

Who knew a high school drop-out would end up a millionaire?

Born in 1999 to a family of achievers – his mother a doctor, father a lawyer, and grandfather the first president of Delhi University Students’ Union who later became a Cabinet Minister in Haryana – Ajey was expected to follow a traditional career path. However, he had different plans. After his Class X, when his mother suggested medical studies, Ajey made a bold counter-proposal: “Buy me a PC,” he said, choosing arts instead.

What started as gaming commentary evolved into a multi-faceted digital empire. His early channel AddictedA1, launched in 2014, featured game footage with reactions. By 2015, he had transformed into CarryDeol, entertaining viewers with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive gameplay while mimicking Bollywood actor Sunny Deol – a unique combination that would later evolve into the CarryMinati brand we know today.

The year 2016 marked a pivotal moment when Ajey dropped out of Delhi Public School before his Class-XII Board examination, anxious about economics. While this decision raised eyebrows, he later completed his education through distance learning, proving that unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary success.

From gaming teen to digital dynasty

CarryMinati’s ascent in the digital space has been nothing short of meteoric. His signature style – a razor-sharp wit delivered in Hindi, combined with unflinching roasts and comedy skits – struck a chord with millions. His main channel surpassed 30 million subscribers in May 2021, and by 2024, his cumulative following across channels exceeded 60 million.

May 2020 brought both controversy and growth when his “YouTube vs TikTok: The End” video sparked widespread debate. The video’s removal by YouTube led to the creation of “Yalgaar,” a musical response that further cemented his position in digital culture. His musical journey expanded through collaborations with his brother Wily Frenzy, releasing tracks like “Bye PewDiePie,” “Trigger,” “Zindagi,” and “Vardaan.”

In October 2024, CarryMinati orchestrated what might be the most ambitious collaboration in Indian YouTube history. Following his viral appearance in MrBeast’s $1,000,000 challenge video, he brought together 14 of India’s top content creators for an epic parody. The video, titled “Mr Beast Parody Ft. Indian Creators,” featured luminaries like Bhuvan Bam, Ashish Chanchlani, and Technical Guruji, among others. Taking on the role of “Mr Least,” CarryMinati created a hilarious spoof that has garnered over 54 million views, showcasing the collective might of creators with a combined subscriber base of 625 million.

The business of being Carry..

His influence extends beyond content creation. In February 2023, he acquired a 10% stake in Big Bang Esports, and his brand collaborations include giants like Paramount Pictures, PUBG, OnePlus, and NBA. From his early days of mimicking Sunny Deol while playing Counter-Strike to judging Amazon Mini TV’s gaming reality show Playground, CarryMinati has helped legitimize gaming and content creation as viable career paths in India.

His success is reflected in his lifestyle – owning two Toyota Fortuners, an Audi Q7, and several premium properties across India. With an estimated net worth of INR 50 crore, he’s not just creating content; he’s building a legacy. Featured in multiple prestigious issues like Time magazine’s Next Generation Leaders’ 2019 list and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, CarryMinati represents the dreams and aspirations of a generation that dares to challenge conventional career paths.

And while he’s enjoying his success, he uses his massive reach for social good too

Through his gaming channel CarryIsLive, he has raised funds for numerous causes – from the Kerala floods in 2018 to the 2023 Odisha train collision. His four-hour charity livestream for the Odisha train collision victims alone generated nearly INR 12 lakhs, including his personal contribution of INR 1.5 lakh.

With millions of young fans following his every move, Ajey Nagar has definitely come a long way since that first upload. And, the 25-year-old shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.