Khaby Lame has dethroned Charli D’Amelio as the most followed TikToker on the planet. The new reigning champ — known by his nearly 143 million followers for his comical parodies — managed the impressive feat without ever uttering a single word, and made a fortune in the process.
The Senegalese-born creator topped the ranks as the most followed TikToker for the first time on Wednesday night — overtaking 18-year-old Charli D’Amelio — who held the top spot for nearly 2 years.
The new reigning champ, who’s based in Italy, first shot to viral fame on the video-sharing platform in 2020, after being laid off from his job at a factory during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 22-year-old creator soon developed a reputation for his satirical videos, many of which are stitched alongside needlessly complicated “life hacks.” Lame, who doesn’t speak in his videos, has transcended language barriers with his universal facial expressions and hallmark shrug.
"I made videos on YouTube as a child, but only my father and uncle watched them. And it was with TikTok that I realized that I had found the ideal platform for me to upload my self-deprecating and comic videos," Lame told HYPEBEAST earlier this month. "I like to entertain people with my irony, but it's just a tool to do what I'm really interested in — encouraging those who follow me to fight to achieve their goals.”
According to an estimate published by CA Knowledge, the temperate TikToker has monetized his viral fame to the tune of $13 million. And although TikTok is known for paying its creators chump change, the social-media darling has racked up well over 2 billion views, and at 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views, it certainly added up.
The tight-lipped TikToker also benefits from brand deals, with companies shelling out an arm and a leg to get their products in front of the eyes of his millions of followers.
Last week, the inaudible influencer announced a partnership with BOSS to create a limited-edition capsule collection for Spring/Summer 2022.
“Khaby has a heart so big that the whole world finds joy in it. His mission to bring joy and laughter into the world makes him a beloved cultural icon that will be celebrated for generations to come,” Miah Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Brand Communications at HUGO, said of his appeal.
Source: CA Knowledge, HypeBeast