Khaby Lame: From Factory Worker to TikTok’s Most Followed Star

Quick Facts

1. Introduction: The Silent King of TikTok

Khabane Serigne “Khaby” Lame has become a global household name without uttering a single word. Born in Dakar, Senegal, and raised in Italy, Khaby rose to stardom by mocking overcomplicated “life hack” videos on TikTok with his signature silent expressions and simple hand gestures. What started as a pastime after losing his factory job during the pandemic quickly turned into a global phenomenon. By 2025, Khaby had secured his spot as the most-followed TikToker in the world, with a fan base spanning across continents. His humor transcends cultural and language barriers, proving that comedy doesn’t always need dialogue. Khaby’s brand of authenticity—unpolished, real, and relatable—has not only won him followers but also lucrative deals with global fashion and entertainment brands. His rise is a modern-day story of resilience, timing, and the power of relatability in a digital-first world.

2. Early Life in Senegal and Growing Up in Italy

Khaby was born on March 9, 2000, in Dakar, Senegal, but his story quickly moved to Italy when his family relocated to Chivasso, a town near Turin, when he was just one year old. Raised in public housing with his three siblings, Khaby’s early life was modest, shaped by the challenges of working-class immigrant communities. He attended Italian schools until age 14, when his parents briefly sent him back to Senegal to study at a madrasa. This dual upbringing gave him a deep connection to both African and Italian culture, which later contributed to his universal relatability online. Before fame, he worked as a CNC machine operator in a factory, a job he lost during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. That job loss would ultimately change his life forever, pushing him toward TikTok and the path that made him a global star.

3. From Factory Worker to Internet Stardom

When Khaby lost his job in early 2020, he—like many others—turned to social media as a creative outlet. His first TikTok videos showed him dancing and reacting to video games. But his real breakthrough came when he began parodying absurdly complicated “life hacks” in complete silence. With nothing but facial expressions and a signature shrug-and-hand gesture, he offered simple solutions that resonated with millions. By mid-2021, Khaby had surpassed famous Italian influencers and eventually overtook Addison Rae to become the second-most-followed creator on TikTok. In June 2022, he claimed the crown by surpassing Charli D’Amelio, officially becoming the world’s most-followed TikToker. His meteoric rise was not powered by flashy editing or scripted content, but rather by humor, relatability, and simplicity—a formula that made him one of the most recognizable internet personalities in the world.

4. The Viral Magic of His Signature Hand Gesture

Khaby’s now-iconic hand gesture—a calm, almost annoyed motion pointing out the obvious—has become a universal meme. Whether he’s showing that a banana can be peeled the normal way or that scissors can open a packet, his silence speaks volumes. This gesture turned into his personal brand, a symbol of frustration at unnecessary complications and a reminder that life is simpler than we make it. Marketers, meme pages, and even celebrities have mimicked the gesture, solidifying it as a pop culture reference point. Unlike other TikTok trends that come and go, Khaby’s style is timeless because it taps into a universal human experience: exasperation at overthinking. His wordless communication also broke language barriers, helping him gain followers across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. It is no exaggeration to say that a single hand gesture made him one of the most famous influencers on the planet.

5. Breaking Records: Becoming the World’s Most-Followed TikToker

On June 22, 2022, Khaby Lame officially became the most-followed creator on TikTok, surpassing Charli D’Amelio with over 142 million followers. This milestone cemented his status as the king of the platform. Unlike many influencers who rely on viral dances, skits, or heavily produced content, Khaby’s approach was refreshingly simple. His quiet style was a rebellion against the noise of social media, and fans loved it. By 2025, he had accumulated a staggering fan base and remained at the top of TikTok, proving that his appeal wasn’t a passing trend. His content also earned him appearances at major global events, from the Venice Film Festival to brand campaigns with Hugo Boss. For a young man who once worked in a factory, breaking these records symbolized a seismic shift—not just for him, but for the future of digital creators everywhere.

6. Partnerships, Brand Deals, and a $10 Million Career

Khaby’s influence quickly attracted global brands. In 2022, he signed a multi-year partnership with Hugo Boss, starring in their #BeYourOwnBoss campaign alongside other stars. Reports suggested he earned up to $750,000 per sponsored post and was on track to make over $10 million in a single year. Beyond fashion, he partnered with sports clubs like Juventus FC, appeared in video games like Fortnite (2023), and made cameos in films such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Italian dub) and Bad Boys: Ride or Die. His deals highlighted the immense economic power of influencers in the modern entertainment landscape. Khaby isn’t just an internet comedian; he has built an international brand that spans fashion, gaming, film, and television. His ability to remain authentic while engaging in these high-profile partnerships is a key reason he continues to resonate with millions.

7. Red Carpets, Film Festivals, and Global Recognition

Khaby’s meteoric rise opened doors far beyond TikTok. In 2021, he walked the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival, and in 2022, he served as a juror for the Cannes Film Festival, specifically judging TikTok short films. He also won international recognition, including the Premio la Moda Veste la Pace awarded at the European Parliament, and appearances in global award shows like the Streamy Awards, where he won the International category in 2022. From rubbing shoulders with Hollywood celebrities to being honored in Europe’s political and cultural centers, Khaby became a rare figure who bridged digital stardom with traditional entertainment industries. These milestones confirmed that he wasn’t just an online sensation—he was a global celebrity whose influence extended across industries and continents.

8. Awards, Honors, and Spot on TIME100 Creators List

Recognition followed Khaby everywhere his journey led. In 2022, he earned spots in both Forbes 30 Under 30 and Fortune’s 40 Under 40, cementing his influence in business and culture. That same year, he won the Streamy Award for International Creator, further validating his impact on the global stage. In July 2025, Khaby was honored by TIME magazine, making the inaugural TIME100 Creators list, which celebrated the world’s most influential digital creators. This recognition placed him alongside cultural giants and innovators shaping the digital future. For someone who started with no money, no fancy production equipment, and no words, these accolades represent more than just personal milestones—they highlight the shifting power of digital creators in shaping entertainment and culture worldwide.

9. Public Image: Relatable, Authentic, and Universally Funny

What makes Khaby stand out isn’t just his content—it’s his authenticity. The New York Times described his success as “entirely organic,” pointing out how his rise differed from polished, high-production TikTok stars. His “exasperated everyman quality” resonates universally. Marketing experts agree that Khaby embodies relatability, simplicity, and humor in ways that cut across cultures. In a noisy digital world, his silence became his loudest statement. His fans love him because he isn’t trying too hard—he simply reacts as any normal person would. This relatability has made him not just an influencer but a symbol of how authenticity wins in an age of filters and overproduction. Six of TikTok’s 25 most-liked videos belong to him, proof that people connect more with honesty than perfection.

10. Personal Life, Marriage, and Italian Citizenship Journey

Despite his global fame, Khaby remains grounded. A practicing Muslim, he often credits his upbringing for his values. He lived in Italy since childhood, but until August 2022, he held only Senegalese citizenship. When he was officially granted Italian citizenship in Chivasso, he declared that he had “always felt Italian,” regardless of paperwork. His personal life made headlines in November 2023, when he married Wendy Thembelihle Juel. However, by mid-2024, their marriage had ended, marking a personal setback during his meteoric professional rise. These personal stories—his faith, his family, his identity struggles—remind the world that Khaby is more than a TikTok icon. He is a young man navigating life, relationships, and belonging while in the global spotlight.

11. Controversy and U.S. Immigration Detention in 2025

Khaby’s career hasn’t been without controversy. On June 6, 2025, he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas for overstaying his visa. Reports confirmed he had entered the U.S. in April and remained beyond the allowed period. Faced with detention, he chose self-deportation and returned to Italy. The incident sparked international conversation about immigration laws, celebrity privilege, and the struggles even high-profile individuals face when navigating bureaucracy. While the controversy briefly overshadowed his work, Khaby handled the situation quietly and without public drama, much like his silent videos. Ultimately, the event served as a reminder that fame does not exempt anyone from real-world rules and challenges.

12. Beyond TikTok: Films, TV, and Khaby’s Expanding Legacy

Khaby has proven that he’s more than a TikTok comedian. His career has expanded into television, gaming, and even publishing. In 2022, he released his book Il diario di Khaby, sharing his philosophy of simplicity. In 2023, he was immortalized as a Fortnite outfit, placing him inside one of the world’s biggest video games. In 2024, his comedy series Khaby Is Coming to America premiered on Tubi, marking his first unscripted show. He also made cameo appearances in blockbuster films, further bridging his TikTok fame with mainstream entertainment. These ventures show that Khaby’s journey is far from over—he is evolving into a multi-platform entertainer and cultural icon. His legacy lies not only in being TikTok’s most-followed star but also in proving that silence, humor, and simplicity can build a global empire.