He’s bringing joy to millions — and rewriting the rules of the internet

Khaby Lame has officially become the most-followed person on TikTok, a milestone first reported by CNN (CNN). His meteoric rise reflects not only the power of the platform but also the universal appeal of humor that transcends language, borders, and culture.

Although TikTok launched in 2016, it wasn’t until late 2020—during the height of global lockdowns—that the platform saw explosive growth. Millions of users gravitated toward its short-form videos, where everyday creators could share comedy, dance, trends, and creative experiments. Among those creators was a young man named Khabane “Khaby” Lame, who would soon become one of the internet’s most recognizable faces.

Born in Senegal and raised in Italy, Lame quickly captured the attention of audiences worldwide with his signature style: silent comedic skits and reaction videos that highlight the absurdity of overly complicated “life hacks.” Without uttering a single word, he communicates through expressive reactions, a deadpan stare, and his now-iconic double-hand gesture that seems to say, “There was a simpler way all along.” BBC described his comedic approach as “universal minimalism,” relying on a form of humor that needs no translation (BBC).

With more than 10 million views on nearly every post, Lame’s videos spread rapidly across platforms. His facial expressions have been turned into memes, GIFs, and viral reaction images that have traveled far beyond TikTok. Today, with over 144 million followers, he has officially surpassed former platform leader Charli D’Amelio, making him the most-followed TikTok creator in the world—an achievement noted widely in entertainment and tech media (The Guardian).

Lame’s rise is all the more remarkable given where his journey began. In early 2020, he lost his factory job due to pandemic layoffs. With limited options and quarantine underway, he turned to TikTok as a way to stay occupied and uplift others. His wordless reactions quickly gained traction, and by 2021, he became a global sensation. According to Forbes, Lame’s simplicity—and the relatability of his content—helped distinguish him from creators who rely heavily on trends, dialogue, or elaborate editing (Forbes).

In an interview with CNN, Lame described his creative vision:
“I came up with the idea because I was seeing these videos circulating, and I liked the idea of bringing some simplicity to it. I thought of a way to reach as many people as possible. And the best way was not to speak,” he explained. His goal isn’t fame—it's joy. “I just want to make people laugh.”

His impact has reached far beyond the internet. The New York Times noted that Lame has become a “global ambassador for digital humor,” appearing in brand campaigns, prestigious events like the Venice Film Festival, and partnerships with major fashion houses (The New York Times). Despite his success, he remains committed to staying authentic and accessible, continuing to film videos from simple settings while maintaining the same dry comedic style that first won over fans.

The world has embraced him for exactly what he is: a reminder that humor doesn’t need words, gloss, or complexity to resonate. It only needs honesty, timing, and a little bit of silliness.

Khaby Lame set out to make people laugh—and millions are laughing with him. From growing views to a massive global fanbase, the future looks bright for the king of silent comedy.