Social media fame has translated into extraordinary financial success for one particular digital creator, whose business dealings have now been revealed to be worth nearly a billion dollars. Senegalese-Italian TikTok star Khaby Lame, born Khabane Serigne Lame, holds the distinction of being the most followed user on the globally dominant video-sharing platform.
The Monumental Business Transaction
At just 25 years old, Lame has orchestrated a corporate deal of staggering proportions. He recently sold his company, Step Distinctive Limited, which was responsible for managing his brand identity, public image, and all commercial rights. According to official filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, this transaction was valued at an astonishing $975 million, equivalent to approximately £707 million.
The acquiring entity is Rich Sparkle, a publicly traded holding company based in Hong Kong. The SEC documentation indicates that as part of this arrangement, Lame will become a controlling shareholder within Rich Sparkle, securing significant influence over the future direction of the company that now owns his brand assets.
A Multi-Faceted Income Portfolio
This colossal business sale represents just one stream in Lame's diverse revenue ecosystem. The influencer ranked an impressive 10th on the prestigious 2025 Forbes list of Top Creators, with the publication estimating his annual earnings through the TikTok platform alone at around $20 million, or roughly £14.5 million.
Beyond platform revenue, Lame generates substantial income through high-profile brand partnerships and endorsement deals. He has collaborated with luxury fashion house Hugo Boss, global accommodation platform Airbnb, and major cryptocurrency exchange Binance, among other commercial ventures.
Content That Captivates Millions
Lame has amassed his remarkable following of 160 million users through his distinctive comedic approach to content creation. His signature style involves wordless reactions and simple demonstrations that humorously highlight everyday absurdities, resonating across language barriers and cultural divides.
His most viewed video, which has accumulated a staggering 358 million views since being posted in 2021, features a concise 25-second sketch filmed from the back of a vehicle. In this viral clip, Lame wordlessly demonstrates the practical importance of wing mirrors through physical comedy.
International Profile and Travel Complications
Lame's global fame has led to both prestigious invitations and immigration challenges. He attended the exclusive Met Gala in New York just weeks before encountering difficulties with United States immigration authorities.
In June of last year, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Lame at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. According to an ICE spokesperson who spoke with the Associated Press, the detention occurred because Lame had "overstayed the terms of his visa." The agency subsequently stated that "Lame was granted voluntary departure June 6 and has since departed the U.S.," effectively confirming his self-deportation from the country.
Memorable UK Appearance
During a 2022 visit to the United Kingdom, Lame participated in a memorable musical moment at London's iconic Wembley Stadium. He was specially invited to introduce global superstar Harry Styles to the 80,000-strong audience at Capital's Summertime Ball with Barclaycard.
Speaking exclusively backstage to the Mirror alongside co-hosts Sian Welby and Sonny Jay, radio presenter Roman Kemp expressed his excitement about Lame's upcoming stage appearance. "To get the biggest TikTok star in the world to bring out Harry Styles is pretty cool," Kemp stated when asked how the concert could possibly surpass previous years' highlights. He added emphatically, "To get Khaby on to do that is pretty cool," predicting it would be the event's wildest on-stage moment.
This combination of viral content, strategic business moves, brand partnerships, and international appearances has solidified Khaby Lame's position not just as TikTok's most followed creator, but as one of the most financially successful digital entrepreneurs of his generation.
