TikTok superstar Khaby Lame, known for making the world laugh without saying a word, has made a major mark in the business world, sources said. After losing his factory job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Khaby turned to social media, where his silent comedy drew comparisons to Charlie Chaplin and quickly gained a massive following.
The Senegalese-born Italian now has over 161 million followers on TikTok and more than 77 million on Instagram. What began as a social media journey has evolved into global fame and a multi-billion-dollar business empire.
Khaby Lame recently sold his company, Step Distinctive Limited, for approximately $975 million. The firm, which managed his global brand, advertising deals, and commercial activities, was acquired by Hong Kong-based public holding company Rich Sparkle.
Under the deal, Chinese live streaming and e-commerce company Anhui Xiaohuang Network Technology will serve as Khaby’s exclusive operating partner for global commercial projects over the next 36 months. Additionally, Khaby has licensed his Face ID, Voice ID, and signature gestures to be used in creating an AI digital twin. This means his style and humor can be automatically replicated in multiple languages in the future.
The company claims that considering Khaby’s global fan base, annual revenue exceeding $4 billion is possible, with a focus on the US, Middle East, and Southeast Asia markets.
