He’s bringing joy to millions!
Khaby Lame is now the most-followed person on TikTok, CNN reports.
Although the video sharing app has been around since 2016, it wasn’t until October 2020 that the social media platform saw major growth. TikTok has been captivating users with exciting, diverse, and engaging content produced by everyday people. One of those people is 22-year-old Khabane Lame, widely known by his TikTok name of Khaby Lame.
The Senegal-born TikTok star gained popularity by performing comedic skits and recording reactions to various videos – all without saying a word. Adding a silent joy to the platform, the wordless comedian posts videos of himself dancing to songs and reacting to various videos using facial expressions and his now signature hand gesture shrug. He is the epitome of “what’s understood, doesn’t have to be explained.”
With over 10 million views on every TikTok post he’s shared, his shrugs and unimpressed looks speak for themselves. His amusing facial expressions have been turned into GIFs and social media memes, receiving humorous reactions from millions of viewers. With over 144 million followers, Lame is now officially the most-followed person on the platform, surpassing 18-year-old social media personality and TikTok dance creator Charli D’Amelio.
After being laid off from his factory job in early 2020, Lame started posting videos on the app and by 2021, became a viral sensation with his silent shrug reaction videos that were paired with life hack videos being shared on various social media platforms.
Lame spoke with CNN last year saying, “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 also expressed to CNN that he does not create his videos to be famous, he simply wants to make people laugh.
Well, the people are most certainly laughing and the views are definitely growing. It’s only up from here, Khaby!
Photo Courtesy of Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images