How Khaby Lame’s Global Humor Built a TikTok Empire

Khaby Lame is the #1 most-followed TikToker in the world with 162.8 million followers. He started making videos at 13 years old, inspired by Will Smith, wanting to make people laugh.

Khaby began on YouTube, making many videos that didn't get views.

He worked as a CNC machine operator at a factory near Turin until March 2020 when he lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic. That's when he started creating content on TikTok.

1. Global Language of Humor

Khaby transitioned from dancing and gaming content to reaction videos.

He created a TikTok account @khaby.lame and started making reaction videos.

He became famous for duetting or stitching videos depicting complex life hacks and merely performing the same tasks without using any words, followed by a characteristic hand gesture.

Khaby's trademark expressions and gestures include shaking his head, rolling his eyes, or spreading his arms wide.

He uses body language and facial expressions instead of speaking, creating a "global language" that transcends language barriers through his physical comedy and relatable reactions. He is Gen Z's Charlie Chaplin.

Khaby duets and stitches other videos showing unnecessarily complex life hacks and completes the same task in a simple, straightforward manner without speaking.

He maintains a straight face throughout his videos making his content simple but highly entertaining.

Viewers of his video find joy and humor in his raw and minimal videos as he presents easier and more obvious solutions to problems solved in impractical ways.

Khaby is known for his unique facial expressions, which come naturally to him.

2. Rise to Fame on TikTok

Khaby Lame's rise to fame wasn't fuelled by paid promotions or influencer marketing. His content spread organically through shares and word-of-mouth, a testament to its shareability and the genuine amusement it evoked.

His video that went really viral was "the banana peeling" video, demonstrating his comedic timing and knack for simplifying the absurd.

This video showed a simple way to peel a banana, in contrast to an overcomplicated video he saw.

3. Content Creation Process

Khaby watches many videos to get ideas and inspiration.

He films 50-70 videos in 2-3 days to post over the following months.

4. Business and Monetization Strategy

Khaby works with a management company in Italy that handles his work worldwide.

He works with many big brands like Boss (as an ambassador), Pepsi, Coca-Cola, FIFA, and World Cup. His monetization comes from brand sponsorships and collaborations, separate from his personal growth and profile-building through videos.

He creates sponsored content for movies like Mission Impossible and Oppenheimer, working with the brands to develop ideas that fit their key points.

Khaby Lame maintains a "clean" brand image by avoiding sponsorships that promote alcohol, cigarettes, or anything harmful, particularly given his young audience.

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