Khaby Lame was told to get a 'proper job' when he first started making TikTok videos

There are loads of people on TikTok who are trying to become the next big thing.

However, only a handful are able to quit their daytime jobs and rely on the income made from social media content creating.

Khaby Lame is one of those stars who climbed through the ranks by offering a unique and hilarious schtick on TikTok.

He made a name for himself by parodying viral hack videos and the results were always brilliant.

Without saying a single word in his clips, he raked in millions of followers and even more views.

He's now the most followed person on TikTok and he can command an impressive amount of money with sponsored content.

However, he was told to settle for something a little more nine to five in his early days.

Speaking to Forbes, he said: “When I started making videos, people told me to get a proper job.

"But I continued to make videos because that’s what I like doing, even though no one was watching them.”

Now, people all across the world know his name and are very familiar with his content.

Brands are desperate to work with him and use his huge platform to push their products.

Forbes' report said some companies are willing to pay Khaby up to $750,000 to feature their product in just one video.

It’s not a bad way to make a living, especially considering that the Senegal-born influencer has appeared in videos alongside Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr and Matt Damon.

Forbes also estimates that Lame has amassed a fortune of over $16.5 million over the last year after he partnered up with brands like Hugo Boss as well.

TikTok/Khaby Lame

The outlet named Lame as the 11th best influencer on their Top Creators of 2023 list.

But Khaby won't take money from just anyone.

He knows his content can influence people in a certain way so he's very careful about who he aligns himself with.

The 23-year-old said: "I turn down most requests. I want to work clean.

"I’ve never worked with an alcohol company, cigarettes or anything that’s bad for you because a lot of kids follow me.”

He teamed up with State Farm earlier this year and the company's marketing head, Alyson Griffin, told Forbes that to get their name in front of Khaby's followers was humungous.

“The Super Bowl was watched by 115 million people,” she said.

"Our main TikTok video with Khaby got 220 million views, plus all the follows, likes, comments and shares.”

Topics: TikTok, Celebrity

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

@stewartperrie