Khaby Lame, the TikTok creator famous for his silent, expressive reactions to life hacks, has just taken a major leap in the creator economy.
The Senegalese-Italian star, who started posting videos in 2020 after losing his factory job, now has over 350 million followers across social media platforms. His influence has just translated into a $975 million all-stock deal with Rich Sparkle Holdings, one of the largest deals ever for a digital creator.
Unlike standard sponsorships or brand partnerships, this deal goes far beyond traditional influencer earnings:
- All-stock deal: Khaby received shares in Rich Sparkle Holdings instead of cash, giving him a stake in the company’s future growth.
- AI-powered digital twin: He authorized the use of his Face ID, voice, and behavioral models, allowing the creation of an AI version of himself.
- Global reach: The AI twin can produce content, host virtual livestreams, and engage audiences worldwide; all without Khaby physically being on camera.
The “digital twin” concept is revolutionary for creators:
- Content creation at scale: AI can post in multiple languages and formats.
- Virtual events: The AI avatar can appear in live-streams and brand activations globally.
- E-commerce and monetization: Products and partnerships can run around the clock.
This is a blueprint for the next generation of creators, showing that fame can become a commercial and scalable asset.
Khaby Lame’s rise is nothing short of extraordinary:
- 2020: Starts posting on TikTok after losing his job.
- 2022-2025: Explodes in popularity with short, silent reaction videos.
- 2026: Becomes one of the most-followed creators worldwide and signs the billion-dollar deal.
In short, Khaby isn’t just cashing in, he’s laying the groundwork for a new era of influence and digital entrepreneurship.
Khaby Lame’s $975M AI deal is a game-changer for the creator economy, showing how influence, intellectual property, and AI can combine to create massive, scalable digital value.