Khaby Lame, World’s Second Most-Followed Influencer, Joins Weibo

CNBC AI News, July 31 – Khaby Lame, the world’s second-most-followed influencer, has officially joined Weibo, the popular Chinese social media platform, and launched his first video, sparking widespread interest among Chinese netizens.

Lame’s inaugural post on Weibo cheekily stated, “You may not know who I am, but you’ve definitely used my meme.” This taps into the global recognition Lame has cultivated through his universally relatable reactions.

The Senegalese-born Italian, who once worked in a factory after dropping out of school, rose to internet stardom thanks to his signature deadpan expressions and exasperated hand gestures. This simple, yet effective, comedic style has resonated with a global audience, highlighting the power of non-verbal communication in the digital age.

According to Forbes’ “Top Creators 2025” list released on June 16th, Khaby Lame boasts a staggering 259 million followers across all platforms, securing his position as the second-most-followed creator worldwide. This achievement underscores the growing influence and potential revenue streams available to top-tier online personalities.

Notably, Lame dominates TikTok with over 160 million followers, cementing his status as a global phenomenon on the short-form video platform.

The Forbes report estimates his annual income to be $20 million, showcasing the lucrative opportunities within the creator economy for those who can effectively capture and engage audiences.

Lame’s arrival on Weibo follows the recent success of another foreign influencer in China, “Kai Cenat,” who embarked on a 17-day “China Tour” across eight cities in March and April, captivating audiences with over 50 hours of live-streamed content. Cenat’s enthusiastic reception highlights the growing appetite for authentic content from international creators within the Chinese market.

In early July, Lame’s exclusive China team revealed that he plans to fully integrate into Chinese social media platforms this month, hinting at future travel plans to China, details of which remain under wraps. This move indicates a strategic effort to capitalize on the vast potential of the Chinese market and further expand his global reach.