Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok creator, has struck a headline-grabbing business deal valued at up to $975 million, marking one of the largest exits in the history of the creator economy.
In a strategic move finalized in mid-January 2026, Rich Sparkle Holdings — a Hong Kong–based media and e-commerce company listed in the United States — acquired Step Distinctive Limited, the core operating company behind Lame’s commercial ventures. The all-stock transaction gives Rich Sparkle control of content development, e-commerce operations, and global traffic placement tied to Lame’s brand.
The deal includes ambitious plans to integrate AI “digital twin” technology to extend the reach of Lame’s content and commerce activities across languages and time zones — essentially creating AI versions of his iconic persona to power future livestreams, product campaigns, and automated content production.
From Viral Sensation to Billion-Dollar Business
Khaby Lame’s rise is one of the most remarkable success stories of the social media age. Born in Senegal and raised in Chivasso, Italy, he first gained global attention with silent comedy videos on TikTok that humorously debunked overly complicated life hacks. His universally understood style helped him build a massive audience — now hundreds of millions strong — across TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms.
Before this deal, Lame was already listed among the highest-earning content creators, with earnings from brand partnerships, sponsorships, and platform monetization estimated in the tens of millions annually. Forbes placed him among the top creators in 2025, and his collaborations have spanned from fashion houses like Hugo Boss to entertainment giants and major commercial campaigns.
Why This Deal Matters
Analysts say the transaction represents more than just a payday for Lame — it could signal a paradigm shift in how influencer intellectual property and brands are valued. Instead of simply licensing his likeness or doing individual ads, Lame is effectively monetizing his entire creative and commercial infrastructure as a corporate asset.
The deal also highlights the growing commercial muscle of digital creators: what once began as short-form entertainment has evolved into a scalable business enterprise with global e-commerce and technology integration at its core.
Creator Economy Evolution
Industry observers say this landmark sale underscores how the creator economy is maturing — moving beyond sponsorships and ad deals into strategic acquisitions, technology partnerships, and new revenue channels like AI-assisted content pipelines. For Lame, the win isn’t just financial: it deepens his footprint in global commerce while preserving his creative identity.
Whether other top influencers will follow suit remains to be seen, but for now, Khaby Lame’s $975 million milestone stands as a transformative moment in digital media business history.
