The Most Followed Person on TikTok

Profile photo ofCarolyn Howell, author

Carolyn Howell

Last Updated: Oct 16, 2023

TikTok 101
Want More Real TikTok Followers?

TikTok has seen its fair share of rising stars and shifts in popularity over the years. As of October 2023, the title of the most-followed person on TikTok belongs to Khabane Lame. Hailing from Italy, Khabane Lame has garnered an impressive following of over 161 million followers, securing his place as the reigning champion of the TikTok world. Who did he surpass, and how did these social media influencers make it to the top? Keep reading to find out!

Two girls scrolling through TikTok on smartphones.

Who is The Most Followed Person on TikTok?

If you’re wondering who is the most followed person on TikTok, look no further than Khabane Lame. His journey to TikTok stardom is an interesting one. Known for his funny videos on a wide range of topics, he gained fame by using TikTok’s duet and stitch features to react silently to absurd “life hacks.” This method defined his initial rise to fame.

Since then, he has transitioned to posting silent comedy skits that continue to rack up millions of views and likes. Khabane Lame’s rise to the top position began in 2020. His followers have increased significantly ever since, solidifying his status as the most followed person on TikTok.

Overtaking Charli D’Amelio

Khabane Lame’s achievement is impressive because of his massive following and because he dethroned Charli D’Amelio. The American TikTok sensation previously held the title as a dancer and social media personality. She amassed over 151 million followers, making her a major player on the platform. But on June 22, 2022, Khabane Lame surpassed her in terms of followers, marking a historic moment on TikTok.

A girl posing for a video on TikTok.

The Impact of Khabane Lame’s Rise

Khabane Lame’s rise to the top is not just a personal achievement but also a significant event for TikTok. Charli D’Amelio and her sister Dixie became famous on TikTok by making short dance videos, and they turned it into a media brand. Their success surprised people outside of the TikTok community and inspired millions to try to replicate their journey. According to Forbes, the D’Amelio sisters earned an estimated $27.5 million the previous year. This is a testament to the power of the influencer economy.

Khabane Lame’s rise to become the most-followed creator is significant, given past concerns raised by TikTok users on how Black creators are treated on the platform. In 2020, TikTok was accused of suppressing content from Black creators and the company took steps to address these issues. This included the creation of a diversity council and donations to nonprofits that support the Black community. Black creators pointed out that they weren’t getting credit for choreographing viral dances to popular songs. This led to an informal strike where they stopped making dances that mostly helped white creators.

Khabane Lame’s success as a Black creator highlights how the platform is changing and making an effort to acknowledge and celebrate diversity among its top creators. His success shows how TikTok continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of social media.

A girl sitting and eating while recording a video on TikTok.

The 2nd Most Followed Person on TikTok

Charli D’Amelio shines as the 2nd most-followed person on TikTok. Charli hails from the United States and is known for her dance moves and delightful social media presence. She has wowed the TikTok community with her talent, earning a colossal fan base of over 151 million followers.

Charli’s journey to TikTok stardom is a tale of passion and dedication. She began her TikTok adventure by sharing her dance videos in 2019. Little did she know that her dancing would captivate the hearts of millions. Charli’s fame skyrocketed in a short period, and she became the most popular TikTok account.

What’s special about Charli D’Amelio is that she’s not just a dancing sensation; she’s a role model for many aspiring creators. Her journey reminds us that sharing what we love can lead to wonderful opportunities and connections with people from around the globe. With her positive energy and dance moves, Charli continues to be loved on TikTok, inspiring others to share their passions with the world.

A girl posing for a video on TikTok.

The 3rd Most Followed Person on TikTok

Bella Poarch, a talented singer and social media personality from the Philippines, takes the title of the 3rd most-followed person on TikTok. With an impressive and ever-growing following of over 92 million fans, Bella has truly made her mark on the TikTok platform.

Bella rose to TikTok stardom after a video of her lipsyncing a popular song went viral. As a singer, her videos resonate with TikTok users worldwide, drawing them into her world of creativity and expression. Bella’s presence on the platform is a testament to the global reach of TikTok, connecting people from around the world through music, entertainment, and fun. Her content is a mix of music, humor, and genuine moments, creating a unique and authentic TikTok experience for her followers.

Bella’s ability to connect with a diverse global audience through engaging content highlights TikTok’s inclusive and vibrant nature. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring creators who aim to share their talents with the world through the power of social media.

 A girl showing off her new clothes for a TikTok video.

The Most Followed Black Person on TikTok

Khabane Lame’s rise to the top spot is a remarkable feat, and it’s also significant that he is the most followed Black person on TikTok. However, he is not the only Black TikTok star who has made waves on the platform. A number of Black creators have also carved out their niches and gained significant followings on TikTok.

  1. Will Smith: A beloved actor and entertainer, Will Smith has enthusiastically embraced TikTok. With over 62.1 million followers, he has managed to reinvent himself as the “Fresh Dad of TikTok” and continues entertaining and engaging with his audience.
  2. The Rock (Dwayne Johnson): The Rock, a Hollywood superstar and former professional wrestler, is the second-most-followed Black celebrity on TikTok, trailing only behind Will Smith. With more than 40.3 million followers, he shares his fitness tips and charismatic presence with his TikTok audience.
  3. Drea Knowsbest: Recognized as the best TikToker of the year, Drea Knowsbest has accumulated a follower count of approximately 5.4 million. Her engaging content and relatable posts have resonated with her audience, earning her a Shorty Award.
  4. James Henry: James Henry’s TikTok journey was so successful that Forbes featured him in a cover story. With a substantial following of 3.6 million, his TikTok business acumen has been a key part of his success.

These individuals, along with Khabane Lame, have contributed to the dynamic and diverse TikTok community.

The Most Followed Person on TikTok and TikTok’s Nature

TikTok’s ever-evolving landscape of creators and social media influencers reflects the transitional nature of social media. Khabane Lame’s rise to the top as the most-followed person on TikTok represents his achievement and the platform’s commitment to celebrating diversity and talent. With a growing and diverse array of creators, TikTok continues to captivate and entertain its audience, making it a force to be reckoned within the world of social media.

If you also want to be noticed on TikTok, you need to increase your following. You would need the help of a TikTok growth service like High Social. High Social can help you attain organic growth on the platform. Start growing your TikTok Today!

TikTok 101