Khaby Lame is now the most-followed TikToker in the world

Photo by Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty Images

A new champion has been crowned. The most-followed person on TikTok last night was a 22-year-old creator who goes by the name of Khaby. Lame has more followers than D'Amelio.

He rose to fame through his use of TikTok's duet and stitch features, reacting wordlessly to complicated and absurd "life hacks" He has amassed millions of views and likes on his comedy skits. His following exploded last year and now fans are trying to push him to the top.

The ousting of D'Amelio is significant. D'Amelio and her sister, Dixie, are the central figureheads of TikTok, building an entire media brand atop what they themselves admit was initially accidental fame. People not on TikTok have been perplexed by their rise to fame through seconds-long dancing videos. According to estimates by Forbes, the sisters earned over 25 million dollars last year.

Being the most popular personality on TikTok is notable because of issues raised by users about how creators of color are treated.

In response to accusations that the TikTok algorithm suppresses Black creators' content, the company pledged to create a diversity council and donate money to nonprofits that help the black community. Some Black creators took part in an informal strike last year due to a lack of credit for creating dances that would benefit white creators.