TikTok creator Khaby Lame linked to nearly $1 billion deal after sale of brand-linked company

New Delhi: Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok creator, is linked to a transaction valued at close to $1 billion following the sale of a company associated with his brand identity, according to media reports.

Rich Sparkle Holdings, a US-listed firm, has announced the acquisition of Step Distinctive Limited for $975 million. The company is described as a core entity connected to Lame’s commercial operations. Reports indicate that the deal positions Lame as a controlling shareholder, allowing him to retain significant influence over the business.

Lame rose to global prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic after posting silent reaction videos that gained widespread traction on social media. Previously employed as a factory worker, he has since become one of the most recognisable figures on TikTok, with a following that spans multiple markets.

The transaction reportedly includes provisions for AI-based digital twin integration, authorising the use of Lame’s facial data, voice identity and behavioural patterns for digital replication.

This is expected to support multilingual content creation, extended virtual livestream commerce and continuous cross-time-zone engagement. While further details have yet to be formally confirmed, the structure suggests the potential development of an AI-generated version of the creator.

As part of the arrangement, Rich Sparkle Holdings is expected to take responsibility for content planning, traffic placement, TikTok shop operations and supply chain fulfilment linked to Lame’s digital presence, as outlined in company communications.

Although Lame’s net worth has not been officially disclosed, he ranked tenth on Forbes’ Top Creators list in August 2025. According to Forbes, he earned approximately $20 million in 2025 through brand partnerships and commercial collaborations. His previous endorsements have included fashion labels, entertainment studios and cryptocurrency platforms.