Khaby Lame reflects on life before, after TikTok fame

Khaby Lame has lived on both sides of life.

Over two years after becoming TikTok's most-followed creator, Khaby Lame is still adjusting to his fame.

“Before TikTok, I was working in a factory. I had a lot of different jobs,” the 24-year-old tells PEOPLE as one of 2024’s Creators of the Year. “Then my world changed completely. It’s a whole different life now.”

Lame began creating videos during COVID-19 as a way to spread laughter. “It wasn’t something that I expected to be my form of work in the future,” he shares.

Now a global sensation, Lame has attended events like the Grammys, partnered with Hugo Boss, and even walked in Milan Fashion Week. But his proudest moment? Buying a bigger home for his family.

“We’re a family of seven… My family has always done so much for me,” he says.

Expanding his career, Lame made his Hollywood debut in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

“Will Smith has been my idol for years,” Lame gushes.

Looking forward, Lame is working on a climate change project with Robert Redford set in Africa. “I am passionate about climate change,” he says. “Let’s show [young people] how lucky we are to have all the things that we have.”

With big plans for 2025, including more campaigns and potential surprises, Lame teases, “This is only the beginning.”