Wisdom Kaye, the Nigerian-born content creator known for his high-fashion TikTok videos, has secured a coveted spot on Forbes’ Top Creators 2025 list. The annual ranking highlights the most influential internet personalities worldwide, taking into account estimated earnings, follower counts, engagement rates, and entrepreneurial ventures.
From engineering to editorial
Born in Nigeria, Kaye moved to Houston, Texas, with his family at the age of 4. He later enrolled at Texas State University, where he pursued a degree in electrical engineering. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaye redirected his energy toward fashion, posting bold, editorial-style looks on TikTok that quickly gained traction. By 2020, Vogue had crowned him “the best-dressed guy on TikTok.”
Scouted by top agency IMG, Kaye made his modeling debut for Balmain in 2020 and has since walked or partnered with elite brands like Prada, Dior, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, and Ferragamo. He has also secured partnerships beyond the fashion industry, including campaigns with American Express, Google, and eBay.
Content Meets Commerce
Now 24, Kaye commands a digital empire: 13.7 million followers on TikTok and 7.5 million on Instagram. Forbes estimates his annual income at $5 million. His content stands out for its cinematic flair, visual storytelling, and engagement with fashion trends. But as Kaye puts it, success takes strategy: “I have to balance my artistic interests with the algorithmic interests. I have to take certain risks on the artistic side for the sake of performance,” he told Forbes.
In addition to ranking 48th on this year’s Top Creators list, Kaye was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2023 under the Art & Style category. He also made a statement at the 2024 Met Gala with a striking design by Robert Wun.
Black and Latine creators at the forefront
Kaye joins a wave of influential Black and Latine digital stars recognized by Forbes. Comedian Druski ranks highest at number 9, followed by TikTok’s most-followed personality, Khaby Lame, at 10. Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee appears at 17, streamer Kai Cenat at 28, artist Devon Rodriguez at 31, and entertainers IShowSpeed and Jordan the Stallion at 42 and 47, respectively. Monet McMichael and Nara Smith close out the list at 49 and 50.
Image credit: Taylor Hill via Getty Images
