​​TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps around, with more than 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. One good video can make you go viral, although that fame can be short-lived. That's not the case with Khaby Lame, though.

In 2022, the TikTok star has become the most-followed creator on the platform, with more than 144 million subscribers and counting. But how did Khaby achieve this?

Who Is Khaby Lame?

Most people will know the name Khaby Lame or have come across his TikTok videos. If you don't know who he is, he's a 22-year-old content creator famous for his sarcastic responses to people using complicated methods to solve everyday problems.

In addition to his sarcasm, what makes Khaby stand out is that he's able to make people laugh without saying a word, which is a hard thing to accomplish.

Yes, the creator who has tons of viral videos has never uttered a word in any of them. Khaby posted his first TikTok video in March 2020. At the time of writing, he has just under 145 million subscribers, after just over two years on TikTok.

In June 2022, he dethroned Charli D'Amelio, who has more than 143 million subscribers at the time of writing, as the most-followed TikTok creator. Follow these tips to get more fans and followers on TikTok.

So, how did Khaby amass such a large following in the short time he's been active on TikTok? We've put together some gems of advice straight from the horse's mouth. Here are four lessons you can learn from Khaby's success as a budding TikToker:

Lesson 1. Have a Clear Purpose

From a young age, Khaby always wanted to make people laugh. As stated by Khaby in a TikTok blog post:

I am passionate about entertaining and making people laugh since childhood.

In this YouTube video, Khaby credits Will Smith for inspiring him to want to put a smile on people's faces using humor. It's what motivated him to start recording videos for social media. Khaby notes that most creators are motivated by wealth and fame, which is why they don't become successful.

He explains, "I make videos because I want to make people laugh." Having a clear and genuine purpose is the first step toward becoming a successful creator. Besides, when you become successful, you can start making money on TikTok anyway.

Lesson 2. Appreciate What You Do First

In the same video, Khaby notes that instead of chasing after fame and fortune, you should have a genuine love and appreciation for what you do. Khaby believed in his content so much that he sought out a manager when he had 1,000 followers. Khaby explains this in greater detail:

I make videos because I enjoy myself first, and this is the main key to success, if we want to call it that. You have to appreciate what you want, not think about what I can be if I keep doing this thing.

In the TikTok blog post, Khaby credits the app for giving him a platform to share his passion:

I am thankful to TikTok for offering me a global stage to share my passion with the rest of the world.

When you're passionate about your content, it shows. And that can only happen if you truly believe in yourself. Channel that confidence into your TikTok content. Take advantage of TikTok's features to create amazing videos, like Stitches, which Khaby uses often. Don't forget to tag the original creator if you post an inspired video.

Lesson 3. Have a Common Theme

If you watch Khaby's videos, you'll notice a common theme—the way he ends them. Khaby has a signature hand gesture that conveys his sarcasm in a humorous way. He does this because he wanted a unique, memorable, and consistent way to end his videos, as he felt that ending them naturally was boring. As he explained in the YouTube video:

I did not know how to end the video, so every time I closed it, I disconnected directly. I said, "Here, we need something. I cannot always disconnect, otherwise I will bore them." I said, "I would have the same consistency, even if I were last in the standings."

His idea was a hit.

The gesture has become a meme and a universal way of conveying that something is obvious and simple. It is used by brands, everyday people, and celebrities. Even the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo used Khaby's unique gesture during a game in 2021.

Have a unique common theme that sets your content apart and that people can identify you by.

Lesson 4. Ignore the Naysayers

When starting out, not everyone will understand or like your content. They might even discourage you. When Khaby joined TikTok, his videos were watched by two people—his father and his neighbor, but that didn't stop him.

He said it best in another YouTube interview:

You must keep doing what you want without letting other people influence your dream, because when people can't do something, they say, "I can't do it." But when you want to aim to that, they say, "No, forget it, because it is impossible." But those are that person's limits, not yours. So, you have to keep doing what you want to do and succeed.

The point is that it might take time before people warm up to your content. But you should be consistent and forge ahead. Don't be distracted by naysayers.

Become a Successful TikTok Creator

Starting a TikTok account is easy, but if you want to stand out and be successful, consider applying the principles in this article. These have helped Khaby become the most popular TikTok creator in 2022.