Ryan Kaji may have just turned nine, but he’s already made a considerable amount of money and cemented his position as one of the biggest influencers on YouTube. In 2018, Ryan topped Forbes’ list of the highest-paid YouTube stars with a staggering $22 million in earnings. By 2021, he had reached an estimated net worth of $30 million.
Ryan’s success story is not just a tale of a kid who became famous on YouTube; it’s a story of strategic planning, consistent hard work, and a willingness to innovate. Here are some key milestones that contributed to Ryan’s net worth and continual success.
Background
Ryan Kaji is the face behind the hugely popular Ryan’s World YouTube channel, formerly Ryan ToysReview. The channel was started in March 2015 when Ryan was just four years old by his parents, Shion and Loann Kaji, as a way to document Ryan’s toy reviews and unboxing videos. The family lived in Houston, Texas, at the time.
The channel began to gain traction, and by 2016, Ryan’s World had over one million subscribers. The next year, the channel hit ten million subscribers, and Ryan’s parents decided to quit their jobs to focus full-time on managing Ryan’s online presence.
Collaborations with brands
In 2017, Ryan caught the attention of a toy company called Pocket.watch, which signed him for a line of toys retailed on Target, Walmart, and Amazon. The first wave of Ryan’s World toys quickly sold out.
Ryan continued to collaborate with other companies, including Nickelodeon, which produced “Ryan’s Mystery Playdate.” Walmart also partnered with Ryan to release a 76-piece toy collection.
Ryan’s World content
Ryan’s World is known for its toy reviews and unboxing videos. However, Ryan and his family have diversified their content, including challenges, science experiments, and family vlogs.
The popular “Giant Surprise Egg” videos that Ryan does have set the benchmark for his success. These videos feature Ryan opening a massive surprise egg, showcasing a variety of toys and sweets inside. The first Giant Surprise Egg video has been viewed over 2.9 billion times, and the series has had over 80 billion views to date.
Ryan’s parents have been cautious about what they allow their son to record and release. They edit every video carefully, making sure the content contains no controversial material that might cause harm to their young son or their brand. This meticulous care has paid dividends for them.
Branching out to Hulu and Amazon
Ryan’s World continues to grow as a brand beyond YouTube. In 2020, the Hulu streaming platform announced that they were working with Ryan to create “Ryan’s Mystery Playdate,” an unscripted preschool show.
Shortly after the Hulu deal, Ryan’s parents announced a partnership with Amazon Kids+, where their son would produce content for the streaming service.
Expanding beyond toys
Ryan’s World has successfully expanded beyond toy reviews and unboxing videos. In 2019, Ryan’s parents launched a family vlog series on the channel, showcasing their day-to-day lives, fun activities, and vacations.
In 2020, Ryan’s parents also introduced a science experiment series called “Ryan’s World Science Lab,” which features Ryan and his family conducting experiments from slime-making to bubble art. This move toward educational content is a win for parents looking for safe and educational programming for their children.
Charitable endeavors
Ryan’s World has partnered with several charitable organizations, including Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which raises money and awareness for childhood cancer research. In 2020, Ryan, along with his family’s creative network, Pocket.watch, donated $100,000 to the foundation.
Ryan’s parents also launched the Ryan’s World Foundation in 2020, which seeks to “inspire, educate, and empower children to overcome their life’s obstacles and become more productive young adults.” The foundation has partnered with several charities to achieve its goals.
The Future of Ryan’s World
Ryan’s World continues to innovate and expand, with new projects and collaborations expected to come out in the future. With a potential target audience of over 1.9 billion children worldwide, there is no doubt that Ryan’s World has a bright future ahead.
Conclusion
Ryan Kaji’s story is an inspiration to many. Starting out with simple toy reviews, Ryan has consistently worked to innovate and expand his brand, creating diverse content that appeals to a wide range of audiences. His family’s careful management of his brand has ensured that he remains relevant and grows his net worth.
Ryan’s success highlights the multiple ways influencers can make money beyond ad revenue from YouTube. From collaborations with brands to streaming deals with Amazon and Hulu, the sky is the limit for those who are willing to diversify their content, think outside the box, and build their brand strategically.
