At just 12 years old, Ryan Kaji has already achieved fame and success that most can only dream of. As a curious child, unboxing toys on YouTube brought pure entertainment for kids between the ages of 3-10. It was fun and entertaining for kids to sit down and watch Ryan unveil toys and share them with children who looked up to him. 

Ryan has turned his passion into a $100 million empire. His channel, “Ryan’s World”, has captivated millions of young viewers and transformed him into earning $35 million this past year, surpassing YouTuber Jake Paul. With over 37 million subscribers on YouTube, Ryan’s brand has expanded into toys, clothing, movies, TV shows, and lucrative sponsorships. 

Ryan Kaji, born on October 6, 2011, in Texas, was only three years old when he began his YouTube journey. His parents started the channel, “Ryan ToysReview” (now “Ryan’s World”) in March 2015, capturing his enthusiasm for toys. 

The simple concept of a child playing with and reviewing toys struck a chord with millions, and the channel quickly gained traction. Within a few years, Ryan became a fan-favorite YouTuber in the kid's section of YouTube where toddlers and young children were the majority of the viewers watching his videos. He would become a household name among parents and children alike. 

The first video uploaded to “Ryan’s World”, featured Ryan unboxing a LEGO Duplo set, uploaded in March 2015. Despite its simplicity, the video resonated with young viewers who were drawn to Ryan’s genuine excitement and relatable reactions. 

As of 2024, the video sits at 54 million views, and the channel over time skyrocketed as more and more children, along with their parents, tuned in to watch Ryan’s unboxing videos and toy reviews. 

Within just a year, the channel had amassed millions of subscribers, and its videos were racking up billions of views. As the channel grew, Ryan’s content expanded beyond unboxing toys to include educational videos, DIY science experiences, and family vlogs, broadening its appeal to an even wider audience. 

Ryan’s World has grown into a massive empire, with Forbes ranking Ryan as the 7th highest-paid creator on YouTube. By 2020, Ryan’s estimated annual earnings were around $29.5 million, making him the highest-paid YouTuber that year. 

As of 2024, Ryan Kaji’s net worth is estimated to exceed $100 million, a figure that continues to rise thanks to his various ventures beyond YouTube. One of the key contributors to Ryan’s net worth being successful is his line of merchandise. 

The “Ryan’s World” brand, in partnership with PocketWatch, includes toys, clothing, and accessories, sold in major retailers like Walmart and Target. The product line ranges from action figures and plush toys to backpacks and pajamas, all featuring Ryan and his beloved characters from his channel. 

Ryan’s massive influence has attracted numerous sponsorships and collaborations with major brands. Companies are eager to tap into his younger audience, and Ryan has partnered with well-known names like Colgate, Nickelodeon, and PocketWatch. 

The deals often involve Ryan featuring or endorsing products in his videos, which, given his reach, translates to significant revenue. In addition to physical merchandise, Ryan’s brand has expanded into digital products, including apps, games, and educational content. 

“Ryan’s World” has several mobile apps and video games, which offer interactive experiences for his fans. These digital ventures, often developed in collaboration with other companies, provide a recurring income stream that continues to grow as more fans engage with the content. 

These deals have contributed significantly to his overall earnings, further boosting his already impressive net worth.

Ryan Kaji’s incredible journey is also a testament to the determination and vision of his parents, Shion and Loann Kaji, both of whom are immigrants. Shion, originally from Japan, and Loann, from Vietnam, moved to the United States in pursuit of better opportunities and freedom. 

Their backgrounds played a crucial role in shaping the humble beginnings of what would become a global empire. As they navigated life in a new country, they channeled their values of hard work, education, and family into creating a platform that would not only entertain millions but also set their son on a path to unprecedented success. 

One of the significant milestones in Ryan’s career was his leap into the world of feature films. Last week, Ryan took a giant step forward with the release of “Ryan’s World: The Movie Titan Universe Adventure.” 

The film released on August 16 and brought Ryan’s universe to life on the big screen. The project followed Ryan as he embarked on a thrilling adventure in the Titan Universe, where he faces off against villains and encounters exciting challenges, all while learning valuable lessons. 

The movie was not just a cinematic experience, but also a major branding success. It featured characters and themes from Ryan’s YouTube channel, offering fans and immersive experience that extended beyond the typical video format. 

Both Shion and Loann had initially pursued traditional careers, but as Ryan’s channel began to skyrocket in popularity, they made the bold decision to quit their jobs and dedicate themselves full-time to managing their son’s burgeoning YouTube empire. 

Loann, Ryan’s mother, had a background in education. She worked as a high school chemistry teacher before becoming fully involved in managing Ryan’s channel. When the channel’s success reached a point where it demanded more attention, Loann decided to leave her teaching job to focus entirely on “Ryan’s World.”

This shift allowed her to manage day-to-day operations of the channel, including content planning, video production, and overseeing the business side of things. 

Ryan’s father, Shion, had a career in civil engineering. Recogizing the immense potential of Ryan’s channel, Shion also made the decision to quit his job and join his wife in running the business. 

The decision for both parents to quit their jobs was not without risks. Leaving the security of their careers to focus on a YouTube channel was a leap of faith, especially considering the rise of online content creation.

 However, their gamble paid off tremendously. By dedicating themselves full-time to Ryan’s brand, Shion and Loann were able to capitalize on the channel’s early success and transform it into what it is today. 

As Ryan Kaji continues to grow, both in age and in his career, his influence and earnings show no signs of slowing down. From his early days of unboxing toys to becoming one of the richest content creators in the world, Ryan’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. 

With a net worth surpassing $100 million and a brand that resonates with millions, Ryan Kaji is not just a YouTube star—he’s a teenage mogul in the making.