Ryan Kaji

Photo by Rolling Stone

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Notable Roles

- YouTube Content Creator, Ryan’s World 
- Founder & Creative Director, Sunlight Entertainment
- TV Star, Nickelodeon’s “Ryan’s Mystery Playdate” 
- Feature Film Lead, “Ryan’s World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure” (2024)

Key Recognition

- Forbes highest-paid YouTuber: $22M (2018), $26M (2019), $29.5M (2020) 
- Top creator on Forbes' 2025 list 
- YouTube channel growing to nearly 40 million subscribers and 61 billion views 
- Launched shows on Nickelodeon and Amazon Kids+, plus a major theatrical film in 2024 

Background and Early Foundations

Born on October 6, 2011, in Texas to a Japanese father and Vietnamese mother, Ryan was raised in a digitally savvy, supportive family. His mother, a former chemistry teacher, and his father, an engineer, nurtured his interest in technology and storytelling. At age 3, he launched “Ryan ToysReview,” quickly attracting millions of viewers with his honest charm. The family then founded Sunlight Entertainment in 2017. Since then, Ryan’s content ecosystem—spanning digital channels, TV, film, and toys—has grown into a $100 million enterprise, all while maintaining a focus on educational and positive content.

Career Milestones and Impact

Year

Milestone

2015

Launched YouTube channel “Ryan’s World” (formerly Ryan ToysReview) at age 3

2017

Established Sunlight Entertainment to professionalize content output

2018–2020

Maintained status as highest-paid YouTube star, with annual earnings peaking ~$30M

2019

Starred in Nickelodeon’s "Ryan’s Mystery Playdate" series

2024

Led “Ryan’s World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure” released across 2,000 US theaters

  • YouTube Subscribers (2025): ~39.6 million
  • Total YouTube Views: ~61 billion
  • Net Worth Estimate: ~$100 million 
  • Merchandise Deals: Licensed products sold via Walmart, Target, Amazon (~100+ SKUs)
  • Multi‑Channel Reach: Nine YouTube channels, expanded into apps, TV, film

Leadership Style and Influence

Ryan’s self-made story began with genuine curiosity—unboxing toys at age 3 and becoming a global phenomenon. Guided by smart family management, he diversified into entertainment, education, and consumer products. He has shaped a generation of ‘kidfluencers,’ impacting toy industry trends and redefining new media monetization models.

Legacy and Future Focus

Ryan’s brand is a blueprint for sustainable youth entrepreneurship—animated series, theatrical films, merchandise, and global reach. As he matures, his future may include evolving content, leadership in Sunlight Entertainment, and deeper engagement in education, philanthropy, and digital culture.

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