Introduction of Ryan Trahan
Ryan Trahan is an American YouTuber, vlogger, and entrepreneur known for his creative challenges and philanthropic initiatives. Born on October 7, 1998, in Sugar Land, Texas, Trahan gained prominence through his “penny series,” where he embarks on unique challenges starting with just a penny, aiming to raise funds for charitable causes .
Trahan launched his YouTube channel on October 26, 2013, initially focusing on running content. Over time, his videos evolved to include a variety of topics, such as Tesla races and outdoor camping . His “penny challenge” series, which began in June 2022, involves traveling across the U.S. with a single penny, performing tasks to earn money, and raising funds for nonprofits like Feeding America and Water.org. These challenges have garnered millions of views and significant donations .
Who is Ryan Trahan?

Ryan Trahan is an American YouTuber, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, best known for his viral “penny series” challenges and his entrepreneurial ventures.
Early Life & Education
Born on October 7, 1998, in Sugar Land, Texas, Ryan Michael Trahan grew up in Eagle Lake. He attended Rice High School in Altair, Texas, where he was valedictorian. As a cross-country runner, he placed third in the Aggieland Open competition in 2017. Trahan later attended Texas A&M University but left to pursue his business and YouTube career after facing NCAA eligibility issues related to his entrepreneurial activities.
YouTube Career
Trahan started his YouTube channel on October 26, 2013, initially focusing on running content. Over time, his videos evolved to include a variety of topics, such as Tesla races and outdoor camping. He gained significant attention with his “penny challenge” series, where he started with a single penny and attempted to raise funds for charity through various tasks. These challenges have garnered millions of views and significant donations.
Entrepreneurship
In 2016, Trahan co-founded Neptune Bottle, a company specializing in reusable water bottles aimed at reducing plastic waste. The venture raised over $30,000 on Kickstarter. He later co-founded Joyride Sweets, a candy company offering non-GMO, vegan, and low-carbohydrate products. The launch was successful, with products selling out at Target on release day.
Ryan Trahan on wiki

Category | Details |
Full Name | Ryan Michael Trahan |
Date of Birth | October 7, 1998 |
Place of Birth | Sugar Land, Texas, USA |
Hometown | Eagle Lake, Texas |
Education |
– Rice High School (Valedictorian) – Texas A&M University (Left due to NCAA/business conflicts)
|
YouTube Channel | @ryan |
YouTube Start Date | October 26, 2013 |
Subscriber Count | Over 20 million (as of May 2025) |
Total Views | Nearly 4.8 billion (as of May 2025) |
Famous Series |
“Penny Challenge” – Traveling across the U.S. with a penny to raise funds for charity
|
Charity Work | Supported Feeding America, Water.org, and other causes |
Notable Traits | Creativity, philanthropy, entrepreneurial mindset |
Entrepreneurial Ventures |
– Neptune Bottle (eco-friendly water bottles) – Joyride Sweets (vegan, non-GMO, low-carb candy, launched in Target)
|
Athletic Background | – Cross-country runner – Placed 3rd in Aggieland Open 2017 |
Spouse | Haley Pham (YouTuber, married in 2020) |
Residence | Austin, Texas, USA |
Pet | Dog named Spock |
Awards |
– 2022 Streamy Award: Breakout Creator – 2023 Streamy Award: Creator of the Year – 2023: Creator for Social Good
|
Social Media | – Instagram – Twitter/X |
Ryan Trahan Parents & Siblings

Parents
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Father: Ryan’s father is a businessman who raised Ryan and his older brother, Matthew, as a single parent after their parents’ separation. Ryan has openly expressed gratitude for his father’s role in his upbringing, often highlighting his father’s support and encouragement. In 2018, Ryan surprised his father with a trip to the Super Bowl, fulfilling a lifelong dream for both of them.
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Mother: Ryan’s mother, Misty Livermore Trahan, was a dedicated homemaker. She passed away on December 26, 2016, at the age of 48. Despite her passing, Ryan has spoken fondly of her, recalling how she would drive him to his cross-country meets during high school and instilled in him a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
Sibling
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Matthew Trahan: Ryan’s older brother, Matthew, was born on September 20, 1994. While Matthew maintains a private life, Ryan has frequently mentioned him on social media, indicating a close and supportive sibling relationship.
Ryan Trahan Nationality, Ethnicity & Religion
Nationality
Ryan Trahan is an American by nationality. He was born in Sugar Land, Texas, and raised in the small town of Eagle Lake, Texas. He continues to live in the United States and currently resides in Austin, Texas. As a native Texan, his content often reflects his Southern roots and American upbringing.
Ethnicity
Ryan Trahan has a diverse ethnic background, primarily of European and Central American descent. According to a DNA test he shared, he is approximately 69% Irish and 25% Costa Rican, the latter stemming from his paternal grandfather. His ancestry also includes English, Scottish, French, German, Czech, Welsh, Spanish, Swiss, and Northern Irish origins. His paternal grandmother had Acadian French heritage, while his maternal side also carried a mix of European lineages. This broad ethnic background contributes to a rich family history that Ryan occasionally references in his content.
Religion
Ryan Trahan identifies as a Christian. He has shared aspects of his faith journey through various videos and interviews, often discussing how his beliefs influence his approach to life and content creation. His values—such as humility, generosity, and kindness—align with Christian teachings. While he doesn’t preach in his videos, his philanthropic work and moral compass often reflect his Christian upbringing and beliefs.
Ryan Trahan Relationship

Ryan Trahan and Haley Pham’s relationship is a notable example of a modern Gen Z love story, marked by their shared journey in the public eye and their commitment to each other.
How They Met
Ryan and Haley’s paths crossed at VidCon, a convention for content creators, which they both attended. This serendipitous meeting sparked the beginning of their relationship. They began dating in late 2018 and quickly became inseparable, with Haley featuring in several of Ryan’s videos and vice versa.
Engagement and Marriage
In May 2020, at the age of 19, Haley announced their engagement on Instagram, sharing a photo of Ryan proposing with a note that read, “WILL YOU MARRY ME?”. She later confirmed the engagement in a YouTube video titled “Why I Got Engaged at 19,” explaining that they had been intentional about their relationship and had discussed marriage early on. The couple married on November 8, 2020.
Living Together
Before their engagement, Ryan and Haley made significant life decisions together, including purchasing a home in Austin, Texas. They moved in together in the fall of 2019, which deepened their commitment to each other. Despite their young age, they felt prepared for this step, having already faced adult responsibilities.
Relationship Dynamics
Their relationship is characterized by mutual support and understanding, both personally and professionally. They often feature each other in their videos, showcasing their playful banter and genuine affection. This openness about their relationship has resonated well with their audiences, who appreciate their authentic connection.
Ryan Trahan Age
Ryan Trahan was born on October 7, 1998, in Sugar Land, Texas, making him 26 years old as of June 2025. He grew up in Eagle Lake, Texas, and later attended Rice High School in Altair, Texas, where he was the valedictorian. After high school, he briefly attended Texas A&M University before leaving to pursue his entrepreneurial ventures and YouTube career.
Ryan Trahan Height & Weight
Ryan Trahan stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and weighs approximately 68 kg (150 lbs). He maintains an athletic build, reflecting his background as a former cross-country runner. His physical appearance, characterized by his toned physique and engaging presence, complements his dynamic content on YouTube and social media platforms.
Ryan Trahan Educational Details

Ryan Trahan’s educational journey reflects his dedication to both academics and athletics, though he ultimately chose an entrepreneurial path.
Early Education
Ryan attended Rice High School in Altair, Texas, where he excelled academically and was named valedictorian of his graduating class in 2017. His high school years were also marked by his involvement in cross-country running, where he demonstrated significant athletic prowess.
College Education
After high school, Ryan enrolled at Texas A&M University, a public research university in College Station, Texas. He joined the university’s cross-country team and competed in various events, including placing third in the Aggieland Open in 2017.
However, Ryan’s time at Texas A&M was cut short due to NCAA eligibility rules. The NCAA ruled him ineligible to compete as a student-athlete because he was using his YouTube channel to share running videos while promoting his business, Neptune Bottle. At that time, NCAA regulations prohibited student-athletes from using their platform for commercial purposes. Despite seeking a waiver to continue both his athletic and entrepreneurial endeavors, Ryan ultimately decided to leave college to focus on his business and content creation.
Lifelong Learning
Although Ryan did not complete a formal college degree, his experiences have been a testament to the value of practical learning and adaptability. His entrepreneurial ventures, including Neptune Bottle and his YouTube channel, have provided him with real-world business education. Ryan’s ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities showcases his commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
Ryan Trahan Daily Routine
Ryan Trahan’s daily routine reflects his commitment to creativity, discipline, and personal growth. While specific details may vary, here’s an overview based on available information:
Morning Routine
Ryan begins his day early, often engaging in activities like a quick workout or meditation to clear his mind. He believes that a productive day starts with a solid morning routine, setting a positive tone for the hours ahead.
Content Planning & Creation
After his morning activities, Ryan dives into planning his content. This phase involves brainstorming, outlining, and sometimes sketching out concepts for his next video. He utilizes various tools and digital platforms to help organize his thoughts and ideas.
Filming content is a significant part of his day. Ryan embraces spontaneity, often incorporating unpredictable elements into his videos to keep the audience engaged. Filming can take several hours, especially when he tries new and entertaining concepts.
Editing & Engagement
Post-filming, Ryan spends time editing his videos, transforming raw footage into polished content. This process often involves selecting the best clips and adding creative elements that make his videos stand out.
During breaks, he engages with his community through social media, reading comments, and providing sneak peeks of upcoming videos. This interaction helps him stay connected with his audience and adapt his content based on feedback.
Merchandise Promotion
Ryan also focuses on promoting his merchandise. He often integrates promotional segments seamlessly into his content, making them feel organic rather than forced. This approach has proven effective, leading to a spike in sales and showcasing the strong connection he has with his audience.
Evening Routine
As the day concludes, Ryan reflects on his accomplishments and plans for the future. He often takes a moment to wind down by spending time with family or engaging in hobbies. Before heading to bed, he makes a checklist for the next day, ensuring he’s prepared for upcoming challenges.
Ryan Trahan Career
Ryan Trahan is an American YouTuber, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has built a multifaceted career blending digital content creation with innovative business ventures.
YouTube Career
Ryan launched his YouTube channel on October 26, 2013, initially focusing on running content and vlogs. His breakthrough came in 2018 with viral videos like “Copying Emma Chamberlain’s Instagram for a Week,” which significantly boosted his subscriber count. He is best known for his “penny series,” where he starts with a single penny and attempts to travel across the country or complete challenges, all while raising funds for charity. These series have garnered millions of views and raised substantial amounts for organizations like Feeding America and Water.org.
Entrepreneurship
Beyond YouTube, Ryan has ventured into several business endeavors:
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Neptune Bottle: Founded in 2016 with his friend Caden Wiese, Neptune Bottle is an eco-friendly water bottle brand aimed at reducing single-use plastic. Ryan utilized his YouTube platform to promote the brand, expanding its reach beyond his local community.
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Howdy Howdy: In 2023, Ryan launched a clothing line called Howdy Howdy, reflecting his personal style and brand identity.
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Joyride Sweets: In 2024, Ryan became the Chief Creative Officer and co-owner of Joyride Sweets, a candy company offering non-GMO, vegan, and low-carbohydrate products. The launch was successful, with products selling out at Target on release day.
Recognition
Ryan’s innovative content and entrepreneurial spirit have earned him accolades in the digital space:
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Streamy Awards: In 2022, he won the Breakout Creator award, and in 2023, he received the Creator of the Year award.
Ryan Trahan Net Worth
Ryan Trahan’s estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $10 million. He earns a significant portion of his income from his highly successful YouTube channel, which has over 18 million subscribers and more than 3.2 billion total views. His channel averages around 4 million views per day, generating an estimated daily ad revenue of about $16,000, which adds up to roughly $4–5 million annually.
Income from Brand Sponsorships and Merchandise
In addition to ad revenue, Ryan makes $2–3 million annually through brand sponsorships with companies like Honey, NordVPN, Squarespace, Audible, and Raycon. Merchandise sales contribute another $1–2 million per year.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Investments
His entrepreneurial ventures, including Neptune Bottle, Howdy Howdy clothing line, and Joyride Sweets candy company, bring in an additional $2–3 million annually. Moreover, Ryan invests in stocks and real estate, adding $1–2 million to his net worth through passive income streams.
Ryan Trahan Viral Video
Ryan Trahan Social Media Accounts
Platform | Username/Handle | Link | Followers |
YouTube | ryantrahan | ryantrahan | 20M |
ryantrahan | ryantrahan | 1.4M | |
ryantrahan | ryantrahan | 146.6K | |
TikTok | @ryantrahan | @ryantrahan | 2M |
Ryan Trahan Biography

Ryan Michael Trahan, born on October 7, 1998, in Sugar Land, Texas, is an American YouTuber, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He graduated as valedictorian from Rice High School in Altair, Texas, and later attended Texas A&M University, where he was a cross-country runner. In 2017, he placed third in the Aggieland Open competition. However, due to NCAA regulations regarding student-athletes’ sponsorships, he left college to focus on his business ventures and YouTube career.
Ryan began his YouTube journey on October 26, 2013, initially sharing content related to running and vlogs. His breakthrough came in 2018 with the viral video “Copying Emma Chamberlain’s Instagram for a Week,” which significantly boosted his subscriber count. He is widely recognized for his “penny series,” where he starts with a single penny and attempts to travel across the country or complete challenges, all while raising funds for charity. These series have garnered millions of views and raised substantial amounts for organizations like Feeding America and Water.org.
In addition to his YouTube success, Ryan is a savvy entrepreneur. He co-founded Neptune Bottle, an eco-friendly water bottle brand, in 2016. In 2023, he launched a clothing line called Howdy Howdy. The following year, he became the Chief Creative Officer and co-owner of Joyride Sweets, a candy company offering non-GMO, vegan, and low-carbohydrate products. The launch was successful, with products selling out at Target on release day.
Ryan married fellow YouTuber Haley Pham in 2020. Together, they run the YouTube channel The Traphamily, where they share vlogs and lifestyle content. They reside in Austin, Texas, and have a dog named Spock.
Conclusion
Ryan Trahan has successfully transformed from a college athlete and aspiring content creator into a multifaceted entrepreneur and influential digital personality. Through his creative and engaging YouTube content, combined with his passion for philanthropy and business innovation, Ryan has built a strong brand that resonates with millions around the world. His journey exemplifies how dedication, creativity, and smart decision-making can lead to success across multiple fields. As he continues to expand his ventures and inspire his audience, Ryan Trahan remains a prominent figure in the modern digital landscape.
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