Ryan Higa: Age, Wiki, Bio, Height, Weight, Parents, Wife, Girlfriend, Children, Relationships, Education, Career, Net Worth and More

Introduction of Ryan Higa

Ryan Higa, born on June 6, 1990, in Hilo, Hawaii, is a prominent American YouTuber, actor, and entrepreneur. He gained widespread recognition through his YouTube channel, nigahiga, which became one of the most subscribed channels on the platform during its peak. Known for his comedic skits, lip-sync videos, and parodies, Higa’s content resonated with a global audience, making him a trailblazer in the early days of YouTube.

Ryan Higa’s channel, nigahiga, was the most subscribed channel on YouTube for over 675 consecutive days from 2009 to 2011. He was also the first person to reach the milestones of 2 million and 3 million subscribers on the platform. As of 2024, the channel boasts over 23 million subscribers and more than 4.3 billion views.

Who is Ryan Higa

Ryan Higa, also known by his YouTube username nigahiga, is an American content creator, comedian, actor, entrepreneur, and streamer. He was one of the first major YouTube stars and played a huge role in shaping the platform during its early years.

Early Life

  • Born: June 6, 1990

  • Hometown: Hilo, Hawaii, USA

  • Ethnicity: Japanese-American

  • Education: Attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), majoring in nuclear medicine (though he didn’t complete the degree).

Ryan initially began posting videos with his friend Sean Fujiyoshi to entertain friends and family. Their early content consisted of comedic lip-sync videos and skits.

Ryan Higa on wiki

Image Credit- PR Week
Category Details
Full Name Ryan Higa
YouTube Name nigahiga
Date of Birth June 6, 1990
Place of Birth Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Ethnicity Japanese-American
Education Studied nuclear medicine at UNLV (did not complete)
Languages Spoken English, some Japanese
YouTube Start Year 2006
Initial Content Lip-syncing, comedy skits with Sean Fujiyoshi
Famous Early Videos “How to be Ninja”, “How to be Gangster”, “How to be Emo”
YouTube Milestones – First to reach 2M and 3M subs- Most subscribed (675 days)
Subscribers (2025) Over 23 million
Total Views (2025) Over 4.3 billion
Active Years on YouTube 2006–2020 (regular uploads), occasional posts later
Podcast Off the Pill Podcast (launched 2018)
Podcast Guests Jeremy Lin, Andrew Yang, KevJumba, others
Twitch Channel Started streaming in 2020 (games like Valorant, reaction content)
Music Parody Group BgA (Boys Generally Asian)
BgA Members Ryan Higa, David Choi, Justin Chon, Jun Sung Ahn, Philip Wang
Hit BgA Songs “Dong Saya Dae”, “Who’s It Gonna Be”
Short Film Agents of Secret Stuff (2010) with Wong Fu Productions
Book Title Ryan Higa’s How to Write Good (2017)
Book Themes Humor, storytelling, bullying, depression
Business Ventures – Ninja Melk (energy drink)- TeeHee App (discontinued)
Ninja Melk Launch Year 2019 (co-founded in 2016)
Net Worth (2025 est.) ~$10 million
YouTube Earnings (2025) ~$10,000–$15,000/month from legacy content
Other Revenue Sources Sponsorships (Lenovo, Audible, Honey), Merchandising
Merch Website gianthugs.com
Awards – Shorty
Best in Humor (2012), YouTube Comedian (2016), YouTuber of the Year (2019)
Awards – Streamy Personality (2013), Entertainer (2014), Comedy (2015)
Teen Choice Awards Choice Male Web Star (2015–2019)
Notable Traits Clean humor, fast-paced editing, DIY-style production
Personal Interests Anime (especially Naruto), mental health, sustainability
Cultural Impact
Early Asian-American YouTube pioneer; role model for minority creators

Ryan Higa Parents & Siblings

Image Credit- Pinterest
Family Member Name Relationship Details
Father Wendell Higa Father
Ryan’s father; details about his profession are not publicly disclosed.
Mother Luci Higa Mother Ryan’s mother; occasionally appears in his videos.
Brother Kyle Higa Older Brother Born on October 31, 1986; a radiologist residing in Las Vegas.

Early Life and Sibling Dynamics

Ryan and his brother Kyle were both involved in judo from a young age. Kyle excelled in the sport, often outperforming Ryan in competitions. Despite this, Ryan persisted and earned a black belt, though he humorously recalls being referred to as “the younger Higa, not the good one” by their sensei. This sibling rivalry fueled Ryan’s determination and work ethic.

Ryan Higa Relationship

1. Tarynn Nago (2006–2010)

  • Background: Tarynn Nago was a fellow YouTuber and co-founder of the nigahiga channel.

  • Relationship: They dated from 2006 to 2010.

  • Current Status: Tarynn married Larson Oliva in 2018.

2. Andrea Thi (2010)

  • Background: Andrea Thi is an actress and singer.

  • Relationship: Ryan and Andrea dated briefly in 2010.

  • Current Status: There is no public information about their current relationship.

3. Arden Cho (2015–2020)

  • Background: Arden Cho is an actress and singer, best known for her role on Teen Wolf.

  • Relationship: Ryan and Arden began dating in 2015.

  • Public Announcement: In March 2019, Ryan confirmed their relationship in a YouTube video titled “Revealing My Not-So-Secret GF.”

  • Breakup: They reportedly broke up in 2020.

  • Cheating Rumors: After their breakup, rumors circulated that Ryan had cheated on Arden. Ryan addressed these rumors on Twitter, stating, “I did not cheat on Arden at any point throughout our relationship.”

Ryan Higa Age

Ryan Higa was born on June 6, 1990, in Hilo, Hawaii, making him 34 years old as of June 6, 2025. His zodiac sign is Gemini .

Ryan Higa Height & Weight

Ryan Higa is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 centimeters) tall and weighs around 65 kilograms (143 pounds). His height and weight contribute to his lean and athletic physique, which complements his active lifestyle, including his practice of martial arts.

Ryan Higa Daily Routine

Ryan Higa tends to keep a balanced and productive daily routine that blends creativity, work, and personal wellness. Although his exact daily schedule can vary depending on projects or events, here’s a general idea:

  • Morning:
    Ryan usually starts his day relatively early. He often begins with some light exercise or stretching to wake up his body. Being health-conscious, he prefers a nutritious breakfast to fuel his day.

  • Work & Content Creation:
    Much of Ryan’s day is spent brainstorming, scripting, filming, or editing content for his YouTube channel, podcast, or Twitch streams. He’s known for being very hands-on, often managing many aspects of production himself.

  • Breaks & Relaxation:
    Ryan takes breaks to prevent burnout. He enjoys watching anime, playing video games, or just chilling with friends and family. Mental health is important to him, so downtime is part of his routine.

  • Streaming & Interaction:
    In recent years, Ryan dedicates time to live streaming on Twitch, engaging with his audience through gaming sessions and casual chats. This interactive component is a big part of his work-life balance.

  • Evening:
    Evenings might include more relaxed activities like reading, listening to music, or hanging out. He sometimes records podcasts or works on business ventures during this time.

  • Sleep:
    Ryan aims to get adequate sleep, understanding the importance of rest for creativity and energy.

Ryan Higa Career

Image Credit- Youtube

YouTube Career & Rise to Fame

Ryan Higa launched his YouTube channel, nigahiga, in 2006, initially creating lip-sync videos. His comedic sketches and parodies quickly gained popularity, leading to him becoming the most subscribed YouTuber for over 675 consecutive days between 2009 and 2011. His videos, such as “How to Be Ninja” and “Nice Guys,” have garnered millions of views, with “Nice Guys” alone amassing over 91 million views .

Music Parody Group: BgA

In 2016, Ryan co-founded the K-pop parody group Boys Generally Asian (BgA) with fellow creators David Choi, Philip Wang, Jun Sung Ahn, and Justin Chon. Their debut song, “Dong Saya Dae,” humorously mocked K-pop tropes and unexpectedly peaked at #2 on the iTunes K-pop charts. Their follow-up single, “Who’s It Gonna Be,” reached #1 on the same chart, showcasing their blend of satire and musical talent .

Podcasting: Off the Pill

Ryan expanded his content repertoire by launching the podcast Off the Pill, where he engages in candid conversations with guests from various fields, discussing topics ranging from personal experiences to societal issues. This platform has allowed him to connect with audiences on a deeper level, moving beyond his comedic persona.

Streaming on Twitch

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ryan embraced live streaming on Twitch, offering a more relaxed and interactive format for his fans. His streams, which include gaming sessions and casual chats, have provided a refreshing break from traditional content creation, allowing him to engage with his audience in real-time .

Authorship

In 2017, Ryan authored a memoir titled “Ryan Higa’s How to Write Good”, blending autobiography with humor and life lessons. The book became an Indie Bestseller and was followed by a sold-out U.S. tour, further solidifying his multifaceted career .

Business Ventures

  • Ninja Melk: In 2016, Ryan co-founded Ninja Melk, an energy drink company. The product launched in 2019 after three years of development, inspired by Ryan’s short film of the same name .

  • TeeHee App: Ryan also ventured into the tech space with the launch of the TeeHee app in 2015, a community hub for fans. However, the app was discontinued in 2017 due to various challenges.

Awards & Recognition

Throughout his career, Ryan has received numerous accolades, including:

  • Shorty Award for Best in Humor (2012)

  • Streamy Awards nominations for Entertainer of the Year and Comedy (2014)

  • Teen Choice Awards for Choice Male Web Star (2015–2019)

  • Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition .

Acting Roles

Ryan has also explored acting, with notable roles in:

  • “Ryan and Sean’s Not So Excellent Adventure” (2008)

  • “Tell Me How I Die” (2016)

  • “Finding ‘Ohana” (2021)

These roles have showcased his versatility and willingness to step beyond his comfort zone .

Personal Growth & Mental Health

Amidst his rise to fame, Ryan faced challenges related to creative burnout and mental health. The pressures of constant content creation led him to question his purpose and authenticity. However, through self-reflection and embracing new forms of content, such as streaming, he found a renewed sense of joy and creativity, allowing him to reconnect with his audience and passion for entertainment .

Ryan Higa Net Worth

As of 2025, Ryan Higa, the YouTube pioneer known for his channel nigahiga, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. This wealth has been accumulated through various ventures beyond his initial YouTube success.

Sources of Income

1. YouTube Earnings
Although Ryan ceased regular uploads on his main channel in April 2020, nigahiga continues to receive approximately 5 million views per month. With an estimated $1–$3 per 1,000 views, this translates to monthly earnings of about $10,000–$15,000. At the peak of his activity, he earned around $50,000 per month from YouTube ads.

2. Entrepreneurial Ventures

  • Ninja Melk: Co-founded in 2016, this energy drink brand launched in 2019 and has expanded its presence in the U.S. and Europe.

  • Merchandise: Ryan sells branded apparel and accessories through Giant_Hugs, contributing to his income.

  • Book Royalties: His 2017 memoir, Ryan Higa’s How to Write Good, blends humor with personal experiences, adding to his earnings.

3. Music Royalties
As a member of the K-pop parody group Boys Generally Asian (BgA), Ryan earns royalties from music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Notably, their single “Who’s It Gonna Be” reached #1 on the iTunes K-pop chart.

4. Sponsorships and Endorsements
Ryan has partnered with brands such as Lenovo, enhancing his financial portfolio through these collaborations.

5. Twitch Streaming
While Ryan streams on Twitch for enjoyment and not for profit, his presence on the platform maintains his relevance in the digital entertainment space.

Riyan Higa Most Watch Vedio

Ryan Higa Social Media Accounts

Platform Username/Handle Link Followers
YouTube nigahiga nigahiga 20.8M
YouTube HigaTV HigaTV 4.55M
Instagram @notryanhiga @notryanhiga 2.2M
Twitter @therealryanhiga @therealryanhiga 1.6M
Facebook HigaTV HigaTV 1.8M
TikTok @ryanhigaofficial @ryanhigaofficial
Twitch itsRyanHiga itsRyanHiga 844K
Official Website higatv.com higatv.com N/A
Image Credit- Next Shark

Ryan Higa, born on June 6, 1990, in Hilo, Hawaii, is a groundbreaking YouTuber, comedian, actor, and entrepreneur who rose to fame through his innovative and humorous online videos. He launched his YouTube channel, nigahiga, in 2006, initially sharing lip-sync and parody videos that quickly gained a massive following. His unique style of comedy, characterized by clever sketches and relatable humor, propelled him to become one of the most subscribed YouTubers globally, holding the top spot for over 675 consecutive days between 2009 and 2011. Ryan’s videos, such as “How to be Ninja” and “Nice Guys,” became viral hits, amassing millions of views and earning him widespread recognition.

Beyond YouTube, Ryan has diversified his career by exploring music, podcasting, acting, and business. In 2016, he co-founded the parody K-pop group Boys Generally Asian (BgA), whose satirical songs gained notable popularity on music charts. He also launched the podcast Off the Pill, where he engages in candid conversations on a variety of topics, showcasing his versatility beyond comedy. Ryan has appeared in films such as Tell Me How I Die and Finding ‘Ohana, expanding his presence in mainstream media. Additionally, he ventured into entrepreneurship by co-founding the energy drink brand Ninja Melk and launching merchandise lines, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted entertainer.

Despite his success, Ryan has been open about facing creative burnout and mental health challenges, especially as the pressures of constant content creation weighed on him. His willingness to step back, reflect, and adapt has allowed him to reinvent his career, including embracing Twitch streaming to connect with fans in real-time. Today, Ryan Higa remains an influential figure in digital entertainment, admired for his creativity, authenticity, and resilience in navigating the evolving landscape of online media.

Conclusion

Ryan Higa’s journey from a small-town YouTuber to a global digital entertainer showcases the power of creativity, adaptability, and authenticity. Through his pioneering content, diverse ventures, and openness about personal challenges, he has inspired millions around the world. Ryan continues to evolve with the changing digital landscape, proving that true success lies not just in fame, but in staying true to oneself and embracing growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Ryan Higa?

Ryan Higa is a popular YouTuber, comedian, actor, and entrepreneur known for his comedic sketches and viral videos on his channel nigahiga.

2. When was Ryan Higa born?

He was born on June 6, 1990.

3. Where is Ryan Higa from?

Ryan Higa is from Hilo, Hawaii, USA.

4. What is Ryan Higa famous for?

He is famous for his YouTube comedy videos, parodies, and sketches, especially early viral hits like “How to be Ninja” and “Nice Guys.”

5. How many subscribers does Ryan Higa have on YouTube?

His main channel nigahiga has over 20 million subscribers.

6. Does Ryan Higa still upload videos on YouTube?

As of 2020, Ryan has mostly stopped uploading regularly on nigahiga but remains active on other platforms like Twitch.

7. What other projects has Ryan Higa been involved in?

He co-founded the parody K-pop group BgA, launched the podcast Off the Pill, acted in films, and started the energy drink brand Ninja Melk.

8. What is Ryan Higa’s net worth?

Ryan Higa’s estimated net worth is around $10 million.

9. Does Ryan Higa have siblings?

Yes, Ryan has one younger sister named Kelli.

10. Is Ryan Higa married or dating?

Ryan tends to keep his personal relationships private, and as of now, there is no public information about a spouse or partner.

11. What is Ryan Higa’s height and weight?

He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs about 65 kilograms (143 pounds).

12. What is Ryan Higa’s educational background?

He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, studying in the theater department but did not complete his degree.

13. Has Ryan Higa won any awards?

Yes, he has won several awards, including a Shorty Award for Best in Humor and multiple Teen Choice Awards.

14. What is Ryan Higa doing now?

Ryan is currently focusing on Twitch streaming, podcasting, business ventures, and personal projects.

15. Where can I follow Ryan Higa on social media?

You can follow him on YouTube (nigahiga and HigaTV), Instagram (@notryanhiga), Twitter (@therealryanhiga), TikTok (@ryanhigaofficial), and Twitch (itsRyanHiga).