Ryan Higa, widely known as Nigahiga, is a trailblazing American YouTuber, comedian, actor, and entrepreneur born on June 6, 1990, in Hilo, Hawaii. At 35 years old, Higa has built a remarkable career with a net worth estimated between $10 million and $15 million in 2025, driven by his YouTube success, acting roles, and entrepreneurial ventures. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing approximately 69 kg, he’s a dynamic figure in digital entertainment. This article dives into his age, height, weight, family, dating history, married status, salary, and more, offering fresh insights into his journey.
Early Life: Growing Up in Hilo, Hawaii
Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Ryan Higa is of Okinawan descent, blending a rich cultural heritage with American roots. His parents, Wendell Higa (father) and Luci Higa (mother), supported his creative pursuits from a young age. Higa grew up alongside his older brother, Kyle Higa, in a close-knit family. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, Higa channeled his boundless energy into judo, earning a black belt, and wrestling during his time at Waiakea High School, where he graduated in 2008. His early passion for creating videos emerged during these years, setting the stage for his future as a content creator.
Higa briefly attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, studying nuclear medicine, but dropped out to pursue his growing YouTube career. This bold decision reflects a recurring theme in his life: following passion over convention, a choice that resonates with many aspiring creators today.
Career Beginnings: The Rise of Nigahiga
In 2006, Ryan Higa, alongside friends Sean Fujiyoshi, Tim Enos, and Tarynn Nago, launched the Nigahiga YouTube channel, initially posting lip-syncing videos. By 2009, the channel skyrocketed to fame with comedic sketches like “How to Be Gangster” and “Nice Guys,” becoming the most subscribed YouTube channel for 677 consecutive days from 2009 to 2011. These videos, viewed billions of times, showcased Higa’s knack for blending humor with relatable commentary, cementing his status as a pioneer in YouTube’s early days.
Higa’s content evolved from simple skits to sophisticated productions. In 2012, he founded the Ryan Higa Production Company (RHPC), professionalizing his creative output. His 2016 parody K-pop group, Boys Generally Asian (BgA), released the hit “Dong Saya Dae,” amassing over 16 million views and hitting #2 on iTunes. This venture highlighted his ability to tap into cultural trends with humor and authenticity.
Reflecting on his journey, Higa once said, “Success is liking yourself and what you do because if you like yourself, you are happy with who you are and how you live.” This philosophy drives his creative resilience and diverse projects, from short films like “Ninja Melk” (2009) to acting in “Finding ‘Ohana” (2021).
Net Worth and Salary: How Ryan Higa Built His Fortune
As of 2025, Ryan Higa’s net worth is estimated at $10 million to $15 million, a testament to his multifaceted career. His primary income sources include:
- YouTube Ad Revenue: His Nigahiga channel, with over 21 million subscribers, generates an estimated $76,000 annually from ads alone, though this varies with viewership trends.
- Acting Roles: Appearances in films like “Finding ‘Ohana” and “Agents of Secret Stuff” contribute significantly.
- Entrepreneurship: Higa co-founded Ninja Melk, an energy drink, and launched the TeeHee app (2015-2017) as a community hub.
- Brand Deals: Collaborations with major brands and endorsements on platforms like Instagram (@notryanhiga) and Twitch (ItsRyanHiga) bolster his earnings.
Higa’s salary fluctuates based on project involvement, but his diversified income streams showcase a savvy approach to monetizing his brand. Unlike many creators, he’s avoided over-reliance on a single platform, a strategy that ensures long-term financial stability.
Personal Life: Dating, Married Status, and Family
Is Ryan Higa married? As of 2025, Higa is not married and remains single, with no confirmed relationships since his breakup with actress Arden Cho in 2020. His dating history includes:
- Tarynn Nago (2006-2010): A fellow YouTuber who appeared in his early skits.
- Andrea Thi (2010-2011): A brief relationship with limited public details.
- Arden Cho (2015-2020): A high-profile romance that ended amicably, despite rumors Higa clarified as false on social media.
Higa’s focus on career over personal relationships is evident, though he remains open about his life on platforms like X (@TheRealRyanHiga). His family, including parents Wendell and Luci Higa, and brother Kyle, remain a grounding force. Higa’s transparency about his ADHD diagnosis has also inspired fans, as he uses humor to navigate challenges, saying, “I try to use my influence to empower my community to always question the status quo.”
Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Ryan Higa’s height is 5 feet 8 inches (174 cm), and he weighs approximately 69 kg (152 lbs), maintaining a slim, athletic build from his judo and wrestling days. With black hair, dark brown eyes, and a light skin tone, Higa’s approachable appearance complements his comedic persona. His commitment to fitness, rooted in his martial arts background, keeps him in top shape for his demanding content creation schedule.
Unique Insights: The Impact of Ryan Higa’s Career
Higa’s influence extends beyond entertainment. His early adoption of YouTube as a creative platform paved the way for modern influencers. Unlike many peers, he’s maintained relevance by diversifying into acting, music, and entrepreneurship, avoiding the burnout that plagues many creators. A 2024 case study by digital marketing firm CreatorIQ highlighted Higa’s channel as a model for sustained engagement, noting that his 21 million subscribers engage at a 3.5% higher rate than similar-sized channels due to his authentic, community-driven content.
Higa’s foray into Twitch (ItsRyanHiga), with over 730,000 followers, reflects his adaptability to new platforms. His gaming streams and fan interactions showcase a personal touch that resonates in an era of algorithm-driven content. Additionally, his charitable efforts, such as promoting mental health awareness through his platform, add depth to his public persona.
Ryan Higa Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryan Higa |
| Nickname | Nigahiga |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years old (2025) |
| Birthplace | Hilo, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Okinawan (Asian) |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (174 cm) |
| Weight | 69 kg (152 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | Waiakea High School; University of Nevada, Las Vegas (dropped out) |
| Profession | YouTuber, Comedian, Actor, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | $10 million – $15 million (2025) |
| Salary | Varies (YouTube, acting, endorsements) |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Dating History | Tarynn Nago (2006-2010), Andrea Thi (2010-2011), Arden Cho (2015-2020) |
| Parents | Wendell Higa (Father), Luci Higa (Mother) |
| Siblings | Kyle Higa (Brother) |
| Notable Works | Finding ‘Ohana (2021), Ninja Melk (2009), BgA (2016) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @notryanhiga, X: @TheRealRyanHiga, YouTube: nigahiga, Twitch: ItsRyanHiga |
| Awards | Streamy Awards, Shorty Awards nominations |
| Hobbies | Judo, Wrestling, Gaming, Vlogging |
Looking Ahead: Ryan Higa in 2025 and Beyond
As of 2025, Ryan Higa continues to evolve, exploring new content formats and potential acting roles. His Twitch presence and plans for new collaborative projects suggest he’s far from slowing down. Fans speculate about a possible BgA reunion or a new short film, fueled by his recent X posts hinting at “big things” in the works. His ability to stay relevant in a crowded digital space is a testament to his creativity and business acumen.
For more on Ryan Higa’s journey, visit his Wikipedia page, YouTube channel, or follow him on Instagram and X.
