Ryan Higa, better known online as Nigahiga, is an American YouTuber, comedian, actor, and Twitch streamer who became a trailblazer in the world of online entertainment.
With over 21 million YouTube subscribers and billions of views, Ryan is one of the original creators who helped shape the platform into what it is today. Known for his creative sketches, parodies, and original songs, Higa holds the distinction of being the first YouTuber to reach 3 million subscribers. His channel was the most subscribed on YouTube for 677 consecutive days between 2009 and 2011 — second only to PewDiePie for holding the title that long. So, who is Ryan Higa? Here’s everything you need to know about the very first YouTuber who amassed 2 million subscribers on YouTube.
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Ryan Higa Biography
Ryan Higa was born on the 6th of June 1990, in Hilo, Hawaii, United States of America. He is currently 35 years old.
| Birth Name | Ryan Higa |
| Nickname | Niga Higa |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Hilo, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Sun Sign | Gemini |
| Profession | YouTube Personality, Comedian, Actor |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Asian (Japanese) |
| Residence | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Religion | Agnostic |
Family and Education
Ryan Higa is the youngest child of his parents, Wendell Higa and Luci Higa. He has an older brother named Kyle Higa.
He completed his schooling at Waiakea High School in Hilo, Hawaii, where he was active in wrestling and judo. After graduating in 2008, he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). There, he briefly pursued a degree in nuclear medicine but later focused on his growing YouTube career.
Dating Life/Relationships
Who has Ryan Higa dated?
Ryan Higa’s personal life has also drawn attention over the years. He dated Tarynn Nago, a fellow YouTuber, from 2006 to 2010.
In 2015, he started a relationship with actress and model Arden Cho, best known for Teen Wolf. The couple amicably parted ways in 2020 after more than four years together. Since then, Ryan has kept his dating life private.
Physical Statistics
| Height | Feet – 5 feet 8½ inches Centimeters – 174 cm Meters – 1.74 m |
| Weight | Kilograms – 69 kg Pounds – 152 lbs |
| Body Build | Athletic |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Shoe Size | Unknown |
Professional Statistics
YouTube Breakthrough
Ryan created the Nigahiga channel in 2006 with his friends Sean Fujiyoshi, Enos, and Nago. They began by posting lip-sync videos of popular songs, which quickly gained attention. After copyright strikes, they pivoted to original comedy sketches and parodies — a move that turned them into viral sensations.
Ryan’s videos, including hits like “How to be Ninja”, “Nice Guys”, and “The iPod Human”, became some of the most-watched content on early YouTube. His channel was the first to hit 3 million subscribers and one of the earliest to cross the 21 million mark.
In 2011, he launched a second channel, HigaTV, which provided behind-the-scenes looks and vlogs, amassing millions of followers.
Shift to Twitch
Around 2020, Ryan stopped posting regular content on YouTube, citing burnout and changes in the platform’s algorithm that favored faster, more frequent uploads over his highly produced sketches. Instead, he turned to Twitch, where he streams games and interacts with fans live. His Twitch channel now has close to 1 million followers.
Film & TV
Ryan’s first movie was Ryan and Sean’s Not So Excellent Adventure (2008). He also appeared in Tell Me How I Die (2016) and co-founded the YOMYOMF Network, which produced the online talent competition Internet Icon.
Books & Podcasts
In 2017, Ryan published his memoir, Ryan Higa’s How to Write Good. He also started the popular podcast Off the Pill, featuring conversations with celebrities and influencers.
Ryan Higa Net Worth
Higa achieved immense popularity through different social media platforms, particularly by posting videos on YouTube. As of 2025, Ryan Higa has accrued a net worth of $10 million US dollars. Most of his wealth results from YouTube ad revenue, brand endorsements, acting, stage performances, and many others.
Social Media Presence
Without a doubt, YouTube is his largest social media platform, which has more than 21.4 million subscribers. His secondary channel, HigaTV, has nearly 5 million subscribers. He’s got over 2.3 million followers on his Instagram while his Facebook and Twitter have nearly 2 million followers each, respectively.
Facts
After attaining fame and recognition, Higa launched his own production company called Ryan Higa Production Company, in 2012 to explore different areas of work.
According to Higa, his channel name is a combination of “Niga”, which means “rant” in Japanese, and his last name, “Higa”
Growing up, he was trained in judo and over the years, has managed to gain a black belt position in this martial arts form. And, also a competitive wrestler.
In 2012, Higa helped form the YOMYOMF Network, which hosts the online video-making talent competition Internet Icon, alongside Christine Lakin and Timothy DeLaGhetto as main judges.
His popular comedy videos include “How to be a Gangster”, “The iPod Human”, and “Nice Guys”.
He released his memoir “Ryan Higa’s How to Write Good” in 2017.
In 2020, Ryan launched his “Off the Pill” podcast, which features candid interviews with celebrities and influencers.
FAQs
What is Ryan Higa doing now?
Ryan focuses on his podcast, business ventures like Ninja Melk, and selective creative projects. While he uploads less frequently, he remains active on Twitch.
How old is Ryan Higa?
Ryan Higa was born on June 6, 1990, making him 35 years old as of 2025.
Why did Ryan Higa stop uploading to YouTube?
Ryan didn’t officially retire from YouTube but shifted focus due to burnout, changes in YouTube’s algorithm, and a desire to explore new platforms like Twitch.
Is Ryan Higa still on YouTube?
Although he stopped uploading content to his YouTube channel, his channel is still active and remains one of the most iconic on the platform.
Why is Ryan Higa active on Twitch now?
Twitch allows Ryan to interact directly with fans through live streams, offering a creative outlet without the production pressure of YouTube sketches.
Where does Ryan Higa live?
Ryan currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.