RYAN HIGA

Ryan Higa, born on June 6, 1990, in Hilo, Hawaii, is an American YouTuber, actor, and comedian of Okinawan descent. He gained prominence through his YouTube channel, nigahiga, which became the most subscribed channel on YouTube from 2009 to 2011. Known for his comedic sketches and parodies, Higa has been a significant figure in the evolution of online entertainment. 

🧒 Early Life and Education

Growing up in Hilo, Hawaii, Ryan Higa was active in sports, earning a black belt in judo and participating in wrestling during his high school years at Waiakea High School, from which he graduated in 2008. He later enrolled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to study nuclear medicine but left to focus on his burgeoning YouTube career. 

🎥 YouTube Career

📺 Channel Beginnings

Higa launched his YouTube channel, nigahiga, in July 2006 alongside his friend Sean Fujiyoshi. They initially posted lip-sync videos before transitioning to original comedic content. The channel's popularity soared, making Higa the first YouTuber to reach 2 million and then 3 million subscribers. 

🎮 Content and Collaborations

Known for series like "How to Be," "Dear Ryan," and "Off the Pill," Higa's content blends humor with social commentary. He has collaborated with fellow creators such as KevJumba, Wong Fu Productions, and David Choi. In 2011, he co-founded the performance group YTF (Yesterday, Today, Forever), which combined music, dance, and comedy. 

🎭 Ventures Beyond YouTube

Beyond his YouTube success, Higa has ventured into various projects:

• Film: Starred in "Ninja Melk" (2009), "Agents of Secret Stuff" (2010), and "Tell Me How I Die" (2016). 

• Podcast: Launched "Off the Pill" in 2018, featuring discussions with guests like Andrew Yang and Jeremy Lin.

• Business: Co-founded the energy drink company Ninja Melk in 2016, inspired by his earlier short film. 

• Music: Formed the parody K-pop group Boys Generally Asian (BgA) in 2016, releasing tracks that humorously mimic K-pop conventions. 

🧠 Personal Life and Advocacy

Higa has been open about his experiences with ADHD, aiming to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues. He identifies as agnostic and has expressed support for various social causes, including endorsing Andrew Yang during the 2020 Democratic primaries. 

🏆 Legacy and Influence

Ryan Higa's innovative approach to content creation has left a lasting impact on digital media. His ability to adapt and evolve with the changing landscape of online entertainment has solidified his status as a pioneer in the YouTube community. With a career spanning over a decade, Higa continues to inspire aspiring creators worldwide.