When we talk about viral fame, charisma, and massive fan following, one name consistently tops the list Riyaz Aly, the undisputed No 1 TikTok star in India. Although TikTok has been banned in India since 2020, Riyaz’s dominance in the short video space has continued to grow on platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Moj.
Let’s break down why Riyaz Aly still holds the crown, and who else is climbing the ranks in the ever-changing digital world.
Why Riyaz Aly Is Still the No 1 TikTok Star in India
Before TikTok’s exit from the Indian market, Riyaz Aly became a household name. He wasn’t just popular — he was unstoppable. With over 43 million followers on TikTok before the ban, Riyaz was the most followed Indian TikToker. But what makes him stand out?
His videos weren’t just entertaining. They were shareable, emotional, and relatable. From lip-syncs to skits, his content connected instantly with India’s youth.
The Rise of India’s TikTok King
Born in 2003 in Bhutan and raised in India, Riyaz Aly quickly gained fame in his teenage years. His TikTok journey started with simple lip-sync videos but evolved into professional-level content with acting, expressions, and fashion-forward looks.
He collaborated with big creators like:
Jannat Zubair
Mr. Faisu (Faisal Shaikh)
Avneet Kaur
Arishfa Khan
These viral duets and collabs pushed his reach to new heights.
Even after TikTok was banned, Riyaz shifted gears and took his talent to Instagram, where he now boasts over 29 million followers. He also began uploading short content on YouTube, gaining millions of views in a short span.
Massive Social Impact of the No 1 TikTok Star in India
1. Cultural Influence
Riyaz Aly popularized hairstyles, fashion trends, and expressions that became part of teen culture. His signature look — sharp jawline, expressive eyes, and unique haircuts — became iconic among Indian teens.
2. Content Evolution
His content evolved from basic lip-syncs to acting-based reels, romantic scenes, and fashion-based transitions. He kept experimenting — and fans noticed.
3. Brand Power
Riyaz became a brand magnet. From clothing labels to mobile apps, brands lined up to feature him as the face of Gen Z.
Other Top TikTok Stars Competing for the Crown
While Riyaz holds the top spot, several other creators made a lasting impression:
Jannat Zubair
An actress and singer, she transitioned smoothly from TV to TikTok and now dominates Instagram Reels. Her content is polished, and her fan base is massive.
Mr. Faisu
Fitness enthusiast, model, and actor. Mr. Faisu’s group Team 07 was a sensation on TikTok. Now he’s working on web series and music videos.
Avneet Kaur
Known for her acting and dance skills, Avneet has a loyal following and regularly posts professional reels that go viral.
Arishfa Khan
A child actress turned TikTok star. Her innocent expressions and consistent posting helped her rise quickly in the TikTok scene.
How Riyaz Maintains His No 1 Position Post-TikTok Ban
Even with the app gone, Riyaz kept his momentum alive. Here’s how:
Instagram Reels: He posts short, impactful videos that feel like mini-movies.
YouTube Shorts: Riyaz’s videos rack up views quickly, often trending in the shorts category.
Brand Collabs: From fashion to grooming, Riyaz is the go-to influencer for youth-centric brands.
Music Videos: He has featured in over 20+ Hindi and Punjabi music videos, some with millions of views.
Want to track Riyaz Aly’s latest posts? Visit his official Instagram or check out trending creators on Social Blade.
The Future of India’s Short Video Stars
The Indian government’s ban on TikTok gave rise to local apps like Moj, Josh, and MX TakaTak. Riyaz’s presence on these platforms remains strong, although his primary focus has shifted to Instagram.
Meanwhile, the competition is heating up. New stars like Sofia Ansari, Anjali Arora, and Sameeksha Sud are gaining traction with bold, experimental content.
But Riyaz’s loyal audience, consistent quality, and iconic status still keep him miles ahead of the pack.
Why Riyaz Aly Will Stay Relevant in 2025 and Beyond
He adapts — shifting to new platforms quickly
He connects — with his audience emotionally
He delivers — high-quality, well-edited, viral-ready content
More importantly, Riyaz understands how to stay visible and grow his personal brand, something many creators struggle with after a viral peak.
Final Words: No 1 TikTok Star in India? Still Riyaz Aly
When all is said and done, Riyaz Aly remains the No 1 TikTok star in India, even without TikTok. His talent, consistency, and understanding of social media trends keep him at the top — and there’s no sign of him slowing down.
For anyone hoping to break into the influencer space, Riyaz is more than a creator — he’s a case study in digital success.
