Sophia Michaels
The rising viral comedian Frankie LaPenna has captured millions of followers through his engaging skits and stunts on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. From jumping over a $3 million Pagani Huayra on a skateboard to conducting a business meeting mid-air while skydiving, LaPenna’s creativity knows no bounds. His journey from obscurity to online stardom is nothing short of remarkable.
LaPenna aims to further expand his online presence by delving into long-form media. Despite his current success in short-form content creation, he aspires to conquer a new frontier. Amidst family tragedies and his background in film school, LaPenna remains a fascinating figure in the digital landscape.
Frankie LaPenna’s Early Filmmaking Days
After graduating from high school, LaPenna pursued his passion for filmmaking by enrolling in the Cinematography and Video/Film Production program at Grand Valley State University. His love for creating videos sparked in the eighth grade when he received his first camcorder. This ignited his imagination and set him on a path filled with digital storytelling.
Despite his online fame, LaPenna opts to stay rooted in Michigan rather than chase the bright lights of Hollywood. He believes that creativity knows no bounds, and he serves as an example that success can be achieved from anywhere.
A Summer Camp Venture
In 2019, LaPenna shared his video expertise with young campers at Point O’Pines Camp for Girls, coaching them on videography. His media experience continued to grow as he documented the summer camp activities, honing his editing skills and working within a structured media environment.
Before his rise to internet stardom, LaPenna worked as an archivist at The La Penna Group post-graduation. His role involved preserving historical artifacts and interviewing war veterans, showcasing his diverse skill set in the media industry.
A Wager that Sparked a Career
## Entertainer’s Unexpected Rise to Stardom
Frankie LaPenna didn’t have a master plan when he found fame online, gathering millions of fans on various platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. His journey began as a simple bet with a friend who introduced him to TikTok in December 2020. LaPenna’s initial skepticism quickly turned into success as one of his videos went viral, garnering over 100 million views in just a matter of months.
## Coping with Family Tragedy
In 2018, Frankie LaPenna faced a heartbreaking loss when his older brother, Joseph “Joey” Thomas, passed away from a reported accidental overdose at the age of 21. Joseph had played a significant role in Frankie’s online content and was dearly missed by many. LaPenna shared a poignant tribute on Instagram on what would have been his brother’s 22nd birthday, expressing his grief and love.
## Record-Breaking Achievements in NFL Content
Frankie LaPenna reached new heights of fame by creating engaging NFL-related content that captured the attention of major sports platforms and social media users. One of his sketches became the most-viewed NFL Reel of all time, garnering millions of views and recognition at prestigious awards ceremonies. His collaborations with the NFL have led to more viral content and exciting opportunities in the world of sports entertainment.
## From Social Media Star to ‘Chief Asset Officer’
In a humorous turn of events, Frankie LaPenna was humorously appointed as the “Chief A** Officer” by the underwear label Shinesty in 2024. This playful title showcases the fun and quirky side of LaPenna’s personality, highlighting his ability to connect with audiences through humor and creativity.## Frankie LaPenna’s Advertising Stunt
Yes, capitalizing on the asset — namely his derrière — that had catapulted LaPenna to viral success, Shinesty signed the TikToker to front their latest campaign. LaPenna — whose first task was to design and launch a new version of the Ball Hammock Pouch Underwear — was just as cheeky when he spoke about his decision to align himself with the company.
## He Starred in an Ad with John Cena
Wrestler-turned-actor John Cena got the chance to work alongside Frankie LaPenna in an advertising campaign for the world’s most addictive mobile game. In his behind-the-scenes YouTube video, LaPenna discussed how proud he was to be invited.
## Frankie LaPenna Had a Producer Girlfriend
Regular viewers of Frankie LaPenna’s content will already be aware of Kayla Lewicki, his director/producer ex-girlfriend who occasionally popped up to join in on the madness. Lewicki, who also graduated from Grand Valley State University on the same Cinematography and Video Production course as LaPenna, has also gushed about her other half on her own TikTok account.
## His Content Wasn’t Initially Monetized
Having racked up hundreds of millions of views in his first year as a social media sensation, you might expect that Frankie LaPenna instantly had a bank account balance of dreams.**A Young Content Creator’s Journey**
Frankie LaPenna, a content creator from Grand Rapids, once prioritized making funny clips over profits. However, as he transitions into a full-time content creation career, he recognizes the monetary value in platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Through his engaging content, LaPenna has garnered over 300 million views in a month and landed brand deals that have significantly boosted his net worth to an estimated $500,000.
**Adapting to Change**
In the face of potential bans on TikTok in the U.S., LaPenna remains unfazed, boasting significant followings on Instagram and YouTube. He is prepared to shift his focus to other platforms if necessary, emphasizing his commitment to creating videos regardless of the app. While he acknowledges concerns about data privacy, he remains dedicated to producing entertaining content for his audience.
**A Unique Auction**
LaPenna’s provocative sense of humor extends to a controversial auction involving a mold of his famous derrière. The bidding war for this item, which attracted 36 participants, culminated in a staggering sale price exceeding $15,000. LaPenna’s humorous take on the situation highlights his ability to turn mundane moments into lucrative opportunities.
**Aspirations and Inspirations**
Inspired by Kim Kardashian, LaPenna has crafted a persona, Jim Kardashian, known for mimicking iconic poses made famous by the reality TV mogul. Expressing admiration for Kim Kardashian’s influence on his career, LaPenna aspires to catch her attention and gain recognition for his comedic tributes. His quirky persona and dedication to his craft have already led to collaborations with industry heavyweights like John Cena and Jason Derulo.## Frankie LaPenna’s Candid Discussion on YouTube Payments
Frankie LaPenna made waves in 2023 when he took to TikTok to discuss a topic often shied away from by social media creators: revealing how much money they actually make from their content. In a candid video, LaPenna disclosed that he earned $13,000 for a YouTube video that garnered 1.8 million hours of watch time, equivalent to 205 years. This translated to just $0.03 per 1,000 views.
The specific YouTube Short that fetched these numbers was titled “Olympic trampoline pool party” and had crossed the 500 million views mark, marking LaPenna’s first video to achieve such high viewership. LaPenna expressed his disappointment, commenting that the payout was “as bad as it gets.”
In his video caption, LaPenna invited his viewers to share their thoughts on the fairness of such payments. He also raised a thought-provoking question within the video itself, wondering aloud how much YouTube profited from the viral video, a figure that remains undisclosed.
Through his honest and open dialogue on YouTube payments, LaPenna sparked a conversation within the social media community about transparency and fairness in content creator compensation.
