Social media has been the stage for Rickey Thomspon's career. Thompson has been slaying the game since posting Vine videos (RIP) from his bedroom in Raleigh, North Carolina. The 23-year-old internet phenom amassed 2.5 million viewers with his comedic six-second clips in a category all his own: authentic, unapologetic, and fun. However, when the platform shut down, he started making a name for himself on Instagram. Now he's living his best life in Los Angeles, using his social media savvy to expand into a mini-empire and building an audience of devoted fans who love him for everything from positive videos to hilarious takedowns to his haters.

Today, Thompson has amassed over 6 million followers and counting. Rickey's spot-on rants and laugh-out-loud lip-sync videos certainly garner a lot of likes, but he shines with his looks. His iconic ensembles will continue making waves in the fashion world as Rickey continues being an unapologetically ambitious force that all must reckon with.

Q: Your content is all about authenticity and confidence. Did you always have this confidence? And if not, when did you gain it?

A: When did I gain this confidence? I gained this confidence once I started social media. I was literally such a shy person. I didn't know what to do in high school, I was so bored, which is when I started making videos online and started really being my true authentic self. Then when I saw that people around the world accepted me, I got my confidence. It was really bad in high school, I was ashamed of myself. But then I found out that people all over the world loved me.

Q: Love that! What first drew you to making such comedic content, and who were your top influences when you started your career?

A: I've always been a funny person. I would say it's always been my goal to make people laugh, and that's my love language. When I need to, I can make you laugh automatically. That's why people always say they feel safe around me.

I would say Chris Tucker, as one person who really influenced me. I always thought he was hilarious. He's my idol, and my dream is to be like him when I get older or whatever. It makes me feel so good to just make people smile and laugh.

Rickey Thompson - Kode0326-Edit-Edit.jpg

Q: People love you for all your relatable content. Why do you think that people resonate with it so much?
A: I feel like it's because I'm always thinking about what people are afraid to say, but I'll do it in a way that doesn't come off as an insult. It comes off as real. People are always telling me, “Oh, I like the way you said that and that's what I'm feeling and I love that.” I feel like I never really hold anything back, instead, I just know the right way to say it.

Rickey Thompson - Kode0365-Edit-Edit.jpg

Q: You've had opportunities to walk for brands like Alexander Wang and Koché. Does fashion play a big role in your life?
A: Oh, my goodness. Yes! Fashion plays a huge part in my life. I'm absolutely obsessed with fashion. I've been really getting more into it because I've finally found what I want to wear or what I'm obsessed with. I'm always shopping and always on the latest trends. Fashion is my everything.

Q: So piggybacking off of that, would you say that you like to keep up with trends or follow your own beat when it comes to your style?

A: I will say half and half; I like to do a mixture. I love to mess around and follow the trends but make my own twist on them, which is fun. So I can enjoy it, but I can still be with the hype that's going on right now.

Q: So you have been a Vine star, YouTuber, and now a runway model. What do you think is next for you in your career?

A: Definitely acting! That's the reason why I started this whole online career. I really wanted to mess around and get my name out there. I'm from North Carolina, so there wasn't anything available. I figured I'll just be funny online and here we are. So acting is definitely what I want to do; I was in theater growing up, and my ultimate dream is to be on the big screen and I know it will happen soon!

Q: How does it feel knowing you're such an influential personality for this generation?
A: Oh, man makes me feel amazing. Because growing up, I always wanted someone like me out there in the world. So I'm thankful and happy that I was able to be a voice for many people like me when I was growing up; I was the underdog. So I tell people that the underdog can also be the star. The fact that I can be influential to people today makes me feel amazing.

Rickey Thompson - Kode0823-Edit-Edit.jpg

Rickey Thompson - Kode0838-Edit-Edit.jpg

Q: How do you navigate staying true to yourself with all the pressures and challenges you face as a star?

A: I just don't respond to comments and don't listen to them. I really focus on myself and focus on what makes me happy. I find that makes my job and content easy to make. I got to where I am by being my authentic self. Still, I'm just going to keep going and going and going. I want to let people know you don't have to be like everybody else to be a star - just being yourself is literally everything, so keep your head up and be yourself!

Q: Lastly, what's one unexpected thing people don't know about you?
A: This is going to be shocking to say, but I'm a very shy person. I have to warm up to you to get to that Rickey that you see online. When I make videos, I'm always by myself. That's easy but if I'm in public and don't know anybody, I'm sitting in the corner on my phone by myself, terrified. That's something I've been dealing with for the longest time. It's really real out here! People don't understand when you go out into the world and at a party by yourself, it is the worst feeling in the world ever. When I go out, I have to have a group with me or maybe at least two or three friends. In person, I'm not the loud person you see online because I'm so shy. If I'm by myself, I'm good!