Ryan Trahan: The Penny-Powered Visionary Who Redefined YouTube
In a world of clickbait and fleeting trends, Ryan Trahan stands out as a creator who blends authenticity with absurdity—and somehow makes it all feel meaningful.
Born in Sugar Land, Texas in 1998, Ryan Trahan launched his YouTube channel in 2013 with humble running tips and vlogs. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s now a household name with over 21 million subscribers, 5 billion views, and a reputation for turning pennies into purpose.
🪙 The Penny Challenge That Changed Everything
Ryan’s breakout moment came with his now-legendary Penny Challenge. In 2022, he traveled across America starting with just one cent, aiming to hand-deliver it to MrBeast while raising money for Feeding America. The twist? Every $50,000 donation reset him back to a single penny.
Funds Raised: $1.38 million for Feeding America
Methods: Dog walking, selling water bottles, mowing lawns, and sheer hustle
Impact: Inspired millions and redefined what fundraising on YouTube could look like
🌎 50 States in 50 Days: A $11.5 Million Mission
In 2025, Ryan and his wife Haley Pham took on a new challenge: visiting all 50 U.S. states in 50 days to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The goal was $1 million. The result? $11.5 million raised, with support from brands like Airbnb, Kia, and T-Mobile3.
Daily Videos: Each day featured a new Airbnb, a new adventure, and a new reason to donate
Top Stay: A magical treehouse in Broken Bow, Oklahoma topped his list
Coolest Airbnb: Florida’s “Prince Road Container House” ranked #9
🍬 Entrepreneurial Sweetness: Joyride Candy
Ryan isn’t just a content creator—he’s a savvy entrepreneur. He co-founded Joyride Sweets, a candy company offering low-sugar treats with no artificial ingredients. It’s stocked in major retailers like Kroger and Whole Foods, and it’s become a fan favorite thanks to Ryan’s viral promotions6.
💡 Why Ryan Trahan Works
Authenticity: His videos feel like conversations, not commercials
Creativity: From surviving in a $1 hotel to flying first class around the world8
Purpose: Every challenge has a deeper mission—feeding families, funding cancer research, or just spreading joy
Ryan Trahan is proof that you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. You just need a penny, a camera, and a whole lot of heart.
Want to explore his world? Check out his YouTube channel or learn more about his projects on his official site.
