Dhar Mann is an American entrepreneur and content creator who built one of YouTube’s largest studios after serving probation for fraud. He creates short moral videos that reach 296 million views weekly across platforms. His journey from convicted felon to Forbes-ranked creator shows both redemption and controversy.
From Oakland to YouTube Stardom
Dharminder Mann was born on May 29, 1984, in Oakland, California. His parents, Baljit Singh Mann and Surinder Mann, immigrated from India and built a successful taxi company in the Bay Area. They also owned real estate ventures throughout California.
Mann grew up watching his parents work long hours. He later said his childhood felt lonely because they focused heavily on their businesses. This upbringing shaped his drive to become an entrepreneur himself.
He attended the University of California, Davis, where he studied economics and political science. After graduating in 2007, he immediately entered the business world. At 19, he started his first real estate property management company.
The Early Ventures That Failed
Mann’s early 20s were marked by ambitious business ventures. He founded a mortgage refinancing company and a luxury car rental service called Friendly Cab. The car service added exotic vehicles in 2009, positioning itself as a premium transportation option.
None of these businesses succeeded long-term. By his own admission, Mann struggled to make them profitable. He bounced between ventures, searching for the right opportunity.
In 2010, he cofounded weGrow with Derek Peterson, a former stockbroker. The company sold hydroponic supplies and equipment for growing medicinal marijuana. They didn’t sell cannabis itself, just the tools to cultivate it. CNN called it the “Wal-Mart of Weed” at its peak.
WeGrow opened stores and tried to franchise the concept. Mann positioned himself as a cannabis industry expert. The business gained media attention but eventually shut down.
The Fraud Conviction That Changed Everything
Mann’s legal troubles began in 2012. Oakland prosecutors charged him with defrauding the city through his real estate company. The allegations centered on the grant money his company received between 2008 and 2009.
According to court documents, Mann’s firm submitted false or misleading paperwork to obtain city funds meant for building improvements. He allegedly claimed work was done that never happened or inflated costs significantly.
In 2013, Mann pleaded no contest to five felony fraud counts. He avoided prison but received five years of probation. The plea deal required him to repay Oakland $44,399 in fraudulent grants.
This conviction happened while he was in his late 20s. Mann has said the experience, combined with a difficult breakup, sent him into depression. He felt like a complete failure professionally and personally.
The low point forced him to reevaluate everything. He started reading self-help books, exercising, meditating, and praying. These habits helped him rebuild his confidence and think about his next move.
Building LiveGlam and Finding Success
In 2015, Mann met Laura Avila (originally reported as Laura Gurrola in some sources). She became his romantic partner and business collaborator. That same year, they founded LiveGlam together.
LiveGlam is a subscription cosmetics company. Customers pay monthly fees to receive makeup products. The business model worked well in the mid-2010s when subscription boxes were trending.
Mann and Avila grew LiveGlam steadily. By 2018, the company reached eight-figure annual revenue. This marked Mann’s first genuine business success after years of failures and legal problems.
Laura serves as Creative Director at LiveGlam. She also appears regularly in Mann’s content and helps run their production studio. The couple had two daughters together, Ella Rose (born 2020) and Myla Sky (born 2021).
LiveGlam gave Mann financial stability. More importantly, it proved he could build something legitimate. This success gave him the confidence to try something completely different.
Dhar Mann Studios Takes Over YouTube
In May 2018, Mann launched his YouTube channel. He had no background in film, video production, or content creation. His goal was simple: create short videos that taught life lessons through relatable stories.
The first videos were basic. Mann shot them himself with minimal production value. But he posted consistently, releasing new content weekly. The channel grew slowly at first, then exploded in 2019 and 2020.
Production Scale
Today, Dhar Mann Studios operates from a 125,000-square-foot facility in Burbank, California. The company employs nearly 200 people full-time. They work with approximately 2,000 actors annually across hundreds of videos.
The studio has three full production stages. Mann shoots multiple videos simultaneously to maintain his posting schedule. The operation resembles a traditional TV studio more than a typical YouTube channel.
In 2024, Mann hired Sean Atkins as president and COO. Atkins previously served as president of MTV and chief digital officer at Discovery. He now runs the company as CEO while Mann focuses on content and creative direction.
Mann purchased a $15.5 million mansion in Calabasas in recent years. The success story is documented on his Instagram, where he shares behind-the-scenes content with 6.7 million followers.
Content Strategy
Mann’s videos follow a consistent format. They run 5 to 15 minutes and focus on moral lessons. Common themes include anti-bullying, kindness, honesty, and treating others with respect.
The production style mimics after-school specials from the 1980s and 1990s. Stories are straightforward with clear good and bad characters. The endings typically show wrongdoers facing consequences while good people succeed.
Critics say the videos are simplistic and preachy. Supporters argue they provide positive messages that resonate with younger audiences. The numbers suggest millions find value in the content.
As of February 2026, Mann’s main YouTube channel has 26 million subscribers. His videos have generated over 82 billion total views. He also posts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, reaching 163 million followers across all platforms.
The Content That Made Him Famous
Mann’s most popular videos feature clickbait titles and exaggerated scenarios. Examples include “16-Year-Old Girl Gets Stranded, What Happens Is Shocking” and “Kids Make Fun of Boy With Stutter, They Live to Regret It.”
The stories often involve wealth, poverty, bullying, or discrimination. Characters face moral dilemmas, make choices, and experience consequences. The videos end with text explaining the lesson learned.
Some videos feature celebrity cameos or collaborations. Mann has worked with YouTubers, Instagram influencers, and even traditional celebrities. These partnerships help expand his reach.
He also sells merchandise through his website and platforms like Amazon. Products include T-shirts, hoodies, and hats with his branding and catchphrases.
According to Wikipedia, his content strategy focuses on creating vertical video optimized for mobile viewing. This approach aligns with how younger audiences consume content on TikTok and Instagram.
Controversies and Criticism
In 2023, several actors who worked for Dhar Mann Studios protested outside the Burbank facility. They complained about working conditions, pay rates, and treatment on set.
The actors claimed they worked long hours without proper breaks. Some said they weren’t paid promptly or fairly. Others described a high-pressure environment where speaking up led to being blacklisted from future work.
Mann responded publicly, saying he would address concerns and improve conditions. The studio made some changes to policies. However, debates about working conditions in creator-driven production companies continue.
Beyond labor issues, Mann faces regular criticism for his content. Detractors say the videos oversimplify complex issues. They argue the moral lessons are heavy-handed and unrealistic.
Some educators and child development experts question whether the content actually helps children. They worry the simplistic good-versus-evil framing doesn’t prepare kids for real moral complexity.
Mann maintains that his videos inspire positive action. He points to viewer testimonials and engagement metrics as proof. His team says three out of four viewers report feeling inspired to make changes after watching.
Recent Partnerships and Recognition
Mann’s success caught the attention of major media companies and brands. In 2024, Forbes ranked him #2 on its Top Creators list with estimated annual earnings of $50 million.
TIME magazine included him on the TIME100 Creators list in 2025. These recognitions positioned him among the most influential content creators globally.
Fox Entertainment signed a production deal with Dhar Mann Studios in 2026. The agreement involves creating content for Fox’s platforms. Samsung also partnered with the studio for branded content initiatives.
NFL Chief Kindness Officer
In January 2026, the NFL appointed Mann as its first Chief Kindness Officer for Super Bowl 60. The role involved creating content promoting sportsmanship and positive fan behavior during Super Bowl week.
The appointment generated controversy. Critics pointed to Mann’s fraud conviction and the actor’s protests. They questioned why the NFL chose someone with his background for a kindness-focused role.
NFL executives defended the decision. They said Mann’s redemption story and massive reach made him perfect for connecting with younger audiences. The league wanted to tap into his 163 million social media followers.
As part of the partnership, Mann agreed to donate $1 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for every qualifying social media post, up to $100,000. This charitable component aimed to soften criticism.
The Super Bowl campaign generated 296 million views in one week. Whether the NFL continues the partnership remains unclear.
What’s Next for Dhar Mann
Mann continues expanding his production operation. The studio releases multiple videos weekly across platforms. He’s also developing longer-form content for streaming services.
The Fox deal suggests traditional media sees value in his audience and production capabilities. Mann may transition from purely digital content to hybrid projects spanning multiple platforms.
He faces ongoing challenges. The criticism hasn’t stopped. Questions about content quality, working conditions, and his past conviction resurface regularly.
Mann’s story illustrates both internet success and its complications. He built a massive audience and a profitable business. He also carries controversy and legitimate criticisms.
His next phase will determine whether he’s remembered as a transformative content creator or a cautionary tale about viral fame. For now, millions continue watching his videos weekly, making him one of the most-viewed creators online.
