1. The Original Internet Star
Before influencers were a full-blown industry, there was Ray William Johnson.
In the early 2010s, Johnson was a household name on the internet. His YouTube series Equals Three a comedic commentary show that reviewed viral videos was one of the platform’s earliest success stories. At its peak, it drew millions of views per episode, making Johnson the first YouTuber to reach five million subscribers.
His delivery was rapid, sarcastic, and unforgettable. With catchphrases like “Two camels in a tiny car!” and a signature fast-cut editing style, Equals Three helped shape internet humour as we know it.
2. A Sudden Exit, Then Silence
But just as quickly as he rose, Johnson stepped back.
In 2014, he left Equals Three, citing creative fatigue and a desire to explore other projects. For a while, he kept a low profile, focusing on music, animation, and web series production. He co-created Riley Rewind, an original web series later picked up by Netflix, and released animated songs through Your Favorite Martian a channel that itself had millions of fans before being shelved.
Some thought he’d vanished for good.
3. A Second Act on TikTok
Then came TikTok. And Ray William Johnson wasn’t done yet.
Using the handle @realraywilliam, Johnson found his rhythm once again. This time, instead of reviewing viral clips, he started telling stories strange, funny, sometimes creepy stories all delivered in a format fans immediately recognised.
Each video begins with a casual setup:
“Everything was fine…”
Then, the twist:
“Until…”
Followed by his signature punchline:
“Zing!”
And if he’s really feeling cheeky, he’ll drop his now-famous catchword:
“Foineee!”
These short, well-paced videos have turned him into a TikTok sensation. With nearly 19 million followers and hundreds of millions of views, Johnson has become a favourite for Gen Z and Millennials alike.
4. Why His Format Works
Johnson’s storytelling style works because it’s clean, familiar, and addictive. He knows exactly how to build tension and release it, using just 30 to 60 seconds.
He rarely relies on heavy editing or visual effects. The appeal is in his voice, facial expressions, and timing. That’s what’s always made him special the ability to turn something mundane into something magnetic.
His “Until…” formula has now been widely copied. Fans duet his videos, mimic his lines, and repost his catchphrases. Many creators even unintentionally echo his delivery style proof that his influence runs deep.
5. Life Beyond the Screen
While Johnson’s online persona is sharp and loud, his personal life is quieter.
He is married to Kelly Farrell, a voice actor and producer who’s collaborated with him on several projects. The couple tends to keep their relationship private, though they occasionally appear together in light-hearted posts.
The pair survived a house fire in 2016, which Johnson later described as a life-altering experience. “We lost almost everything,” he once said in a YouTube vlog. “But it made us stronger.”
Outside TikTok, Johnson continues to work on music, animation, and indie production. His company, Mom & Pop Empire, supports smaller digital projects that reflect his offbeat humour and creative freedom.
6. Iconic Catchphrases and Culture Impact
Few creators can say they’ve coined a lexicon. Johnson has done it twice.
- “Zing!” signals a punchline or verbal mic drop
- “Until…” cues suspense
- “Foineee!” exaggerated and drawn-out is often used to mock someone trying too hard
- “Everything was fine…” has become a setup used by hundreds of other TikTokers
- “Two camels in a tiny car!” remains an absurd relic of his YouTube days
And recently, one of his storytelling clips about a woman discovering her boyfriend’s hidden second family racked up over 20 million views thanks in no small part to the way he delivered the word:
“Foineee!”
It was comedy, commentary, and cringe all at once.
7. The Secret to His Longevity
Unlike many creators who fade with platform shifts, Johnson adapts without pandering.
He doesn’t rely on trends. He sets them. He rarely collaborates, but when he does, it feels genuine. He avoids drama, posts regularly, and maintains a direct relationship with his audience.
Perhaps that’s the secret. He still sounds like himself. Still looks into the camera like it’s 2010. Still makes you laugh in 20 seconds or less.
8. What’s Next for Ray?
If you ask him, he’ll say he doesn’t have a plan.
“Internet fame is weird,” he once said in an interview. “I just want to keep creating things I like. If people enjoy them, great.”
And they do. Whether it’s “Zing!” or “Until…”, one thing’s clear: Ray William Johnson’s comeback isn’t a nostalgia act. It’s a masterclass in staying relevant without losing your voice.
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