If you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling through TikTok or YouTube over the last few years, you’ve likely seen her. The signature blonde streak. The high-energy vlogs. The constant, sometimes chaotic, presence alongside some of the internet's most polarizing figures. But despite being a household name for Gen Z, there is a weird amount of confusion about the basics. Specifically, how old is McKinley Richardson, and how did she end up at the center of so much digital drama?
Let's cut to the chase.
McKinley Richardson was born on January 17, 2003. As of today, January 15, 2026, she is 22 years old. She’ll be turning 23 in just two days.
Honestly, it feels like she’s been around forever because her career started when she was barely out of high school. In internet years, she’s a veteran. But in real-world years? She’s just getting started.
The Illinois Roots Nobody Talks About
Before the private jets and the Miami mansions, McKinley was just a girl from Champaign, Illinois. That’s where it all started. She grew up in a relatively quiet environment compared to the circus that is modern influencer life.
She wasn't born into fame.
Her jump into the deep end happened in July 2019 when she posted her first TikTok. At the time, she was just 16. Imagine that. Most of us were worried about chemistry tests and driving permits, and she was busy building a following that would eventually top 12 million people across various platforms.
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By the time she turned 18, she was already transitioning from "local girl with a following" to a full-blown professional model and content creator. She's got that specific "it" factor—a mix of girl-next-door vibes and a high-fashion look that brands absolutely love. Standing at 5'6.5", she fit right into the modeling world, working with professional makeup artists and photographers while simultaneously feeding the TikTok beast.
Why People Constantly Ask About Her Age
So, why the obsession with her age? It’s not just random curiosity. A lot of it stems from her high-profile and, frankly, very messy relationship with YouTuber Jack Doherty.
If you follow that world, you know it's been a rollercoaster.
They went public in early 2023. At the time, McKinley was 20. Because their relationship was so heavily documented—basically lived out via livestreams and daily vlogs—people started scrutinizing every detail. When you see someone getting "married" in a Las Vegas livestream at 21, people are going to have questions.
That "wedding" was a massive turning point. It happened in late 2024. But here's the thing: it wasn't the fairytale ending fans (or haters) expected. The relationship became a lightning rod for controversy, especially regarding Jack’s "vows," which many labeled as disrespectful or even humiliating.
Recent interviews have painted a much darker picture of that time. Speaking on Camilla Araujo's podcast in late 2025, McKinley opened up about how the relationship shifted from "supportive" to something far more isolating. She mentioned feeling pressured into certain types of content, including OnlyFans, by Jack’s team.
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When you’re only 21 or 22 and navigating that kind of public pressure, it’s heavy. Kinda makes sense why fans are protective over her age and her history.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Success at 22
It is easy to get lost in the gossip, but the business side of McKinley Richardson is actually pretty impressive. You don't get 2.5 billion views by accident.
- TikTok: Over 1.6 million followers and 30 million likes.
- Instagram: Roughly 1.5 million followers.
- YouTube: A massive 7.5 million subscribers on her main channel.
That’s a lot of eyes.
She’s not just "Jack’s ex." In fact, she had a massive following long before they ever met. She’s built a brand that spans vlogs, on-the-street interviews, and modeling. Most people her age are just finishing up college and trying to figure out how to write a resume. She’s managing a digital empire.
Misconceptions and the "Livestream" Trap
One thing people get wrong about McKinley is assuming everything they see on camera is 100% the truth. The influencer world thrives on "clout," and sometimes the line between a real relationship and a marketing move gets blurred.
There were theories for a long time that the wedding was just for views. Some even accused Jack of using bots to inflate the viewership of the stream.
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Regardless of whether the marriage was legally binding or just a high-stakes stunt, the emotional fallout was real. Moving out of a $3.5 million waterfront mansion in Fort Lauderdale is a big move for anyone, let alone someone who hasn't even hit their mid-20s yet.
What’s Next for McKinley?
As she approaches her 23rd birthday, McKinley seems to be in a "reclaiming" phase. She’s been more vocal about her past, sharing her "truth" through long-form interviews and moving away from the chaotic prank-style content that defined her 2023 and 2024.
She’s still modeling. She’s still posting. But the vibe has shifted. It feels a bit more intentional, a bit more grown-up.
If you’re looking to follow her journey or understand the context behind the headlines, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the source: A lot of the info out there comes from old vlogs that were designed to go viral. For the real story, look at her recent podcast appearances where she isn't playing a "character."
- Follow her solo channels: Her content without collaborators often shows a much more grounded side of her personality.
- Verify the dates: Because she’s been famous since 2019, old articles might list her as 18 or 19. Just remember: January 2003 is the magic date.
McKinley Richardson’s story is a classic example of what happens when "internet fame" hits someone young. It’s fast, it’s lucrative, and it’s incredibly volatile. At 22, she’s already lived several lifetimes in the public eye. Whether you’re a fan or a skeptic, you can’t deny that she’s figured out how to keep the world watching.
Watch her recent interviews on YouTube for a deeper look at her transition away from the "clout house" lifestyle. Keep an eye on her official Instagram for her latest modeling work, which remains her primary professional focus outside of social media vlogging.