Tiktok
How One Creator Turned News Commentary Into a 17M-Follower Empire Without Selling Out
# From Dorm Room to NATO Summit: The Unlikely Rise of a News-Savvy TikToker
You've probably scrolled past his videos without realizing it—those quick, punchy news commentaries that somehow make world events feel personal. Dylan Page, better known as @dadi_dylan on TikTok, has mastered the art of turning complex headlines into digestible, often hilarious 60-second clips that keep millions coming back for more. Starting in July 2020 with nothing but a smartphone and strong opinions, this 26-year-old creator has built an empire of informed chaos that now boasts over 17 million followers and a staggering 1.4 billion likes. What began as pandemic boredom has evolved into a legitimate news source for Gen Z, blending hard-hitting current events with the kind of relatable humor that makes geopolitics feel like a chat with your most informed friend.
Dylan's signature style—POV (point of view) storytelling mixed with breaking news commentary—creates an uncanny sense of immediacy. One moment he's breaking down the latest political scandal as if he's whispering urgent gossip in your ear, the next he's doing a deadpan reaction to celebrity drama that somehow ties back to broader societal issues. His "News Daddy" persona isn't just a catchy nickname; it's a carefully crafted approach that makes viewers feel like they're getting the real tea from someone who actually did the reading. I remember stumbling across his video about Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition where he compared the situation to "that one friend who buys a bar and immediately tries to change the menu"—suddenly, corporate drama felt weirdly familiar.
Born in England but raised in South Africa before settling in the UK, Dylan brings a refreshingly global perspective to his content. Unlike many American-centric news creators, his international upbringing gives him a unique lens on world events that resonates with a diverse audience. Off-camera, he's apparently just a regular guy who enjoys sneaker culture (his brother Elliot runs a popular sneaker review channel) and occasionally shares glimpses of his life with followers that feel genuinely unscripted. He's dated someone named Maddy, according to old posts, but keeps his personal life mostly under wraps—smart move when your day job involves commenting on other people's drama.
What's truly remarkable isn't just his follower count, but the real-world recognition he's earned. Remember when creators were just "internet famous"? Dylan shattered that ceiling when he received an invitation to cover the NATO Summit in Washington DC—a credential usually reserved for established journalists from major news organizations. Brands like Amazon and Uber have tapped him for collaborations, recognizing that his audience trusts his voice more than traditional advertising. He's proven that when you consistently deliver value with authenticity, algorithms and executives take notice.
In a social media landscape crowded with influencers selling detox teas and fake positivity, Dylan stands out by actually informing people. He's part of a new wave of creators who've realized that young audiences crave substance alongside entertainment—they just want it served in snackable portions. Watching his evolution from a guy filming in his bedroom to a legitimate media figure has been fascinating. His secret? Treating his audience like intelligent humans who deserve context, not just hot takes. In an era of information overload, sometimes what we need most is someone who can cut through the noise and say, "Here's what's actually happening—and why you should care."