What Is Lil Dicky’s Net Worth: How He Turned Comedy Into Cash

You probably first saw him in a viral music video—half-naked, hilariously awkward, and somehow still spitting bars better than most mainstream rappers. But what is Lil Dicky’s net worth, and how did a guy who once wrote ad copy for a living manage to flip a one-off YouTube sensation into a multi-million-dollar media empire? The answer lies in smart branding, undeniable talent, and a willingness to turn personal quirks into public power. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the lyrical flow, or the TV show Dave, Lil Dicky’s career is proof that betting on your weird side can pay off in a big way.

Who Is Lil Dicky?

Before he was Lil Dicky, he was David Andrew Burd—born in 1988 in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania. Raised in a middle-class Jewish family in the Philadelphia suburbs, Burd didn’t exactly fit the typical mold of a future rap star. He was more into basketball, comedy, and clever writing than anything resembling a traditional music career.

After graduating from the University of Richmond with a business degree, he took a job at an ad agency in San Francisco. There, he worked on creative campaigns for big-name clients—ironically sharpening the exact skills that would later help him market himself as a rapper. It was during this time that he started writing raps and working on music videos in his free time. His intention wasn’t just to be a rapper—he wanted to be a comedic voice, an entertainer who could act, write, and rhyme.

In 2013, Burd released the music video for “Ex-Boyfriend” on YouTube. The video racked up over one million views within 24 hours, immediately launching him into the viral stratosphere. Fans loved his self-deprecating humor, sharp storytelling, and undeniable flow. From that moment, Lil Dicky was born—not just as a rapper, but as a character, a brand, and a full-blown creative force.

Over the next few years, he released more music, collaborated with mainstream artists, and continued carving out a space for himself in hip-hop’s often rigid culture. But music was only the beginning. In 2020, he debuted Dave, an FX comedy series loosely based on his life. The show became a sleeper hit, and Lil Dicky’s net worth began climbing from streaming success and TV revenue—fueled by his ability to write, act, and tell compelling, offbeat stories.

A Clear Breakdown of Lil Dicky’s Net Worth

As of 2025, Lil Dicky’s net worth is estimated to be between $8 million and $12 million, depending on the source. This figure includes revenue from music, television, brand deals, and his growing influence as a multi-platform entertainer. While he’s not topping Forbes’ rapper list just yet, his career trajectory is pointed sharply upward, especially as he continues expanding Dave and potentially develops new media projects. Let’s take a closer look at how he built this unconventional fortune.

Music Revenue and Streaming Income

Though comedy and television have become major parts of his brand, Lil Dicky’s roots are in music—and those roots run surprisingly deep. His debut studio album, Professional Rapper, was released in 2015 and featured collaborations with heavyweights like Snoop Dogg, Fetty Wap, and Rich Homie Quan. The album hit No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and topped both the Rap Albums and Independent Albums charts.

Singles like “Save Dat Money” and “Freaky Friday” (featuring Chris Brown) exploded online, garnering hundreds of millions of views and streams across platforms. “Freaky Friday” alone has over 700 million views on YouTube and was certified multi-platinum. These hits generated massive ad revenue and performance royalties, not to mention performance opportunities around the world.

Then there’s “Earth,” a 2019 single featuring vocals from over 30 artists including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Ed Sheeran. The video, which blends animation with environmental activism, quickly went viral—earning attention not just for its novelty, but for its global message. Though opinions on the song’s musical quality were mixed, the buzz it generated translated into even more streaming income and media exposure.

On Spotify, Lil Dicky pulls in millions of listeners each month. With streaming platforms paying roughly $0.003 to $0.005 per stream, even a handful of hit songs can bring in six to seven figures annually. Combined with YouTube monetization and digital downloads, his music catalog likely generates at least $1 million to $2 million per year, even when he’s not actively releasing new songs.

TV Success with Dave

While music provided the launchpad, Dave is what’s catapulted Lil Dicky into a higher income bracket. Premiering in 2020 on FX, the semi-autobiographical series follows a fictionalized version of himself trying to make it as a rapper while navigating awkward relationships, mental health struggles, and social anxiety. Co-created by Burd and Jeff Schaffer (Curb Your Enthusiasm, The League), the show blends humor, vulnerability, and sharp cultural commentary—drawing comparisons to Atlanta and Louie.

Dave quickly became one of FX’s most-watched comedies, with its premiere season reaching millions of viewers across cable and Hulu. The success led to a multi-season run, each of which brought in revenue from syndication, international streaming rights, and advertising.

As co-creator, executive producer, lead actor, and primary writer, Burd earns multiple income streams from the show. While exact figures aren’t public, creator-stars on cable comedies can earn $50,000 to $150,000 per episode, especially when handling multiple creative roles. With each season running 10 episodes, that means he could be earning $500,000 to $1.5 million per season—and that’s just the beginning.

There’s also future potential for licensing deals, merchandise, and eventual syndication or spinoffs. In an industry that increasingly rewards creators who wear multiple hats, Lil Dicky’s full control over Dave gives him both creative freedom and a solid revenue stream for years to come.

Endorsements and Brand Collaborations

Another contributor to Lil Dicky’s net worth is his ability to collaborate with brands in fresh, funny, and authentic ways. Over the years, he’s partnered with companies like Trojan, Trojan Vibrations, Adidas, and even Trojan Magnum (which, yes, he joked about in the ads). His comedic style and self-awareness make him a perfect fit for brands looking to break through traditional marketing noise.

In many of these deals, Lil Dicky not only appears in the content but also helps develop it—drawing on his background in advertising and creative strategy. That means he’s likely paid not just as a spokesperson but as a co-creator or consultant, increasing the value of each partnership.

Social media also plays a role. With millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, he has the kind of reach that advertisers love. While he doesn’t post as frequently as other influencers, his high engagement rates and cult following make each brand mention valuable—sometimes worth $50,000 or more per post depending on the deal.

And because he’s so selective about endorsements, each one feels like a natural extension of his persona—whether it’s a parody video or a genuine cause, like his environmentally focused work surrounding “Earth.”