Desi Banks (born May 9, 1993, in Atlanta, Georgia) is an American comedian, actor, writer, and digital content creator who rose to prominence through viral social media comedy before expanding into film, television, and national stand-up touring. Known for his high-energy storytelling and relatable character-driven sketches, Banks built a massive online following across Instagram and YouTube, where his comedy videos have generated hundreds of millions of views and helped establish him as one of the most recognizable digital comedians of his generation.

Banks transitioned from online comedy into acting with early appearances in films such as Love by Chance and Little, the latter produced by Will Packer and starring Regina Hall and Issa Rae. He later landed a leading role in the indie horror feature Haunted Trail, which expanded his on-screen profile and streamed across several digital platforms. On television, Banks appeared in the comedy series Sherman’s Showcase, while also continuing to produce and star in original digital sketches through his own banner, Desi Banks Productions.

Beyond traditional acting, Banks has become a major presence in stand-up comedy, touring nationally and gaining recognition from established comedians including Kevin Hart, who publicly praised him as one of comedy’s rising talents. Banks has headlined multiple tours, including the widely attended Purpose Chaser Tour and later The Elevation Tour, and joined Martin Lawrence on the “Y’all Know What It Is!” tour in select cities. His expanding entertainment profile has also led to partnerships with major brands such as Apple, Beats by Dre, and Meta, as well as a Super Bowl commercial produced by Hartbeat.

In film, Banks continued to appear in projects throughout the 2020s, including the Issa Rae-produced comedy One of Them Days, which starred Keke Palmer and SZA. His work across comedy, acting, and digital media has earned industry recognition, including a NAACP Image Awards nomination for Outstanding Social Media Personality and additional nominations from the Ambie Awards and the Oregon Short Film Festival for ensemble performance in the short film BLOOM.

As of early 2026, Banks continues to expand his career across stand-up, digital media, and acting while developing original content through Desi Banks Productions. With millions of followers online and a growing slate of film and television appearances, he has become a leading example of a new generation of entertainers who successfully bridge social media stardom with mainstream film and television opportunities.