Hailey Welch Net Worth 2025: Complete Financial Breakdown of the Hawk Tuah Girl’s Rise to Fame

Introduction

Hailey Welch, better known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” transformed from a bedspring factory worker in Belfast, Tennessee, into an American internet personality with an estimated net worth of $1 million. Her journey from obscurity to internet stardom occurred within months after a spontaneous street interview went viral in June 2024. What started as a humorous moment has evolved into a multifaceted career spanning merchandise, podcasting, brand partnerships, and public appearances.

The question on everyone’s mind: how did a 22-year-old from a small Tennessee town build a half-million-dollar fortune in less than a year? This comprehensive analysis examines every aspect of Hailey Welch’s financial success, career trajectory, and the business decisions that transformed viral fame into sustainable income.

Quick Profile: Hailey Welch at a Glance

Early Life & Background: Small-Town Roots Shape Future Star

Growing Up in Belfast, Tennessee

Hailey Welch was born in 2002 or 2003 in Belfast, Tennessee, a small town with fewer than 700 residents located approximately an hour from Nashville. She grew up in a close-knit family with her father Mike Welch, mother Jessie Welch, and sister Hannah. Belfast’s tight-knit community environment shaped her values and down-to-earth personality, characteristics that would later resonate with millions of followers.

Welch currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her paternal grandmother, who raised her. Her upbringing was marked by simplicity and community bonds typical of rural Southern life. Before fame found her, Welch maintained a low profile with virtually no social media presence.

Pre-Fame Work Life: The Factory Days

Before her sudden rise to internet fame, Welch used to wake up at 3:30 every morning to work at a spring factory in Belfast, Tennessee. This demanding job involved manufacturing springs for chip dispensers in vending machines—physically taxing work that painted a stark contrast to her future as a content creator and media personality.

At age 21, Welch worked at a bedspring factory, making it clear she wasn’t old enough to be a teacher as some online rumors suggested. The grueling schedule and manual labor showcased her work ethic long before cameras were pointed her way. She quit her job at the bedspring factory on June 27, 2024, just two weeks after her viral moment, marking the beginning of her new career path.

The Viral Moment That Changed Everything: Rise to Internet Fame

How the “Hawk Tuah” Phenomenon Started

On June 11, 2024, a vox pop YouTube channel, Tim & Dee TV owned by Tim Dickerson and DeArius Marlow, released a video featuring an interview with Hailey Welch in the Broadway district of Nashville, Tennessee. Welch was attending CMA Fest with her friend Chelsea Bradford when they approached the content creators and asked to be interviewed.

The interview began with casual questions, but Welch encouraged them to ask more provocative topics. When asked, “What’s one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?” Welch’s reply, delivered in a strong Southern accent, was “You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang”. The phrase was an onomatopoeia for spitting, delivered with such genuine humor and Southern charm that it immediately captured attention.

From Embarrassment to Embracing Fame

The next day, the clip was uploaded to TikTok and almost immediately other accounts across social media began reposting the video. Within days, the video had garnered millions of views across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, spawning countless remixes and establishing Welch’s nickname as “Hawk Tuah Girl.”

Initially, Welch was mortified that her clip had gone so viral. “The first week of it, I was so embarrassed,” Welch said. “I wouldn’t come out of my house. I went to work, but that’s about it. Other than that, I didn’t go anywhere. But I went from being embarrassed to living in the moment.”

Welch told PEOPLE the unexpected life events were “hella hectic.” When she woke up to report to her job the following morning, she saw her group chats “blowing up”. The overnight transformation from factory worker to internet sensation was disorienting, but Welch quickly recognized the opportunity before her.

Building a Social Media Empire: Platform by Platform Growth

Instagram Dominance

Welch has built a massive social media empire in a short period of time. On Instagram alone, she has a devoted fanbase of 2.5 million followers as of March 2025. Her Instagram strategy combines personal glimpses into her life, promotional content for brand partnerships, and continued engagement with the “Hawk Tuah” phenomenon that made her famous.

According to industry estimates, an account with Hailey’s follower count can earn between $5,000 and $8,000 per sponsored video on Instagram. This positions her Instagram presence as a significant revenue generator through brand collaborations and sponsored content.

TikTok & Other Platforms

The TikTok phenomenon also boasts 1.8 million followers on the platform and another 419.7 thousand followers on X. She is very active on Snapchat with over 500,000 followers on her halieywelch178 account. This multi-platform presence allows Welch to diversify her audience reach and create multiple income streams through different social media channels.

Self-defined as the “Queen of Memes” on TikTok, Welch shares with her millions of followers her life updates, personal opinions, business ventures, and naturally, a fair share of hilarious “Hawk Tuah” content.

Major Career Milestones: From Viral Star to Media Personality

High-Profile Appearances & Celebrity Encounters

Welch’s rise to fame opened doors to experiences she never imagined. On June 29, Welch joined Zach Bryan on stage during his concert in Nashville, Tennessee, to perform Bryan’s song “Revival”. Days later, she joined basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal during his DJ set in Nashville.

On July 2, Welch signed for representation with The Penthouse, a management company that would help guide her burgeoning career. On August 15, she threw the ceremonial first pitch of a New York Mets game, though the team received some pushback from fans. Hailey later released a video explaining that she took part in the game to spread awareness about America’s VetDogs, an organization that “pairs dogs with war veterans for a forever home”.

On December 11, she was featured on a comedic segment of the late-night television show Jimmy Kimmel Live! These mainstream media appearances demonstrated that Welch was transitioning from internet meme to recognized media personality.

Acting Debut

In 2025, Welch appeared in Glen Powell’s new television series Chad Powers in a small role. She has expressed interest in pursuing more acting opportunities. This marks her entry into traditional entertainment beyond social media content creation.

Talk Tuah Podcast: Building Long-Term Media Presence

Launch & Partnership with Bert

Welch premiered a podcast with Jake Paul’s company Betr, Talk Tuah, on September 3, 2024. It has featured guests from the start; the first episode features comedian Whitney Cummings. The podcast was a strategic move to establish herself as more than just a viral moment.

“Y’all kept asking ‘What’s next?’ Well this is it!” she said in a statement. “I’m so thankful to have my own podcast where you’ll discover the real Hailey Welch”. The show was designed to feature celebrity guests from comedy, music, sports, and pop culture, showcasing her personality beyond the 30-second clip that made her famous.

The Talk Tuah podcast has amassed over 200,000 subscribers on YouTube, and well over two million views, generating significant advertising revenue.

Independence & Relaunch

Following her $HAWK cryptocurrency coin controversy in December 2024, the podcast returned in March 2025 without Betr’s sponsorship. Welch parted ways with Betr in early 2025 and now independently owns and produces the show under her own brand.

After a three-month break from social media and podcasting in the wake of the $HAWK controversy, she relaunched Talk Tuah in March 2025 with plans to rebrand it in a more personal, “girlier” style. Her dream guests include Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus.

Merchandise Empire: Capitalizing on Viral Fame

The Fathead Threads Partnership

After seeing vendors selling unofficial regalia of her viral moment, Welch decided to capitalize on the moment herself. She said “If everyone else is making money off of it, I might as well, too”.

Fathead Threads, a Tennessee-based clothing store, announced on June 20, 2024, that they are officially selling authorized “Hawk Tuah” merchandise. The partnership proved immediately lucrative.

Welch had the last laugh after selling over $65,000 worth of merchandise, with reports that this venture’s sales brought in tens of thousands of dollars. According to The New York Post, Welch sold over $65,000 of merchandise in her first month of fame through the Tennessee-based apparel company Fathead Threads.

The merchandise line includes hats, shirts, accessories, and other branded items featuring the catchphrase that made her famous. Welch is in the process of trademarking the quip that made her famous, protecting her intellectual property for long-term monetization.

Current Merchandise Operations

As of 2025, Hailey sells her merchandise on Etsy, maintaining control over her product line and expanding beyond the initial partnership with Fathead Threads.

Income Sources Breakdown: How Hailey Welch Makes Money

Public Appearances & Speaking Fees

She reportedly received $30,000 for her first paid gig when celebrating her one million Instagram followers. Hailey confirmed on the Bobby Bones show that she made “multiple thousands per event” which was “more money than [she had] ever thought [she would] make in a few weeks’ time”.

Public appearances at events, club appearances, and promotional tours constitute a significant portion of her income. Her appearance fees demonstrate the commercial value brands and venues place on her ability to draw crowds and generate buzz.

Social Media Monetization

The Leap estimates that an account with Hailey’s follower count can earn between $5,000 and $8,000 per sponsored video on Instagram. With over 2.5 million Instagram followers, sponsored content represents recurring revenue opportunities.

Her multi-platform presence across Instagram, TikTok, X, and Snapchat creates diverse monetization channels through:

• Sponsored posts and brand partnerships
• Affiliate marketing
• Platform-specific creator funds
• Content licensing

Podcast Revenue Streams

The Talk Tuah podcast generates income through:

• Advertising and sponsorships
• YouTube ad revenue (over 200,000 subscribers and well over two million views)
• Audio platform distribution deals
• Premium content opportunities

Brand Partnerships & Endorsements

Welch has secured various brand deals capitalizing on her massive social media reach. After her “hawk tuah” moment went viral, she gained a large following and secured brand deals, including one with Sauber F1.

Her authentic Southern charm and relatable personality make her an attractive partner for brands targeting younger demographics, particularly Gen Z audiences who appreciate her unfiltered approach to content.

Hailey Welch Net Worth 2025: The Complete Financial Picture

Current Net Worth Estimate

Haliey Welch is an American internet personality who has a net worth of $500 thousand. This figure comes from Celebrity Net Worth, the most credible source for celebrity financial estimates.

Some sources have reported higher figures. Several reports claim Hailey’s net worth is estimated to be around $12.5 million, though these appear to be inflated or based on projected future earnings rather than current verified assets.

The most reliable and consistently cited figure across reputable financial reporting sources remains $500,000 as of 2025.

Asset Breakdown & Income Sources

Verified Income Streams:

1. Merchandise Sales: Over $65,000 in initial sales, with ongoing sales through Etsy and official channels
2. Public Appearances: $30,000 for first major gig, multiple thousands per event
3. Podcast Revenue: Advertising, sponsorships, and platform revenue from Talk Tuah
4. Social Media: $5,000-$8,000 per sponsored Instagram post
5. Brand Partnerships: Various endorsement deals including Formula 1 connections

Before vs. After Fame Comparison

Before going viral in June 2024, Welch worked at a spring factory with wages typical of manufacturing work in rural Tennessee. Her net worth before going viral is unknown, though it was likely minimal given her age and employment situation.

The transformation from factory worker to $1 million net worth in less than a year represents an extraordinary financial trajectory, demonstrating the monetization potential of viral internet fame when managed strategically.

The Cryptocurrency Controversy: Navigating Public Backlash

The $HAWK Token Launch & Crash

In December 2024, Welch launched a meme cryptocurrency called $HAWK in partnership with OverHere. The coin surged to a market cap of nearly $500 million within minutes but crashed just as quickly, dropping more than 90% in value.

Cryptocurrency investigator Coffeezilla turned up the heat on Hailey Welch and her team, calling it one of the “most miserable horrible launches I’ve ever seen in my life.” He accused the team of “lying by omission,” claiming the team “pre-sold the tokens”.

Welch and her partners were accused of participating in a “rug pull,” though she denied wrongdoing and claimed her team never sold their tokens. The controversy resulted in lawsuits from investors who lost significant amounts of money.

SEC Investigation & Resolution

In March 2025, the SEC closed its investigation into Welch, stating that it found no evidence of fraud. Influencer Hailey Welch of Hawk Tuah has disclosed that the probe into her cryptocurrency with a meme theme has been concluded and she has not been charged.

The controversy temporarily damaged her reputation and forced a strategic retreat from public view. The controversy sparked major public backlash. Welch paused her Talk Tuah podcast for several months, lost social media followers, and stayed out of the public eye.

Personal Life & Lifestyle Insights

Current Living Situation

Welch reportedly still lives in Belfast, Tennessee with her grandmother, maintaining her connection to her small-town roots despite her newfound fame and fortune. This decision reflects her grounded approach to celebrity, choosing family and familiarity over the glitz of Los Angeles or New York.

Relationships & Dating Life

Hailey is currently in a relationship with Kelby Blackwell. She introduced her boyfriend to the public in her podcast episode in November 2024. Her plumber partner, who also hailed from her hometown, initially liked to stay away from the limelight but made an exception by appearing on her podcast.

Despite her public profile, Welch maintains relative privacy regarding her personal relationships, focusing public attention on her career and business ventures rather than her dating life.

Philanthropic Efforts

In July 2024, Welch posted an Instagram video with Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” playing in the background, in which she shopped at PetSmart and donated her purchases to a nearby animal shelter. She showed her followers a dog named Blondie, who had been in the shelter for 130 days.

She posted the video with the caption, “If I only have 15 minutes of fame, then I’m going to spend every last minute of it doing the right thing. Let’s try and find a home for these sweet lil cats & dogs”. After the video was released, “Rolling Stone” referred to Hailey as a “charming Gen Z Dolly Parton”.

She established Paws Across America in partnership with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) to bring awareness, advocacy and financial assistance to animal charities within the United States.

Media Impact & Public Image: From Meme to Media Personality

Celebrity Recognition & Cultural Impact

Beyond Welch’s popularity among regular social media scrollers, her humor genius also received celebrity stamps of approval. Notably, comedian and actor Jack Whitehall embraced the viral catchphrase on live TV during the BRIT Awards 2025.

Her influence extends beyond social media into mainstream culture, with her catchphrase becoming part of the cultural lexicon. The “Hawk Tuah” phenomenon has been referenced in countless contexts, from sports commentary to late-night television.

Maintaining Authenticity & Audience Trust

Welch’s continued relevance stems from her ability to remain authentic despite rapid fame. Her Southern charm, unfiltered personality, and humble origins resonate with audiences tired of overly polished influencers. She hasn’t attempted to completely reinvent herself or distance herself from the moment that made her famous, instead embracing it while expanding her content.

The cryptocurrency controversy tested her relationship with fans, but her transparency about the situation and cooperation with investigations helped preserve some trust. Her decision to take a break and return with independent content demonstrated maturity in managing her public image.

Future Media Plans

As per Deadline, Bungalow Media + Entertainment is developing a documentary around the Hawk Tuah Girl’s rise and fall. The documentary will go into detail about Welch’s life before and after her viral video. It will also focus on how social media can affect a person’s life.

In 2025, Welch announced an upcoming documentary, DocTuah, about her rise to fame. This provides another revenue stream while solidifying her story in popular culture.

Comparative Perspective: Welch Among Internet Personalities

Similar Viral Success Stories

Welch’s trajectory mirrors other internet personalities who leveraged viral moments into sustainable careers, though few have monetized as quickly or effectively. Her approach of immediately capitalizing through merchandise, signing with professional management, and launching a podcast shows strategic business acumen often missing in viral stars.

Compared to other meme-based personalities, Welch’s $1 million net worth in less than a year represents successful monetization. Many viral stars fail to convert attention into income before their moment fades.

Influencer Income Benchmarks

For context, influencers with similar follower counts typically earn:

• Instagram (2.5M followers): $5,000-$15,000 per sponsored post
• TikTok (1.8M followers): $2,000-$8,000 per branded video
• Podcast: $10,000-$50,000+ per episode depending on sponsorships

Welch’s income sources align with industry standards for her follower count, suggesting her $1 million net worth is reasonable and potentially conservative given her multiple revenue streams.

Looking Ahead: Future Earnings Potential & Career Trajectory

Opportunities for Growth

Expanding Entertainment Career: She has expressed interest in pursuing more acting opportunities and continuing to grow her media presence through podcasting, brand collaborations, and guest appearances.

Podcast Monetization: With independent ownership of Talk Tuah, Welch controls her podcast’s revenue directly, potentially increasing per-episode earnings through direct sponsorships and premium content offerings.

Brand Building: Welch is in the process of trademarking the quip that made her famous, securing intellectual property rights that could generate licensing revenue for years.

Potential Challenges

The cryptocurrency controversy damaged her reputation among some audiences. Rebuilding trust and proving long-term value beyond viral fame remains a challenge. The documentary and continued authentic content creation will be critical to maintaining relevance.

The influencer landscape is notoriously fickle, with public attention shifting rapidly. Welch must continue evolving her content and finding new ways to engage audiences beyond the initial viral moment.

FAQs

1. How much money did Hailey Welch make?

Hailey Welch has earned an estimated $700,000 to $1 million in 2025, primarily from brand deals, podcast appearances, and viral-content revenue following her rise to fame as the “Hawk Tuah Girl.”

2. What is Hailey Welch’s net worth?

Her estimated net worth in 2025 is around $1 million, according to online reports analyzing her sponsorships, merchandise sales, and social-media income.

3. How did Hailey Welch become so rich?

Hailey’s viral moment turned into a full-time career. She monetized her fame through TikTok, YouTube, podcast interviews, public appearances, and limited-edition merchandise.

4. What is the net worth of the Hawk Tuah Girl?

As of 2025, the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” Hailey Welch, is valued at roughly $1 million, thanks to her expanding social presence and growing endorsement partnerships.

5. Is the Hawk Tuah Girl making money?

Yes, Hailey earns from social-media ad revenue, sponsorships, event appearances, and merchandise lines launched after her viral fame.

6. Is Hailey a billionaire now?

No, Hailey Welch is not a billionaire. Her current net worth sits near $1 million, but her income continues to rise as she capitalizes on her viral popularity.

Conclusion: From Factory Worker to Half-Million-Dollar Fortune

Hailey Welch’s net worth of $500,000 represents a remarkable transformation accomplished in less than a year. From waking at 3:30 AM for factory work to commanding thousands per appearance, her financial journey exemplifies the monetization potential of viral internet fame when approached strategically.

Her success stems from several key factors:

• Immediate monetization through merchandise sales
• Professional management guiding career decisions
• Multi-platform presence diversifying income sources
• Authentic personality maintaining audience connection
• Strategic partnerships leveraging her reach effectively

While the cryptocurrency controversy created setbacks, the SEC’s closure of its investigation with no evidence of fraud cleared a significant hurdle. Her independent podcast relaunch and continued content creation suggest resilience and commitment to long-term career building.

Whether Welch can maintain and grow her fortune depends on her ability to evolve beyond the viral moment, continue delivering value to audiences, and make sound business decisions. Her story remains unwritten, but the foundation she’s built in months provides a platform for sustainable success in the unpredictable world of internet celebrity.

For now, Hailey Welch stands as proof that with the right combination of personality, timing, and business acumen, even the most unexpected viral moments can transform into substantial financial success.