Is “Corn Kid,” real name Tariq, sick and tired of talking about corn? Does he even still like corn? Who manages his social media accounts? And what brand does he dream of working with?
PRWeek sat down with Tariq and his mother, Jessica, to find out the answers to these questions and more.
In case you need a refresher — or have been lost in a corn maze all this time — Tariq took the internet by storm in 2022 after he shared his undying adoration of corn in a video for the web series Recess Therapy that went viral on Instagram and TikTok. The interview was turned into an original song on TikTok.
Since then, Tariq has worked with brands such as Chipotle, MrBeast Burger, Green Giant and Ken’s Ranch and was even crowned South Dakota’s “corn-bassador.”
Almost two years later, the Corn Kid dishes on what he is up to now and gives us a sneak peek at his future plans. Spoiler: They do not include corn.
How old are you?
Tariq: I am turning nine this year.
You might be the youngest person I have ever interviewed.
Tariq: Now I feel like a small man.
What has life been like since becoming the Corn Kid in 2022?
Tariq: I won a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award, I got to travel to awesome places like Los Angeles and I even got to meet the [social media family] Ninja Kidz in real life, including Paxton. That was the happiest time of my life.
So that was your favorite experience over the past couple of years?
Tariq: Well, for my eighth birthday last year, I raised more than $8,000 for City Harvest. And I was also able to voice-act the character Squinton for “Baby Shark’s Big Show.”
Wow! I know you have also been doing a lot of work with different brands. What is a dream brand you want to work with?
Tariq: The video game My Singing Monsters. I play it on my grandma’s tablet.
Who are your favorite influencers?
Tariq: Kawaii Kunicorn and GamingWithKev.
Do you still like corn or have you moved onto a different type of food?
Tariq: I still like corn.
Are you getting tired of talking about corn?
Tariq: Well, people asking me is starting to get a little on my nerves. That doesn't mean you are. Why would you be on my nerves? You seem like a great person.
Now I have some questions for your mom, Jessica. After Tariq became a celebrity, did you hire a PR agency to help out at all?
Jessica: No, I am the one who coordinates everything for Tariq. I am like a momiger. I have zero experience for the world I have been tossed into.
Has Tariq had media training?
Jessica: Nope. What you see is what you get. He has no media training.
What kind of content do you post on his social media pages?
Jessica: Right now, he loves cooking. So he is trying to base his platform on creating new recipes.
Tariq: After this interview, if I finish my homework, I am going to make a vanilla cake for my grandma’s birthday.
Jessica: He also posts about traveling and sharing his passion for helping others.
What social platforms do you use?
Jessica: TikTok (@kornboyofficial) and Instagram (@_iamtariqofficial_). His older sister helps with his social channels, editing and posting. But other than that, it is just me behind the scenes running everything.
How often do you post?
Jessica: We try to post three times per week.
How do you decide what brands you want Tariq to work with?
Jessica: Whenever we get offers and such, we sit as a family and have that discussion with Tariq to see if he is comfortable doing content for his brand. I do research to make sure it is kid- and family-friendly. If he is happy and comfortable, we go for it. But he is part of that decision.
What is next for the Corn Kid?
Tariq: I really want to start a gaming channel.
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