He’s Not Just an Uber Driver: He’s an Influencer and TikTok Seller
By Faisale Shefawe
03/24/25
Yared Gunjo starts his day at 6:00 a.m., just like many other Uber and Lyft drivers, aiming to maximize his earnings during the busy morning rush. Early hours often bring better fares, but what sets Yared apart from most rideshare drivers is his large following on TikTok—an audience eager to see what he’ll be doing for the rest of the day.
As a child, Yared dreamed of becoming a pilot. In his teenage years, he became fascinated with acting and entertainment, which led him to pursue a different career path. Before moving to the U.S., he spent eight years teaching physics and chemistry to elementary school students.
Though he never became a full-time actor, Yared has made several cameo appearances in movies popular within the Ethiopian community. While still in Ethiopia, he appeared in Yabedech Yarada Lij, and after moving to the U.S., he joined the cast of Ye Facebook Arbegnoch.
When he arrived in the U.S. in 2019, Yared noticed a cultural divide within the Ethiopian community. Wanting to contribute to unity and peace, he started posting content on TikTok in 2021. “I started posting because I wanted to help the community unite and thrive,”Yared said. “TikTok has allowed me to send messages to a large audience in just a few seconds.”
However, when he began sharing his political views on Ethiopia’s war and other political issues, the negative comments started pouring in—both on his posts and in his direct messages. While Yared wasn’t bothered by the criticism, his family worried for his safety and urged him to stop. But he refused. He knew he was onto something bigger.
As his following grew, Yared shifted his focus toward more positive and engaging content—less politics, more entertainment. These days, he mostly discusses restaurants in the Washington, D.C., area, upcoming events, and fitness and dieting tips. However, if a major political event unfolds in Ethiopia or the U.S., he doesn’t hesitate to share his thoughts with his 100,000+ followers.
A few months ago, Yared started something new that he had never imagined: selling items through TikTok Shop. The first product he introduced to his followers was a dashcam—no surprise there. His video showcasing the product received so many views and buyers that other suppliers began reaching out to him for promotions. He says he has been earning a decent amount from TikTok Shop without having to worry about packaging or shipping the products himself.
In the highly competitive world of influencers—where creators often do anything for views and likes—Yared has found success while juggling his Uber job. He documents his daily experiences, from dealing with erratic drivers to showcasing historical landmarks in D.C. But his ambitions extend beyond social media. His ultimate goal is to become a major influencer and unite his community to collaborate on something bigger. And from the looks of it, he’s on the right path.
