The Backpack Kid Now: 5 Shocking Facts About Russell Horning's $3M Net Worth, Floss Lawsuit, And Music Career In 2025
Russell Horning: Complete Biography and Profile
Russell Horning, universally known as "The Backpack Kid," became a household name almost overnight, but his career has proven to be more than just a single viral moment. His profile is a blend of social media stardom, music artistry, and legal activism in the digital age.
- Full Name: Russell Horning
- Nickname: The Backpack Kid
- Date of Birth: December 19, 2001
- Current Age (2025): 23 (turning 24)
- Birthplace: Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA
- Nationality: American
- Known For: Creating the "Floss" dance move and performing it on Saturday Night Live (SNL) with Katy Perry.
- Occupation: Social Media Personality, Dancer, Music Artist, Speaker
- Estimated Net Worth (2024/2025): Approximately $3 Million
- Family: Has a younger sister named Jill Horning.
- Key Career Milestones: Viral fame in 2016, SNL performance in 2017, release of original music, and high-profile lawsuit against Epic Games (Fortnite).
The Floss Dance: From Viral Meme to Intellectual Property Battle
The "Floss" dance is arguably the most impactful dance move of the late 2010s, and its creator, Russell Horning, found himself at the epicenter of a major intellectual property controversy. The Floss, characterized by its rapid, swinging arm movements and hip thrusts, was first popularized by Horning on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok (then Musical.ly) in 2016.
The Katy Perry and SNL Breakthrough
Horning's fame exploded in 2017 when pop superstar Katy Perry invited him to perform the Floss alongside her during her rendition of the song "Swish Swish" on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. This single, high-profile performance cemented the Floss as a global phenomenon, instantly making "The Backpack Kid" an iconic figure. The image of the awkward, yet confident teen with his backpack on became synonymous with the dance itself.
The Fortnite Lawsuit and the Copyright Challenge
The biggest controversy in Horning’s career stems from the massive global success of the video game Fortnite Battle Royale, developed by Epic Games. Fortnite introduced a purchasable in-game dance emote, "The Floss," which was an undeniable recreation of Horning's move.
In 2018, Horning, represented by his mother and manager, filed a lawsuit against Epic Games for copyright infringement, seeking compensation for the use of his creation. He was joined by other celebrities, including Alfonso Ribeiro (known for the "Carlton Dance" from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) and rapper 2 Milly (known for the "Milly Rock" dance).
The legal fight centered on a critical question: Can a short, simple dance routine be protected by copyright law? The U.S. Copyright Office generally views short dance routines or simple choreographic movements as ineligible for copyright protection, which proved to be a major hurdle for the plaintiffs.
The Lawsuit's Outcome: The lawsuits, including Horning's, were ultimately dropped, though some reports suggested the dismissal was temporary to address technicalities. The consensus among legal experts is that the cases faced significant challenges under current copyright law, which does not easily grant protection to short, simple dances. Despite the dismissal, the legal action brought crucial public attention to the intellectual property rights of creators in the digital, meme-driven economy. Horning's challenge forced a global conversation on who profits when a creator's unique move goes viral and is subsequently monetized by a multi-billion dollar corporation.
The Backpack Kid's Evolution: Music, Merchandise, and Multi-Million Dollar Earnings
While the dance controversy defined his early career, Russell Horning has been strategically building a career as a music artist and influencer, securing his financial future well into 2025.
Pivoting to a Music Career
Horning has successfully leveraged his fame to launch a music career, moving beyond his dancing persona. He has released original tracks and EPs, with a notable single being "Flossin" featuring DJ Suede the Remix God. Another track, "Circus Song," was released in 2021 as part of his "Goofy ahh beats" album, showcasing a pivot toward music production and rap. This move is a common strategy for social media personalities seeking longevity, allowing him to control his own creative output and generate revenue streams outside of dance appearances.
The $3 Million Net Worth and Revenue Streams
As of 2024, Russell Horning's estimated net worth is reported to be around $3 million. This impressive figure is a testament to his successful monetization strategy, which includes multiple revenue streams:
- Social Media Advertising: With millions of followers across platforms, he generates significant income from advertisements and sponsored content.
- Live Performances and Tours: He continues to be booked for appearances and live performances, where he performs the iconic Floss dance and his original music.
- Merchandise: Horning has capitalized on his brand by selling "Backpack Kid" merchandise, including backpacks and apparel, which provides a consistent passive income stream.
- Speaking Engagements: His profile is also listed for speaking engagements, positioning him as a digital influencer and a case study for viral success.
Current Status in 2025
In 2025, Russell Horning is no longer just the "Backpack Kid" but a young adult entrepreneur. His professional profile remains active, with updates confirming his status as a booked speaker and talent. He has successfully managed the transition from a viral sensation to a professional content creator and music artist, a path few internet stars successfully navigate. His story serves as a cautionary yet inspiring tale about the power of a single moment, the challenges of digital intellectual property, and the importance of professional management in sustaining internet fame.
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