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Once upon a time, earning fame meant starring in movies, TV shows, or music videos. In today’s digital age, social media can catapult ordinary individuals into overnight sensations. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Vine have become launching pads for many of today’s biggest stars. Let’s explore how these 15 celebrities transitioned from social media sensations to global superstars.
Justin Bieber: YouTube to Global Pop Star
Justin Bieber’s journey to fame began on YouTube, where he uploaded videos of himself singing covers. It was a simple act, but it caught the attention of talent manager Scooter Braun, who quickly recognized Justin’s potential. With a little help from Usher, Justin’s career took off. Hits like “Baby” and “Peaches” solidified his status as one of the world’s best-selling artists. He serves as a prime example of how a few well-placed video uploads can lead to international stardom.
Charli D’Amelio: TikTok to Brand Deals & TV
Charli D’Amelio became TikTok’s most-followed personality through her captivating dance videos. In 2019, she began uploading her dance clips, which quickly gained traction. Her infectious energy and dance skills earned her a massive following, opening doors to brand deals and even a reality TV show. Charli’s journey illustrates how talent combined with the right platform can lead to extraordinary opportunities, including a coveted Super Bowl commercial.
Shawn Mendes: Vine to Grammy-Nominated Singer
Shawn Mendes started his career by sharing six-second singing clips on Vine. His short yet impactful videos captured the hearts of many, leading to a recording contract. Shawn’s rise to fame was swift, and today he’s known for selling out stadiums and earning Grammy nominations. His story highlights the power of short-form content in showcasing talent and reaching a wide audience.
Addison Rae: TikTok to Actress & Singer
Addison Rae leveraged her TikTok fame to venture into acting and music. She became a household name by participating in dance trends and quickly amassed millions of followers. Her social media success translated into music deals, acting roles in films like “He’s All That,” and collaborations with top fashion brands. Addison’s transition from social media to mainstream entertainment exemplifies the diverse opportunities available to digital stars.
Lil Nas X: TikTok/Twitter to Grammy-Winning Artist
Before Lil Nas X became a music sensation, he was promoting his work through TikTok and Twitter. His clever use of memes helped propel “Old Town Road” to unprecedented success. The song broke records, becoming the longest-running No. 1 hit on the Billboard charts. Lil Nas X’s innovative approach to marketing through social media underscores the potential for creative promotion to yield significant success.
Logan Paul: Vine to YouTube Star & Boxer
Logan Paul first gained notoriety on Vine with his humorous skits before transitioning to YouTube. His vlogs attracted millions, and he soon became a prominent figure on the platform. Logan’s ambition didn’t stop there; he ventured into professional boxing, even headlining a match against Floyd Mayweather. His story is a testament to the diverse paths available to digital creators who are willing to explore new opportunities.
Bella Poarch: TikTok to Singer & Influencer
Bella Poarch’s rise started with a viral lip-sync video on TikTok. Her rendition of “M to the B” became one of the platform’s most-liked posts. This viral moment opened doors for Bella to pursue a music career, leading to hit songs like “Build a Btch*.” Her journey showcases how a single viral moment can serve as a catalyst for a successful career in entertainment.
Emma Chamberlain: YouTube to Fashion & Coffee Mogul
Emma Chamberlain redefined YouTube vlogging with her quirky and relatable content. Her unique style quickly gained a dedicated following, making her a favorite among viewers. Emma’s influence extended beyond YouTube as she collaborated with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and launched her own coffee brand. Her success exemplifies the potential for YouTube personalities to become influential figures in various industries.
Doja Cat: TikTok/YouTube to Pop Superstar
Doja Cat initially gained attention with her humorous “Mooo!” music video. However, her true breakthrough came when TikTok users propelled her songs to viral status. This newfound popularity helped her dominate the charts and earn multiple Grammy wins. Doja Cat’s journey underscores the power of social media in amplifying talent and creating opportunities for success.
Dixie D’Amelio: TikTok to Singer & Actress
Dixie D’Amelio rose to fame alongside her sister Charli on TikTok. She used her platform to launch a music career, releasing songs like “Be Happy.” Her collaborations with renowned artists have further solidified her presence in the music industry. Dixie’s journey demonstrates how sibling dynamics and shared fame can lead to individual success in the entertainment world.
JoJo Siwa: YouTube to Singer & Reality TV Star
JoJo Siwa’s vibrant personality and catchy music made her a YouTube sensation. Initially known for her appearance on “Dance Moms,” JoJo built a massive brand empire that includes merchandise, TV appearances, and a stint on “Dancing with the Stars.” Her colorful journey illustrates the potential for YouTube stars to expand their influence and create successful business ventures.
Bretman Rock: Instagram/YouTube to Beauty & Fashion Star
Bretman Rock began his career by posting entertaining beauty tutorials and makeup looks on Instagram and YouTube. His unique style and humor quickly garnered a loyal fanbase. Bretman’s fame led to collaborations with major beauty brands and his own reality show. His success highlights the power of authenticity and creativity in building a brand and establishing a prominent presence in the beauty industry.
Loren Gray: Musical.ly/TikTok to Musician & Influencer
Loren Gray was once the most-followed person on Musical.ly (now TikTok). She utilized her platform to launch a music career and a successful jewelry business. Loren’s journey demonstrates how early success on social media can be leveraged into diverse ventures, illustrating the potential for digital stars to evolve into influential figures in multiple industries.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
