Chloe Peterson
14 Stars Who Became Famous Thanks to TikTok
TikTok has changed the way people become famous in today’s world. Before social media apps like this, stars had to work for years in movies, music, or TV to get noticed.
Now, anyone with a phone and a creative idea can go viral overnight and build a massive following. This article celebrates 14 talented individuals who used TikTok to launch their careers and become household names.
1. Charli D’Amelio
Charli D’Amelio became the most-followed person on TikTok by posting fun dance videos that everyone wanted to copy.
She started uploading content in 2019 when she was just 15 years old.
Her natural talent and bubbly personality made her stand out from millions of other creators.
Dancing to trending songs helped her gain followers incredibly fast.
Within months, she had tens of millions of people watching her every move.
Brands started reaching out to work with her, and she appeared on TV shows and award ceremonies.
Today, Charli has expanded beyond TikTok into acting, business ventures, and her own reality show with her family.
Her success story proves that being authentic and consistent can turn a hobby into a full-time career.
2. Addison Rae
In less than a year, Addison Rae made the jump from college life to social media fame.
She joined TikTok in July 2019 and quickly stood out with fun dance routines and relatable content.
Her Southern charm and friendly personality made her feel approachable and familiar.
By 2020, she had become one of the top earners on the platform.
Major companies wanted her to promote their products, and she signed deals with fashion and beauty brands.
She even landed a role in a Netflix movie, proving she could transition from online fame to Hollywood.
Addison continues to build her empire with a makeup line and music career.
Her journey shows how TikTok can open doors to opportunities that once seemed impossible for regular people.
3. Bella Poarch
Bella Poarch became an overnight sensation with one simple video that changed her life forever.
In August 2020, she posted a 15-second clip of herself lip-syncing and making adorable facial expressions to a catchy song.
That single video became the most-liked TikTok post of all time, with over 60 million likes.
Her unique look and expressive face captivated millions of viewers who couldn’t stop watching.
She gained millions of followers within days, making her one of the fastest-growing accounts ever.
People were curious about the girl behind the viral video.
Bella used her fame to launch a music career, releasing songs that charted on Billboard.
Her story reminds us that sometimes one perfect moment is all it takes to change everything.
4. Khaby Lame
Without saying a single word, Khaby Lame became a global sensation.
The Italian content creator went viral by reacting silently to ridiculous life hacks, letting his blank stare and simple fixes deliver humor understood across cultures.
He started posting during the pandemic after losing his factory job.
His relatable humor and expressive face quickly earned him millions of followers.
People loved how he showed the obvious answer without saying a single word.
Khaby eventually became the most-followed man on TikTok, surpassing even the biggest celebrities.
His success demonstrates that universal humor and authenticity matter more than fancy production or talking.
Sometimes a look says more than a thousand words ever could.
5. Dixie D’Amelio
Dixie D’Amelio stepped into the spotlight alongside her younger sister Charli but quickly carved out her own path.
While Charli focused on dance, Dixie showed interest in music and comedy sketches.
Her goofy personality and willingness to be silly made her stand out as more than just Charli’s sister.
She used her TikTok platform to launch a serious music career.
Her songs have streamed millions of times, and she has performed at major venues and festivals.
Critics were surprised by her vocal talent and stage presence.
Dixie also hosts a podcast and appears regularly on her family’s reality show.
Her journey teaches us that having a famous sibling can open doors, but you still need your own talents and hard work to succeed.
6. Loren Gray
Even before TikTok existed, Loren Gray was already making waves on Musical.ly.
When the platform shifted, she seamlessly remained one of its biggest stars, captivating fans with lip-sync videos, style inspiration, and glimpses into her daily life.
She leveraged her online fame to pursue a music career, releasing several singles that showcased her pop sound.
Major record labels took notice, and she signed deals that helped her reach even bigger audiences.
Her polished aesthetic and professional approach set standards for other creators.
Loren has worked with top brands and appeared in music videos for established artists.
Her longevity in the fast-changing social media world shows the importance of adapting while staying true to your personal brand and vision.
7. Noah Beck
Noah Beck traded his soccer cleats for a smartphone and never looked back.
This college athlete started making TikTok videos during quarantine as a fun way to pass time.
His good looks, athletic build, and boy-next-door charm quickly attracted millions of followers who couldn’t get enough.
He became part of the Sway House, a content creator collective that helped boost his visibility even more.
Brands in fashion and fitness lined up to work with him, recognizing his influence over young audiences.
He appeared in campaigns for major companies and walked in fashion shows.
Noah continues to create content while exploring modeling and acting opportunities.
His transformation from college athlete to social media star happened so fast it made headlines, inspiring other athletes to consider digital careers.
8. Bryce Hall
Bryce Hall built his empire through controversy, comedy, and undeniable charisma.
He joined TikTok early and quickly gained attention for his edgy humor and willingness to speak his mind.
His drama-filled life and public relationships kept fans constantly checking for updates.
He co-founded the Sway House, which became one of the most famous content creator groups on the platform.
Despite facing criticism and controversies, he maintained a loyal fanbase that defended him through every scandal.
His authenticity, whether good or bad, kept people watching.
Bryce has ventured into boxing, podcasting, and business investments beyond social media.
His journey proves that being polarizing can actually help you stand out in a crowded digital space where everyone tries to be likable and perfect all the time.
9. Avani Gregg
Dubbed “Clown Girl,” Avani Gregg wowed TikTok audiences with jaw-dropping makeup transformations.
Her signature look—half her face as a spooky clown, half untouched—highlighted her artistic talent and quickly went viral.
Beyond makeup tutorials, she shared fashion content and personal moments that showed her fun personality.
Beauty brands noticed her talent and offered partnerships that helped launch her career as a beauty influencer.
She became one of the youngest creators to land major brand deals.
Avani now works as a model and actress while continuing to create content.
Her success highlights how showcasing a unique skill can help you break through the noise and build a dedicated following.
10. PinkPantheress
PinkPantheress created a completely new sound by blending nostalgic 2000s samples with modern bedroom pop production.
She started posting short song snippets on TikTok that immediately caught fire with listeners craving something fresh.
Her dreamy vocals and catchy melodies made her tracks perfect for the platform’s short video format.
Major record labels competed to sign her after her songs went viral organically.
She released an acclaimed mixtape that critics praised for its innovative approach to pop music.
Her mysterious persona and refusal to show her face initially only added to her appeal.
Today, she performs at major festivals and collaborates with established artists.
Her meteoric rise shows how TikTok has become the new radio for discovering music, giving independent artists power they never had before in the industry.
11. Ice Spice
With her fiery orange hair and Bronx drill sound, Ice Spice quickly captured attention.
Her song “Munch” became a TikTok sensation in 2022, and her bold presence and catchy style made her instantly recognizable.
She quickly followed up with more hits that dominated the platform and climbed the Billboard charts.
Major artists like Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift reached out to collaborate, cementing her status as rap’s newest star.
Her rise happened so fast that music industry veterans were shocked.
Ice Spice represents the new generation of rappers who build their fanbase online before traditional media even notices.
Her success proves that TikTok has become essential for launching a music career in the modern era.
12. Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X became a cultural phenomenon by turning Old Town Road into a meme on TikTok before it conquered the music world.
He strategically promoted his country-rap hybrid song on the platform, encouraging users to create videos with it.
The song’s catchy hook and unusual genre blend made it perfect for creative content.
Old Town Road eventually spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
His savvy use of social media marketing revolutionized how artists promote their music.
He went from unknown to global superstar in just a few months.
Lil Nas X continues to dominate with hit songs and boundary-pushing performances.
His story is the ultimate example of how TikTok can launch not just a viral moment, but a lasting career that changes the entire industry.
13. Doja Cat
With her hilarious song “Mooo!,” Doja Cat captured TikTok’s attention.
Dressed in outrageous cow-themed costumes, she showcased her playful side, and users flooded the platform with videos, making her an overnight sensation.
She already had music out before TikTok, but the platform gave her the mainstream breakthrough she needed.
Her follow-up hits Say So and Kiss Me More both benefited from viral TikTok dance challenges.
She became known for her genre-blending sound and bold visual style.
Doja Cat has won multiple Grammy Awards and headlined major tours worldwide.
Her journey shows how even established artists can use TikTok to reach new heights and connect with younger audiences in authentic ways.
14. Baby Tate
Baby Tate captured attention with her confident raps and empowering messages that resonated with young women on TikTok.
Her song I Am went viral as users created videos celebrating their own confidence and achievements.
Her Southern accent and unapologetic attitude made her stand out in the crowded hip-hop space.
She had been releasing music independently for years before TikTok gave her the platform she deserved.
Major labels finally took notice and offered deals that helped her reach bigger audiences.
Her lyrics about self-love and ambition struck a chord with listeners tired of negative messages.
Baby Tate continues to release music and collaborate with other rising stars.
Her success story reminds aspiring artists to keep creating even when recognition takes time, because the right platform can change everything when you least expect it.
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