Social media has always played a crucial role in the creation of public figures. However, none of the old platforms has had such an impact as TikTok. Far more than just a “short videos app”, TikTok has shifted the way the new generation consumes entertainment and embraces new celebrities. In this new era, being a singer or having been part of a movie or a TV series is no longer a prerequisite to be famous. All it takes for you to go from your bedroom to the red carpet is a smartphone, creativity and the right algorithm.
The scale of this shift is backed by numbers. According to a 2025 report from DataReportal, TikTok has already surpassed 1.5 billion monthly active users worldwide. This reach shows that the app is not just a trend for Gen Z anymore, but has grown into the foundation of contemporary culture.
This global dominance has transformed the traditional barriers to entry in the entertainment industry. In the past, fame required the favor of “industry gatekeepers” -an agent, casting director or a record label interested enough to give you a chance to shine. TikTok has democratized this process to the newer generations. Its algorithm does not care about the amount of money you have in your bank account or how many industry connections you have, it is only interested in your ability to captivate an audience.
Furthermore, the fact that the For You Page (FYP) is not based on who you follow, but on which content you might like, enables content creators to achieve the “Overnight Success” – a phenomenon where one can go to sleep with less than 100 followers and wake up with a million. This probability of fast growth on the internet creates a new pressure: making a viral moment into a lifelong career.
Addison Rae: from viral dances to Pop Star
Addison Rae is one of the biggest examples of an influencer who used the power of the algorithm in her favor. She joined TikTok in July 2019 and reached over one million followers within a few months after her dance videos went viral. However, Addison did not want to be considered “just a tiktoker” anymore. Aware that viral fame can be fleeting, she built a loyal online audience who would engage with whatever she produced, and strategically pivoted toward the traditional entertainment industry.
In 2021, Rae starred in the Netflix film He’s All That and faced public backlash for being a tiktoker taking on such a big production. Despite the negative feedback, the film’s high engagement on social media proved that this casting choice represented a historic turn in traditional show business: Hollywood needed these creators’ personal touches more than ever.
While her acting debut was marked by skepticism, it was through her music that Rae successfully transitioned from a top TikTok creator to a critically acclaimed pop singer. Her first single, “Obsessed”, was released in 2021 but did not take off. The harsh criticism called her “just another influencer seeking her shot in music” and created a big online debate regarding her attempt to transition to traditional stages.
Back in 2023, Addison officially released her first EP “AR”. Surprising many people, magazines like Rolling Stones and Pitchfork gave positive feedback on Rae’s newer tracks. A year later, her single “Diet Pepsi”, which presented a more mature version of herself, was a success and debuted on the Billboard Hot 100. At this point, she went from being seen as a joke to being regarded as a promise of contemporary pop.
But the real proof of Addison’s success came at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where she was nominated for Best New Artist. Her performance that night was a huge moment and showed that an artist who began with 15-seconds videos on the internet could be respected, demonstrating that this rise of viral fame certainly has the power to open doors to the industry.
The “Relatability” factor
But what makes the audience turn these creators into celebrities? Unlike the distant and untouchable names of the past, creators like Addison feel accessible. Since most of them began producing content from their own homes and sharing their daily lives online, they present themselves as approachable and familiar. Consequently, the public connects with them as if they truly know these people.
It creates a powerful sense of belonging among the fans. When their lives are documented in a raw and unedited way, these influencers allow their fans to interact with them, leaving comments, opinions and likes. In this way, the celebrity-fan dynamic is transformed into a loyal community that cheers for them and celebrates their wins as if it was their own.
Plus, in an era of over-filtered content, imperfection is what the public really wants to see. Over the last years, traditional media have branded artists as inaccessible and unavailable people. TikTok, however, has been changing this layout. Since it enables a more direct contact of spectators and creators, the platform helps these influencers show that they do have flaws like everybody else and demonstrates that establishing a relatable connection with their fans is a key factor for their fame.
A permanent change in the cultural scenario
TikTok is often mistakenly labeled as “just a dance app”, but its impact on the entertainment world suggests otherwise. Its influence over the industry is undeniable, acting as a new form of talent discovery. The platform’s ability to turn a viral moment into real careers is undeniable and proves that it is not just a temporary hype.
Despite their success, many creators still face the stigma of being considered “just tiktokers” and, because of that, talentless. Yet, they are the newest part of the cultural scenario and Hollywood and the music industry are increasingly recognizing it and integrating this new generation of talent into the industry.
They might not be replacing the traditional celebrities, but artists like Addison Rae are certainly earning a seat at the table.
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The article above was edited by Giovanna Rodrigues and Duda Kabzas.
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