TikTok has changed the way people think about fame. Unlike traditional Hollywood stars or even YouTube creators who often spent years building audiences, TikTokers can explode in popularity overnight. With its short-form format and powerful algorithm, TikTok rewards creativity, relatability, and consistency. But what’s most impressive is how some creators have managed to turn their viral moments into full-fledged careers. These individuals went from everyday users posting short clips to building global brands, businesses, and long-term influence. Here are 10 famous TikTok creators who transformed their short videos into sustainable careers.
1. Charli D’Amelio
Charli D’Amelio is often referred to as the “first face of TikTok fame.” She began posting dance videos in 2019 and quickly became the most-followed creator on the platform.
Her simple, easy-to-learn dances resonated with younger audiences, and within months she gained millions of followers. Unlike celebrities who join social platforms after fame, Charli became a celebrity because of TikTok.
Career highlights:
- Partnered with major brands including Dunkin’ Donuts and Prada.
- Co-starred with her family in the Hulu reality series The D’Amelio Show.
- Expanded into acting, voiceovers, and her own product lines.
Charli’s success shows how short-form content can launch a career that reaches far beyond social media.
2. Addison Rae
Addison Rae built her following through dance and lifestyle videos. Like Charli, her relatable energy and consistency turned her into one of TikTok’s top personalities.
She leveraged her TikTok fame into opportunities in music, acting, and brand endorsements. In 2021, she starred in Netflix’s He’s All That, a remake of the classic teen movie She’s All That.
Career highlights:
- Signed a multi-film deal with Netflix.
- Released original music as a pop singer.
- Built a beauty line called Item Beauty, co-founded with Madeby Collective.
Addison Rae demonstrates that TikTok can be a springboard into multiple entertainment industries.
3. Khaby Lame
Khaby Lame became one of the most recognizable TikTok stars by doing something incredibly simple: reacting silently to overcomplicated life hacks. His deadpan expressions and hand gestures spoke louder than words.
Because he relied on universal facial expressions instead of language, Khaby’s content resonated globally. In 2022, he surpassed Charli D’Amelio as the most-followed person on TikTok.
Career highlights:
- Collaborated with international brands like Hugo Boss and Binance.
- Became a guest at prestigious events like the Venice Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival.
- Built a personal brand that works across cultures without language barriers.
Khaby’s rise shows how simplicity and relatability can create worldwide appeal.
4. Zach King
Zach King was already known for his “digital magic” on Vine and YouTube, but TikTok elevated his career even further. His short illusion videos making it look like he walks through walls or turns objects into something else are perfect for TikTok’s short attention span format.
Career highlights:
- Accumulated billions of views with his signature “magic vines.”
- Partnered with major global brands like BMW and Coca-Cola.
- Expanded into filmmaking, speaking engagements, and creative consulting.
Zach is proof that TikTok isn’t only for dancing or lip-syncing high-production creativity also thrives on the platform.
5. Bella Poarch
Bella Poarch rose to fame in 2020 after her lip-sync video to the song “Sophie Aspin Send” (commonly known as “M to the B”) went massively viral. It remains one of TikTok’s most-liked videos ever.
She capitalized on her viral fame by pursuing a music career. Her debut single “Build a Bitch” gained millions of streams within days of release and solidified her as a serious artist.
Career highlights:
- Signed a record deal with Warner Records.
- Released successful singles and collaborated with other musicians.
- Became a fashion and beauty influencer, working with major global brands.
Bella Poarch shows how TikTok can help creators break into industries like music, where competition is intense.
6. Loren Gray
Loren Gray started building her audience on Musical.ly before it merged with TikTok, making her one of the earliest breakout stars. She transitioned her following into music, lifestyle, and brand partnerships.
Career highlights:
- Released multiple singles and signed with Virgin Records.
- Worked with top brands like Skechers and Revlon.
- Built a large presence on YouTube and Instagram in addition to TikTok.
Loren demonstrates the advantage of being an early adopter and consistently evolving with the platform.
7. Michael Le (JustMaiko)
Michael Le, known as JustMaiko, gained fame through his dance choreography and skits. His upbeat personality and family-friendly content attracted millions of followers.
Career highlights:
- Collaborated with brands like Amazon and Disney.
- Built his career as a choreographer and creative director outside of TikTok.
- Co-founded a creator collective called Shluv House.
Michael Le represents creators who use TikTok not just for attention but to showcase professional skills like choreography and directing.
8. Dixie D’Amelio
While Charli D’Amelio gained recognition for her dances, her sister Dixie D’Amelio built a career in music. Leveraging the family’s popularity, Dixie released singles that performed well on streaming platforms.
Career highlights:
- Released singles such as “Be Happy” and “One Whole Day.”
- Starred alongside her family in The D’Amelio Show.
- Partnered with fashion and lifestyle brands.
Dixie illustrates how TikTok fame can be a platform for launching a music career, even without traditional industry backing.
9. Spencer X
Spencer Knight, known as Spencer X, is a beatboxer who turned TikTok into his stage. His fast-paced beatboxing videos, collaborations, and tutorials made him one of the most unique creators on the platform.
Career highlights:
- Collaborated with major artists like Alicia Keys and Marshmello.
- Landed brand deals with Pepsi, HBO Max, and more.
- Built a sustainable career combining music, brand work, and live performances.
Spencer X shows that niche skills can find massive audiences on TikTok if packaged in a short, engaging format.
10. Avani Gregg
Avani Gregg started as a beauty and makeup influencer on TikTok, posting bold looks and creative tutorials. She expanded her content into lifestyle and comedy, which helped her reach a broader audience.
Career highlights:
- Won the Shorty Award for TikToker of the Year.
- Partnered with brands in beauty and fashion, including Morphe.
- Built her career as an actress and content creator across multiple platforms.
Avani proves that TikTok can be the launchpad for multi-talented creators who don’t stick to one niche.
What These Creators Teach Us
The success of these 10 TikTok stars highlights a few key lessons:
- Consistency matters: Most of these creators posted regularly before going viral.
- Relatability beats perfection: Authentic, simple videos often perform better than polished ones.
- Diversification is key: The most successful TikTokers used their fame to expand into music, fashion, acting, or business.
- Cultural timing counts: Jumping on trends at the right moment helps creators maximize reach.
TikTok is not just about quick fame it can be the foundation for long-term careers if creators are strategic.
Conclusion
TikTok has created a new kind of celebrity. Unlike traditional media, where fame required industry connections or years of work, TikTok gives anyone the chance to be seen by millions. But as these 10 creators show, going viral is only the first step. Building a career means leveraging that fame into music, fashion, acting, brand deals, and more. The psychology of short-form content, combined with TikTok’s powerful algorithm, has turned ordinary people into global stars. And as the platform continues to grow, it’s clear that TikTok will keep producing the next generation of influencers, entrepreneurs, and entertainers.
