TikTok has become a breeding ground for viral stars, with many creators gaining fame and fortune on the platform. Here are some of the most famous, viral, and richest people on TikTok, along with how they rose to prominence:
1. Charli D'Amelio
Followers: Over 150 million
Net worth: Estimated $20 million
How she got there: Charli D'Amelio became famous for her dance videos, particularly for popularizing viral challenges like the "Renegade." Her relatable personality, consistent posting, and collaborations with other influencers helped her grow her following.
Why she's viral: Charli was one of the earliest breakout stars of TikTok, and her wholesome image and dancing skills appealed to a broad audience. She became the first TikTok creator to surpass 100 million followers, securing brand deals with Dunkin' Donuts, Hollister, and even landing a Hulu reality show, The D’Amelio Show.
2. Addison Rae
Followers: Over 89 million
Net worth: Estimated $15 million
How she got there: Like Charli, Addison Rae became popular through her dance videos. She was one of the first big TikTok dancers and also joined the influencer group Hype House. Her likable personality and dance content helped her grow.
Why she's viral: Addison leveraged her TikTok fame into broader celebrity status, including a music career, a starring role in the Netflix film He's All That, and partnerships with brands like American Eagle and L’Oréal. She is also best friends with Kourtney Kardashian, which boosted her visibility.
3. Khaby Lame
Followers: Over 160 million
Net worth: Estimated $13 million
How he got there: Khaby Lame, an Italian-Senegalese creator, became famous for his silent comedic reactions to overly complicated "life hacks" videos, showing simpler ways to do things. His relatable, universal humor transcended language barriers, making him popular worldwide.
Why he's viral: Khaby's videos require no words, which makes them easy to understand globally. His laid-back reactions and facial expressions became a viral meme, and his unique brand of humor quickly made him one of the most followed TikTok creators in the world.
4. Bella Poarch
Followers: Over 94 million
Net worth: Estimated $12 million
How she got there: Bella Poarch went viral for her lip-syncing video to Soph Aspin Send (also known as “M to the B”) which became the most-liked video on TikTok. Her animated facial expressions, cute aesthetic, and distinct style made her an instant hit.
Why she's viral: Bella’s rise was quick, and her military background added to her appeal as she shared parts of her personal story. Beyond TikTok, she launched a music career with her single "Build a B*tch," and she landed brand deals with several fashion and beauty companies.
5. Zach King
Followers: Over 78 million
Net worth: Estimated $15 million
How he got there: Zach King is known for his "magic vines," where he uses clever video editing to create optical illusions and “magic tricks.” He started his career on Vine, but transitioned to TikTok when Vine shut down, where his talent for digital illusions earned him millions of followers.
Why he's viral: Zach's videos are creative, visually captivating, and family-friendly, making them shareable across a wide audience. His magical edits are short, impactful, and showcase impressive production skills.
6. Dixie D’Amelio
Followers: Over 58 million
Net worth: Estimated $10 million
How she got there: Dixie is Charli D’Amelio’s older sister and also rose to fame alongside her sibling. Initially known for her presence on TikTok, Dixie transitioned into music and became a pop star, releasing songs like "Be Happy" and "Roommates."
Why she's viral: Dixie capitalized on her TikTok fame by launching her music career. Her family’s collective success and the cross-promotion of their brand helped her build a massive audience quickly. Dixie also stars in The D’Amelio Show alongside her sister.
7. Spencer X (Spencer Knight)
Followers: Over 55 million
Net worth: Estimated $6 million
How he got there: Spencer X is a beatboxer who gained fame by showcasing his beatboxing talents on TikTok. He collaborated with celebrities and other creators, blending music, comedy, and unique sound effects.
Why he's viral: Spencer's skill at beatboxing, coupled with his collaborations with major music artists like Alicia Keys and Sean Kingston, helped him stand out in a niche area of TikTok. His entertaining content and collaborations boosted his popularity.
8. Loren Gray
Followers: Over 50 million
Net worth: Estimated $5 million
How she got there: Loren Gray was one of the most followed creators on TikTok before Charli D'Amelio's rise. She started her career on the app Musically (which became TikTok) and gained fame for her lip-syncing videos. She has since transitioned into music and acting.
Why she's viral: Loren's long-standing presence on TikTok allowed her to build a massive following. Her transition into music, with multiple singles, and brand deals with companies like Revlon and Skechers further cemented her status as a top TikTok influencer.
9. Michael Le (JustMaiko)
Followers: Over 55 million
Net worth: Estimated $5 million
How he got there: Michael Le is known for his impressive dance videos, often featuring his younger brother. His dance choreography and challenges went viral, and he became one of TikTok’s most famous dancers.
Why he's viral: Michael’s creative and high-energy dance content, often set in public places or with family members, appeals to a wide range of viewers. He’s also a strong collaborator with other TikTok stars, which has helped him grow his platform.
Key Factors to Success on TikTok:
Unique Content: Whether it's dance (Charli, Addison), comedy (Khaby), or beatboxing (Spencer X), most viral TikTok stars have something unique to offer.
Consistency: Regular posting and jumping on trends help keep creators relevant.
Engagement with Trends: Being quick to hop onto viral challenges, dances, and memes helps creators tap into the algorithm and expand their reach.
Collaborations: Partnering with other creators helps expose influencers to new audiences.
Branding and Cross-Platform Expansion: Many of these influencers successfully transitioned their TikTok fame into business ventures, music, acting, or other platforms (YouTube, Instagram), which diversifies their brand and revenue streams.
TikTok continues to create a unique space where creativity, consistency, and engagement with the app's trends can propel ordinary users into viral stars, fame, and significant wealth.