Influencers Who Went from Social Media to A-List Stardom

From TikTok to Hollywood: Influencers Who Actually Made It Big

The influencer-to-Hollywood pipeline is real, but let’s be honest—most TikTokers who try to break into the entertainment industry flop harder than a low-budget reboot. That being said, a few have actually made the leap and thrived in mainstream media. Whether through acting, music, or business moves, these influencers proved they weren’t just one-viral-video wonders.

So, who actually made it big? Let’s break it down.

1. Addison Rae – From TikTok Dances to Netflix Star

If you were on TikTok in 2020, you could not escape Addison Rae. She was the queen of viral dances, and her massive following (currently over 88 million) helped her land a Netflix deal for He’s All That—a gender-swapped remake of the 1999 rom-com She’s All That.

Even though the film got mixed reviews (okay, fine, mostly bad), it still raked in millions of views, proving her star power. Addison then took a different route by dropping her debut single, Obsessed, and later released an entire surprise EP in 2023, which had Gen Z praising her unexpected pop star energy.

But the real reason Addison made this list? She pivoted smart. Instead of sticking to cringey influencer roles, she landed a spot in Thanksgiving (2023), a horror film by Eli Roth that actually got decent reviews. She’s also set to star in a major upcoming movie Animal Friends alongside Ryan Reynolds and Jason Momoa.

Moral of the story? Even if your first movie flops, Hollywood loves a good comeback.

2. Emma Chamberlain – The Cool Girl Who Didn’t Sell Out

Emma didn’t go from YouTube to Hollywood in the typical way—she didn’t start acting, release a pop album, or launch a cringey reality show. Instead, she built an empire.

Her candid, chaotic editing style on YouTube made her one of the most relatable internet personalities of the late 2010s. But instead of staying in the influencer box, she rebranded flawlessly—starting her own coffee company (Chamberlain Coffee), becoming a Met Gala regular, and scoring major brand deals with Louis Vuitton and Cartier.

She even became a red-carpet correspondent for Vogue, effortlessly blending Gen Z humor with high-fashion interviews. Emma’s career isn’t about viral moments anymore—it’s about timeless cool-girl branding.

3. Charli D’Amelio – The TikTok Queen Turned TV Star

Charli D’Amelio might’ve started as the de facto TikTok dance queen, but she didn’t just stop there. She and her sister Dixie landed The D’Amelio Show on Hulu, and Charli later shocked everyone by winning Dancing with the Stars in 2022—proving she’s more than just a TikTok trendsetter.

She’s now venturing into acting, starring in Home School, a thriller set to drop in 2024. If it does well, Charli could join the ranks of influencers who actually made it in Hollywood. But for now, she’s still known more for her social media empire than her acting skills.

4. Dylan Mulvaney – The Broadway Takeover

Dylan Mulvaney first gained attention for documenting her transition in the Days of Girlhood series on TikTok, but she’s since skyrocketed into mainstream fame. She’s been a guest on major talk shows, landed brand partnerships with Nike and Bud Light (which, yes, caused controversy), and most importantly—she made her Broadway debut in Chicago as Roxie Hart in 2023.

That’s right—she went from TikTok to Broadway. No influencer gimmicks, no reality shows, just straight-up talent. Dylan’s success proves that social media stars can cross over into legitimate entertainment if they have the skills to back it up.

5. Frankie Jonas – The “Bonus Jonas” Who Made His Own Lane

Technically, Frankie Jonas was famous before TikTok (thanks to being the youngest Jonas Brother), but let’s be real—he wasn’t on anyone’s radar until he became a hilarious TikTok personality.

Instead of leaning into nepotism, Frankie embraced his status as the “Bonus Jonas” with self-deprecating humor, which won over Gen Z. Now? He’s co-hosting ABC’s competition show Claim to Fame alongside his brother Kevin Jonas.

Frankie proves that reinvention is everything—if people love your personality, they’ll follow you anywhere.

Honorable Mentions – Almost There, But Not Quite

Not every influencer-to-Hollywood transition has been smooth. Some have tried to break out, but they’re still teetering on the edge of mainstream success.

• Dixie D’Amelio – She’s been trying to build a music career, but unlike Addison Rae, she hasn’t quite had a breakthrough hit yet.
• Noah Beck – The TikTok heartthrob has dabbled in acting, but his roles have been minor so far.
• Bella Poarch – She has one big song (Build a Btch*), but she hasn’t fully transitioned into Hollywood yet.

What’s the Secret to Making It?

So, what separates the successful influencer-to-Hollywood stars from the ones who flop? Here are the biggest takeaways:

✅ Diversification is key – The ones who made it (Emma, Addison, Dylan) didn’t just rely on social media fame—they explored multiple industries.
✅ You need actual talent – If you can’t act, sing, or do something beyond TikTok trends, Hollywood will move on fast.
✅ Authenticity wins – People gravitate toward influencers who feel real, not those who try too hard to be something they’re not.

Some influencers will always stay in the social media bubble, but for the rare few who break out? The sky’s the limit.

Which influencer do you think will be Hollywood’s next big star? Let’s talk in the comments!

Stay plugged into the latest entertainment trends with Woke Waves Magazine—where Gen Z pop culture actually makes sense.

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