12 Famous People Who Used Social Media to Launch Their Career: How Viral Moments Led to Stardom

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In an era where the lines between ‘Internet celebrity’ and ‘traditional celebrity’ are blurrier than ever, it’s fascinating to look back at how many of today’s biggest stars actually got their start. Social media platforms, once viewed merely as personal sharing spaces, have morphed into powerful launchpads for talent, enabling ordinary individuals to find the global spotlight. From heartfelt covers filmed in bedrooms to comedic sketches that captured millions, the journey from online obscurity to astronomical success is a captivating narrative that continues to evolve.

Indeed, some of the most recognizable names across music, film, and fashion owe their initial breakthrough to a viral moment, a well-timed post, or a consistent stream of content that caught the right eyes. While it’s common for today’s influencers to transition into broader entertainment, it’s perhaps more surprising to realize just how many established megastars began their ascent in a similar fashion, often before social media was even considered a legitimate pathway to fame. Their stories are a testament to the unpredictable, democratic power of the internet, showing us that talent, when amplified online, truly knows no bounds.

This article takes a deep dive into the origin stories of twelve such celebrities, focusing on those who have transcended their social media beginnings to achieve immense success in offline venues. We’ve steered clear of those still primarily associated with their online personas, instead highlighting individuals whose internet roots are often forgotten amidst their colossal achievements. Prepare to be inspired by how a simple click, a share, or a carefully crafted video propelled these artists from their screens to stadium stages and silver screens.

1. **Justin Bieber**Justin Bieber is undoubtedly one of the music industry’s most colossal figures, and his journey to superstardom is practically synonymous with social media discovery. Before he was selling out arenas and topping charts, Bieber was a young kid posting videos on YouTube, unknowingly laying the groundwork for a career that would redefine pop music. It was on this fledgling platform, back in 2007 when he was just 13, that his future manager, Scooter Braun, first stumbled upon his talent.

Braun, after seeing Bieber’s at-home performances of covers by artists like Alicia Keys and Chris Brown, recognized an undeniable star quality. He famously introduced the young singer to Usher, and together they competed with none other than Justin Timberlake to sign Bieber. Despite initial skepticism from record labels about finding talent on YouTube and bringing it offline — a concept practically unheard of at the time — Braun’s vision proved prophetic. He recalled how labels insisted on a Disney or Nickelodeon TV show connection, but Braun knew he had something different.

Bieber’s viral cover of Chris Brown’s “With You” was an early sign of his burgeoning online popularity, but it was Braun’s persistence that eventually landed him a record deal with Island Def Jam Recording. Two years later, his debut studio album, “My World 2.0,” spent four weeks atop the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his status as a legitimate pop sensation. Since then, he has released five more studio albums, all of which have hit No. 1, making his YouTube origin story an iconic tale of modern music discovery.

Bieber’s early success proved that the internet could indeed be a viable path to mainstream fame, paving the way for countless artists who would follow. His story remains a powerful example of how raw talent, coupled with the right platform and a visionary manager, can transform a bedroom singer into a global phenomenon.

2. **Shawn Mendes**Another Canadian sensation whose career took off thanks to the power of social media is Shawn Mendes, proving that the internet was quickly becoming a go-to source for scouting new talent. Like Bieber, Mendes was a teenager when he first caught the public’s eye, but his platform of choice was Vine, the short-form video app famous for its six-second clips. It was a cover of Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me” that propelled him into viral territory, creating a wonderfully circular moment of social media stardom.

In August 2013, Mendes posted his first video – the Bieber cover – which garnered an incredible 10,000 likes on Vine in its first day. This instant popularity quickly snowballed. By June 2014, Mendes boasted an impressive 2.5 million followers on Vine, a remarkable feat for a platform with such brief content. This burgeoning online presence was enough to catch the attention of Island Records, part of Universal Music Group, who recognized his undeniable talent and dedicated drive.

Island Records’ president David Massey acknowledged that while Mendes’ platform was a bonus, his talent, industry, and intelligence were the primary factors in wanting to sign someone so young and driven. Vine may have only been around for four short years before shutting down in 2017, but Mendes’ career has continued to thrive spectacularly. His 2015 debut album, “Handwritten,” spent an impressive 124 weeks on the Billboard Top 200, and he has since released four No. 1 albums, including 2020’s “Wonder.”

Beyond album success, Mendes has embarked on numerous world tours, been the subject of a Netflix documentary, and become a fixture in pop culture news. His journey exemplifies how even the most ephemeral social media platforms can serve as powerful springboards for lasting careers, turning a six-second clip into a lifetime of musical achievement.

3. **The Weeknd**The Weeknd, known to his family and close friends as Abel Tesfaye, has reached an almost mythical level of global superstardom, officially crowned the “world’s most popular artist” by Guinness World Records in March 2023. This recognition, based on astonishing Spotify listener numbers, underscores his immense cultural impact. Yet, for many fans, the origin of this megastar’s career remains a fascinating, somewhat enigmatic tale, rooted deeply in the anonymous corners of YouTube.

In early 2011, Tesfaye began posting his music online under the mysterious stage name ‘The Weeknd.’ His early tunes, like “What You Need,” quickly garnered attention, partly due to the deliberate aura of anonymity he cultivated. This mystery factor, as Insider suggests, piqued the curiosity of outlets like Pitchfork, but it was a crucial share from a fellow Canadian superstar that truly ignited his trajectory: Drake. When Drake shared a link to The Weeknd’s “House of Balloons” mixtape on Twitter, the world truly began to take notice.

Suddenly, the enigmatic artist was everywhere, and the internet buzzed with attempts to uncover his identity. By April of that year, Complex managed to piece together details about his name, age, and hometown, slowly pulling back the veil of anonymity. From those blurry beginnings, The Weeknd’s career rocketed, leading to performances at Coachella, headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, multiple Grammy wins, and an incredible seven No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Reflecting on his journey, The Weeknd told GQ in 2021, “The lines were blurry at the beginning. And as my career developed — as I developed as a man — it’s become very clear that Abel is someone I go home to every night. And The Weeknd is someone I go to work as.” His story showcases how a blend of compelling artistry, strategic online presence, and a touch of mystery can cultivate a devoted fanbase and lead to unparalleled success, transcending digital boundaries to create a global icon.

“Bo Burnham at the Montclair Film Festival 2018 02” by Montclair Film is licensed under CC BY 2.0

4. **Bo Burnham**Bo Burnham has carved out a unique and critically acclaimed niche in the world of comedy, acting, producing, writing, and directing. His diverse talents, perhaps most notably showcased in his 2018 film “Eighth Grade” and the 2021 comedy special “Bo Burnham: Inside,” have earned him multiple Primetime Emmys and a Grammy. What many might not realize, or perhaps forget, is that this multifaceted artist’s journey began in the very nascent days of YouTube, back when he was just a 16-year-old high schooler.

In 2006, Burnham uploaded a funny music video titled “My Whole Family Thinks I’m Gay” to YouTube. This seemingly simple act quickly transformed into a viral sensation after it was picked up by Break.com, leading to widespread exposure. The swift online popularity caught the attention of a Hollywood agent while Burnham was still a senior in high school, setting him on a path that veered dramatically from conventional expectations.

He famously deferred college to embark on a comedy tour, securing the approval of Judd Apatow and, by 2008, a four-record deal with Comedy Central Records. Burnham’s rapid ascent from internet sensation to acclaimed performer and filmmaker illustrates the early power of YouTube as a talent incubator, capable of spotting and nurturing raw creative potential long before traditional gatekeepers had their say. His comedic genius, delivered in short, engaging video formats, resonated instantly with a burgeoning online audience.

Despite his tremendous success, Burnham later expressed a nuanced view of YouTube, telling The New York Times in 2016, “I don’t mean to sound fatherly, but it’s amazing to watch a medium sell out on steroids.” Even with his critiques, his YouTube channel remains active, boasting over 3 million subscribers, a testament to the enduring impact of his original content and his lasting connection to the platform that launched his extraordinary career.

5. **Darren Criss**For many fans, Darren Criss burst onto the scene as Blaine Anderson in Fox’s musical comedy series “Glee” in 2010, quickly becoming a fan favorite and a major talent in the show’s ensemble. His post-“Glee” career has been incredibly successful, marked by a Primetime Emmy for his role in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” multiple Broadway stints, and a Billboard-charting EP. However, Criss’s story of stardom actually began much earlier, on a platform many musicians and actors have leveraged: YouTube.

Before “Glee” and the accolades, Criss was a student at the University of Michigan, where he co-founded a theatre group called Team StarKid. This innovative group gained widespread notoriety on YouTube with their musical parody of “Harry Potter,” aptly titled “A Very Potter Musical.” Criss not only took on the lead role but also composed the music, showcasing his multi-talented artistry to a rapidly growing online audience.

Criss himself acknowledged the overwhelming and accidental nature of their viral success, telling the Los Angeles Times, “That was the first taste of people paying attention to me. It was right at the advent of the viral video.” This early YouTube exposure provided him with a unique platform to display his acting and musical prowess, building a dedicated fanbase before Hollywood ever came calling. It was a clear demonstration of how grassroots digital content could capture public imagination and open doors to traditional entertainment pathways.

While Team StarKid continues its work, mostly without Criss, the impact of their viral YouTube musical remains a significant chapter in his origin story. His journey from leading an online parody to winning an Emmy highlights how creative projects shared on social media can serve as invaluable showcases, proving that talent, when given a digital stage, can find its way to the biggest spotlights.

6. **Tori Kelly**Tori Kelly’s path to fame is a story of resilience and the transformative power of social media, especially after facing a significant setback on a major television show. Infamously cut from “American Idol” in Season 9 when she was just 16, Kelly didn’t let that rejection define her. Instead, she pivoted to a platform that would become her true launchpad: YouTube. While she had previously dabbled with original music on MySpace, it was her move to sharing singing covers on YouTube that truly catalyzed her discovery.

This strategic shift proved to be a stroke of genius, and serendipitously, she caught the attention of none other than Scooter Braun – the same visionary manager who discovered Justin Bieber. Kelly recalled her deliberate approach to YouTube content, explaining to VIBE, “I remember consciously thinking, ‘Okay, I’m gonna post this cover right now, and then immediately after, I’m gonna give people this original that I just wrote.'” This balanced strategy allowed her to showcase both her interpretive skills and her songwriting talents, reassuring her audience that she was more than just a cover artist.

Today, Kelly boasts over 3 million YouTube subscribers, with her videos amassing more than 679 million views. While her official music videos now often surpass her covers in popularity, those early YouTube performances remain a crucial component of her success story. Her debut album, “Unbreakable Smile,” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in 2015, and she has since garnered moderate hits like “Hollow” and “Nobody Love,” along with five Grammy nominations and two wins in 2019.

Kelly’s journey from “American Idol” reject to Grammy-winning artist underscores how social media can provide a vital second chance, offering a direct conduit to fans and industry gatekeepers alike. Her consistent online presence and strategic content creation allowed her to forge her own path, demonstrating that talent, even when overlooked by traditional routes, can always find a home and an audience on the internet.” , “_words_section1”: “1994

7. **Winnie Harlow**Let’s kick things off with a true trailblazer who’s not just a supermodel but also an incredible inspiration: Winnie Harlow! She’s captivated the fashion world and millions of hearts, especially with her distinctive vitiligo, an auto-immune disorder that creates depigmentation patches on the skin. Harlow began developing vitiligo at age four, and it has undeniably become her calling card, helping redefine what the world sees as beautiful and proving that unique qualities are indeed strengths.

Growing up, Harlow felt isolated, telling People, “I never saw anyone like me on TV, billboards or on the runways.” But her journey to challenging those norms began online. While many first noticed her as a contestant on “America’s Next Top Model” (ANTM), her big break came when none other than Tyra Banks scouted her directly on Instagram. This online discovery was a game-changer, propelling the then-19-year-old onto the global stage in 2014, even though she didn’t ultimately win the competition.

Before ANTM, Harlow—whose real name is Chantelle Brown-Young—had already dropped out of school at 17 to pursue modeling. She was even booking jobs after gaining some initial notice on YouTube, showcasing that her online presence was building even before Tyra Banks’ crucial intervention. Her appearance on ANTM amplified her visibility, turning her into arguably “one of the most notable models ever to come out of the franchise.”

Since then, Winnie Harlow’s career has skyrocketed! She’s graced campaigns for major brands like Desigual, Diesel, Swarovski, and Fendi, and her stunning face has adorned the covers of multiple international editions of Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue. In 2022, she even launched her own sunscreen and skincare brand, Cay Skin, further cementing her status as a multifaceted entrepreneur and a powerful voice for inclusivity in the beauty industry. Talk about a glow-up that started with a double-tap!

An Outpouring of Tributes from the Music World — Horrific Pics Spark Fury: Alessia Cara Slams TMZ’s Payne Coverage | by EDMREKORDS.COM | EDM REKORDS | Medium, Photo by medium.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

8. **Alessia Cara**Get ready for another Canadian success story that sprouted from the digital garden – none other than the incredibly talented Alessia Cara! It seems the Great White North has a special knack for producing social media stars, with Cara joining the ranks of Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, The Weeknd, and Winnie Harlow. Her journey began quite humbly, first sharing videos of herself singing covers with her inner circle on Facebook, before making the jump to the more public stage of YouTube.

Cara was just 13 when she started creating these videos, and a huge part of her motivation was overcoming shyness. She famously told the Daily Dot, “I thought it would help me practice and get my voice out there a little bit. I didn’t think YouTube was going to get me anywhere.” She even admitted, “I thought my covers would fall into the pool with millions of others, and no one would ever see them.” Oh, how wrong she was!

Her YouTube covers, which included songs by legends like Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé, often accompanied by her own guitar, steadily built an online fanbase. The turning point arrived when music executive Tony Perez’s daughter showed him Cara’s stunning cover of “Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood. This led to a 16-year-old Cara getting studio time, and within a couple of years, right after graduating high school, she landed a dream deal with Def Jam.

Since then, Alessia Cara has truly shone! Her debut album, “Know-It-All,” released in 2015, delivered the lead single “Here,” which soared to No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100. She’s continued to churn out hits like “Scars to Your Beautiful” and her collaboration with Logic and Khalid, “1-800-273-8255.” In a historic moment for Canadian artists, Cara became the first from her country to win the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2018. From a shy teen covering songs in her bedroom to a Grammy winner – that’s a journey worth celebrating!

9. **Dua Lipa**For many of us in North America, it felt like pop sensation Dua Lipa emerged out of thin air with her self-titled debut album in 2017. But here’s the scoop: this powerhouse singer had been diligently working towards her big break for quite a while, signing with Warner Bros. Records UK three years prior. What many might not realize is that even before that major record deal, Lipa was a determined teenager, posting videos of herself singing online from the comfort of her childhood bedroom.

Lipa wasn’t waiting around for a lucky discovery; she was actively building her own path! In a video for WIRED, she explained her strategic approach: “I started making YouTube covers, and I started showing them to my friends in school.” More than just casual sharing, she explicitly stated, “And then I used them as like a form of portfolio to work with different producers and get in the studio.” This shows incredible foresight, leveraging social media as a professional tool long before it was the norm.

Unlike some of the other stars on our list, YouTube didn’t directly lead to Lipa’s discovery by a major label. Yet, it played an “important piece of her trajectory.” She even admitted to the BBC, “Deep down I wanted to have that Justin Bieber effect where someone would find me on YouTube!” While that specific “effect” might not have materialized, her independent hustle on the platform undeniably armed her with the experience and materials needed to impress industry professionals.

Fast forward to today, and Dua Lipa is an undeniable global icon! With three incredible albums under her belt, she’s had a string of chart-topping hits on Billboard’s Hot 100, including “New Rules,” “Don’t Start Now,” and the massively popular “Levitating.” She’s also racked up an impressive three Grammy Awards (from 10 nominations!) and even set a Guinness World Record with her livestreamed concert “Studio 2054” in 2021. Her story is a shining example that even if the path isn’t a direct “viral discovery,” a proactive online presence can be the crucial first step to monumental success!

10. **Dylan O’Brien**Now, let’s turn our attention to an actor who has truly become a household name, especially among fans of supernatural dramas and dystopian thrillers: Dylan O’Brien! Before he was battling werewolves on “Teen Wolf” or navigating mazes in “The Maze Runner” films, O’Brien was just a young teen, much like many of us, messing around with videos and uploading them to YouTube. He actually started his channel, “moviekidd826,” way back in 2006!

What’s truly awesome is that O’Brien has made it a point to keep his early YouTube channel active, even today. His top video, posted in 2008 when he was still a young teen, features him hilariously lip-syncing “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls, and it’s racked up over 18 million views! He’s remarkably humble about his early digital footprint, telling BuzzFeed in 2014, “It’s not like I keep them up because they’re really good. Obviously, I look at those videos and cringe.”

But here’s the kicker: those seemingly cringe-worthy videos were actually the launchpad for his career! O’Brien continued, “But those videos were my life back then — and what started my career.” An executive for “Teen Wolf” even confirmed that when O’Brien auditioned for the show, his resume basically consisted only of YouTube links, including one for a web series he had landed directly because of his personal channel, which he started at only age 14. Talk about proof that every little bit of creative output counts!

Dylan O’Brien became a bona fide teen idol when “Teen Wolf” premiered in 2011, and he’s since developed an incredibly successful acting career that goes far beyond MTV. In addition to his six seasons on the hit series, he’s made memorable guest appearances on popular shows like “New Girl” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” His filmography boasts impressive titles such as “Deepwater Horizon,” “American Assassin,” and all three “Maze Runner” movies. And we absolutely can’t forget his iconic role in Taylor Swift’s epic 13-minute music video, “All Too Well: The Short Film,” which snagged a Grammy for best music video in 2023. From homemade lip-syncs to Grammys – that’s the power of putting yourself out there!

11. **5 Seconds of Summer**Our list has been mostly about individual stars, but sometimes, social media fame comes in a pack! Say hello to the Australian pop-rock sensation, 5 Seconds of Summer – or 5SOS for short – made up of Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Ashton Irwin, and Calum Hood. These guys got their start on YouTube in 2011, back when they were just high school students in Australia. Hemmings actually began by posting solo videos before forming the band with Hood and Clifford, with the slightly older Irwin joining as their drummer soon after.

The band wasn’t shy about using *all* the social media platforms available to them to cultivate their fanbase. Beyond YouTube, they actively engaged with fans on Twitter and Facebook, creating a genuine connection that paid off. As drummer Ashton Irwin told The Age in 2012, “We pay attention to our online fans and they really give it back. They share our stuff and they are really coming on the journey with us.” This early digital strategy was key to building a loyal following even before mainstream recognition.

Then came the moment that changed everything! In 2012, 5SOS’s popularity exploded when none other than One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson tweeted about an acoustic version of their song “Gotta Get Out.” Talk about a major celebrity shout-out! Things spiraled from there, leading to 5SOS opening for One Direction’s massive “Take Me Home Tour” the very next year. This incredible exposure, combined with their already burgeoning online presence, quickly landed them a deal with Capitol Records by the end of 2013.

Since those whirlwind early days, 5 Seconds of Summer have firmly established themselves as far more than just “your average boy band.” As of this writing, they’ve released five studio albums – an impressive feat considering they only had an EP out when they booked that life-changing One Direction tour. They’ve also charted 15 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100, including their mega-hit “Youngblood,” which soared into the top 10. Their journey from high school mates sharing music online to global rockstars is pure social media magic!

12. **Charlie Puth**Time to wrap up our list with a multi-talented force in music: singer-songwriter Charlie Puth! You’ve definitely heard his catchy tunes like “Attention,” “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” and “One Call Away.” And let’s not forget “See You Again,” his incredible collaboration with Wiz Khalifa, which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for a whopping 12 weeks in 2015! With three studio albums, an EP, and four Grammy nominations under his belt, Puth’s immense singing, songwriting, and piano-playing talents are undeniable.

While it feels like someone with Puth’s raw talent was destined for stardom, social media definitely gave his career a turbo boost. He started his “Charlie Vlogs” YouTube channel at age 18 while honing his craft at Berklee College of Music, where he studied songwriting, music production, and engineering. This platform became his early stage, allowing him to share his gifts directly with an audience, demonstrating how digital avenues can accelerate the journey for budding artists.

The real game-changer came during his sophomore year of college when he received an unexpected call from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” They wanted him to perform his cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You” live on national television! “So I did and was signed to her label,” Puth shared with Entertainment Weekly in 2015. He described the moment: “I got to be in front of 15 million people, and it’s ultimately how Atlantic Records found me — because someone just happened to be watching the show that day. It’s pretty cool.”

That “Ellen” performance in 2011, where DeGeneres publicly announced his signing, was a pivotal moment. While he released some music under her label, it was his subsequent deal with Atlantic Records that truly allowed Puth to “show us what he could really do.” Interestingly, Puth has since hidden a lot of his early YouTube videos, according to The Daily Beast, perhaps reflecting his evolution as an artist and a slight detachment from his very early digital footprint.

From viral covers in a college dorm to Grammy nominations and global chart-toppers, Charlie Puth’s trajectory is a fantastic reminder that talent, when coupled with modern platforms and a dash of serendipity (like a call from Ellen!), can lead to unparalleled success. His story emphasizes how YouTube, initially just a place for “Charlie Vlogs,” became the unexpected catalyst for a career that continues to produce hit after hit, captivating audiences worldwide.

And there you have it! Twelve incredible stories of how a simple upload, a casual post, or a consistent stream of creativity on social media platforms transformed ordinary individuals into the global superstars we know and love today. From bedroom covers to viral comedy sketches, and from modeling breakthroughs to band origins, these narratives prove that the internet isn’t just a place to scroll; it’s a dynamic, democratic stage where talent can truly find its voice and reach audiences far beyond traditional gatekeepers. These celebrities didn’t just adapt to the digital age—they defined it, forging paths that continue to inspire millions to chase their dreams, one viral moment at a time. So go ahead, create, share, and who knows? Your next post could be the spark that ignites your own journey to stardom!