by By Willow Milchman
These days anyone anywhere can become famous. The person sitting next to you could be famous tomorrow by posting a “get ready with me” TikTok or even just talking about an interesting experience they had. For someone who doesn’t exactly know what Tik Tok is, I would explain it as a series of skits or a talk show. There is something new every time you scroll – a story, a how-to, a PSA, and the list keeps going. This is a platform where people can post content about anything, and people will relate, then comment, then bam – a community is formed.
I have noticed a difference between how and why people are becoming famous now vs. before Tik Tok. In the past, I felt like content creators would become famous for a couple of months, but then people would eventually forget about them. However, now Tik Tok stars are staying popular because brands are turning these people into influencers. You can find many influencers on YouTube or Instagram; however, most people are becoming famous on Tik Tok because of the algorithms. When you click on YouTube, you probably know what you want to watch, so you search for the video or creator you are looking for. In contrast, when you open Tik Tok, videos are displayed for you that have gotten views and attention from other viewers with similar algorithms. Many teens and young adults are spending more and more time on Tik Tok to watch content rather than on YouTube or Instagram.
Influencer Alix Earle’s content has recently flooded Tik Tok and the internet. I have never seen someone come to fame as fast as her. I must admit, I followed her the first time I came across one of her videos on my “for you page.” Something about how she tells stories makes her audience feel like they are living through her and all of her influencer opportunities. She tries to connect with her viewers, which is why she became such a well-known influencer. At first, most of her content was “get ready with me” videos, but now she is incorporating many makeup or clothing brands into her videos. Earle has about 4.9 million Tik Tok followers and 2.4 million Instagram followers.
To put this into perspective, famous YouTube star David Dobrik began making content in 2013, but his career didn’t take off until 2018. In contrast, Earle started on Tik Tok in 2020 and blew up in 2022. Many brands began to reach out to her once she took off with followers and fame. However, the same happened with Dobrik, not with the same speed as Earle. Statistically, Earle is the fastest-growing content creator Tik Tok has ever witnessed. This Tik Tok below represents how obsessed people are getting over her and how many opportunities have come out of her rapid rise to being an influencer.
Now you may be wondering how many people are becoming famous so fast. I have some answers for you. First off, many brands are reaching out to these up-and-coming stars for them to wear, use, or show off their new products. These influencers can affect consumers buying behaviors due to their fame and relationship with their viewers. As soon as any market relating to a certain content creator gets somewhat recognized by the public, brands beg and bombard them with offers. Therefore, this speeds up the process by which people are getting famous. Partnerships and sponsors are changing the game regarding influencer fame through Tik Tok. I belive that we will see many more Alix Earles in the future.
