Influencers are Taking Over Hollywood

The past three weeks we’ve talked about all the different ways social media has managed to impact the entertainment industry. But, we’ve yet to talk about one of the most impactful ways social media has on fame and how anyone ordinary can be a star. 

Once upon a time, breaking into Hollywood required endless auditions, the right connections, and a bit of luck. Now? You just need a phone, Wi-Fi, and one viral video. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are transforming ordinary creators into global celebrities—rewriting the blueprint for fame and shaking up the entertainment industry in the process.

Social Media Stars Turned Celebs 

Names like Charli D’Amelio, Alix Earle, Addison Rae used to mean nothing to me and you just mere five years ago, and now they are considered the mascots of our generation’s influencers. Influencers are no longer confined to their platforms. They’re headlining movies, topping music charts, and even walking the Met Gala carpet. Charli D’Amelio went from posting TikTok dances in her bedroom to starring in a Hulu reality series, The D’Amelio Show. Addison Rae made the leap to Netflix, landing the lead role in He’s All That, while Alix Earle just starred in five different Super Bowl commercials. 

This shift is blurring the lines between traditional celebrities and internet personalities. Fans don’t just watch these creators, they feel like they know them. These fans watched those TikTokers’ journey to fame–every single step. This authenticity is what makes social media stars so powerful. They build fan bases rooted in personal connection. People see themselves in them because they started off as regular people like us. 

Why Hollywood Is Paying Attention

Entertainment companies are realizing that bringing social media stars into mainstream projects means bringing their fan bases too. When Addison Rae’s movie debuted, it wasn’t just Netflix subscribers tuning in; it was her 88 million TikTok followers showing up to support her. And movie star is not the only Hollywood title Addison Rae holds. She is also an artist, with 12.2 million monthly listeners. 

This crossover between ordinary and industry also influences marketing strategies. Studios now regularly collaborate with influencers to promote new releases, tapping into their reach and relatability. Instead of relying solely on trailers and billboards, campaigns often feature creators making funny skits or posting behind-the-scenes content on TikTok. This format resonates more with Gen Z audiences. 

And yes, there are downsides to influencers entering Hollywood, but I chose to highlight influencers in a positive way because I think we can appreciate a rags to riches story that we all wish can happen to ourselves.