In just a few years, TikTok has gone from a fun app for lip-syncs and dances to one of the most powerful platforms for digital influence. And leading the charge? TikTok influencers — a new generation of content creators who are redefining what it means to be famous, influential, and relatable. What sets these influencers apart isn’t just their follower count — it’s their ability to connect, engage, and inspire millions of people around the world with short, punchy, and incredibly personal content.
In this post, we’ll dive into the stories and impact of some of the biggest names on TikTok today, from early breakout stars like Charli D’Amelio to the beauty world’s “it girl” Alix Earle, and a few others you’ll want to keep on your radar.
Charli D’Amelio – The Face of Gen Z Fame
It’s impossible to talk about TikTok without mentioning Charli D’Amelio. The Connecticut teen became a household name almost overnight thanks to her dance videos, which caught the attention of TikTok users around the globe in 2019. Her authentic charm, effortless style, and dance talent made her the app’s most-followed creator for a long time (until she was recently passed by Khaby Lame).
But Charli is more than a dancer — she’s a brand. She starred in her own Hulu reality show, danced in a Super Bowl commercial, and partnered with major brands like Dunkin’, Prada, and Hollister. What makes her standout isn’t just the viral numbers — it’s her ability to stay relatable even as her fame skyrockets. Whether she’s on a red carpet or in her room doing a Get Ready With Me video, Charli still feels like the girl next door.
Her journey reflects a broader shift in celebrity culture: people now value reliability over polish, and TikTok has become the perfect breeding ground for this new kind of fame.
Alix Earle – Beauty and Big Sister Energy
While Charli may have kicked off the influencer wave, Alix Earle has cemented herself as TikTok’s reigning queen of the “hot mess bestie” vibe. A University of Miami grad, Alix blew up thanks to her chaotic, chatty GRWM videos, often filmed in cluttered dorm rooms or mid-preparation for nights out. But what truly caught people’s attention was her authenticity — she’d talk openly about acne, breakups, and mental health, all while applying makeup or showing off her outfit of the day.
Alix has transformed the beauty space on TikTok. When she mentions a product — a blush, a lip liner, a hair tool — it sells out. She’s become a marketing powerhouse without ever sounding like she’s trying to sell you anything. Her influence is so strong that brands now chase her for collaborations, and she’s already worked with companies like Benefit Cosmetics and Amazon.
More than just a beauty influencer, Alix represents a shift in how Gen Z engages with content: unfiltered, unbothered, and incredibly loyal to creators who keep it real.
Loren Gray – The Original TikTok Pop Princess
Before Charli, there was Loren Gray — one of the original TikTok (then Musical.ly) queens. Known for her striking looks and lip-sync skills, Loren quickly gained a massive following, becoming the most-followed creator on the platform in its early days.
But Loren is more than a pretty face — she’s a singer, entrepreneur, and influencer with serious staying power. She’s released original music, built a beauty brand (Loren Gray Beauty), and maintained relevance in a constantly shifting digital landscape. While newer creators have risen in popularity, Loren paved the way for them — and she continues to thrive by evolving with the times.
JoJo Siwa – From Dance Moms to TikTok Icon
JoJo Siwa is a force of nature — and TikTok has only amplified her already huge personality. Long before TikTok, JoJo was known from Dance Moms, Nickelodeon, and her glitter-filled, high ponytail brand that captivated kids and tweens worldwide. But what makes her TikTok journey interesting is how she’s used the platform to reinvent herself.
Now in her 20s, JoJo has gradually evolved from a child star into a bold, unapologetic performer with edge, maturity, and a strong voice on identity, individuality, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Her TikToks range from hilarious lip-syncs and dance clips to real, candid moments about growing up in the spotlight, coming out, and embracing her authentic self.
She’s also continued to innovate as an entertainer, recently pivoting to more theatrical and bold fashion choices, exploring different music styles, and showing a more behind-the-scenes look at her creative process. On TikTok, JoJo Siwa isn’t just a performer — she’s a storyteller, activist, and role model.
What Sets These Stars Apart
What Loren Gray, JoJo Siwa, Charli D’Amelio, and Alix Earle all have in common is a sense of how to evolve with the platform and with their audience. TikTok isn’t static — it is an app that changes rapidly. Trends come and go. Audiences grow up. The influencers who succeed long-term are the ones who know how to stay relevant while staying real.
For JoJo, that means evolving past her Nickelodeon brand into something more authentic and adult. For Loren, it’s balancing her pop star ambitions with her digital roots. And for creators like Alix and Charli, it’s about sharing not just the highlights, but the real stuff — acne, breakups, anxiety, college chaos — the things that make their followers feel seen and understood.
