20 Actors Who Started on YouTube/TikTok and Now Lead Blockbusters

Social media platforms have evolved into powerful launchpads for aspiring performers who wish to break into the entertainment industry. Many of today’s most recognizable stars began their careers by uploading skits, song covers, or vlogs from their bedrooms before conquering Hollywood. This transition from viral sensation to blockbuster lead proves that digital fame can translate into serious acting credibility and box office success. The following list highlights twenty individuals who successfully made the leap from small screens to the biggest stages in global entertainment.

Dylan O’Brien

Dylan O’Brien originally gained attention through his personal YouTube channel where he posted comedic skits and shorts under the username moviekidd826. His online presence helped him land a breakout role in the supernatural series ‘Teen Wolf’ shortly after he graduated high school. He eventually transitioned to leading major film franchises including the dystopian thriller ‘The Maze Runner’ and its subsequent sequels. His career trajectory serves as one of the earliest and most successful examples of a digital creator finding massive success in traditional cinema.

Awkwafina

Nora Lum initially rose to prominence as a rapper and comedian on YouTube after her music video went viral in 2012. She leveraged this unique comedic voice to secure roles in major films such as ‘Ocean’s 8’ and the romantic comedy hit ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Her performance in ‘The Farewell’ earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. She solidified her status as a blockbuster star by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’.

Rachel Zegler

Rachel Zegler began her career by posting videos of herself singing covers of popular songs in her bedroom and high school auditorium. Her rendition of a track from ‘A Star Is Born’ garnered millions of views and caught the attention of casting directors. Steven Spielberg selected her from thousands of applicants to star as Maria in his adaptation of ‘West Side Story’. She continued her rapid ascent by leading the prequel film ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes’.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey started performing with her sister Chloe on their YouTube channel where they posted soulful covers of pop songs. Their version of a Beyoncé track attracted the attention of the music icon herself and led to a professional recording contract. Disney later cast Halle in the lead role of Ariel for the live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’. She further demonstrated her acting range by starring in the musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae first captured audiences with her popular web series ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl’ on YouTube. The success of this project paved the way for her critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Insecure’ which earned her multiple Emmy nominations. She recently transitioned to major film roles including a prominent part in the global phenomenon ‘Barbie’. Her voice work also featured heavily in the animated blockbuster ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’.

Addison Rae

Addison Rae amassed a massive following on TikTok through her dance videos and quickly became one of the most recognizable faces on the platform. She capitalized on her social media fame to secure a multi-picture deal with Netflix. Her acting debut came as the lead in the gender-swapped romantic comedy remake ‘He’s All That’. She proved her versatility by taking on a role in the slasher horror film ‘Thanksgiving’.

Bo Burnham

Bo Burnham began his career as a teenager by uploading musical comedy songs to YouTube that he recorded in his bedroom. His witty and introspective style led to successful comedy specials and eventually a transition into filmmaking. He received widespread acclaim for writing and directing the film ‘Eighth Grade’ which won numerous awards. As an actor he delivered a memorable performance in the Oscar-winning thriller ‘Promising Young Woman’.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan started vlogging and singing on YouTube at a young age and built a dedicated international fanbase. His early acting credits included playing a young James Howlett in the superhero film ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’. He later earned critical praise for his supporting role in the drama ‘Boy Erased’ alongside Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. Sivan continues to balance a successful music career with acting projects such as the series ‘The Idol’.

Liza Koshy

Liza Koshy dominated the Vine and YouTube landscape with her high-energy sketches and distinct physical comedy. Her digital success led to hosting gigs and roles in various television shows before she moved into feature films. She showcased her dance background in the Netflix comedy ‘Work It’ alongside other young stars. Recently she provided the voice for the character Arcee in the action blockbuster ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’.

Flula Borg

Flula Borg gained popularity on YouTube as a quirky German DJ who posted vlogs and comedic music covers. His unique personality and comedic timing allowed him to crossover into mainstream American cinema. He landed a breakout role as a member of the a cappella group Das Sound Machine in ‘Pitch Perfect 2’. Warner Bros later cast him as the character Javelin in the superhero film ‘The Suicide Squad’.

Jimmy Tatro

Jimmy Tatro created the YouTube channel LifeAccordingToJimmy where he wrote and starred in sketches depicting college life. This background in improvisation and comedy helped him secure a memorable role in the action-comedy ’22 Jump Street’. He continued to build his acting portfolio with leading roles in the mockumentary series ‘American Vandal’ and the film ‘Theater Camp’. His transition demonstrates how sketch comedy skills on the web can translate effectively to traditional screen acting.

Andrew Bachelor

Andrew Bachelor is better known by his online alias King Bach and was once the most followed person on Vine. He utilized his massive social media following to launch a prolific acting career in both television and film. His filmography includes appearances in the horror-comedy ‘The Babysitter’ and the disaster film ‘Greenland’. He consistently books roles in major studio comedies such as ‘Vacation Friends’ and its sequel.

Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes famously started his career by posting six-second song covers on the app Vine. These snippets went viral and launched him into global superstardom as a recording artist. He made his major motion picture debut by voicing the title character in the live-action musical ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’. His transition highlights the increasing trend of musicians crossing over into acting roles for family-friendly blockbusters.

Anna Akana

Anna Akana built a significant audience on YouTube through her narrative short films and vlogs addressing mental health and personal growth. Her acting career gained momentum with a role in the Marvel Studios film ‘Ant-Man’. She has since appeared in various television shows and films including ‘Let It Snow’ and ‘Blade of the 47 Ronin’. Akana continues to produce digital content while steadily expanding her presence in traditional Hollywood productions.

Kian Lawley

Kian Lawley rose to fame as a member of the collaborative YouTube group Our2ndLife before pursuing a solo career. He successfully pivoted to acting with a lead role in the teen drama ‘Before I Fall’ opposite Zoey Deutch. His performance demonstrated his ability to handle dramatic material beyond his internet persona. He has since starred in the horror thriller ‘Monster Party’ and appeared in other independent films.

Froy Gutierrez

Froy Gutierrez gained initial traction on Vine and Instagram before catching the eye of casting agents. He secured a recurring role on the hit supernatural series ‘Teen Wolf’ which introduced him to a wider television audience. He later starred in the highly anticipated Disney sequel ‘Hocus Pocus 2’. His career continues to grow with a leading role in the horror franchise reboot ‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’.

D.C. Young Fly

D.C. Young Fly became an internet sensation through his roasting videos on Vine and Instagram. His quick wit and improvisational skills earned him a spot on the improv comedy show ‘Wild ‘N Out’. He took on the lead role in the reboot of the classic comedy ‘House Party’ produced by LeBron James. He also appeared alongside Eddie Murphy in the holiday film ‘Candy Cane Lane’.

Lilly Singh

Lilly Singh became one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world with her channel Superwoman. Her comedic sketches and massive influence led to roles in films such as ‘Bad Moms’ and HBO’s adaptation of ‘Fahrenheit 451’. She voiced a character in the animated heist movie ‘The Bad Guys’ which was a box office success. Singh also broke barriers as the first YouTuber to host a late-night talk show on a major broadcast network.

Eugene Lee Yang

Eugene Lee Yang achieved viral fame as one of the founding members of the Try Guys on YouTube. His work often involved writing and directing elaborate video productions that showcased his creative range. He lent his voice to the character Ambrosius Goldenloin in the Academy Award-nominated animated film ‘Nimona’. This role marked a significant step in his transition from internet personality to professional voice actor in feature films.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson started her career making viral videos for Instagram and working as a producer for BuzzFeed Video. She utilized her writing and acting talents to create the mockumentary sitcom ‘Abbott Elementary’. The show became a massive critical and commercial hit that earned her multiple Emmy Awards. She also appeared as Oprah Winfrey in the biographical parody film ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’.

Please share your favorite performance by a former social media star in the comments.