From GRWM To Grammys – The TikTokers Taking Fame Offline

It is natural to want to shift into different career paths, but it can be more challenging when you are primarily known for one specific role.

Many content creators across various platforms have attempted to transition from short video content creation to professional careers, such as acting, modelling, or singing. Some have succeeded, while others have faced setbacks, with Troye Sivan being a notable example. Once was best known for his YouTube channel and has now since been touring with pop diva Charli xcx and collaborating with Ariana Grande.

Typically, content creators aim to build a platform and gain fans to create the first stepping stone for their dream career. However, with TikTok’s future uncertain, many creators are unsure about their prospects on the app. As a result, many are branching away from their TikTok identities and making strides in popular media today.

 

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Addison Rae’s journey to fame has been remarkably swift and unique compared to her TikTok counterparts. She gained popularity on TikTok in 2020, joining the group ‘The Hype House’ and collaborating with the most followed person on the app at the time, Charli D’Amelio. Fast forward five years, and Addison has accomplished a lot that has made her far more relevant than other content creators. The most important element of her relevance is her diversification.

She began her journey as a music artist in 2022, releasing her debut song ‘Obsessed,’ which received mixed reviews on social media. Many critics dismissed Addison’s attempts to become a mainstream pop star, arguing that no one would take her seriously as a former TikToker.

 

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Addison’s career truly defined itself when she linked up with pop veteran Charli xcx and began collaborating on her new album, Brat. The pair worked together on a song, the ‘Von Dutch Remix,’ and the rest is history.

The general public began to support Addison as she ventured down a more niche route to stardom, marketing herself as a ‘cool girl.’ By not catering to a massive audience with generic pop music and instead creating a subgroup that adored her new style, Addison was able to cultivate a devoted fanbase.

She later released two songs of her own that offered a new sound that was lacking in the pop industry. ‘Diet Pepsi,’ inspired by the dark Americana aesthetic closely associated with Lana Del Rey, resonated with fans and gained her worldwide popularity, charting at 54 on the Billboard Hot 100 and amassing over 200 million streams.

 

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Charli D’Amelio, best known for being the most followed TikTok creator from 2020 to 2022, recently made her Broadway debut, starring in the hit musical & Juliet. The content creator has swapped out the Renegade dance for performances on the New York stage, showcasing her expert talent.

Charli was best known for her dance moves on TikTok, which helped her gain millions of followers. Her likeable personality also led her and her family to star in a reality TV show on Disney+, as many were eager to learn what fame was like for a young teenager who rose to prominence during lockdown.

In 2023, Charli won Dancing with the Stars, providing her with the opportunity to showcase her natural talent. Since then, Charli has taken more time off TikTok to rebrand herself and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. In 2024, she landed the role of Juliet on Broadway and moved from LA to New York to kickstart her professional career, recognising that TikTok is a platform primarily based on current relevance.

 

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Noah Beck, a former TikToker, has now begun his career as an actor in Netflix’s hit movie Sidelines QB and Me. This rom com has become popular with fans who remember Noah from his early days on TikTok. Starting in 2020, he joined The Hype House alongside Addison Rae and Charli D’Amelio. He was best known for his charm and boyish looks, and many were fascinated by his relationship with Charli’s older sister, Dixie.

The new movie has received praise from fans and is trending on Netflix, with many comparing it to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, another Netflix original that was a hit with teens. This could mark the beginning of a new era for Noah as Netflix’s new favourite actor, opening more avenues in the film world for him as he leaves his TikTok days behind.

While transitioning from a singular online identity to diverse professional careers can be challenging, many content creators are successfully redefining themselves beyond their TikTok origins. By branching into acting, music, and other media, figures like Addison Rae, Charli D’Amelio, and Noah Beck are carving out new paths in the entertainment industry.

Words by Alyssa O’Sullivan