In just over a decade, content creators have gone from digital outliers to industry power brokers. What began as a side hustle has evolved into a new form of celebrity — portable, profitable, and deeply in tune with audiences in ways traditional entertainment still struggles to match. And they’re not just behind the ring lights anymore; they’re headlining movies, writing screenplays, and directing studio-backed projects.
You’ve seen them on your For You page, and now, you’re seeing them on your screen. Here are the creators shaping the new face of Hollywood:
Lilly Singh
Lilly Singh used her quick comedic timing and cultural commentary to dominate YouTube before breaking late-night TV barriers as the host of A Little Late with Lilly Singh, later branching into acting in shows like The Muppets Mayhem and Dollface.
Bo Burnham
Bo Burnham began as a sharp-witted teenager posting musical comedy on YouTube in 2006 and has since evolved into a multi-hyphenate creative force — writing and directing the Sundance hit Eighth Grade, performing introspective specials, and acting in Oscar-winning films like Promising Young Woman.
Colleen Ballinger
Colleen Ballinger turned her satirical alter ego Miranda Sings into a full-blown phenomenon, eventually bringing the cringe-comedy character to life in Netflix’s scripted series Haters Back Off, a rare transition from YouTube sketch to streaming original.
Grace Helbig & Hannah Hart
Once DIY queens of YouTube comedy, Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart channeled their quirky chemistry into feature-length films like Camp Takota and a modern reboot of Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, proving their comedic chops beyond the platform.
Mamrie Hart
Mamrie Hart, known for her boozy YouTube series and unfiltered humor, co-wrote and starred in millennial cult comedies like Camp Takota and Dirty 30, showing how creator-led stories could resonate on screen.
Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes first gained attention on Vine with heartfelt acoustic covers, and quickly built a successful music career with pop singles like "Stitches," "Treat You Better," "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back," and "Señorita." His smooth transition into acting began with a leading voice and music role in the family film Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, showcasing his range beyond the stage.
King Bach (Andrew Bachelor)
King Bach (Andrew Bachelor), once the undisputed king of Vine — he holds the Guinness World Record for the most Vine followers with over 16 million — flipped short-form comedy into a prolific acting career, racking up credits in The Babysitter, Greenland, and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. And according to him, making the jump from smartphone feeds to the big screen was always part of his master plan.
Liza Koshy
Liza Koshy went from physical comedy and skits on Vine and YouTube to starring roles in Netflix’s Work It, voiceovers in blockbuster franchises like Transformers, and hosting duties across major networks.
Lele Pons
Lele Pons parlayed her slapstick Vine persona into reality-style storytelling, starring in her own docuseries, The Secret Life of Lele Pons, and competing on Dancing with the Stars, blending digital and traditional fame.
Addison Rae
Addison Rae danced her way to TikTok superstardom and caught Hollywood’s attention with a multimillion-dollar Netflix deal, launching her acting career in the teen rom-com He’s All That while also exploring a pop music path.
Charli D’Amelio
Charli D’Amelio, once the reigning queen of TikTok dance trends, has built a multi-faceted career — starring in Hulu’s The D’Amelio Show, winning Dancing with the Stars, voicing animated characters, and recently making her Broadway debut in &Juliet.
Bella Poarch
Bella Poarch went viral with expressive lip-syncs on TikTok and is now carving a path in music with tracks like "Build a Bitch" and "Dolls," blending striking visuals and empowerment-driven themes. Her creative vision extends beyond music into fashion, recently debuting a bold HUGO capsule collection inspired by her EP.
Issa Rae
Issa Rae took the raw honesty of her YouTube series Awkward Black Girl and transformed it into the award-winning HBO hit Insecure, establishing herself as a Hollywood powerhouse with roles in Barbie, The Photograph, and a growing slate of productions.
Quinta Brunson
Quinta Brunson began as a viral sketch comedian at BuzzFeed and Instagram, then skyrocketed to mainstream acclaim as the creator, writer, and star of the Emmy-winning series Abbott Elementary.
Donald Glover
Donald Glover started with online sketches as part of Derrick Comedy, then rewrote the rules of modern storytelling as the creator of Atlanta. He also starred in major franchises like Solo: A Star Wars Story and reinvented himself musically as Childish Gambino.
Markiplier (Mark Fischbach)
A YouTube giant known for his gaming videos and interactive series like In Space with Markiplier, Markiplier is now moving behind the camera with his feature film directorial debut Iron Lung, proving his storytelling talents extend well beyond Let’s Plays.
Rudy Mancuso
Rudy Mancuso went from music-infused sketches on Vine and YouTube to starring in and directing his own feature film, Música, showcasing his talents as a storyteller, actor, and musician with a unique comedic voice.
Noah Beck
First rising to fame through TikTok’s golden era with his athletic charm and choreographed trends, Noah Beck has since stepped into the spotlight as a model, reality personality, and actor, with a starring role in the upcoming teen film The QB Bad Boy and Me.
Chloe Cherry
Originally gaining attention on adult content platforms and social media, Chloe Cherry made a striking mainstream debut as Faye in HBO’s Euphoria, where her deadpan delivery and screen presence earned her critical and fan acclaim.
Yasmin Finney
Yasmin Finney, who captivated TikTok with her trans advocacy and charisma, became a breakout star in Netflix’s Heartstopper and was cast as Rose in the Doctor Who universe — a groundbreaking moment for representation in the long-running franchise.
Bel Priestley
Bel Priestley built a loyal following through TikTok and YouTube by sharing her trans journey and fashion-forward perspective, leading to her acting debut in Season 2 of Netflix’s beloved teen drama Heartstopper.
Kalen Allen
Kalen Allen gained viral fame with hilarious YouTube reaction videos before proving his versatility as an actor in An American Pickle, A Black Lady Sketch Show, and multiple streaming features including Meet Me Next Christmas.
Alan Chikin Chow
Alan Chikin Chow became a standout in the fast-paced world of YouTube Shorts, developing his own comedy universe and scoring roles in series like Grey’s Anatomy and Into the Dark, while also creating his own projects like Alan’s Universe.
Elsa Majimbo
Elsa Majimbo turned her laid-back, sardonic humor into a global brand, landing roles in short films like Bitter Leaf and series like Yara Shahidi's Day Off, while continuing to explore storytelling across formats.
