It’s TikTok on the clock, so if you’re thinking about starting your career as a content creator or influencer, now’s the time!
We live in a digital age where it’s easier than ever to make your dreams a reality, whether you have a message to share with the world or want to earn a living from your art. This is thanks in part to social media apps like TikTok.
To help you on your way, we’ve compiled a list of eight of the most-followed people on TikTok in the US and the key lessons they can teach up-and-coming creators about building a platform online. To keep this fair, we’ve excluded businesses and singers — sorry, guys! Let’s dive in.
1) Khaby Lame
@khaby.lame
Who are they? 24-year-old Khaby Lame only joined the content creation game in 2020, but he quickly became the most-followed TikToker in the world. Lame’s video format is simple and consistent, with the creator stitching overcomplicated ‘life hack’ videos with a snap of himself performing the same task in a much simpler way.
Why are they popular? It’s taken Lame just four years to become one of the most followed people in the world. How? Well, it was all in the timing! Lame joined TikTok during the pandemic, delivering bite-sized laughs at a time when we needed them most.
What can we learn from Khaby Lame? There’s power in timing. Gaining a following online isn’t just about what you create but whether your content feeds into the zeitgeist. Our advice? Keep an eye on the trends dominating your fans’ feeds and what’s going on in pop culture.
2) Charli D'Amelio
@charlidamelio
Who are they? If “Charli D’Amelio'' was the first name that came to mind when you thought “TikTok creators,” you’re not alone. A dancer at heart, D’Amelio was the first person to reach 50M followers on the platform.
Why are they popular? D’Amelio found fame practically overnight, going viral several times with her dance videos and popularizing the ‘Renegade’ trend in 2019. But D’Amelio wasn’t chasing stardom — she posted videos of her dancing for fun — and it’s this relatability combined with her raw talent that drew in the followers.
What can we learn from Charli D’Amelio? Chase your dreams. D’Amelio started posting on TikTok not because she wanted to be famous but because she loved dancing. If you have a hobby or skill, start your content journey there.
3) MrBeast
@mrbeast
Who are they? As the most popular YouTuber, it’s no surprise that MrBeast also has an incredible following on TikTok, too. Here, he posts challenge videos, behind-the-scenes videos, funny skits, and more.
Why are they popular? Jimmy Donaldson is best known for his high-stakes YouTube videos, but his TikTok offers his fans shorter, informal videos to supplement his longer content.
What can we learn from MrBeast? Adapt your content to your platform. If you want to build a following across multiple platforms, take the time to create content optimized for each platform’s algorithm and your audience there.
4) Bella Poarch
@bellapoarch
Who are they? In 2024, Poarch’s content centers on her career as a singer, but she got her start by lip syncing to trending sounds (famously bobbing her head to that viral ‘M to the B’ sound) and sharing cosplay videos.
Why are they popular? Countless TikTokers have gone viral over the years, but few have enjoyed longevity like Poarch. What sets Poarch apart is her unique brand; fans have stuck around because of her trademark facial expressions, eye-catching sense of style, and authentic personality.
What can we learn from Bella Poarch? Don’t underestimate the power of aesthetics. TikTok is a highly visual medium, and you only have seconds to grab a user’s attention before they scroll to the next video — Poarch knows how to make those first few seconds count.
5) Addison Rae
@addisonre
Who are they? Addison Rae is one of a lucky few who have built a name for themselves beyond TikTok, landing roles in several films and collaborating with singer Charlie XCX.
Why are they popular? While Rae first gained attention for her dance choreography — leveraging trending sounds as the backing for her videos — she’s maintained relevancy over the years thanks to her charismatic personality, authentic approach to content creation, and versatility.
What can we learn from Addison Rae? Take advantage of trending sounds. TikTok’s sound feature allows creators to jump on emerging trends, something that helped put Rae on the map.
6) Zach King
@zachking
Who are they? Zach King is MAGIC. OK, not really, but his mind-bending videos, which use clever editing to create ‘digital illusions’, are the next best thing.
Why are they popular? King found his niche by creating six-second ‘magic vines’ back in the 2010s. King’s audience, who thankfully followed him to TikTok after Vine died, love his highly creative content, his sheer level of skill, and how he adds a touch of magic to their FYPs.
What can we learn from Zach King? Always be creative! King’s audience keeps coming back because he pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with editing, meaning his content never gets boring.
7) Dixie D'Amelio
@dixiedamelio
Who are they? Dixie D’Amelio is the second of the two D’Amelio sisters on this list. A sought-after influencer in her own right, D'Amelio is best known for being a singer.
Why are they popular? Sometimes, it’s as simple as having a larger-than-life personality. People follow Dixie D’Amelio because she’s Dixie D’Amelio, tuning in because they love her music, her humor, and her style.
What can we learn from Dixie D’Amelio? Be yourself. Authenticity is so important when building your following, and being yourself is the fastest way to build a real connection with your audience.
8) Spencer X
@spencerx
Who are they? Spencer X is an exceptionally skilled beatboxer who’s been creating content online for over a decade.
Why are they popular? If you think there’s not much you can do with beatboxing, you’d be wrong! Spencer X doesn’t just beatbox in his videos; he uses his vocal percussion abilities as sound effects, layers them over popular songs, and engages in trends and challenges.
What can we learn from Spencer X? Use your unique talents in unique ways. Knight is a great beatboxer, yes, but what sets him apart from others is how he incorporates that talent into his videos.
