Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last four or five months, then – actually scrap that, we’ve pretty much all been living under a rock!
Social media is known for keeping people busy and entertained, but TikTok took that to a whole new level during the recent global pandemic and the lockdown that we have all endured.
What started as an app for influencers, soon turned into an app for escapism. Parents, teens and children alike were all sat at home under the firm instructions of Boris Johnson, so of course, they needed to fill their time with something.
Whether people were spending hours scrolling through hilarious videos to keep themselves amused or they were getting involved in the latest TikTok trend, most of the UK (and the rest of the world) were invested in this oh-so entertaining app.
Although favoured by under-25s, the video-sharing app was and still is, being thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Much less serious than other social media apps on the market, TikTok was made for fun. From dance trends, cooking videos, fashion content and comedic sketches, there really are no limits. Full of creativity, is there any wonder that the app has done so well?
With Love Island on the backburner for the foreseeable, TikTok have (unofficially) stood in and filled the Spanish-villa shaped hole in our lives. Users of the app are currently obsessing over a group of teens who have taken it upon themselves to create their very own version of the hottest show on tele… Yes, really. Although there is no cash prize, the KG Island (named after its founder, Kieran Gray) has gained thousands of views, supplying hours of entertainment.
Not only that, but Rihanna has just opened Fenty Beauty’s very first TikTok house, moving in five lucky creators. The house is filled with beauty stations and a makeup pantry - we’re so jealous!
So, with many new influencers coming to the forefront of social media, we thought we’d talk you through who we think are smashing it right now.
1. Charli D’Amelio
We couldn’t start this list without mentioning the Queen of TikTok, Charli D’Amelio.
Based in America, Charli began her TikTok career in 2019 and has since gone on to become one of the most famous faces to come from the video-sharing app. With over 80 million followers on TikTok alone, Charli is currently the most-followed individual on there.
Her online success has led to her attending Super Bowl LIV where she was asked to create the TikTok challenge, ‘J Lo Super Bowl Challenge’. She was also part of TikTok content house, ‘The Hype House’ along with 18 other creators including her sister, Dixie D’Amelio.
She has recently announced a new podcast deal alongside her sister. Is there anything Charli can’t do? We can’t wait to see what’s next.
2. Addison Rae
Another TikTok OG – Addison Rae has kept users of the app entertained throughout lockdown with her dances and other exciting content.
Now a well-known social media personality, Addison decided to take her newfound stardom more seriously and expand to other platforms, particularly YouTube and Instagram.
Addison has gone on to release a weekly podcast alongside her mum and has recently announced that she has co-founded a cosmetics line, Item Beauty. Her fun and engaging content has led her to work with global companies including Reebok and L’Oréal.
3. Dixie D’Amelio
Although the big sister, Dixie has followed in her sister’s footsteps and very quickly became a household name on TikTok.
As the 10th most followed individual on the app, Dixie’s career has gone from strength to strength. She is now recognised as a very talented singer and actress having released a debut single and appeared on the Brat TV series, Attaway General.
The D’Amelio girls are definitely a force to be reckoned with.
4. Jason Derulo
Singing sensation Jason Derulo has well and truly taken TikTok by storm and with over 32 million followers, he remains one of the biggest stars on the app.
With a number of his songs being used for viral dances and trends, Jason also shares fun and comedic clips as well as sneak peeks of his home life.
Jason Derulo has quite rightly become the King of TikTok.
5. Josh Richards
Rising to fame on TikTok, Josh Richards is a well-known social media star and actor with over 20 million followers on the video-sharing app.
Originally from Canada, Josh resides in the USA and in 2019, he became a member of the collaborative social group, Sway House.
Posting videos of himself dancing and lip-syncing to popular songs, Josh’s success on the app has led to numerous brand collaborations.
6. Kyle Thomas
Recognised for lip-syncing, dancing and food tasting videos, Kyle soon racked up over 15 million followers on his TikTok account.
From Kent, Kyle is friends with fellow content creators, Holly H and Max and Harvey. At the young age of just 15, Kyle Thomas has already established a successful career path.
7. Holly H
Holly H found fame through her hilarious Vine videos before building a strong fanbase on the app music.aly, which later became TikTok.
With over 16 million followers on TikTok, Holly often collaborates with other like-minded creators and is donned Britain’s biggest TikTok star.
Keeping her audience engaged throughout lockdown, Holly now works with brands such as Pretty Little Thing and Disney.
8. Noah Beck
A more recent success story, American TikTok star Noah Beck rose to fame after sharing content about all thing’s lifestyle and sports as well as comedy sketches.
As a member of the social group Sway House, Noah has amassed 10 million followers on the video-sharing app. Collaborating with the likes of Josh Richards, Noah is on track for a long and successful career.
9. Flo Simpson
I think most people on TikTok were completely hooked on Flo’s journey of trying to fit back into her jeans.
Documenting her weight loss journey on the app during the UK’s lockdown, Flo shared 60-second clips showing the food she had eaten and activities she’d taken part in to help keep her motivated.
Receiving millions of likes and views per video, Flo is continuing to gain followers and succeed on the app.
There are so many people who are absolutely killing it online right now, but those are just a few of our favourites. Who are your favourite TikTok stars?
With rumours that the app may be being banned in certain countries, do you think it’s going to stick around or is it time to wave goodbye to viral dances and comedy skits?
Are you interested in collaborating with a TikTok influencer? If so, our team of matchmaking experts are here to help. Get in touch with us today to find out more.