TikTok has become one of the most talked-about social media platforms in recent years, with millions of users sharing and creating content on it every day. Among these users are a handful of influencers who have managed to garner millions of followers, becoming some of the most popular internet celebrities in the world.
However, like all things on the internet, nothing is ever permanent, and the rise and fall of these TikTok influencers can be just as swift as their ascent to fame. Here’s a look at some of the most notable rise and falls of TikTok’s most popular influencers.
Addison Rae
Addison Rae Easterling (@addisonre) is one of the biggest TikTok stars in the world, with over 80 million followers on the app. The 21-year-old originally gained fame for her dance videos and her friendship with fellow influencer Charlie D’Amelio. But her meteoric rise came to a halt after fans discovered that she had previously liked and shared controversial and offensive material on social media. This led to an outcry from fans who called for her to address the situation, which she eventually did with a formal apology.
Charli D’Amelio
16-year-old Charli D’Amelio (@charlidamelio) is hailed as the queen of TikTok, with over 120 million followers on the app. Her content typically consists of short dance videos, and she has even collaborated with brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and Morphe. However, in November 2020, D’Amelio came under fire for a YouTube video where she appeared to be rude to her private chef. Fans were quick to call her out for her behavior, leading her to apologize and even lose followers.
Tony Lopez
Tony Lopez (@tonylopez) is another big name on TikTok, known for his dance moves and comedic skits. He has over 22 million followers on the app and is often referred to as a member of the Hype House, a collective of TikTok creators. However, his fame came under scrutiny in August 2020 when a 15-year-old girl accused him and his brother of allegedly soliciting photos and videos from her. The two brothers denied the allegations, but the damage to their reputations was already done.
Loren Gray
Loren Gray (@lorengray) is a 19-year-old TikTok star with over 46 million followers. She gained fame for her lip-syncing videos and has since become a singer, with songs like “My Story” and “Alone” under her belt. However, in 2019, fans discovered that Gray had allegedly purchased fake followers, which led to some backlash. Gray addressed the situation in a TikTok video, admitting that she had bought followers early on in her career but had stopped since.
Conclusion
The rise and fall of TikTok’s most popular influencers are a testament to the fickle and ever-changing nature of social media. One moment, they can be the biggest names on the app with a legion of fans, and the next, they can be embroiled in controversy and lose their following. Despite this, TikTok remains a platform where anyone can become an overnight sensation, and it just goes to show that you never know who might be the next big thing.