【Watch Dark Fantasies (2010)】

In just over a decade,Watch Dark Fantasies (2010) content creators have gone from digital outliers to industry power brokers.

What began as a side hustle on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram 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.

SEE ALSO: How content creators are redefining Hollywood's power structure

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 Mayhemand Dollface.

---

You May Also Like

---

---

Bo Burnham

Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images for DGA

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

Credit: Leon Bennett/Getty Images

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

Credit: Charley Gallay/SAs 2014/Getty Images for DCP

Once DIY queens of YouTube comedy, Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart channeled their quirky chemistry into feature-length films like Camp Takotaand a modern reboot ofElectra Woman and Dyna Girl, proving their comedic chops beyond the platform.

Mamrie Hart

Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images

Mamrie Hart, known for her boozy YouTube series and unfiltered humor, co-wrote and starred in millennial cult comedies like Camp Takotaand Dirty 30, showing how creator-led stories could resonate on screen.

Shawn Mendes

Credit: Frank Hoensch/Redferns via Getty Images

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)

Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

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

Credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Global Citizen

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

Credit: Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

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.

Mashable Trend Report Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means. Sign up for Mashable’s weekly Trend Report newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

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 Thatwhile also exploring a pop music path.

Charli D’Amelio

Credit: Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

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. She also appeared in an episode of the Apple TV+ satirical series The Studio.

Bella Poarch

Credit: Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

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

Credit: Julia Beverly/Getty Images

Issa Rae took the raw honesty of her YouTube series Awkward Black Girland 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

Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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

Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

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)

Credit: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

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

Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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

Credit: Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images

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

Credit: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Yasmin Finney, who captivated TikTok with her trans advocacy and charisma, became a breakout star in Netflix’s Heartstopperand was cast as Rose in the Doctor Whouniverse — a groundbreaking moment for representation in the long-running franchise.

Bel Priestley

Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Warner Music

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

Credit: Jamie McCarthy/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

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

Credit: Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images

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 Leafand series like Yara Shahidi's Day Off, while continuing to explore storytelling across formats.

Topics Creators