VoiceLine

In 2017, Emma Chamberlain started posting on YouTube. She is now a multimillionaire with her own podcast, coffee brand and clothing line. As influencers continue to take over social media, she still stands as one of the most, if not the most, famous influencer turned celebrity. 

During COVID times in 2020, Tik Tok became the social media app to use, as people’s attention spans became too short for 10+ minute YouTube videos. Quarantine saw a breakout of social media influencers, each gaining millions of followers in a short few months. 

The difference between these influencers versus the early-2010s YouTube stars is that their platforms did not hold up. Often, many have moved to creating music or even trying to start YouTube accounts in attempts to stay relevant and keep a cash flow coming in. While their names are still recognizable to most of Gen Z, they wouldn’t qualify as celebrities in the slightest.

As much of the media we consume is heavily edited to portray an ideal and often unattainable lifestyle, Emma’s content has always thrived on showing authenticity and vulnerability. This not only created deeper connections with fans and viewers, but shaped a new standard for content creators. 

Though still posting on YouTube occasionally, Emma does not hold the presence she used to. While still praised by millions of long-time viewers, her content has shifted as she has grown into herself. After all, she did only start her career at 17. 

Madeline Argy started posting on Tik Tok in 2021, going viral in 2022 for a storytime about her sister. Soon thereafter, she was signed to United Talent Agency and began hosting the podcast “Pretty Lonesome.” Similar to Emma, Madeline’s content showcases her candid personality and honest and unfiltered portrayal of her everyday struggles. 

Both creators’ fan base roughly centers around girls in their teens to early twenties, years filled with confusion and growth. Finding someone with a prominent platform discussing issues you thought only you’ve faced is such a relief. Hearing a complete stranger talk about facing a lifelong battle with anxiety can put your own into a different perspective.