03/06/2026
This image highlights several musicians and entertainers who gained fame through social media platforms like YouTube, Vine, Twitter, and SoundCloud. Justin Bieber was discovered by Scooter Braun after posting YouTube covers. Shawn Mendes gained fame by posting six-second song covers on Vine. The Weeknd rose to prominence by posting anonymous tracks to YouTube. Tori Kelly went viral after her rejection from American Idol led to a YouTube cover career. Alessia Cara earned a Def Jam deal through her YouTube covers. Halsey used parody Taylor Swift songs on Tumblr to build a following. Doja Cat launched her career with the viral “Moo” video. Post Malone uploaded “White Iverson” to SoundCloud. Cardi B became famous as an Instagram and Vine personality (formerly a stripper). Lil Nas X promoted “Old Town Road” using memes on Twitter. Soulja Boy was the first rapper to use a YouTube/MySpace strategy, while Joy Division and Filthy Frank are also noted for their early digital influence.