How Social Media Influencers Are Launching the Next Generation of Music Stars

In the streaming age, or what we like to call the SUBSTREAM age, discovering new music no longer requires tuning into the radio or checking Billboard charts. Today, social media influencers are the pulse of the industry—acting as digital tastemakers who help music artists go viral on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

These creators are doing more than just promoting trends—they’re launching careers. From unsigned pop prodigies to alt-pop rebels and hip-hop underdogs, artists are finding new fans every time an influencer posts a video, lip-sync, or dance routine to their track.

Why Social Media Is a Game Changer for Music Discovery

Music Is the Backbone of Viral Content

Whether it’s a 15-second TikTok dance, a lifestyle vlog, or a GRWM (Get Ready With Me) video, music sets the mood. Catchy tracks and emotional hooks are the secret weapon behind influencer engagement.

Virality Over Traditional Radio Play

A radio station might spin a song a few times a week. An influencer’s post? It can hit 10 million views overnight. That kind of reach turns obscure tracks into viral anthems.

Trusted Recommendations > Paid Ads

When fans see their favorite influencer genuinely vibing to a song, it feels like a personal recommendation—not a promotion. This authenticity drives real streaming numbers and builds loyal listeners.

Top 10 Social Media Influencers Helping Artists Go Viral

These U.S.-based creators have mastered the formula: the right vibe, the right song, and the right moment. Here’s who’s shaping music trends in 2025:

1. Charli D’Amelio

  • Platform: TikTok

  • Known For: Viral dance trends

  • Artists Boosted: Doja Cat, BENEE, The Kid LAROI

  • Why She Matters: Helped “Say So” become a No.1 Billboard hit after choreographing a TikTok dance that went viral.

2. Addison Rae

  • Platform: TikTok & Instagram

  • Known For: Pop-centric dance and beauty content

  • Artists Boosted: Megan Thee Stallion, Olivia Rodrigo

  • Fun Fact: Helped boost “Savage” into mainstream popularity before it topped charts.

3. Larray

  • Platform: YouTube & TikTok

  • Known For: Comedic raps and diss tracks

  • Artists Boosted: Cardi B, Lil Nas X

  • Why He Matters: His original song “Canceled” introduced thousands to up-and-coming hip-hop artists.

4. Spencer X

  • Platform: TikTok & YouTube

  • Known For: Beatboxing collabs and remixes

  • Artists Boosted: Russ, H.E.R., Lil Tecca

  • Fun Fact: Has been featured in branded campaigns for music releases on Spotify.

5. Avani Gregg

  • Platform: TikTok

  • Known For: Alt-pop aesthetics and fashion

  • Artists Boosted: Billie Eilish, Tate McRae

  • Why She Matters: Her aesthetic edits and moody video vibes have helped turn low-key pop tracks into viral audio.

6. David Dobrik

  • Platform: YouTube

  • Known For: Pranks, vlogs, and montage edits

  • Artists Boosted: AJR, Bazzi, Quinn XCII

  • Power Move: Strategically places music in emotionally charged vlog moments that fans replay.

7. Bella Poarch

  • Platform: TikTok

  • Known For: Lip-syncing and dark-pop visuals

  • Artists Boosted: Sub Urban, Ashnikko

  • Bonus: Her own music career has collaborated with top alt-pop producers.

8. Bretman Rock

  • Platform: Instagram & YouTube

  • Known For: Beauty content and lifestyle humor

  • Artists Boosted: Kehlani, SZA

  • Notable Mention: Frequently uses under-the-radar R&B tracks that later climb playlists.

9. Quenlin Blackwell

  • Platform: TikTok & Instagram

  • Known For: Chaos-core humor and raw emotion

  • Artists Boosted: Remi Wolf, Rico Nasty, Tierra Whack

  • Underground Queen: Has introduced thousands of fans to left-field bops and anti-pop.

10. Dixie D’Amelio

  • Platform: TikTok & YouTube

  • Known For: Being both influencer and music artist

  • Artists Boosted: Blackbear, Iann Dior

  • Double Threat: Features other artists in her songs, videos, and content series.

Case Studies: Influencer-Powered Music Success

  • Doja Cat – “Say So”
    Boosted by: Charli D’Amelio
    Result: Chart-topping hit with TikTok virality at its core.

  • Olivia Rodrigo – “Driver’s License”
    Boosted by: Addison Rae & TikTok lifestyle creators
    Result: #1 global Spotify hit with over 1 billion streams.

  • Remi Wolf – “Photo ID”
    Boosted by: Quenlin Blackwell
    Result: Rose from indie alt-pop track to viral TikTok audio.

 

  • Sub Urban – “Cradles”
    Boosted by: Bella Poarch aesthetic edits
    Result: Spotify viral charts and TikTok meme stardom.

Why Music Marketers Are Chasing Influencers in 2025

Record labels are no longer relying solely on playlists or radio promotion. Now, they’re hiring influencer marketing teams to launch songs with pre-planned viral campaigns, seeded to creators across platforms.

Final Thoughts: Influencers Are the New Radio Hosts

The future of music discovery lives on our phones—and social media influencers are holding the aux cord. Their ability to break new artists, define genres, and steer pop culture is undeniable. If you’re a music fan, artist, or label executive looking for the next breakout star, the secret might be as simple as: follow the influencers.