10 Former YouTubers and Influencers Who Made It Big in Film

The realm of entertainment has undergone a transformation, as digital platforms such as YouTube and TikTok have emerged as springboards for fresh talent. This new wave of creators is moving from brief video clips online to leading parts in prominent movies, transporting their dedicated fan bases and distinctive vibes to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Once popular online personalities like bloggers and YouTubers have swapped out vlogs and comedic skits for scripted scenes and film sets, demonstrating that their charm extends beyond the digital world. Here are ten exceptional actors who’ve made the successful leap from the internet to movies, showcasing their versatility in a wide range of roles across various genres.

Joe Sugg

Joe Sugg, previously recognized as ThatcherJoe on YouTube, amassed a significant fanbase through his humorous vlogs. He showcased his charisma in the big screen with ‘Joe and Caspar Hit the Road’ (2015), a comedy-documentary where he and Caspar Lee journeyed across Europe without money, performing various odd jobs.

In my view, Sugg’s genuine humor and ability to connect with people truly resonated with fans, contributing significantly to the film’s success. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to see him in ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run’ (2020), where he lent his voice to a character. He manages to skillfully juggle acting with maintaining his online presence, which I find truly impressive.

Liza Koshy

Liza Koshy’s contagious wit, which has amassed over 17 million followers on Vine and YouTube, paved the way for her to land roles in films like ‘Boo! A Madea Halloween’ (2016) and ‘Work It’ (2020), a Netflix dance-comedy in which she played an eccentric choreographer.

Her humor and lively spirit are brilliantly showcased across films and television series, even extending to hosting ‘Double Dare’ on Nickelodeon from 2018 to 2019. Koshy’s knack for engaging viewers ensures that she remains a sought-after talent in mainstream productions.

Kian Lawley

Kian Lawley, who is famously recognized for his YouTube channel SuperKian13, ventured into the realm of horror with ‘The Chosen’ (2015), where he played a significant role in a spine-chilling supernatural storyline. The followers of his joint YouTube channel KianAndJC were drawn to watch him on the silver screen.

In the movie ‘Before I Fall’ (2017), Lawley demonstrated a side of him that went beyond comedy and YouTube, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Since then, he has delved into more substantial roles in ‘Monster Party’ (2018), reinforcing his commitment to acting.

Flula Borg

Flula Borg, the popular German YouTube personality recognized for his AutoTune car renditions and peculiar vlogs, made a cinematic debut in ‘Pitch Perfect 2’ (2015), portraying Pieter, a competitor singer. His knack for comedy also earned him parts in ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip’ (2015) and ‘Buddymoon’ (2016).

In group performances, Borg’s distinctive voice and wit truly shine, setting him apart from others. Demonstrating his adaptability, he has delved into voice acting, with ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ (2018) being one example.

Cameron Dallas

Cameron Dallas gained popularity through Vine and YouTube, showcasing his appealing character. This recognition eventually landed him the lead role in the 2014 teen comedy ‘Expelled’, produced by AwesomenessTV. In this movie, he portrayed a mischievous character maneuvering through the chaos of high school life.

In 2015, I made an appearance in the series ‘The Outfield’, demonstrating my knack for handling dramatic scenes. My substantial online fanbase has been instrumental in securing me roles, and I’m constantly working towards honing my acting skills further.

Lilly Singh

Lilly Singh, also known as Superwoman, created a YouTube dominion with more than 9 million subscribers, then went on to act in ‘Dr. Cabbie’ (2014) and direct ‘A Trip to Unicorn Island’ (2016), a YouTube Red movie that documented her global tour.

In movies such as ‘Bad Moms’ (2016), her comedic abilities and ability to connect with audiences are clearly evident. Singh’s acting career expansion, even extending to voice work in ‘The Bad Guys’ (2022), showcases her versatility as a performer.

Ian Hecox

Ian Hecox, one of the two comedians behind YouTube duo Smosh, featured in ‘Smosh: The Movie’ (2015), a popular comedy that saw him and Anthony Padilla delve into a virtual YouTube universe to rectify a video. This film struck a chord with their massive fanbase of 22 million subscribers.

In ‘Angry Birds’ (2016), Hecox brought his talent for physical humor and sharp humor, as he voice-acted a character. He seamlessly merges his acting career with his thriving digital comedy realm.

Charli D’Amelio

Charli D’Amelio, who boasts more than 150 million followers on TikTok and is known as a sensation there, made her acting debut by providing the voice for Tinker in the 2019 film ‘StarDog and TurboCat’. In the future, she will appear in ‘Home School’ (2026), a drama about growing up.

Her significant digital influence and captivating personality attract younger fans, implying that D’Amelio is poised to establish a long-lasting acting career based on her initial roles.

Addison Rae

Addison Rae, who boasts almost 90 million followers on TikTok, made her acting debut by stepping into ‘He’s All That’ (2021), a modern take on the classic teen movie that flips gender roles. She has also appeared in the horror flick ‘Thanksgiving’ (2023) and is set to appear alongside Ryan Reynolds in ‘Animal Friends’ (2025).

Rae demonstrates versatility by skillfully tackling genres like comedy and horror. Her significant influence on social media is paving the way for opportunities in the film industry, particularly in Hollywood.

Eugene Lee Yang

Eugene Lee Yang, famed for the YouTube channel The Try Guys, has utilized his platform to delve into queer narratives, resulting in film appearances such as ‘Spring Bloom’ (2023). His directorial endeavors in short films demonstrate his innovative artistic perspective.

1. “Yang’s daring stage appearances and emphasis on various storylines set him apart from others. In the future, his work will strive to give more prominence to LGBTQ+ perspectives within mainstream films.”

2. “Yang’s powerful performances and dedication to diverse plotlines distinguish him. His forthcoming projects aim to boost the visibility of LGBTQ+ stories in major cinema productions.”

3. “With his captivating performances and dedication to different narratives, Yang stands out from the crowd. Upcoming projects will highlight LGBTQ+ voices within mainstream filmmaking.”

4. “Yang’s impressive stage presence and concentration on diverse storylines make him a noteworthy figure. His upcoming work aims to increase the volume of LGBTQ+ voices in mainstream motion pictures.”

5. “Yang’s bold performances and focus on various narratives set him apart. His future projects aim to elevate LGBTQ+ perspectives within the realm of mainstream cinema.”

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2025-07-05 20:16