In the digital age, YouTube has become a powerful platform for aspiring musicians to showcase their talent and connect with audiences worldwide. Many of today’s biggest stars got their start by uploading videos to the platform, transforming from unknown talents to global sensations. Let’s explore the journeys of 20 artists who launched their careers on YouTube and achieved stardom.
1. Justin Bieber
Perhaps the most famous YouTube success story, Justin Bieber’s journey began when his mother started posting videos of him singing R&B covers on the platform1. At just 12 years old, Bieber’s raw talent caught the attention of Scooter Braun, a marketing executive who stumbled upon one of his performances1. This chance discovery led to a meeting with Usher and a record deal with RBMG Records1.
Bieber’s debut single “One Time” was released in 2009, marking the beginning of his meteoric rise to fame3. Since then, he has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with an estimated 150 million records sold worldwide3. His achievements include two Grammy Awards, one Latin Grammy Award, eight Juno Awards, and numerous other accolades3.
2. Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s path to stardom was paved with perseverance and strategic use of social media. Although he began recording music in 2004, it wasn’t until 2010 that his career truly took off1. Sheeran moved to Los Angeles and performed at open mic nights while increasing his online presence through YouTube videos1.
His dedication paid off when he caught the attention of Jamie Foxx, who offered him a place to stay1. Sheeran’s online following continued to grow, opening doors for him in the music industry. Today, he is one of the world’s best-selling music artists, with multiple Grammy Awards and chart-topping albums to his name4.
3. The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, took an unconventional approach to launch his career on YouTube. In December 2010, he anonymously uploaded three songs to the platform under the username “xoxxxoooxo”1. The mysterious nature of these uploads, featuring only black and white photos accompanying his captivating voice, quickly sparked interest among listeners1.
The Weeknd’s unique sound and enigmatic persona led to a rapidly growing fanbase. His journey from YouTube obscurity to global stardom includes headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, multiple Grammy Awards, and breaking streaming records5. In 2023, his song “Blinding Lights” became the most-streamed song on Spotify, surpassing Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”5.
4. Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes began his musical journey by posting song covers on the video-sharing platform Vine2. His six-second clips gained significant attention, leading him to amass a large following on YouTube as well. Mendes’ talent and growing popularity caught the eye of artist manager Andrew Gertler, who signed him to Island Records8.
Since his debut, Mendes has achieved remarkable success, including multiple number-one albums on the Billboard 200 chart and numerous awards. His self-titled third studio album debuted at number one in several countries, solidifying his status as a global pop star8.
5. Alessia Cara
Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara started her YouTube journey at the age of 13, posting acoustic covers of popular songs9. Her unique voice and interpretation of well-known tracks caught the attention of EP Entertainment, leading to a record deal with them and Def Jam Recordings in 20149.
Cara’s debut single “Here” became a sleeper hit, earning her multiple award nominations. She has since won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and released several successful albums, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the pop music landscape9.
6. Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth’s path to fame began with his YouTube channel, where he posted comedy videos and acoustic covers10. His breakthrough came when he and Emily Luther performed a cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You,” which went viral and caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres10.
Puth’s career took off with the release of “See You Again,” a collaboration with Wiz Khalifa for the “Furious 7” soundtrack. The song became a global hit, earning him three Grammy nominations10. Since then, Puth has released multiple successful albums and singles, showcasing his skills as both a performer and a producer.
7. Troye Sivan
Australian singer and actor Troye Sivan began his YouTube career at the age of 12, uploading music covers and original songs7. However, it was his vlogs that truly showcased his personality and helped his music gain traction7. At 17, Sivan came out as gay in a YouTube video, further connecting with his audience on a personal level7.
Sivan’s transition from YouTube star to mainstream pop artist has been seamless. He has released critically acclaimed albums, toured globally, and even ventured into acting, appearing in films like “Boy Erased”7.
8. Lana Del Rey
Before she became the sultry songstress known as Lana Del Rey, Elizabeth Grant was uploading self-made music videos to YouTube under various stage names1. Her breakthrough came in 2011 when she uploaded the video for “Video Games,” which became a viral hit1.
Del Rey’s unique style and nostalgic aesthetic quickly gained a devoted following. She has since released multiple successful albums, earned numerous award nominations, and become one of the most influential artists of her generation6.
9. 5 Seconds of Summer
This Australian pop rock band got their start by posting covers of popular songs on YouTube12. Their renditions of hits by artists like Chris Brown and Ed Sheeran caught the attention of One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, who shared their videos with his millions of followers12.
This exposure led to 5 Seconds of Summer opening for One Direction on their world tour, catapulting them to international fame. The band has since released multiple chart-topping albums and established themselves as one of the most successful Australian musical exports12.
10. Carly Rae Jepsen
While Carly Rae Jepsen didn’t start her career on YouTube, the platform played a crucial role in her rise to global stardom. After finishing third on Canadian Idol, Jepsen released her song “Call Me Maybe,” which gained traction on YouTube thanks to a video of Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and other celebrities lip-syncing to the track12.
The video went viral, propelling “Call Me Maybe” to the top of charts worldwide. Jepsen has since released several critically acclaimed albums and established herself as a pop music darling12.
11. Tori Kelly
Tori Kelly’s journey began when she started posting videos of herself singing covers and original songs on YouTube at the age of 14. Her powerful voice and impressive range quickly gained her a following on the platform12.
Kelly’s YouTube success led to her appearance on American Idol and eventually a record deal. She has since released multiple successful albums, won two Grammy Awards, and collaborated with numerous high-profile artists12.
12. Pentatonix
This a cappella group formed to compete on the TV show “The Sing-Off,” but it was their YouTube channel that truly launched their career. After winning the show, Pentatonix began posting innovative covers and original songs on YouTube, quickly amassing millions of views12.
Their unique arrangements and vocal prowess have earned them multiple Grammy Awards and a dedicated global fanbase. Pentatonix has released several successful albums and continues to be one of the most popular a cappella groups in the world12.
13. Lindsey Stirling
Violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling combined her talents to create a unique performance style that captivated YouTube audiences. Her blend of classical violin with electronic dance music and elaborate choreography set her apart from traditional musicians12.
Stirling’s YouTube success has translated into a thriving career, with multiple chart-topping albums, world tours, and even a bestselling autobiography. She continues to push the boundaries of musical performance and inspire millions of fans worldwide12.
14. Karmin
The pop duo Karmin, consisting of Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan, gained fame through their YouTube covers of popular songs. Their unique arrangements and Amy’s rapid-fire rapping skills caught the attention of viewers and industry professionals alike12.
Karmin’s YouTube success led to a record deal and the release of their own original music. While the duo has since split, with Amy continuing as a solo artist under the name Qveen Herby, their journey remains a testament to YouTube’s power in launching music careers12.
15. Boyce Avenue
This band of brothers began their journey by posting acoustic covers of popular songs on YouTube. Their soulful renditions and tight harmonies quickly gained them a substantial following on the platform12.
Boyce Avenue’s YouTube success has allowed them to tour globally, release original music, and even start their own record label. They continue to be one of the most successful independent bands to emerge from the platform12.
16. Greyson Chance
Greyson Chance shot to fame at the age of 12 when a video of him performing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at a school talent show went viral on YouTube11. The video caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres, who invited him to perform on her show and later signed him to her record label11.
While Chance’s initial fame was short-lived, he has continued to release music and build a dedicated fanbase. His journey showcases both the opportunities and challenges that come with early YouTube stardom11.
17. Austin Mahone
Often compared to Justin Bieber, Austin Mahone began his career by posting videos of himself singing covers on YouTube11. His boyish charm and vocal talent quickly earned him a devoted following of “Mahomies”11.
Mahone’s online popularity led to a record deal and the release of several successful singles. While he hasn’t reached the same level of stardom as Bieber, Mahone has maintained a steady career in the music industry11.
18. Soulja Boy
Soulja Boy claims to be one of the first major rappers discovered on YouTube12. He uploaded his first song to the platform just three months after its official launch in 200512. His song “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” became a massive hit, earning him a Grammy nomination and a record deal with Interscope Records12.
While his mainstream success was relatively short-lived, Soulja Boy’s early adoption of YouTube as a promotional tool paved the way for many artists who followed12.
19. Becky G
Becky G’s journey to stardom began when she started posting covers of popular songs on YouTube in 201112. Her talent caught the eye of producer Dr. Luke, who offered her a joint record deal with Kemosabe Records and RCA Records12.
Since then, Becky G has released numerous hit singles, collaborated with major artists, and successfully transitioned into Latin music. Her bilingual appeal has made her a unique force in the music industry12.
20. YoungBoy Never Broke Again
Rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, also known as NBA YoungBoy, represents a more recent wave of artists finding success through YouTube12. Since 2015, he has consistently uploaded music to the platform, building a massive and dedicated fanbase12.
In 2020, YoungBoy became YouTube’s most-watched artist of the year, with his videos accumulating 1.4 billion views12. His success on the platform has translated into chart-topping albums and a significant impact on the hip-hop scene.
These 20 artists represent just a fraction of the talent that has emerged from YouTube. Their stories highlight the democratizing power of the platform, allowing artists from diverse backgrounds and genres to showcase their talents to a global audience. As technology continues to evolve, it’s clear that platforms like YouTube will remain crucial launchpads for the next generation of music stars.
