# 20 Artists Who Launched Careers on YouTube: A Journey to Stardom
The rise of YouTube has transformed the music industry, allowing aspiring artists to showcase their talents to a global audience without the need for major label backing. Over the years, many musicians have successfully leveraged the platform to launch their careers, turning viral videos into full-fledged music stardom.
From cover songs to original compositions, these 20 artists started on YouTube and are now household names in the music industry. Let’s explore their journeys to success!
## YouTube: The Launchpad for Music Industry Success
YouTube isn’t just a place for casual entertainment—it has become an essential tool for discovering new talent. Many famous artists started by uploading simple videos, hoping to build an audience. Some went viral overnight, while others steadily gained loyal followers. Either way, YouTube gave them the exposure needed to land record deals, tour the world, and dominate the charts.
Let’s dive into the inspiring stories of some of the biggest stars who found fame through YouTube.
## 1. Justin Bieber
Possibly the most famous YouTube success story, **Justin Bieber** was discovered by talent manager **Scooter Braun** through homemade performance videos uploaded by his mother. His soulful voice and undeniable star quality quickly catapulted him to stardom, landing him a record deal with Usher. Today, he is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
## 2. Shawn Mendes
Starting with **six-second Vine covers**, **Shawn Mendes** transitioned to YouTube, where his acoustic performances attracted millions of views. His breakthrough came when he was signed by Island Records, leading to multiple chart-topping albums and sold-out tours.
## 3. Alessia Cara
Canadian singer-songwriter **Alessia Cara** started by covering popular songs on YouTube. Her cover of **“Sweater Weather”** by The Neighbourhood gained traction, catching the attention of Def Jam Recordings. Soon after, her hit single **“Here”** made waves internationally.
## 4. Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth gained popularity after posting cover duets with fellow YouTuber **Emily Luther**. Their viral rendition of **“Someone Like You”** by Adele landed them an appearance on **The Ellen DeGeneres Show**, paving the way for Puth’s thriving solo career.
## 5. Troye Sivan
Originally a YouTube vlogger, **Troye Sivan** seamlessly transitioned into music. His indie-pop style and emotionally raw lyrics gained him a massive fanbase. He’s now an international sensation with critically acclaimed albums and collaborations.
## 6. Tori Kelly
When **Tori Kelly** was eliminated from **American Idol**, she didn’t give up—she turned to YouTube. Her stellar vocal performances caught the attention of mega-producer **Scooter Braun**, landing her a major record deal.
## 7. Pentatonix
This acapella group skyrocketed to fame after winning *The Sing-Off*. However, before their TV success, **Pentatonix** built their fanbase through intricate **YouTube covers**, blending layered harmonies and beatboxing.
## 8. James Bay
British singer-songwriter **James Bay** used YouTube to share his soulful performances from small gigs. His slow rise to fame resulted in the hit single **“Let It Go”** and a Grammy nomination.
## 9. Lindsey Stirling
A violinist, dancer, and electronic music artist, **Lindsey Stirling** stood out by blending classical violin with dubstep influences. Her high-energy YouTube videos attracted millions of views, leading to sold-out concerts around the globe.
## 10. The Weeknd
Before becoming a global R&B sensation, **The Weeknd** anonymously uploaded music to YouTube. His mysterious persona intrigued fans, and soon, his mixtapes caught the attention of major industry insiders, including **Drake**.
## 11. Dua Lipa
Before she started topping charts worldwide, **Dua Lipa** posted covers on YouTube. Her strong voice and charismatic performances helped her gain an audience, leading to her record deal with Warner Bros.
## 12. Halsey
Before performing at major festivals, **Halsey** gained traction on YouTube and SoundCloud by releasing original music and covers. Her raw and unique sound set her apart, earning her a loyal following.
## 13. 5 Seconds of Summer
**5 Seconds of Summer** started as a teenage band posting covers of pop-punk songs. Their high-energy performances gained the attention of **One Direction**, leading them to open for the band on tour and later score massive hits.
## 14. Bazzi
Bazzi rose to fame after his song **“Mine”** gained viral traction on social media. However, before that, he was a YouTube cover artist, slowly building his career one video at a time.
## 15. Julia Michaels
Before becoming a hit songwriter and solo artist, **Julia Michaels** shared her musical talents on YouTube. Her early videos showcased her songwriting skills, eventually leading to hit collaborations in the pop industry.
## 16. Conan Gray
Social media and YouTube played a huge role in **Conan Gray’s** rise to fame. His original music and vlogs resonated with viewers, leading to a major record deal.
## 17. Madilyn Bailey
Known for her signature soft vocals and acoustic covers, **Madilyn Bailey** gained a loyal fanbase on YouTube. Her success resulted in international tours and recognition from major artists.
## 18. Walk off the Earth
This Canadian band earned worldwide fame with their viral cover of **Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know”**, where they played a single guitar together. Their creative YouTube approach attracted millions of viewers.
## 19. Jacob Sartorius
Originally gaining fame on Vine and TikTok, **Jacob Sartorius** leveraged his social media success by transition to YouTube music covers. He quickly built a fanbase, landing his own pop career.
## 20. Sam Tsui
One of the earliest YouTube cover artists, **Sam Tsui** became known for his inventive mashups and strong vocals. His collaborations with pianist **Kurt Hugo Schneider** brought millions of views, leading to live tours and original albums.
## Final Thoughts: YouTube as a Stage for Rising Stars
YouTube has redefined how musicians break into the industry, offering talented individuals a chance to showcase their skills to millions without industry gatekeepers.
If you’re an aspiring musician, **these artists prove that success is possible with dedication, authenticity, and a little bit of viral magic**. The next big music superstar could be uploading their first video right now!
Who is your favorite artist that started on YouTube? Let us know in the comments!
