Young, Famous, And Viral: The Most Influential Celebrities Under 25

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, discover how Billie Eilish and other young stars born in the 21st century are dominating social media and redefining fame with massive Instagram followings and jaw-dropping earning potential!

In an era where social media reigns supreme, a new generation of celebrities—born in the 21st century—is reshaping what it means to be famous. These young stars, barely out of their teens, command massive digital audiences, wield unprecedented influence, and have the power to turn a single Instagram post into a six-figure paycheck.

A fascinating new study by Hello Millions has crunched the numbers, analyzing Instagram followings, engagement metrics, and earning potential to crown the most influential celebrities under 25. Topping the list is none other than Billie Eilish, a cultural juggernaut whose meteoric rise has redefined pop stardom. But she’s not alone—here’s a deep dive into the top ten, exploring why these young icons have captured the world’s attention and how they’ve built their empires.

The study examined over 60 celebrities born in 2000 or later, using Social Blade to gather Instagram follower counts and average likes, then plugging those figures into Influencer Marketing Hub’s Money Calculator to estimate earnings per sponsored post. The results reveal not just who’s popular, but who’s leveraging their fame to dominate the digital landscape. Let’s break down the top ten and explore the stories behind their stardom.

The Most Influential Celebrities Under 25

1. Billie Eilish: The Voice of a Generation

With a staggering 119.8 million Instagram followers, Billie Eilish isn’t just the most influential celebrity under 25—she’s a global phenomenon. Her estimated earning potential of $381,000 per sponsored post reflects a fanbase that’s as devoted as it is massive.

Eilish’s rise began with her haunting 2015 single “Ocean Eyes,” recorded in her childhood bedroom. Her blend of introspective lyrics, genre-defying sound, and unapologetic individuality—think baggy clothes and neon-green hair—resonated with a generation craving authenticity. Albums like When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? and Happier Than Ever cemented her as a Grammy-winning powerhouse, while her raw vulnerability about mental health and fame has made her a cultural touchstone.

Eilish’s influence extends beyond music; she’s a fashion icon, a climate activist, and a master of digital storytelling, making her Instagram a magnet for fans and brands alike.

2. Millie Bobby Brown: From Stranger Things to Superstar

Millie Bobby Brown, with 63.5 million Instagram followers and a potential $202,000 per sponsored post, is the second-most influential young star.

Her breakout role as Eleven in Netflix’s Stranger Things turned her into a household name at just 12 years old. Brown’s ability to portray complex emotions with minimal dialogue made her a standout in the sci-fi juggernaut, but her off-screen charisma and entrepreneurial spirit have fueled her ascent. She’s parlayed her fame into a beauty brand, Florence by Mills, and starred in blockbusters like Godzilla vs. Kong and Enola Holmes.

Brown’s relatability—sharing glimpses of her life as a young adult navigating fame—combined with her savvy business moves, keeps her fanbase growing. Her influence is a testament to her ability to balance Hollywood stardom with digital-age accessibility.

3. Jenna Ortega: The Scream Queen with Staying Power

Jenna Ortega, third on the list with 37.8 million followers and a $120,000-per-post earning potential, has carved out a niche as Hollywood’s go-to scream queen.

Her starring role in Tim Burton’s Wednesday—a Netflix smash—showcased her as a magnetic, deadpan lead, while her performances in the Scream franchise and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) have solidified her as a genre darling. Ortega’s appeal lies in her versatility; she’s as compelling in horror as she is in drama, and her sharp wit in interviews has endeared her to fans.

Her Mexican-American heritage and advocacy for representation in Hollywood add depth to her public persona, making her Instagram a hub for fans who see her as both a star and a voice for change.

4. Olivia Rodrigo: Pop’s Heartbreak Hero

Olivia Rodrigo, with 37.7 million followers and nearly $120,000 per sponsored post, is the fourth-most influential young celebrity.

Her 2021 debut single “drivers license” was a cultural reset, blending raw emotion with pop perfection. Albums SOUR and GUTS have made her a spokesperson for Gen Z’s angst, with lyrics that capture the messiness of young love and self-discovery. Rodrigo’s authenticity—sharing candid moments from tour life to mental health struggles—resonates deeply, while her retro-inspired aesthetic and vampire-themed visuals (like the “vampire” music video) keep her visually distinct.

Her rapid rise from Disney star to Grammy winner showcases her ability to evolve, making her Instagram a diary of her journey that fans can’t resist.

5. Addison Rae: From TikTok to Global Fame

Addison Rae, fifth on the list with 34.8 million Instagram followers and $110,000 per sponsored post, is proof of TikTok’s star-making power. Her dance videos on the platform, where she boasts 88 million followers, launched her into the spotlight, but Rae’s ambition has taken her far beyond viral clips.

She’s starred in Netflix’s He’s All That, launched a beauty brand, and collaborated with music icons like Charli XCX. Rae’s girl-next-door charm and relentless work ethic have helped her transition from social media star to mainstream celebrity. Her Instagram, filled with glamorous shoots and relatable banter, bridges her TikTok roots with her Hollywood aspirations, keeping her fanbase engaged.

6. Ester Expósito: The Spanish Sensation

Ester Expósito, with 26 million Instagram followers and an $83,000-per-post potential, ranks sixth. Her role as Carla in Netflix’s Élite—a sultry teen drama—made her a global heartthrob. Expósito’s magnetic screen presence and striking beauty have drawn comparisons to classic Hollywood stars, but her grounded persona sets her apart.

She shares glimpses of her life in Madrid, from fashion shoots to travel adventures, making her Instagram a blend of aspirational and approachable. Her international appeal, fueled by the global reach of Netflix, has made her a standout among young actors, with fans drawn to her charisma and style.

7. Sadie Sink: Stranger Things’ Quiet Powerhouse

Sadie Sink, seventh with 25.5 million followers and $81,000 per sponsored post, is another Stranger Things star shining bright. Her portrayal of Max Mayfield, a tough yet vulnerable teen, earned her critical acclaim, particularly in the show’s emotional fourth season.

Sink’s ability to convey depth has landed her roles in films like The Whale and Broadway productions, showcasing her range. Her Instagram reflects her low-key personality—think moody aesthetics and behind-the-scenes glimpses—appealing to fans who admire her artistry and authenticity. Sink’s rise highlights how Stranger Things has become a launchpad for young talent.

8. Noah Schnapp: The Relatable Star

Noah Schnapp, eighth with 22 million followers and $71,000 per post, is beloved for his role as Will Byers in Stranger Things. His character’s emotional arc has resonated with audiences, but Schnapp’s off-screen charm—sharing college life at UPenn and entrepreneurial ventures like his TBH hazelnut spread—has made him a fan favorite.

His openness about his identity and mental health adds relatability, while his Instagram’s mix of goofy humor and polished content keeps fans hooked. Schnapp’s influence shows how authenticity can amplify a young star’s reach.

9. Finn Wolfhard: The Multitalented Maverick

Finn Wolfhard, ninth with 22 million followers and $71,000 per post, is Stranger Things’ Mike Wheeler, but his talents extend far beyond acting. As a musician with his band The Aubreys, a director of short films, and a star in franchises like Ghostbusters and It, Wolfhard is a creative force. His Instagram, blending retro vibes with indie-rock flair, reflects his eclectic interests, drawing fans who admire his versatility. Wolfhard’s ability to juggle multiple passions while staying grounded has made him a role model for aspiring creatives.

10. Gaten Matarazzo: The Heart of Hawkins

Rounding out the top ten is Gaten Matarazzo, with 16.5 million followers and $52,000 per sponsored post. As Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, Matarazzo’s humor and heart have made him a fan favorite. His Broadway background and advocacy for cleidocranial dysplasia, a condition he lives with, add depth to his public image. Matarazzo’s Instagram is a mix of goofy selfies, cast reunions, and charity work, reflecting his infectious positivity. His influence proves that relatability and talent can rival even the biggest followings.

The Stranger Things Effect and the Future of Fame

Remarkably, five of the top ten spots belong to Stranger Things stars, underscoring the show’s cultural dominance and Netflix’s role in minting young icons. This generation of celebrities isn’t just riding the wave of traditional fame—they’re building empires through social media, where authenticity, engagement, and visual storytelling reign. From Billie Eilish’s genre-defying music to Addison Rae’s TikTok-to-Hollywood hustle, these stars are redefining influence, proving that in the digital age, a single post can spark a movement. As their followings grow, so does their power to shape culture, one Instagram story at a time.