Bella Poarch (born 1997) is a Filipino-American social media personality, singer, and content creator who rose to fame through her viral videos on TikTok. Born in the Philippines and raised in the U.S., Poarch gained massive popularity in 2020 with her lip-syncing video to the song “Sophie Aspin Send” by Millie B, which became one of TikTok’s most-liked videos. Known for her unique style and expressive facial gestures, Poarch quickly became a sensation on the platform, amassing millions of followers. In addition to her success on social media, she ventured into music with the release of her debut single “Build a B*tch” in 2021, which was well-received for its message of self-acceptance and empowerment. Poarch’s rise to fame highlights her ability to connect with audiences through both her content and her music, making her one of the most influential figures in the digital space.
Early Life and Background
Bella Poarch, born Denarie Taylor on February 8, 1997, in the Philippines, is one of the most well-known social media stars of the modern era. Her rise to fame on TikTok and subsequent ventures into music and entertainment have cemented her as a global celebrity. However, Bella’s journey was far from straightforward, as her early life was marked by adversity and hardship.
Bella spent her formative years in the Philippines, growing up in a rural and impoverished setting. She has spoken openly about her difficult childhood, which included abuse and neglect. Raised by her grandmother until the age of three, Bella was later adopted by an American father and Filipino mother. The family moved to the United States when Bella was a teenager, settling in Texas. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country and culture, Bella excelled academically and joined the U.S. Navy after high school in 2017.
Her time in the military shaped Bella’s character, instilling a strong work ethic and a disciplined approach to life. Serving for three years, Bella was stationed in Japan and Hawaii, which exposed her to a broader world beyond her earlier struggles. Her experiences in the Navy not only helped her escape her turbulent past but also laid the groundwork for her future success as a social media influencer.
Rise to Fame on TikTok
Bella Poarch’s meteoric rise to stardom began in 2020 when she joined TikTok. What set her apart from other creators was her distinct, adorable expressions and engaging content. In August of that year, she uploaded a lip-sync video to the song “Sophie Aspin Send” by Millie B, which became one of the most-viewed TikToks of all time. Her close-up expressions and effortless timing garnered millions of views, turning her into an overnight sensation.
The video went viral, and Bella’s follower count skyrocketed. Her charming and relatable persona resonated with TikTok users, particularly younger audiences. By the end of 2020, Bella had amassed over 50 million followers on TikTok, making her one of the platform’s most popular creators. Her appeal lay in her ability to connect with her audience through short, catchy, and often humorous content, setting a new standard for viral internet fame.
Bella also faced her share of controversies, particularly regarding accusations of cultural appropriation and her choice of tattoos. She has apologized and responded to criticism with maturity, addressing these concerns openly. Despite these challenges, her fanbase remained loyal, and her influence on social media only grew.
Transition to Music
Bella Poarch’s influence expanded beyond TikTok as she ventured into the music industry. Recognizing her talent and widespread popularity, she signed a record deal with Warner Records in 2021. Her debut single, “Build a B*tch,” was released in May of that year, marking her official entry into the world of music.
The song became an instant hit, with its catchy beat and powerful message resonating with listeners. “Build a B*tch” is a critique of societal beauty standards, highlighting the unrealistic expectations imposed on women. The accompanying music video, which features elaborate visuals and cameos from other popular influencers, further amplified the song’s success. Within days, the video garnered millions of views on YouTube, and Bella’s transformation from social media influencer to musician was complete.
Bella’s transition to music was a strategic move that solidified her position as a multifaceted entertainer. Her musical style blends pop with a hint of edginess, reflecting her own personality and experiences. While some critics initially doubted her longevity in the music industry, Bella proved her naysayers wrong with her sustained success and growing fanbase.
Following the success of her debut single, Bella continued to release more music, including singles like “Inferno” and “Dolls.” These songs carried similar themes of empowerment and self-expression, further establishing her musical identity. Bella’s unique voice, coupled with her ability to create viral content, ensured that her music career thrived alongside her social media presence.
Social Media Influence and Branding
Beyond music, Bella Poarch remains a dominant figure on social media, particularly on TikTok, where her follower count continues to grow. As of 2023, she has over 90 million followers, making her one of the top creators on the platform. Her content primarily consists of lip-sync videos, comedic skits, and collaborations with other influencers and celebrities.
Bella’s influence extends to Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her personal life, modeling photos, and updates on her music career. Her social media presence is meticulously curated, balancing relatability with aspirational content. This has attracted brands and advertisers looking to collaborate with her, further boosting her income and visibility.
In addition to brand partnerships, Bella has launched her own line of merchandise, which includes clothing and accessories. Her merchandise often features her signature imagery and slogans, appealing to her fanbase’s desire to emulate her style. Bella’s entrepreneurial ventures, combined with her social media dominance, have allowed her to build a successful and diversified career.
Personal Life and Advocacy
While Bella Poarch is best known for her upbeat social media persona, she has also used her platform to advocate for important causes. As someone who has openly discussed her struggles with mental health, Bella is a strong advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken about her experiences with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, offering support to her followers who may be facing similar challenges.
Bella has also shown support for various charitable causes, particularly those related to veterans and military personnel. Her time in the U.S. Navy left a lasting impression on her, and she remains connected to the military community. Bella has partnered with organizations that provide assistance to veterans, raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by service members.
Additionally, Bella is a vocal supporter of anti-bullying campaigns. Given her own experiences with cyberbullying, she understands the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive online environment. Through her advocacy work, Bella hopes to use her influence for good, encouraging her fans to spread kindness and compassion.