Charli D’Amelio (born 2004) is an American social media star and dancer, best known for her immense popularity on TikTok. Rising to fame in 2019, Charli quickly became the most-followed content creator on the platform, thanks to her engaging dance videos and viral choreography. Her natural charisma and relatable persona resonated with a global audience, propelling her to social media stardom in a short time. Beyond TikTok, Charli has expanded her brand into various areas, including endorsements, collaborations with major companies, and even her own family’s reality TV show, The D’Amelio Show. She has also ventured into other creative fields such as fashion and music. Despite her young age, Charli has become one of the most influential figures in the digital space, inspiring millions of followers and setting trends in social media culture.
Early Life and Background
Charli Grace D’Amelio was born on May 1, 2004, in Norwalk, Connecticut, to parents Marc and Heidi D’Amelio. Her father, Marc, is a businessman and politician, while her mother, Heidi, is a former model and photographer. Charli grew up in a supportive household with her older sister, Dixie D’Amelio, who would also go on to become a social media personality and singer.
From a young age, Charli was passionate about dance. She started dancing competitively at the age of three and spent most of her childhood training in various styles, including ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. Her early experience in dance would later prove crucial in her rise to fame on TikTok, a platform that heavily emphasized short-form dance content.
Growing up, Charli attended King School in Stamford, Connecticut, but as her social media career took off, she transitioned to homeschooling to better manage her new responsibilities. Charli’s dedication to dance and her natural charisma made her a standout even in her early years, and these qualities helped her carve out a unique space on TikTok.
Rise to TikTok Fame
Charli D’Amelio’s meteoric rise to fame began in mid-2019 when she joined TikTok, a social media platform known for its short-form videos, especially dance challenges. Her first video to go viral was a simple lip-syncing and dancing clip, which quickly gained attention due to her smooth, precise dance moves. Soon after, Charli began to participate in popular TikTok dance challenges, and her videos caught the eye of millions.
Charli’s breakout moment came when she posted a video dancing to the song “Lottery” by K CAMP, doing the viral “Renegade” dance. Although the dance was originally created by Jalaiah Harmon, Charli’s performance helped popularize it, and soon, “Renegade” became a global phenomenon. The dance became one of the most replicated on TikTok, cementing Charli’s place as one of the platform’s top creators.
As her follower count grew, Charli became known for her easy-going personality, expressive dancing, and ability to connect with a broad audience. Unlike many influencers who relied on high production value, Charli’s videos were often filmed in her bedroom or living room, making her seem more relatable to her audience.
By November 2019, Charli had surpassed 1 million followers on TikTok, and within a few months, that number ballooned to over 50 million. Her rapid rise to fame was unprecedented, and she quickly became the most-followed creator on the platform.
The D’Amelio Family’s Involvement
As Charli’s fame grew, so did her family’s visibility. Her sister Dixie, who also became a popular TikTok creator, started posting content related to music and lifestyle, while their parents, Marc and Heidi, also became TikTok personalities in their own right. The D’Amelio family’s close bond and involvement in Charli’s journey added to her appeal, and they soon became known as one of social media’s most famous families.
In 2020, the D’Amelio family launched “The D’Amelio Show” on Hulu, which provided fans with a behind-the-scenes look at their lives. The reality show highlighted the challenges and pressures the family faced as they navigated newfound fame. The show helped humanize Charli and her family, shedding light on the less glamorous side of internet stardom, including the mental health struggles that come with being in the public eye.
Brand Deals and Collaborations
Charli’s influence extended beyond TikTok, and soon, brands began lining up to collaborate with her. She signed with the United Talent Agency (UTA) in January 2020, which helped her secure various endorsements and partnerships. Some of her most notable collaborations include deals with Dunkin’ Donuts, where a drink was named after her (“The Charli”), and a partnership with Hollister alongside her sister Dixie.
Charli also became a brand ambassador for Morphe, a popular cosmetics company, and in 2021, she and Dixie launched their own makeup line, Morphe 2, aimed at a younger audience with a focus on minimalistic beauty. This move into the beauty industry allowed Charli to expand her influence beyond social media and into the world of entrepreneurship.
Charli’s collaborations weren’t limited to just products; she also worked with other TikTok creators and celebrities, further boosting her reach. She participated in videos with high-profile creators like Addison Rae and even danced alongside Jennifer Lopez during the Super Bowl Challenge on TikTok, which brought her even more mainstream recognition.
Music and Dance Projects
Given her dance background, it was only a matter of time before Charli ventured into professional dance opportunities. In early 2020, Charli appeared in a music video for “Baby, I’m Jealous” by Bebe Rexha featuring Doja Cat, showcasing her dance talent on a larger platform. She also collaborated with singer and rapper Lil Huddy (Chase Hudson) on several projects, further merging her dance and social media persona with the music industry.
Her sister Dixie also launched a music career around this time, and Charli frequently supported her by appearing in music videos and promotional content. The sisters often performed together, solidifying their status as a dynamic duo in the entertainment world.
In addition to music, Charli has always been vocal about her passion for professional dance. Although TikTok launched her to fame, Charli has expressed her desire to pursue traditional dance opportunities, including working with choreographers and professional dancers.
Challenges of Fame and Mental Health Advocacy
Despite the glitz and glamor of Charli’s rise to fame, she has been candid about the challenges of living life in the spotlight, particularly as a teenager. Charli has spoken openly about the toll that fame has taken on her mental health, including struggles with anxiety, body image issues, and online bullying. As one of the most-followed people on social media, Charli has faced intense scrutiny and criticism, with everything from her appearance to her dancing being subject to public opinion.
In response to these challenges, Charli has become an advocate for mental health awareness, especially for young people growing up in the digital age. She has partnered with various organizations to promote mental health resources and frequently discusses the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed.
Charli’s honesty about her struggles has endeared her even more to her fans, who appreciate her vulnerability and transparency. In 2020, Charli took a break from TikTok after receiving a wave of online hate but returned shortly after, using the experience to further speak out against cyberbullying.
The D’Amelio Brand and Legacy
By 2021, Charli had amassed over 100 million followers on TikTok, making her the first person on the platform to reach this milestone. This achievement solidified her place in internet history and demonstrated the incredible influence she wields over Gen Z and beyond. Despite her young age, Charli has become a cultural icon, with her impact extending beyond social media into fashion, beauty, music, and more.
Her success has also paved the way for other creators, showing that platforms like TikTok can serve as launching pads for lucrative careers. Charli’s influence has gone far beyond dance trends; she has set trends in fashion, beauty, and even social causes, inspiring millions to be themselves and pursue their passions.