19 Reality show stars who turned into social media influencers 

Celebrity Sightings - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 : Day One - Source: Getty
Celebrity Sightings - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023 : Day One - Source: Getty

The reality television world has produced some of its very high-end social media influencers and such celebrities are ammasing large online followings by using this recognition. From just being names associated with their on-screen drama, many leveraged their huge online followings and brands to start and run very successful businesses in the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industries. Here are 19 reality TV personalities who transitioned from the small screen to social media stardom without a hitch.

1. Kim Kardashian (Keeping Up with the Kardashians)

OMR Festival 2024 In Hamburg - Source: Getty
OMR Festival 2024 In Hamburg - Source: Getty

This is Kim Kardashian, who transitioned from a reality TV star to a business mogul and social media queen. With 300 million Instagram followers and counting, Kim's impact goes way beyond where she began. She's built a behemoth with KKW Beauty, Skims, and criminal justice reform. She is one of the most influential powerhouses in social media by way of brand collaborations, posts touting skincare lines, and lifestyle content. In this, she has transformed the idea of celebrity and success within the digital landscape.

2. Kylie Jenner (Keeping Up with the Kardashians)

2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Red Carpet - Source: Getty
2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Red Carpet - Source: Getty

Kylie Jenner came to take over the reality television highlight from Keeping Up with the Kardashians and converted it into a billion-dollar business. Kylie Cosmetics is her cosmetic brand, and social media exploded, with Kylie's beauty tutorials and product drops trending and sometimes becoming viral almost weekly. She currently boasts an Instagram following of 380 million. Kylie Jenner is one of the most influential people in the world of beauty and lifestyle and the epitome of entrepreneurial and influencer cultures blending and conquering industries.

3. Khloé Kardashian (Keeping Up with the Kardashians)

The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" - Arrivals - Source: Getty
The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Khloé Kardashian is on her way up from reality shows to social media influencing, her success. She has garnered over 230 million followers on Instagram and speaks about fitness techniques, beauty products, and many more about herself. Khloe is the CEO of Good American, a fashionable brand that became popular for breaking the stereotype of fashion brands by the size of outfits. Her candid posts on body positivity and wellness make her a role model for many, and her authentic business acumen allows her to maintain relevance both on-screen and on social media.

4. Paris Hilton (The Simple Life)

Los Angeles Premiere Of HBO Original Series
Los Angeles Premiere Of HBO Original Series "The White Lotus" Season 3 - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Paris Hilton was an influencer way before Instagram even became a thing. She had a time on The Simple Life, which etched her name in the world as a cultural icon, and she remains there today. She boasts 20 million followers on Instagram, posting everything from promoting her fragrance line and fashion collaborations to her career as a DJ. She shares luxury moments with self-help advice and is all about glamour and empowerment. Her continued relevance on social media proves she remains a trendsetter, using her platform to maintain a connection with fans while showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

5. Bethenny Frankel (The Real Housewives of New York City)

Netflix's "Kinda Pregnant" New York Premiere - Source: Getty
Netflix's "Kinda Pregnant" New York Premiere - Source: Getty

Bethenny Frankel emerged from The Real Housewives of New York City to become a social media mogul. Using her entrepreneurial prowess, she made Skinnygirl a multi-million-dollar brand. With millions of followers, Bethenny focuses on wellness tips, business advice, and lifestyle content. She stands out as candid, and no-nonsense, offering life to audiences via business, health, and self-care. Her authenticity along with her practical tips have made her a voice of influence in both business circles and social networking platforms.

6. Addison Rae (Hype House)

2024 CFDA Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
2024 CFDA Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Addison Rae went viral on TikTok with her dance videos and became a household name with 88 million followers on TikTok. She was a member of the Hype House, and from there, she built a following and ventured into acting and music. She is a star of the Netflix series He's All That and recently dropped her first single, Obsessed. Addison's Instagram is full of fashion shoots, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal vlogs that allow her to blend seamlessly her influencer status with her growing career in entertainment.

7. Charli D’Amelio (The D’Amelio Show)

Heidi Klum's 23rd Annual Halloween Party presented by Butterfinger, Mattel, and Prime Video at Hard Rock Hotel New York - Arrivals - Source: Getty
Heidi Klum's 23rd Annual Halloween Party presented by Butterfinger, Mattel, and Prime Video at Hard Rock Hotel New York - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Charli D'Amelio became the queen of TikTok with 150 million followers by dominating the site with her dance videos and relatable content. She further stretched her influence when she appeared on The D'Amelio Show, allowing fans to catch a glimpse into her family life and personal life. Outside social media, Charli started to launch her brand collaborations, like clothing lines and beauty products. Authenticity and natural talent in combined consistency have guaranteed Charli is one of the best-influencing members from her generation as she grows, and spreads over YouTube and Instagram.

8. Christine Quinn (Selling Sunset)

Xerjoff Perfume Collection Xerjoff Vibes and Elle Anniversary Celebration Event - Source: Getty
Xerjoff Perfume Collection Xerjoff Vibes and Elle Anniversary Celebration Event - Source: Getty

Christine Quinn from Selling Sunset transitioned seamlessly from a reality star into an influencer. With her bold personality, she shares her fashion tips, luxury lifestyle moments, and real estate insights with her 3.5 million Instagram followers. Christine uses social media to push high-end fashion, beauty brands, and personal branding, and she thrives in both entertainment and influencer spaces. Her posts about her life of opulence, together with her knowledge of real estate, make her a unique personality in the world of influencers and luxury real estate.

9. JoJo Siwa (Dance Moms)

The TikTok Awards 2024 - Source: Getty
The TikTok Awards 2024 - Source: Getty

JoJo Siwa transitioned from a Dance Moms star to a social media sensation. She is recognizable for her colorful bows and exuberant personality with 45 million followers on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram. One finds dance tutorials, lifestyle tips, and all other things related to marketing her music and merch. JoJo has made her energetic personality a brand, and her positive influence on the younger generation makes her one of the most loved stars in the influencer world.

10. Stassi Schroeder (Vanderpump Rules)

6th Annual Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala - Source: Getty
6th Annual Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala - Source: Getty

Stassi Schroeder's transition from Vanderpump Rules to a successful influencer has been a normal progression. On Instagram, with over 2 million followers, Stassi updates her audience about fashion inspiration and lifestyle tips together with family moments. She started her podcast and merchandise. Stassi, with her open personality and capability for brand collaboration, has ensured that she will remain relevant through relatable content. She mixes humor, self-deprecation, and glamour, making her an influential voice in the influencer space, especially for those who appreciate authenticity and chic fashion.

11. Lala Kent (Vanderpump Rules)

People's Choice Awards 2018 - Arrivals - Source: Getty
People's Choice Awards 2018 - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Lala Kent has utilized her time on Vanderpump Rules as a springboard to establish herself on social media. She currently has more than 2 million followers on Instagram and documents her life as a mom, business owner, and sober advocate. Lala owns a beauty company, Give Them Lala Beauty, which she promotes on the social media sites of Instagram and TikTok. Fans love her raw personality and glamorous style. Whether it is motherhood, business ventures, or personal struggles, Lala keeps her stuff interesting, proving that reality show fame can blossom into an even bigger influencer career.

12. Tana Mongeau (MTV No Filter: Tana Turns 21)

White Fox 10th Birthday Party At TAO Los Angeles - Source: Getty
White Fox 10th Birthday Party At TAO Los Angeles - Source: Getty

Tana Mongeau converted her viral YouTube fame into a mainstream reality TV career with MTV No Filter: Tana Turns 21. She has been known for unfiltered storytelling and dramatic personal life, and so far, has garnered millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Tana uses her online presence to partner with brands, launch business ventures, and market her music. The messy yet relatable persona has been entertaining fans; she is among the most popular influencers today, and whatever controversies she stirs up, or new business moves she shares, Tana knows exactly how to engage her audience.

13. Holly Madison (The Girls Next Door)

Holly Madison Portraits At Casa RaLuMaCa - Source: Getty
Holly Madison Portraits At Casa RaLuMaCa - Source: Getty

Holly Madison was famous for her relationship with the girls next door on Hugh Hefner's documentary show. She, however, has established herself as an influencer and also an author. With over 1 million followers on Instagram, she shares beauty tips, history, fashion, and personal insights from her days in Playboy Mansion. Books like Down the Rabbit Hole have made Holly a voice of authority on Hollywood's hidden realities. By using social media to revive her public image, Holly has developed an audience that celebrates the glamour, nostalgia, and self-improvement in her life.

14. Snooki (Nicole Polizzi) (Jersey Shore)

2024 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
2024 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

This ace party girl was made on Jersey Shore but is now smothered with business opportunities and influence. She has more than 15 million followers across platforms, posting about mom life, fitness, fashion, and humor in equal measure. Snooki owns her clothing line called The Snooki Shop and has an ongoing relationship with brands. Her down-to-earth and pseudo-comedian behavior on social media indeed makes her one of the most relatable stars-turned-influencers. The active fan playbook serves her well to become even more popular, as she graciously acknowledges her past while today being a prominent online figure.

15. Lauren Conrad (The Hills)

Lauren Conrad Partners With Planet Oat To Launch The Planet Oat Marketplace Pop-Up - Source: Getty
Lauren Conrad Partners With Planet Oat To Launch The Planet Oat Marketplace Pop-Up - Source: Getty

Lauren Conrad has been building a fashion and lifestyle empire since her days on The Hills. She posts style inspiration, home décor, and parenting moments to more than 6 million Instagram followers. Lauren founded the fashion brand LC Lauren Conrad, which sold at Kohl's and also founded The Little Market, a nonprofit that supports female artisans. The content is always polished and aspirational, reaching fans who saw her journey from reality TV star to business mogul.

16. Heidi Montag (The Hills)

VH1 Trailblazer Honors - Arrivals - Source: Getty
VH1 Trailblazer Honors - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Heidi Montag, the over-the-top actress of The Hills, has reinvented herself as a social media influencer. She posts fitness routines, motherhood updates, and fashion collaborations with her followers. Despite controversies in the past, Heidi is still a recognizable figure in pop culture. She and her husband, Spencer Pratt, continue to entertain fans through their joint social media ventures, where they review trendy foods and discuss pop culture. Years since The Hills went off-air, Heidi shows us how effectively one could make himself remain trendy, simply when blended with ongoing social media interactivity.

17. Savannah Chrisley (Chrisley Knows Best)

2024 Republican National Convention: Day 2 - Source: Getty
2024 Republican National Convention: Day 2 - Source: Getty

Savannah Chrisley is the daughter of the patriarch of reality TV Todd Chrisley. Currently, she has a strong influencer career with millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok, where she posts beauty tips, personal updates, and content based on her faith. Savannah launched her beauty brand, Sassy by Savannah, which became popular through her online promotions. Since she interacts with her audience more often, her social media could feel authentic and engaging.

18. Bretman Rock (MTV Following: Bretman Rock)

Disney Animation's World Premiere Of "Moana 2" - Source: Getty
Disney Animation's World Premiere Of "Moana 2" - Source: Getty

Bretman Rock from social media fame became mainstream through MTV Following: Bretman Rock. With over 18 million followers on Instagram, Bretman posts beauty tutorials, fitness exercises, and other joyful updates on his life. He is unapologetic, creative, and one of the most loved influencers today. He has worked with major beauty brands and even released a book. Bretman has been able to merge comedy, authentic, and high-fashion moments into keeping his audience completely entertained.

19. Huda Kattan (Huda Boss)

Huda Kattan, NYC - Source: Getty
Huda Kattan, NYC - Source: Getty

Huda Kattan is the founder of Huda Beauty, which grew from her position as a beauty influencer to a billion-dollar cosmetics empire. Her reality show, Huda Boss, exposed fans to behind-the-scenes shots of her business and personal life. With more than 50 million followers on Instagram, Huda shares makeup tutorials, business advice, and personal reflections. She has evolved from a beauty blogger to one of the world's most influential entrepreneurs.

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Edited by Priscillah Mueni
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