2024 has witnessed the incredible power of social media in shaping the lives of individuals, propelling them from obscurity to global fame or infamy. These personalities have captivated the public with their unique traits, unexpected achievements, and controversial actions. Here are the top social media stars who made a mark this year.

Hailey Welch – The “Hawk Tuah Girl”

Hailey Welch’s rise to fame is one of the most bizarre and fascinating social media stories of 2024. The 21-year-old went from a minimum-wage job to becoming a millionaire almost overnight. Her fame began with a viral YouTube video where she coined the phrase “Hawk Tuah” in response to a street interview question. The video, which gained millions of views on the Tim & Dee channel, captured her energetic and confident attitude.

Taking advantage of her newfound notoriety, Welch launched a podcast, Talk Tuah, which reached as high as #3 on the US Spotify charts. However, her fame quickly turned controversial when she launched a Solana-based cryptocurrency, HAWK, which soared in value before crashing by almost 90%. This led to accusations of being involved in a pump-and-dump scheme, and the once-viral star found herself under scrutiny.

Watch the original Hawk Tuah Girl video that’s capturing everyone’s attention!

Stephen Nedoroscik – The Pommel Horse Hero

Stephen Nedoroscik became an internet sensation after his remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A member of the US gymnastics team, he made history by securing the first men’s gymnastics bronze medal for the United States in 16 years. His transformation from a quiet, nerdy figure into an Olympic champion captivated the public, especially after his “Clark Kent” moment when he removed his glasses to deliver a flawless routine.

Nedoroscik’s popularity extended beyond the gymnastic arena, as he joined the 33rd season of Dancing with the Stars and finished in fourth place with his partner, Rylee Arnold. His unique blend of athleticism and charm made him one of the most talked-about stars of the year.

Catch Stephen Nedoroscik’s incredible bronze medal pommel routine!

Watch Stephen Nedoroscik’s show-stopping finale freestyle on Dancing with the Stars!

Yusuf Dikeç – Turkey’s John Wick

At 51 years old, Yusuf Dikeç captured the internet’s attention during the 2024 air pistol competition with his calm, unorthodox style. Unlike his rivals, who used high-tech gear and dramatic poses, Dikeç competed with a laid-back attitude, often shooting with his hand in his pocket and wearing simple glasses. His viral “calm pose” became an internet meme, with athletes from around the world mimicking his signature gesture.

Dikeç, a retired member of the Turkish Gendarmerie, has been competing since 2001 and earned 30 medals throughout his career. His relaxed and confident approach to shooting made him a viral sensation, but his focus remains firmly on the sport, with eyes set on winning gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Check out the viral video of Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec and his effortlessly cool attitude at the 2024 Olympics!

Johnny Somali – The Infamous Streamer

Johnny Somali’s journey from fame to infamy has been swift and scandalous. The 24-year-old gained a large following through his online provocations and controversial antics. His visits to Japan and Israel, where he deliberately offended locals, earned him significant attention. However, his trip to South Korea in September 2024 proved to be his downfall.

Somali made inflammatory comments and performed a lap dance on the Statue of Peace, a memorial for the women forced into sexual slavery during WWII. The outrage that followed led to his YouTube channel being banned. The South Korean government banned him from leaving the country, and he eventually faced legal action, including being indicted for his actions. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

See the video: American YouTuber Johnny Somali booked for obstruction and barred from leaving Korea:

Rachael “Raygun” Gunn – The Controversial Breakdancer

Rachael Gunn, an Australian Olympic breakdancer, became the target of widespread mockery and criticism after her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her dancing routine, which many found extravagant and awkward, sparked memes and negative commentary online. Some even labeled her moves as a “detriment to the sport.”

The controversy didn’t end with the ridicule. A petition was launched accusing Gunn of manipulating the Olympic selection process to ensure her participation. The Australian Olympic Committee condemned the petition, but Gunn’s reputation had already been tarnished. She later appeared in a high-fashion photo shoot, expressing her need for time to heal before returning to dancing for herself.

Watch the video: Raygun shares their devastation over online hate following their Olympics performance:

Kurt Caz – The Daredevil Vlogger

Kurt Caz, a 25-year-old travel vlogger from South Africa, has taken the YouTube world by storm in 2024. Known for documenting his daring adventures, Caz shifted his content to focus on exploring dangerous, off-the-beaten-path locations across South America. His videos, which often feature stunning landscapes and risky situations, resonated with millions of viewers, propelling his channel to new heights.

In 2024, Caz amassed over 3.26 million subscribers, with each video regularly surpassing 2 million views. His fearless approach to travel and exploration has made him one of the most popular adventure vloggers of the year.

Explore the video: Kurt Caz uncovers Venezuela’s most dangerous beach!

Jonathan Jacob Meijer – The Man with 1,000 Kids

Jonathan Jacob Meijer, a Dutch YouTuber and former civics teacher, made headlines in 2024 for fathering up to 1,000 children via sperm donation. Meijer, who had been banned from donating sperm in 2023, faced legal action after it was discovered that he had exceeded the limits set by Dutch fertility clinics. His actions led to a court ruling that labeled him as having misled both clinics and prospective parents.

Meijer’s case gained international attention, especially after the release of a Netflix documentary, The Man with 1,000 Kids. The documentary sparked further debate about the ethics of sperm donation and Meijer’s controversial actions.

Watch the video: Jonathan Jacob Meijer, the man with 1000 kids, says, ‘I don’t regret anything!

Check out the official trailer for The Man with 1000 Kids on Netflix!

Mark Longo – The Owner of Peanut the Squirrel

Mark Longo’s pet squirrel, Peanut, became a social media sensation, capturing the hearts of thousands of fans. However, the tragic euthanization of Peanut in November 2024 turned Longo into a public figure. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation raided his home, claiming that Peanut and another pet, Fred the raccoon, had rabies.

Longo and his wife, Daniela Bittner, filed a lawsuit against the state, accusing them of violating their rights. The case has sparked a broader debate about the treatment of pet owners and the legal rights surrounding animal ownership.

Watch the heartwarming video of a guy and his rescued squirrel doing everything together!

Watch the emotional video as Peanut the Squirrel’s dad breaks down in tears after saying goodbye to his beloved pet:

Nara Smith – The Lifestyle Influencer

Nara Smith, a South African-German model and influencer, rose to fame on TikTok and Instagram in 2024. Known for her relatable and down-to-earth content, Nara shares everything from family life to cooking recipes. Her grilled cheese recipe, which gained over 40 million views, showcases her warm and engaging personality.

As a mother of three, Nara integrates her family life with her influencer career, collaborating with high-fashion brands like Marc Jacobs and Dior. Her growing influence has made her a prominent figure in both the fashion and lifestyle spheres.

Check out some of the best videos featuring Nara Smith’s unforgettable moments!

Jools Lebron – The TikTok Star with “Very Demure, Very Mindful”

Jools Lebron, a Puerto Rican trans woman, became an overnight sensation on TikTok with her catchy phrase, “Very Demure, Very Mindful.” Her viral content, especially a video titled How to be Demure at Work, resonated with millions of viewers, including celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Joe Jonas, who incorporated her audio into their posts.

Lebron’s rise to fame helped fund her gender transition, but it also led to the overwhelming pressure of becoming a viral sensation. She has since opened up about the challenges of maintaining her identity in the face of fame and how the word “demure” has started to overshadow who she truly is.

Watch the video: ‘Demure’ diva Jools Lebron shares her journey to TikTok stardom!

2024 has been a year where social media stars have shaped not only the digital world but also the global conversation, from those who rose to fame through talent and charisma to those who found themselves mired in controversy. These individuals have proven that the power of social media is undeniable, for better or worse.