In recent years, we've seen a new breed of celebrities take the online world by storm: Internet sensations.
The Internet has indeed become the new launching pad or stepping-stone for those who want to enter showbiz or those who want to amass a huge following and be known in their field of expertise.
Internationally, we've seen how YouTube catapulted singers such as Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, and Charlie Puth to super-stardom.
There are also world-famous beauty gurus or influencers who got their start on YouTube such as Bretman Rock and Patrick Starr.
Aside from YouTube, other social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Vine, Dubsmash, and TikTok have also given rise to the so-called online celebrities or Internet sensations.
The Philippines, one of the countries that use social media the most, also has a number of this new breed of stars.
After getting their big break on social media, some of them have successfully crossed over to showbiz as an actor, TV host, or singer.
Get to know some of the Pinoy Internet sensations-turned-showbiz personalities in the gallery below and be inspired by their amazing journey.
Dubbed as the Phenomenal Star, Maine Mendoza first rose to fame because of her viral Dubsmash videos. In 2015, she became part of Eat Bulaga's unscripted Kalyeserye, where her accidental love team with Alden Richards was formed. The pair eventually became known as “AlDub” and the two became household names thereafter. She was one of the lead cast of 'Daddy's Gurl' and is one of the top brand endorsers in the country.
'Bubble Gang' star Kim Domingo rose to fame in 2014 because of her viral Dubsmash video of the song “Twerk It Like Miley.” She has since starred in several Kapuso series such as “Juan Happy Love Story,” “Tsuperhero,” and “Super Ma'am.”
Jelai Andres is one of the online celebrities who successfully crossed over to showbiz. She first gained popularity as ½ of Team JoLai, when she was still vlogging with her then-boyfriend, Jon Gutierrez. Jelai eventually started her own vlog and became a Kapuso artist. She starred in TV shows such as “One of the Baes” and “Owe My Love.”
Moymoy Palaboy, the funny duo which consists of brothers, James Ronald Macasero (a.k.a. Moymoy) and Rodfil Macasero (a.k.a. Roadfill), first went viral for their lip sync videos on YouTube. They have since appeared in Kapuso shows such as 'Bubble Gang,' 'All My Life' and 'iBilib.'
Donnalyn Bartolome started vlogging at the age of 14, and became a recording artist at the age of 16. Donnalyn eventually forayed into acting. As of May 2021, she already has 11.7 Million Followers on Facebook, 4.8 Million on Instagram and 1.3 Million on Twitter.
DJ Loonyo, or Rhemuel Lunio in real life, first shot to fame because of the TikTok dance compilation that he uploaded when he was still a choreographer and CEO of a dance company in Hangzhou, China. He is now in the Philippines and has released his own music and appeared in several TV shows.
As mentioned earlier, Jon Gutierrez first became famous for his vlogs with former girlfriend and wife Jelai Andres. He eventually skyrocketed to fame as King Badger, part of the rap group Ex Battalion and also starred in Kapuso shows such as “One of the Baes” and “Owe My Love.”
Although Jake Zyrus has been joining singing competitions when he was younger and was still known as Charice, it was the viral YouTube videos of his performances that catapulted him to international fame. He appeared in shows like 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,'' The Oprah Winfrey Show,' and 'Glee,' and performed alongside David Foster, Andrea Bocelli, and Celine Dion. His single “Pyramid” made it to Billboard's Top 40 and his album “Charice” entered the Billboard 200 at number eight.
Voice-over artist Inka Magnaye first shot to fame after her TikTok video doing the in-flight announcement of Philippine Airlines with her mom, Lindy Pellicer, went viral. She was featured in several shows like 'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho' and eventually became a judge-host in Eat Bulaga's 'Bida Voice: Shy Singing Contest.'
Rain Matienzo is known as TikTok's Conyo Girl. One of her viral videos is when she attempted to host the popular 24 Oras segment, Chika Minute. She is now one of GMA's newest artists.
Macoy Dubs is a known content creator who skyrocketed to fame after introducing his character Aunt Julie, a.k.a. “Ninang from Poveda." Macoy is now a host for a noontime TV show.
Famous YouTube personality Kimpoy Feliciano is among the online celebrities who have successfully established a showbiz career. Aside from becoming a singer, Kimpoy has also dabbled in acting, appearing in Kapuso TV shows such as 'TODA One I Love,' 'Inday Will Always Love You,' and 'With a Smile.'
Former model and vlogger Sunshine Guimary has officially entered showbiz in 2021. She starred as the lead character in a sexy film, where she played the role of a sex guru.
Mimiyuuuh rose to fame due to her viral video challenge “Dalagang Pilipina” by ALLMO$T. Since then, the internet sensation has collaborated with various celebrities such as Fashion and Style Icon Heart Evangelista, Kapuso actress Bea Alonzo, heartthrob Alden Richards, and more. She's even gracing various magazine covers now with her keen eye for fashion.
Aaron Maniego is the viral bortang barbie on TikTok. He rose to fame for his funny TikTok videos that showcase his manly and feminine side. The TikToker also entered showbiz and was even featured in GTV's 'Pinas Sarap' and has starred in a commercial with a huge brand.
Another viral Tiktoker star turned showbiz actress is Sassa Gurl. Known for her comical TikTok videos, Sassa showed her acting skills on GMA's 'Wish Ko Lang' and has also collaborated with celebrities. The most prominent of them all is Erwan Heusaff. Recently, Sassa also had a photoshoot with internet sensation Mimiyuuuh and actress Awra Briguela to celebrate Pride Month.