8 internet celebs who blew up beyond the internet in 2022
This year we were introduced to some of our new faves. These rising stars came from everywhere: 15 second videos on TikTok, viral tweets on Twitter, breakout roles in film/TV and even on the big screen.
In Etalk: Influenced, we’re taking a look at some of our favourite new creators and stars we had the pleasure of talking to this year. These are some of the coolest internet celebs who have broken through the digital divide and made major names for themselves beyond viral fame. Meet the Etalk: Influenced class of 2022 below.
Tune in to Etalk: Influenced on December 28 at 7pm ET on CTV, CTV.ca and the CTV app.
ALEX COOPER
Who they are: Alex Cooper is the host of Call Her Daddy, a no holds barred podcast that puts a modern twist on feminism and sexuality with A-list guests. After a tumultuous split from her former co-host and production company, Cooper rose to become one of the biggest in the podcasting game with Call Her Daddy becoming the #2 podcast in the world.
Why we love them: We love Alex’s fearless interview style, diving hilariously headfirst into explicit topics without holding back. With A-lists guests joining the podcast like Hailey Bieber and John Mayer, it’s hard not to get addicted to Cooper and Call Her Daddy. Daddy Gang 4ever!
JABOUKIE YOUNG-WHITE
Who they are: Jaboukie Young-White is a Twitter OG. Truly a major voice of his generation, Jaboukie set the tone for what a ‘Twitter creator’ could be. His singular voice brought near constant comedic takes on everything from movies to politics. His Twitter feed is consistently banger after banger.
Why we love them: Jaboukie Young-White took his voice (literally) from Twitter to the big screen, voicing Disney’s first ever openly LGBTQ+ character in Strange World, showing us that incredible talent can rise from anywhere.
MEI PANG
Who they are: 2022 was the year of Mei Pang! The Canadian makeup artist was doing it all this year: shaking up the makeup world on TikTok, modeling for Rihanna’s Fenty brand, and guest judging on Canada’s Drag Race. Talk about a year!
Why we love them: The Malaysian-Canadian artist in unabashedly herself. She fully throws herself into every new endeavour and we never get tired of watching to see what she’ll do next!
KAIRYN POTTS
Who they are: Kairyn Potts can do it all. The 29-year-old is a creator and advocate based in Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation near Edmonton. Potts has gained a massive following on social media as he explores Indigenous life and culture through his unique lens.
Why we love them: We love Potts’ comedic and real outlook and how he brings Indigenous representation to the forefront for younger generations.
DREW AFUALO
Who they are: Drew Afualo is going to call you out. The 26-year-old content creator has built a platform silencing misogynistic bullies on social media. In lightning speed, Afulo has amassed millions of social media followers across all platforms.
Why we love them: We love Drew’s relatability and fearless nature. She’s always ready to pounce on any individual or subject matter with her unique lens.
KAT CALLAGHAN
Who they are: You might not know her name, but Kat Callaghan is a part of your everyday life. The Canadian radio DJ and voiceover artist is instantly recognizable the second you hear her speak: she’s the TikTok voice! Known as ‘Jesse’ on the app, you’ve definitely heard Kat’s voice on TikTok reading the text on screen, and now with TikTok’s new voice changer, you can become 'Jesse' (aka Kat!).
Why we love them: Her voice was shrouded in mystery for years, but once the curtain was lifted, this Canadian was everywhere! Duetting with major celebs, brands and sports teams, Kat was an overnight content creation sensation with the world excited to finally get eyes on the voice they’ve known for years.
MEGAN STALTER
Who they are: Megan Stalter is the funniest comedian you might not know yet. Her polarizing style is very "if you get it, you get it" and if you get it, you won’t stop laughing! The rising star began with short-form sketch comedy on YouTube and Twitter, and has quickly shot to fame -- starring in an HBO show (watch Hacks on Crave now), appearing in Kacey Musgraves music videos -- and has a fistfull of major projects on the horizon.
Why we love them: Stalter spent her COVID quarantine grinding on short-form comedy sketches to post on Twitter and Instagram, and by the time quarantine restrictions lifted, Stalter was a breakout star on HBO Max’s Emmy award winning, Hacks.
DONTE COLLEY
Who they are: If you’re on social media, you’ve seen Donte Colley’s videos. The 25-year-old Canadian creator is known for his incredible dance videos. By shaking up the typical dance video format with text, effects and relatable subject matter, Colley has risen to a position that has him appearing on Good Morning America and in Arianna Grande music videos!
Why we love them: Colley brings a smile to our faces everytime his videos pops up. With Colley continuing his worldwide takeover and amping up his content with next-level production value and music video remakes, we see big things for him in the future!
