A generation of celebrities is rewriting the norms of fame and money in a world where social media is dominant. Having been born in the twenty-first century, these youthful celebrities are not just widely recognized but also powerful online figures with millions of followers and can rake in serious cash with just a single post.
At the top of this elite list is Billie Eilish, the moody pop sensation who’s captured hearts worldwide with her haunting vocals and rebellious style. With over 119 million Instagram followers, Billie’s reach is almost unimaginable. But it’s not just about the likes—if she monetizes her posts, she could earn an eye-watering $381,000 per sponsored post. Yes, you read that right—one post could easily cover the down payment on a luxury home.
Coming in hot at number two is Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, who has successfully transitioned from a supernatural child hero to a bona fide fashion and beauty icon. With 63.5 million followers, Millie is not only a Gen Z idol but also a marketing dream, with an earning potential of around $202,000 per post. Stranger Things might be wrapping up, but Millie’s influence is just getting started.
Jenna Ortega, fresh off her dark, edgy performance in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and her breakout role in Wednesday, takes the third spot. Known for her sharp wit and gothic aesthetic, Ortega has amassed nearly 38 million followers, translating to over $120,000 per sponsored post. She’s quickly becoming a Gen Z icon with her fearless fashion choices and unapologetic attitude.
Behind Jenna is “Vampire” singer Olivia Rodrigo, whose raw, emotional ballads have made her a global sensation. With 37.7 million followers, she’s right behind Ortega, and her earning potential per Instagram post mirrors her—just shy of $120,000. Olivia’s appeal lies in her authenticity, proving that vulnerability can be powerful.
TikTok star turned multi-platform influencer Addison Rae takes fifth place. While she originally found fame on TikTok, Addison’s Instagram following is nothing to scoff at, with nearly 35 million fans. Her social media clout alone is worth over $110,000 per post.
The rest of the top ten is dominated by stars from Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things. Sadie Sink, Noah Schnapp, and Finn Wolfhard have all leveraged their on-screen fame into massive Instagram followings, with each star boasting over 22 million fans and the ability to earn upwards of $70,000 per post. Gaten Matarazzo, rounding out the group, isn’t far behind, with 16.5 million followers and potential earnings of over $52,000 per post.
But it’s not just about numbers. These young stars are defining what it means to be influential in the digital age. Billie, Millie, Jenna, and their peers have tapped into the core of Gen Z’s values—authenticity, creativity, and boldness—and have harnessed the power of social media to connect with fans on a global scale. They are more than just influencers; they are shaping culture in real time, proving that being under 25 has never been more powerful.
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Jana Schuessler
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