Fame 2.0: The Rise of Celebrities on YouTube—the New Era of Fan Engagement

Koktail Magazine

17 Oct 2024


YouTube has given everyone the stage to showcase their creativity, and many have seized the opportunity—rising from bedroom setups to basking in the limelight.

With the platform’s pull and influence, even established celebrities are diving headfirst into the YouTube world.

Here, Koktail is giving you a curated look at celeb YouTubers blending lifestyle and behind-the-scene moments. They invite us in—no polish, no pretence—just stars revealed in ways you never imagined.

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Goy-Natty-Dream

This tight-knit trio of childhood besties is a YouTube sensation, with Goy being a familiar face for today’s teens and kids thanks to her roles in shows like Hormones and O-Negative. Meanwhile, Natty and Dream have made notable appearances in various media projects, working closely alongside Goy.

"The GoyNattyDream Channel is a hit. It feels like eavesdropping on a convo with your cool cousins, featuring A-list Thai celebs like Mew Suppasit, Gulf Kanawut, Billkin, PP Krit and Zee Pruk in the backseats for fun, laid-back carpool chats. But it doesn’t stop there. This squad of rising stars in Thailand’s media scene serves up daily vlogs that dive into their routines—morning coffee, midday munchies and pre-bedtime rituals. These candid glimpses offer unprecedented access to celebrities, providing a refreshing contrast to the usual pedestal on which stars are placed.

 

It’s one example of how YouTube breaks down barriers, turning our favourite stars into relatable figures as we take a glimpse into their everyday lives—whether it's their downtime at home or those candid car rides to the office, even if that office happens to be a movie studio.

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Mai Davika

She has firmly carved her name in the billion-dollar Thai film industry, captivating fans and collecting accolades in killer role hits like P’Mak (2013) and Heart Attack (2015).

On her YouTube Davikah Channel, she invites us into her world through vlogs that present an unguarded, off-duty version of herself amidst her superstardom and supermodel allure. We’re treated to cute interactions with her circle of friends, family and her actor boyfriend, the talented Ter Chatavit, along with other celebrity colleagues.

 

She also shares her singing journey through music videos that showcase her newfound talent. These intimate moments offer a refreshing peek behind the curtain, revealing a more relatable side of Mai that beautifully contrasts with her always-glamorous image.

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Mario Maurer

He’s the OG and childhood first love of many from award-winning films like First Love (2010) and Love of Siam (2007). His charming performance in P’Mak (2013), alongside the already mentioned Mai Davika, has only solidified his status. Since then, he has continued to shine in the entertainment industry, with Thailand’s boy-next-door recently embracing the digital landscape through his YouTube channel, Mario World.

Through his engaging content, he takes us on exciting adventures, from travel escapades to trying new experiences. It feels as though we’re sharing in his first-time thrills with our first crush—heartwarming, if you ask me.

 

In doing so, he breaks down the barriers between stardom and everyday mundanity, inviting us into his world with authenticity. His infectious enthusiasm rekindles our joy for discovery and the magic of living life to the fullest—even for an A-list star. It’s a reminder we often overlook.

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Baifern Pimchanok

She’s been adored for years, charming audiences alongside Mario in the classic First Love (2010). As she continues to grow, so does her talent and her devoted fandom that spans across Asia.

In today’s digital landscape, Baifern is remixing her silver screen fame into online stardom on YouTube with her channel Fernzone—a clever play on words! She offers us a front-row seat to her life, featuring exciting home tours, thrilling travel vlogs and behind-the-scene glimpses of the movie and show sets she’s part of. 

 

Her vlogs are equal parts world tour and celeb hangout, with appearances from many familiar faces—her besties—sharing laughter that goes beyond the scripts, including friends like Off Jumpol and March Chutavuth.

Whether she’s jet-setting around the globe or sharing candid moments, fans can enjoy these insights without the flash of the paparazzi. It’s easy, it’s charming and you almost forget she’s one of Asia’s biggest stars.

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NCT

While they might not have their own individual YouTube channels, K-Pop royalty NCT doesn’t disappoint in the golden age of online engagement with their creativity. Their official group channel has rolled out a series offering an exclusive backstage pass into the members' everyday lives—lazy dorm days spent in sweatpants and with bare faces.

 

Fans are treasuring a trove of at-home, no-frills moments, from self-care routines and video game marathons to skincare secrets and late-night record-playing sessions in the dorm—a stark contrast to their perfectly polished K-Pop looks onstage and at glamorous red carpet events. The vlogs feature not-so-perfect handheld footage, making this even better and rare to see in their industry, capturing the intersections of their busy tour schedules. This intimate peek into their world underscores NCT’s commitment to authenticity in an industry often dominated by glossy façades. As the lines between celebrity and fan continue to blur, you can't help but applaud them for nailing this content and giving a well-deserved shoutout to those behind this stroke of marketing genius. 

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Lisa

Stepping onto the scene as the only Thai member of Blackpink, Lisa has locked down her niche as a fierce rapper who has now embarked on a solo career. Not long ago, she launched her channel, Lilifilm Official, inviting us into her world with authenticity. In these serene vignettes, she takes us along on her globe-trotting adventures, like her vlog exploring the romantic streets of Paris, bare-faced and in an oversized hoodie while enjoying her sweet French treats—Traveler Lisa is as fun offstage as she is on.

 

We are treated to a more candid side of Lisa; there’s no gloss, no glam squad. Sitting in an open space with no flash, wearing sneakers and clutching her go-to cup of coffee. In a hyper-polished universe of K-pop idols, where a single hair out of place can be headline news, Lisa captures her life through her vlogs as a girl wandering the world while walking the starlit career path. These moments of laughter and connection with friends and family during her post-concert adventures remind us that even the fiercest stars have ordinary lives like us—that’s heartwarming.

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Kylie Jenner

After over a decade in the spotlight as the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner dynasty, Kylie has ventured into the world of YouTube. This wild yet sweet youngest sister has handed us a tantalising peek into their luxurious LA lifestyle beyond the family drama on the show The Kardashians. 

On her channel, Kylie shares candid moments both at home and in the fast-paced realm of work. We catch glimpses of her dynamic circle, including the ever-savvy Kris Jenner, her half-sisters Kim, Khloé and Kourtney, and her twin flame Kendall, alongside her journey with her businesses, such as Kylie Cosmetics, both as the mogul and the mum behind the makeup empire.

 

On her channel, Kylie shares candid moments both at home and in the fast-paced realm of work. We catch glimpses of her dynamic circle, including the ever-savvy Kris Jenner, her half-sisters Kim, Khloé and Kourtney, and her twin flame Kendall, alongside her journey with her businesses, such as Kylie Cosmetics, both as the mogul and the mum behind the makeup empire.

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Hailey Bieber

Since launching her cosmetics line Rhode, Hailey has been using YouTube as her own little beauty hangout, spilling skincare secrets while sparking trends that have everyone trying out her signature blush and lip combo. On her channel, she rolls out the welcome mat, inviting us into her supermodel world as she reveals beauty secrets from the comfort of her home, all while giving us the inside scoop on her brand.

Her vlogs are well thought out yet casually entertaining. In her Get Ready With Me (GRWM) segments, she familiarises us with the YouTube beauty community scene. From watching her on the runway, it now feels like we’re lounging at home with our bestie, getting the lowdown on her beauty must-haves. 

 

On top of these insights she has shared, Hailey’s What’s in My Kitchen show also has us sitting down for delightful conversations with her celebrity friends while whipping up delicious dishes in her kitchen.

 

 

It’s a refreshing twist that reminds us that supermodels are not just about mean walks and striking poses; they’re also full of laughs and clumsy moments.