Charli D’Amelio, a name synonymous with TikTok’s explosive rise, has transformed from a small-town competitive dancer to one of the most influential social media personalities in the world. Born on May 1, 2004, in Norwalk, Connecticut, the 20-year-old has leveraged her viral dance videos into a multifaceted career spanning television, film, fashion, and entrepreneurship. With an estimated net worth of $45 million in 2025, Charli’s journey is a testament to the power of social media and her savvy ability to capitalize on her global fame. This article explores her biography, career milestones, personal life, and the financial empire she’s built.
Early Life and Background
Charli Grace D’Amelio was born to Heidi D’Amelio, a former model and photographer, and Marc D’Amelio, a businessman and former Republican Connecticut Senate candidate. Raised in an upper-middle-class family alongside her older sister, Dixie D’Amelio, Charli displayed a passion for dance from an early age. At the age of three, she began dancing and went on to train competitively for over a decade. Her dedication to dance laid the foundation for her later success on TikTok, where her skills would captivate millions.
Charli attended the private King School in Stamford, Connecticut, but switched to virtual schooling after her social media fame skyrocketed, allowing her to balance her education with her burgeoning career. Her family, particularly her parents and sister, have played a significant role in her journey, often appearing in her content and building their own social media presence.
Rise to Fame on TikTok
Charli’s ascent to stardom began in May 2019 when she downloaded TikTok at the urging of friends and posted her first video—a lip-syncing clip with a friend. Her breakthrough came in July 2019 with a duet video alongside TikTok user Move With Joy, showcasing her dance moves. By October, her performance of the “Renegade” dance to K Camp’s song “Lottery” went viral, propelling her to global recognition. Though initially credited with creating the dance, Charli later ensured proper credit was given to its originator, Jalaiah Harmon, following public discussion.
Her authentic style, infectious energy, and relatable persona resonated with audiences, leading to an unprecedented rise. By March 2020, Charli became TikTok’s most-followed creator, a title she held until surpassed by Khaby Lame in June 2022. She made history in November 2020 as the first TikTok user to reach 100 million followers, a milestone that earned her a 2021 Guinness World Record. As of 2025, Charli boasts over 156 million TikTok followers, making her the platform’s second most-followed individual, with a fanbase large enough to rival the population of a small country.
Career Beyond TikTok
Charli’s influence extends far beyond short-form dance videos. Her social media success opened doors to a diverse range of opportunities in entertainment, fashion, and business.
Television and Film
In 2020, Charli made her feature film debut, voicing Tinker in the animated movie StarDog and TurboCat. The following year, she starred alongside her family in the Hulu reality series The D’Amelio Show (2021–2023), offering fans a glimpse into their lives and careers in Los Angeles. She also co-led the Snap Original reality show Charli vs. Dixie (2021–2022), where she and her sister competed in challenges for a $50,000 charity prize, with Charli supporting UNICEF.
In 2022, Charli showcased her dance prowess on the thirty-first season of Dancing with the Stars, winning the competition alongside professional partner Mark Ballas. Her earnings from the show are estimated at up to $295,000, reflecting the show’s tiered payment structure for celebrities. In October 2024, Charli made her Broadway debut as an ensemble member in the jukebox musical & Juliet, further cementing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
Brand Partnerships and Business Ventures
Charli’s massive following has made her a prime target for brand partnerships. She commands an estimated $250,000 per sponsored TikTok post, with notable campaigns for brands like Dunkin’ Donuts, Invisalign, Morphe Cosmetics, Garnier, Prada, and Hollister. Her collaboration with Dunkin’ resulted in a custom drink, “The Charli,” and a merchandise line, significantly boosting the brand’s visibility among younger audiences. Her partnership with Invisalign reportedly led to a 26% increase in teen purchases.
Beyond endorsements, Charli has launched several entrepreneurial ventures:
- Morphe 2: A makeup line with Morphe Cosmetics, co-created with Dixie, emphasizing natural beauty.
- Coastal Craze: A nail polish collection with Orosa Beauty, released in August 2020 and followed by a second collection in December 2021.
- Social Tourist: A clothing line with Hollister, co-founded with Dixie, which contributed to 10% of Hollister’s sales through September 2021.
- D’Amelio Footwear: A shoe brand launched with Dixie, combining style and comfort, distributed in major retailers like Walmart and 7/11.
- Born Dreamer: A perfume launched in 2022, adding to her growing portfolio of branded products.
- Pura Vida Accessories: A line of bracelets featuring her phrase “all smiles here.”
- Be Happy Snacks: A family-run snack brand available in major retail stores.
Charli also ventured into finance, investing in startups like Step, a teen-oriented banking service, and co-owning 444 Capital, a $25 million venture capital fund focusing on direct-to-consumer, fintech, and healthcare platforms. Her investment in Incredible Health, a career marketplace valued at $1.65 billion, underscores her business acumen.
Other Media Ventures
Charli has diversified her media presence with a podcast, Charli and Dixie: 2 Chix, launched in October 2020, and a memoir, Essentially Charli: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping It Real, published in December 2020. She appeared in a 2020 Super Bowl commercial for Sabra Hummus, reportedly earning $1 million, and performed in music videos for artists like Bebe Rexha and Jennifer Lopez. Her YouTube channel, with over 9.19 million subscribers, generates significant ad revenue, further boosting her income.
Net Worth and Earnings
Charli D’Amelio’s net worth is estimated at $45 million in 2025, a figure driven by her social media earnings, endorsements, merchandise, and media projects. Her financial milestones include:
- 2020: Earned $3 million, making her the second-highest-paid TikTok star behind Addison Rae.
- 2021: Earned $17.5–$18 million, becoming the highest-paid TikTok creator, surpassing corporate CEOs of companies like Exxon and Starbucks.
- 2022–2023: Earned $23 million, reflecting her growing influence and diversified ventures.
- 2023–2024: Earned $20 million, maintaining her status as a top earner.
Her wealth is supplemented by merchandise sales, including hoodies and sweatshirts sold on Amazon, as well as strategic investments. Charli’s ability to monetize her 156 million TikTok followers and 200 million combined followers across platforms underscores her status as a global brand.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Charli’s personal life has garnered significant attention, with her relationships often making headlines. She dated TikTok star Chase Hudson in 2020, but the couple split that same year. As of 2024, she is reportedly dating musician Landon Barker, son of Travis Barker. Despite her fame, Charli remains grounded, often sharing glimpses of her family life and struggles, including her openness about body image issues and an eating disorder, which she addressed in partnership with UNICEF’s 2020 anti-bullying campaign.
Charli is a noted philanthropist, donating $50,000 to Norwalk Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and $100,000 to the American Dance Movement to support dance education. She has also voiced support for the Black Lives Matter movement, using her platform to advocate for social causes.
Lifestyle and Assets
Charli’s success has afforded her a luxurious lifestyle. She and Dixie reportedly rent a $5.5 million Hollywood Hills mansion for $35,000 per month, featuring modern amenities. Her car collection includes a Tesla Model Y ($53,000) and a BMW X3 ($43,000). She has also gifted lavish items, such as $30,000 Dior x Jordan sneakers, to her sister. Her frequent trips to destinations like Italy and the Bahamas are documented on social media, showcasing her global influence.
Challenges and Controversies
Charli’s rapid rise has not been without challenges. Her early misstep in not crediting the “Renegade” dance creator sparked debate, though she rectified the situation. The potential U.S. TikTok ban, due to national security concerns surrounding ByteDance, poses a threat to her primary platform. However, her diversified career suggests she is well-positioned to adapt.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Charli D’Amelio’s journey from a Connecticut teenager to a global media mogul is a modern success story. Her ability to parlay TikTok fame into a diversified empire—spanning TV, film, fashion, and investments—demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit. With plans to explore acting and fashion design further and a Broadway debut already under her belt, Charli’s influence is poised to grow. Her Italian and Irish heritage, close family ties, and relatable persona continue to endear her to millions, ensuring her place as a cultural icon.
As TikTok’s future remains uncertain, Charli’s adaptability and business savvy suggest she will continue to thrive, redefining what it means to be a social media star in the digital age. Whether she’s dancing on Broadway or launching new ventures, Charli D’Amelio is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
