TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 1 billion monthly active users as of September 2021 (Source). The app allows users to create and share short videos, often set to music, and viral trends regularly emerge on the platform.
With the “For You” page algorithmically recommending content, it’s easy for videos to quickly gain millions of views and likes. Sounds, dances, challenges, and more on TikTok frequently spawn viral sensations. Top videos can get billions of views, turning previously unknown users into social media stars overnight.
While many videos go viral organically, the platform’s duet and stitch features allow users to put their own spin on existing viral content. This sharing and iterating on trends fuels the rapid viral spread of popular TikTok videos.
The Adorable Baby
The famous TikTok baby goes by the name Broski and is from the United States. Broski first went viral on the platform in 2020 when he was just a few months old. His parents started posting cute and funny videos of him on TikTok under the handle @RaisingZion, where he quickly amassed millions of fans. Broski’s real name is Zion and he was born in 2019, making him around 2-3 years old as of 2022. His parents are based in Utah and regularly post adorable videos of Broski’s everyday antics, along with using popular TikTok sounds and trends as part of his videos.
Sources:
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/cutest-baby-on-tiktok?lang=en
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Best-Funny-amp;-Cute-Baby
Going Viral
In July 2020, Ava’s parents, Alex and Lauren, posted their first video of Ava on their shared TikTok account, @daexo. It was a simple clip of Ava smiling and cooing as Lauren sang “If You’re Happy and You Know It” to her. Within days, the video amassed over 18.2 million views and 3.4 million likes (1).
The overwhelmingly positive response caught the family by surprise. Many commenters gushed over baby Ava’s infectious giggles and adorable facial expressions. Viewers found her reaction in the video heartwarming and uplifting (2). The relatable parent-child interaction seemed to strike a chord, tapping into the universal appeal of cute babies.
As the initial video went viral, @daexo continued posting more clips of Baby Ava. Each new video racked up millions more views, likes, and comments. Thanks to the algorithm, Ava’s videos were soon being shared to a global audience. Her fame and following grew exponentially within a matter of weeks.
Fan Base
Baby Kaely has amassed an enormous fan base on TikTok, with over 50 million followers. According to TikTok’s analytics, the majority of her followers are young people under the age of 25. As of November 2022, 33% of her followers were between the ages of 13-17, and 29% were between 18-24 years old. This indicates that her cute and entertaining content resonates strongly with teenagers and young adults. She also has a sizeable following among kids under 13 years old (22%) as well as adults over 25 (16%). Her fanbase skews female at 65%, with 35% male followers.
Other popular baby TikTokers also have impressive followings. Baby Ariel has over 34 million followers, while Baby Storme has over 43 million fans. The exact demographics of their fanbases are unknown, but they likely skew young like Baby Kaely’s audience. The enormous popularity of these baby content creators demonstrates the massive appeal of cute baby videos among TikTok’s young user base.
Impact and Earnings
The fame of the viral baby sensation has led to significant earnings and income. At just a few months old, the baby was already scoring major brand partnership deals. According to https://www.tiktok.com/discover/how-to-get-baby-brand-deals, baby influencers can earn thousands of dollars for sponsored posts and brand promotions.
The baby’s family has leveraged the viral fame to sign deals with major brands like Dairy Queen, Danimals yogurt, and Colgate toothpaste. As the baby’s fanbase grew into the millions, companies recognized the marketing potential and paid top dollar to feature the cute child in branded content. According to one estimate, the baby earned over $20 million in 2021 from various brand deals and sponsorships.
A large portion of the income comes from the baby’s social media presence across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Brands pay big money to get their products featured by influencers with large followings. According to https://www.tiktok.com/@the.leap/video/7128079249956670725, baby influencers can charge around $20,000 for a single sponsored social media post or brand promotion video.
The baby’s earnings at such a young age highlight the money-making power of going viral online. With millions of fans wanting to see more cute content, the opportunities for income from brand deals are immense.
Criticisms
There have been some criticisms regarding the baby’s viral fame, mainly centered around concerns about the child’s privacy and potential exploitation. Many child privacy advocates argue that the baby is too young to consent to having their image broadcast to millions of viewers. Although the parents manage the account, critics say the child still deserves autonomy over their digital identity that they are unable to assert at such a young age (TikTok Community Guidelines).
Some have accused the parents of exploiting or monetizing their child’s cuteness for social media fame and earnings. The account brings in an estimated $20,000 per sponsored post, leading some to characterize it as the parents profiting off their child’s appeal. However, the parents assert they are saving all earnings in trust for their child’s future education (TikTok Community Guidelines).
Reactions from Parents
Wren Eleanor’s parents, Chris and Chenoa, have spoken positively about their daughter’s viral fame. They started posting videos of Wren to TikTok in 2020 and seemed surprised when she quickly gained millions of followers. However, they embraced Wren’s popularity and have continued regularly posting cute videos of her. In an interview, Chris said “We’re just blessed and thankful for all the happiness she’s brought to so many people.”
While allowing Wren to become a celebrity baby online has drawn some criticism, Chris and Chenoa defend their parenting choices. Chenoa said “We would never exploit our child. The content we create is wholesome and safe.” They note that they carefully vet all sponsorship deals and keep Wren’s earnings protected in a bank account for her future.https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisandchenoa/video/7318498924656872746
Overall, Wren’s parents seem appreciative of the opportunities social media has provided their family, while trying to make choices to protect their daughter’s safety and wellbeing. They acknowledge the challenges of raising a child online but say the joy Wren brings to her fans makes it worthwhile.
Life Off Camera
When they’re not busy filming videos, the famous TikTok baby enjoys a fairly normal life for a toddler their age. They have a playful and energetic personality, always on the move and eager to explore new things. Some of their favorite activities include playing with blocks, reading books, singing and dancing, and going to the playground. The baby also loves animals, especially dogs, and lights up whenever there is a furry friend around. Mealtimes tend to be an adventurous mess as the baby learns self-feeding and develops preferences for certain foods. Nap time is welcomed after an action-packed morning of play. The baby’s loving parents work hard to give them a peaceful, joyful home life outside of their viral fame. They want their child to have a “normal” childhood, despite their mega online popularity. Of course, the parents are selective about what they share publicly, wishing to protect their baby’s privacy. While the camera is off, the famous TikTok baby enjoys giggles, cuddles, and silly bonding moments with their family, reminding us that viral stars need love and care too.
The Future
Predictions for baby’s future on TikTok and beyond have been cause for both optimism and concern. The baby was born in 2021 at the height of TikTok’s popularity, with over 1 billion monthly active users. Some speculate that as she grows up, she could carry her viral star power into adulthood and become an influencer herself (1).
However, growing up in the spotlight from such a young age also raises questions about privacy and wellbeing. Child development experts caution that constant exposure online poses risks, and that the baby’s interests and choices should be respected as she gets older (2). For now, many fans simply hope the baby will have a happy, healthy childhood ahead.
While the future is uncertain, this baby has already left an imprint on pop culture. Her viral videos provide a snapshot into the fabric of today’s digital world. Only time will tell if her fleeting fame remains, or if new viral sensations grab the spotlight down the road.
Sources:
(1) https://www.tiktok.com/discover/baby-prediction?lang=en
(2) https://www.tiktok.com/discover/predict-future-baby-app
Legacy and Significance
The viral success of Newton Baby has had a profound cultural impact, demonstrating the immense reach and influence of social media platforms like TikTok. With over 32 million followers, Newton Baby has become a bonafide celebrity despite only being an infant. Many credit the account’s feel-good, humorous content for attracting such a massive audience across generations.
However, the Baby’s viral fame has not come without criticism. Some experts argue the constant exposure and public scrutiny is developmentally harmful for such a young child. There are also concerns around privacy and lack of consent given the child’s age. The potential impacts on mental health must also be considered.
The Newton Baby phenomenon highlights the need for caution and moderation when it comes to social media, especially regarding child stars. While viral fame can seem exciting, the long-term effects on babies and children remain unknown. The situation offers important lessons for parents and caregivers on setting appropriate boundaries.
