In recent years, TikTok has shifted away from being a dance focused app into a platform for emerging artists — comedians especially — to make a name for themselves. Instead of relying solely on open mic nights at local comedy clubs, hoping to be noticed, TikTok has given creators a chance to have their work be seen worldwide. As a result, we’re witnessing a new generation of comedians rising to prominence thanks to TikTok
Caleb Hearon
Caleb Hearon first captured attention with his viral POV videos on TikTok and Twitter, but his rise to fame was expedited when Chrissy Teigen reposted one of his videos, earning him 70,000 followers overnight.
Today, with over a million followers on TikTok, multiple viral podcast moments from his hit show “So True” and a spot on Rolling Stone’s 2025 list of 25 Most Influential Creators, Hearon is quickly becoming a household name. Now, he is also reaching new heights with the premiere of his HBO comedy special, “Caleb Hearon: Model Comedian” debuting Sept. 19, 2025!
Jake Shane
Jake Shane’s TikTok journey originally started with food reviews centered around octopus themed dishes, but it was his skit of President Clinton denying his relationship with Monica Lewinsky that launched him into viral territory.
After racking up millions of views, Shane made the pivot to his now known and loved sketch comedy videos. With 3.7 million followers and counting on TikTok, Shane now hosts his hit podcast “Therapuss with Jake Shane,” featuring several A-list celebrities such as Glen Powell, Rosé and Tate McRae.
Ashby
One of the newest and funniest faces on TikTok right now is Ashby, who skyrocketed to fame after clips of her live stream dressed as Lorax went viral. Since then, her cast of characters have expanded to include Gru from “Despicable Me,” Dobby from “Harry Potter,” “Hamilton” and many more.
With a fast growing TikTok following, currently at 2.3 million, Ashby’s talents haven’t gone unnoticed. In honor of the musical “Hamilton’s” ten year anniversary, she was invited to interview the cast at the red carpet screening of the musical’s theatrical release. Ashby’s trajectory is only going up, and we here at VALLEY can’t wait to see what’s in store for her next!
Benito Skinner
Benito Skinner, aka @BennyDrama7, became a well known face during the early pandemic days thanks to his celebrity impressions — most notably Kourtney Kardashian and Kris Jenner, and original character skits.
Now with 1.6 million followers on TikTok, Skinner has successfully bridged the gap between internet fame into the traditional entertainment stardom, after creating, co-writing and starring in the hit Prime Video series “Overcompensating,” which has also just been renewed for a second season.
The New Age of Comedy
TikTok has proven to be more than just a social media app. It’s a hub for new talent. For this new generation of comedians, the platform has replaced the traditional open mic starting point, now offering a direct line to fans, fame and real career opportunities.
If these rising stars are any indication for the future of comedy, it is fast, funny and something we’ve never seen before!
Have a favorite comedian on TikTok we didn’t mention? Tag us, @VALLEYmag, on TikTok to share! x
