The Creepy End of the “Facebook Famous” Era..

Summary

The video explores the rise and fall of 'Facebook Famous' individuals during the early 2010s, a group of British teenagers who gained massive online followings for their eccentric styles and personalities. Initially idolized for their uniqueness, their fame was short-lived as platforms like Instagram and YouTube overtook Facebook in relevance. Many struggled to monetize their fame, and while some transitioned into normal lives, others faced controversies or radical transformations. The video highlights the fleeting nature of internet fame and the personal consequences for these early influencers.

Takeaways

• 📈 A wave of Facebook-famous individuals rose in the early 2010s, attracting attention for their eccentric looks and controversial behavior.
• 📉 Despite their rapid rise, their fame was fleeting, and many of these figures disappeared from the spotlight quickly.
• 👥 The introduction of Facebook's 'subscribe' feature in 2011 helped boost the visibility of these niche online celebrities.
• 📸 These Facebook-famous personalities were seen as predecessors to modern influencers, though their fame came without the same monetization opportunities.
• 🌐 The phenomenon was closely tied to Tumblr, where these figures initially gained notoriety before transitioning to Facebook.
• 💬 Drama and gossip were integral to the Facebook-famous culture, with friendships, rivalries, and toxic behaviors playing out both online and in real-life meetups.
• 😢 Many of the Facebook-famous individuals experienced hate and bullying, which added to the turbulence of their brief time in the spotlight.
• 🛑 Several of these former internet celebrities struggled to find financial success, as monetizing fame was less straightforward than it is today.
• 💼 While some of these figures faded into normal life, others pursued careers as influencers, drag performers, or political activists—sometimes with controversial outcomes.
• 📉 By 2014-2016, the rise of platforms like YouTube and Instagram led to the decline of Facebook's influence on youth culture, further contributing to the downfall of these early internet celebrities.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'Facebook Famous' as described in the script?

'Facebook Famous' refers to a group of British teenagers in the early 2010s who gained a large following on Facebook through the platform's 'Subscribe' feature. These individuals became famous for posting quirky or eccentric images and content, even though they had no traditional claim to fame.

What role did Facebook's 'Subscribe' feature play in the rise of Facebook Famous people?

Facebook's 'Subscribe' feature, introduced around 2011, allowed users to follow someone's Facebook activities without being personal friends. This enabled these young influencers to grow massive followings and become 'Facebook Famous' by sharing their content with a broader audience.

How did the culture around Facebook Famous people differ from traditional celebrity culture?

Unlike traditional celebrities who gained fame through TV, music, or film, Facebook Famous individuals gained popularity solely through their online presence. They often portrayed themselves as quirky or eccentric, and their fame was built on a subculture of online communities, creating a parasocial relationship with their followers.

What challenges did the Facebook Famous community face in terms of monetization?

Despite their large followings, the Facebook Famous group struggled to monetize their fame. Platforms like Facebook did not offer the same monetization options as YouTube, and they were unable to capitalize on sponsorships or advertising revenue as effectively as later social media influencers.

How did the Facebook Famous phenomenon begin to decline?

The decline of Facebook Famous individuals began around 2014-2016 as Facebook lost popularity among younger users and new platforms like Instagram and YouTube became more relevant. Many Facebook Famous individuals failed to transition their audience to these new platforms, leading to a decrease in their influence.

What were the 'meetups' mentioned in the script, and why were they significant?

Meetups were gatherings organized by Facebook Famous individuals where they would meet their fans in person, usually in public spaces like parks or town centers. These events attracted hundreds of fans and were important because they allowed followers to engage directly with their online idols.

How did the Facebook Famous group handle hate and online bullying?

The Facebook Famous community faced significant bullying and hate, often being trolled or mocked for their appearance and behavior. Some even posted their Ask.fm accounts, where they were subjected to anonymous verbal abuse. The online harassment often contributed to the group's toxic atmosphere.

What impact did Tumblr have on the rise of early internet influencers?

Tumblr played a significant role in the rise of internet influencers in the 2010s. Many early influencers gained popularity on Tumblr by sharing aesthetic images and blog posts. When Facebook introduced the 'Subscribe' feature, some Tumblr-famous users transitioned to Facebook and became part of the Facebook Famous phenomenon.

What happened to some of the most well-known Facebook Famous individuals?

Some Facebook Famous individuals went on to live normal lives, while others transitioned into new careers. For example, Jake McManus became a drag queen, and Jamie Ryan D transitioned to Hazel Rose D and documented her journey on YouTube. Others, like Quin Roberts, became involved in controversial movements, and some, like Tom Waton, had darker outcomes, including legal troubles.

Why did some of the Facebook Famous individuals transition to platforms like OnlyFans?

As their fame on Facebook and Tumblr faded, some Facebook Famous individuals transitioned to OnlyFans to retain relevancy and monetize their content. Platforms like OnlyFans offered a way for them to continue leveraging their online presence for income.