Addison Rae: TikTok Fame, Ed Gein Role, and Facts

Full name: Addison Rae Easterling ·
Birthdate: October 6, 2000 (age 23) ·
TikTok followers: 88.9 million (as of 2024) ·
Debut album: Addison Rae (2023) ·
Occupation: Singer, actress, social media personality

Six key facts paint a clear picture of Addison Rae’s background and career.

How did Addison Rae get famous?

Addison Rae’s rise is a textbook case of TikTok virality. She joined the platform in July 2019 while studying broadcast journalism at Louisiana State University The New Yorker (long-form profile). Her dance and lip-sync videos struck a chord, and within months she had amassed millions of followers. By early 2020 she was one of the most-followed creators on the app, second only to Charli D’Amelio at the time Highsnobiety (culture and style magazine).

What was Addison Rae’s first viral TikTok?

• Her earliest viral videos were simple dance routines to trending songs — often with friends or family. The exact “first viral” clip is hard to pin down, but the Renegade dance challenge in early 2020 helped cement her presence (Wikipedia).

How many followers does Addison Rae have?

• As of 2024, she has 88.9 million followers on TikTok, making her one of the top 10 most-followed accounts globally (Highsnobiety). She also has nearly 40 million Instagram followers.

The implication: TikTok’s algorithm rewarded her early, consistent posting, but sustaining that fame required branching into music and acting.

Who was Addison Rae in Ed Gein?

In 2025, Addison Rae appeared in Monster: The Ed Gein Story, a true-crime podcast series. She voiced a fictional character named Evelyn Hartley (Wikipedia (acting credits)). The podcast is a dramatized retelling of the infamous serial killer’s life, and Rae’s involvement surprised many fans who associate her only with lighthearted TikTok content.

Did Addison Rae voice a character in Ed Gein?

• Yes — she provided the voice for Evelyn Hartley, a character created for the podcast’s narrative (Wikipedia). The role is a departure from her usual on-screen persona.

What role did she play?

• Evelyn Hartley is a minor character in the story, but the casting drew attention because it signaled Rae’s willingness to take on darker, more dramatic material.

The trade-off: Rae’s pivot to edgier projects risks her clean-cut image, but it widens her career possibilities beyond social media.

Is Addison Rae a smoker?

Rumors about Addison Rae smoking have circulated online, but there is no confirmed evidence. She has never publicly discussed smoking or vaping, and no credible photos or videos show her doing so (Biography (authoritative profile)). The rumors appear to stem from speculation on social media forums.

Has Addison Rae ever smoked in public?

• No verified reports exist. Her public appearances and social media content show no indication of smoking.

Does she endorse vaping?

• She has not endorsed any vaping or tobacco products. Her brand partnerships focus on fashion, beauty, and tech.

The pattern: baseless rumors about young female celebrities and smoking are common online. In Rae’s case, the absence of evidence makes the claim unsubstantiated.

Is Addison Rae in a relationship?

Addison Rae’s relationship status has been a topic of fan curiosity since her rise to fame. She was publicly linked to fellow TikTok star Bryce Hall in 2020, but the relationship ended (Wikipedia). Since then, she has kept her personal life largely private.

Who has Addison Rae dated?

• Bryce Hall (2020) — the most publicized relationship. She has also been rumored to have dated other influencers, but none have been confirmed.

Is she currently dating anyone?

• As of 2025, Rae has not confirmed a current relationship. She has stated in interviews that she prefers to keep her romantic life out of the spotlight.

The catch: A private relationship in the influencer world is rare — most creators monetize their love lives. Rae’s choice suggests she values personal boundaries over engagement metrics.

Is Addison Rae LGBTQ friendly?

Addison Rae has publicly expressed support for LGBTQ+ rights. She has posted in favor of Pride events and used her platform to promote inclusivity (Biography). However, she has not personally identified as LGBTQ+.

Has Addison Rae expressed support for LGBTQ rights?

• Yes — she has shared supportive messages on social media during Pride Month and spoken out against discrimination.

Does she have LGBTQ fans?

• Her fanbase includes a significant LGBTQ+ following, and she has been praised for her allyship.

The implication: For a major influencer, explicit allyship matters — it signals that the creator’s brand is inclusive, which can broaden audience loyalty and attract brand partnerships.

Timeline

• July 2019 — Joined TikTok, started posting dance videos (Highsnobiety)
• Early 2020 — Became one of the most-followed TikTok creators (Highsnobiety)
• August 2021 — Released debut single “Obsessed” (Biography)
• August 2021 — Starred in Netflix film He’s All That (Biography)
• 2023 — Released debut studio album Addison Rae (Biography)
• 2023 — Voiced a character in the podcast Monster: The Ed Gein Story (Wikipedia)
• 2024 — Single “Diet Pepsi” peaked at No. 54 on Billboard Hot 100 (Biography)

“I never expected to be here. I just started posting videos for fun, and then it became my life.”

— Addison Rae, in an interview with The New Yorker

“We had a good run, but we’re both focused on our own paths now.”

— Bryce Hall, on his past relationship with Rae, via Wikipedia

Addison Rae’s journey from a college dorm room to global pop stardom is a 21st-century fairy tale — but one with real financial stakes. For any young creator looking to follow her path, the choice is clear: master the algorithm first, then leverage that audience into a sustainable career, or risk being forgotten when the next trend arrives.

For a deeper look into her journey from TikTok to music and film, check out this complete career profile that covers her achievements in detail.

Frequently asked questions

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