Alex Warren: The Social Media Star Turned Chart-Topping Sensation

Introduction: A New Pop Icon Emerges

In 2025, Alex Warren is Variety’s Hitmakers Breakthrough of the Year, marking his transition from social media influencer to bona fide music superstar. The 25-year-old Carlsbad, Calif. native began posting YouTube videos at the age of 10 and co-founded the TikTok collective Hype House in 2019. His hit single ‘Ordinary’ has taken the world by storm, demonstrating how modern artists can leverage social media to achieve mainstream success.

The ‘Ordinary’ Phenomenon

The song passed a billion streams on Spotify alone in September and, as we write this, is well past 2 billion overall. The track’s success has been unprecedented, with 13 weeks at #1 in the U.K. and Warren estimates that by the time the song was officially released in February of this year, he had posted more than 100 different videos featuring it. This strategic social media campaign proved instrumental in the song’s viral success, showcasing Warren’s virtuoso understanding of digital marketing.

From Digital Creator to Global Touring Artist

Warren’s success extends beyond streaming numbers. Now boasting an impressive over 2.4B total career streams and over 53M monthly listeners on Spotify, his hit single ‘Ordinary,’ released in February and recently certified Platinum by RIAA, is taking over the world. He recently wrapped his sold out, headlining Cheaper Than Therapy Global Tour, hitting 47 cities across Europe and North America. Additionally, Warren is contributing $1 from every ticket sold to Camp Kesem, providing free camps and programs for kids with parents fighting cancer, demonstrating his commitment to charitable causes.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future

The impact of Alex Warren on 2025’s music landscape cannot be overstated. Alex Warren continues to be the frontrunner for the UK’s biggest song of 2025 so far with Ordinary. His journey from content creator to chart-topping artist represents a new paradigm in the music industry, where authenticity and direct fan engagement can propel unknown artists to global stardom. As Warren continues his touring and releases new music, he stands as an inspiration for aspiring artists navigating the digital age, proving that with talent, strategy, and genuine connection with audiences, extraordinary success is possible.