30+ under 30: How South Australia’s top TikTok stars are turning videos into viral success
From comedians and beauty gurus to fitness coaches and foodies, these young South Aussies are dominating TikTok and turning trends into thriving careers.
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TikTok is shaping the future of social media and South Australia’s rising stars are riding the wave to viral fame.
These digital creators are amassing thousands or even millions of views, proving that a well-timed trend or clever content can turn into a thriving career.
From comedians and beauty gurus to fitness coaches and foodies, meet the 30-plus under-30 South Aussies dominating the social scene.
Zahra McDonald
Age: 24
Handle: @zahramcdonald
Followers: 21.9k
For Zahra McDonald, TikTok started as a casual hobby.
Now, it’s a platform where she has built a community for people navigating endometriosis and podiatry: two topics that haven’t always been openly discussed.
Ms McDonald, 24, first began posting videos a few years ago, beginning with lighthearted content.
At the same time, she began experiencing endometriosis symptoms and in 2021, after encountering a friend who had just undergone surgery for the disease, she began researching the condition herself.
“I had symptoms for years, but I didn’t realise they weren’t normal,” she said.
“I was seeing so many TikToks about it, but none really provided the raw experiences I was looking for.”
It wasn’t until mid-2023 that Ms McDonald was formally diagnosed with endometriosis following surgery.
In the lead-up to her diagnosis, she documented her journey online, realising that many others shared the same struggles.
“People were reaching out saying they felt seen, that they had similar symptoms and had never been taken seriously by doctors,” she said.
“A lot of people felt validated just knowing they weren’t alone.”
The 24-year-old has amassed a following of 22,000 followers, earning comments that have praised her for her openness and vulnerability.
Beyond endometriosis, Ms McDonald has also carved out a niche in podiatry content, after noticing a lack of representation of the obscure field
“No one was talking about podiatry on TikTok,” she said.
“When I started posting, people really resonated with it. I’ve even had students message me saying they enrolled in podiatry after watching my videos.”
The responsibility of ensuring factual accuracy weighs heavily on her, particularly when discussing medical topics.
She cross-references information before posting and maintains a separate Instagram account, @endowithzahra, solely dedicated to endometriosis advocacy.
While the vast majority of feedback Ms McDonald said she receives is positive, one of the few instances where she has faced backlash was her commitment to inclusive language.
“I find a lot of people aren’t aware that endometriosis can affect men extremely rarely, and obviously affects trans people as well,” she said.
“That’s when I’ve received the most hate, but I’m going to keep speaking up about it.”
Balancing content creation, university, and managing a chronic illness has been no easy feat for her.
Ms McDonald structures her filming schedule around her energy levels, often batch-creating content on good days and using voice-overs over on-camera filming.
“People think I make quite a bit of money from it, but I don’t. I just enjoy posting videos,” she said.
Chantal Leonhardt, 23
Age: 23
Handle: @chantal.leonhardt
Followers: 51.3k
If you love cottagecore and all things whimsical, then this is the TikTok account for you.
In her cosy little art studio in Kangaroo Island, 23-year-old Chantal Leonhardt has created a serene world of her own, one painting at a time.
“I’m first and foremost an artist and storyteller that uses social media, including TikTok, as a way to share her art and connect with like-minded people,” she said.
“However, over the years content creation has become more than that, it is an extension of the art itself, a way I bring people closer to my world.”
Her videos are crafted with deliberation, she said, with every piece centring a story – down to a written script, montage filming and music choices that are dependent on how she wants to tell the story and what impact she wants it to have.
“Sometimes people will walk into my art gallery and look around the room and say, ‘I’ve seen your art before or I follow you on social media’, being a small little studio on Kangaroo Island it blows my mind every time how far my art reaches,” she said.
Ms Leonhardt said the opportunities that have come out of social media have helped her grow her art business and support herself “in a way that limited tourism never could”.
“It’s important to show people that a place doesn’t make you, you make a place,” she said.
“Create your own events and insert yourself in the conversation, the opportunities will follow you.”
Stitaa “Stit” Shreeram
Age: 21
Handle: @stitfm2u
Followers: 200.7k
FM2U Clothing founder Stitaa ‘Stit’ Shreeram turned a viral TikTok moment in 2020 into a thriving fashion business, when she began painting on jeans.
“Back then, no one was really doing stuff like just creating art directly on jeans,” she said.
“It was like mixing painting and fashion design and fusing them into one”.
The 21-year-old who boasts 200,000 followers on TikTok, jumped headfirst into her business after teaching herself to sew in November 2023.
“I did TikTok for a couple of months and then started my clothing brand and … then started promoting it on TikTok because people seem to really like it,” Ms Shreeram said.
“I wanted to capitalise on that traction at the time.”
But getting people to take her seriously at the start was “a difficulty”, both in her professional and personal life.
“Often in my professional life, influencers are looked at as walking advertisements or stuff like that,” she said.
“And I really wanted to be more creative and like an environmental advocate instead of just posting ads and promoting brands.
“I wanted to be a creative outlet for people who could really appreciate that, especially with second-hand clothing. I wanted to promote environmentalism, sustainability.”
As a South Asian woman, Ms Shreeram said she takes pride in challenging barriers in fashion.
“Growing up, it was hard for people of colour to have a seat at the table or be taken seriously. You often have to be exceptional just to be on par with others,” she said.
“That’s been a driving factor for me …. I wanted to be successful, heard, and taken seriously as a person of colour”.
Leanne Nguyen, 23
Age: 23
Handle: @leanne.eats
Followers: 18.7k
Before her TikTok account, Leanne Nguyen indulged in all things food on her sister account on Instagram, where she documented all her eating adventures.
“It was more of a personal hobby (I have a great appreciation for art and I believe food is a form of art that anyone and everyone can be a part of) until the wave of TikTok came crashing in and I was inspired by other food bloggers from neighbouring states that I saw an opportunity in Adelaide and the rest is history,” she said.
Twenty-three-year-old Ms Nguyen takes the saying “the way to the heart is through the stomach” quite literally.
“I think the common misconception that people might have based on the size of South Australia, is that our food and hospitality industry might not be up to par as compared to larger states and that’s one of the reasons why it’s incredibly important for me to share content around Adelaide/SA because we have so much to offer and many hidden gems that are yet to be found,” she said.
Food isn’t just her passion, it is her love language – and an opportunity for her to foster meaningful relationships through the SA hospitality and entertainment industry.
Tom Oswald aka Homeboy
Age: 19
Handle: @homeboy.co
Followers: 311.4k
Tom Oswald hit the TikTok jackpot completely by accident, after posting a video of himself devastated by the no-show of customers at his Hahndorf pop-up in 2023.
Fast forward to today, the 19-year old has opened up his second venture Homeboy on North Terrace, with the help of Renew Adelaide and his loyal following behind him.
“I try to be really transparent in everything that I do, which allows the customer to see every step of the way and every moment of growth,” he said.
“I feel like that allows the audience to connect with the business better and really understand the journey.”
Mr Oswald is committed to keeping his business journey unfiltered for his 300,000 followers cheering him on.
“Share your journey as much as you can even if you think it’s not interesting, there’s definitely people who would be interested just watching your journey. That’s my advice,” he said.
Pheveya
Age: 21
Handle: @pheveya
Followers: 833.2k
At just 21, Pheveya has turned her passion for content creation into a full-time career, building a dedicated online community of young women.
“It all unfolded rapidly and unexpectedly,” she said.
“I had a significant surge over a few months and came to realise my passion for this field.”
Her TikTok is filled with engaging, relatable videos, often inspired by spontaneous ideas she quickly jots down.
“Inspiration often strikes spontaneously,” she said.
“I record down every idea that comes to mind in my notes and typically film the corresponding TikTok later the same day.”
Beyond content creation, TikTok has opened doors to friendships, red carpets and award shows.
She even met her best friend through the app whom she said “has been her rock through it all, and can’t imagine life without her”.
But no matter how far she travels, Adelaide remains home.
“I didn’t (love Adelaide) before I started TikTok, but with travelling so much I always find myself just wanting to come home.”
Reuben Baker
Age: 20
Handle: @reuben.baker
Followers: 1.3m
Reuben Baker has taken TikTok by storm, dominating feeds with his comedy sketches, lip-synch dialogues and comical gags which have resonated with his 1.4m followers.
The 20-year old’s meteoric rise can be attributed to his relatability, making his followers feel like they’re in on the joke.
Annie Dinh
Age: 30
Handle: @itsannieeed
Followers: 16.9k
Annie Dinh has turned content creation into a full-time career, using TikTok to share her love for beauty, travel, and lifestyle.
Previously a freelance bridal makeup artist, she made the leap in 2023 to focus on social media, now juggling multiple accounts, an eCommerce store and life as a new mum.
Her content highlights hidden gems, must-visit eateries, and unique experiences which has helped her build a thriving online presence.
“I want to put SA on the map and show that you don’t have to be in a major city to create engaging content and build a community,” she said.
While working with brands and closing deals isn’t always easy, Ms Dinh has embraced the business side of content creation.
“There’s really no course for all of this, so I’ve learned a lot along the way with extra support from my partner,” she said.
“Younger me dreamt of working with big brands, and content creation has made that a reality, opening doors to incredible opportunities.”
Mallory Leckey, 23
Age: 23
Handle: @malloryleckey
Followers: 23.4k
The 23-year-old has built a buzzing community on TikTok with her hand painted nature-inspired tanks, featuring insects and animals.
“In terms of aesthetic, I’m super inspired by nature and its tiny inhabitants,” she said.
Her drops sell out fast, with one even clearing 30 tanks in 10 minutes.
With over 29,000 Depop followers and millions of views on TikTok and Pinterest, she’s turning her small room hustle into something bigger.
Alexander Komljenović
Age: 24
Handle: @alexkommyy
Followers: 29.8k
Alexander Komljenović has been taking over the TikTok space for a while, as a means of “connecting with others and enjoying the creative process” during the Covid pandemic.
Since then, he has gained thousands of views for his videos highlighting local businesses and debunking Adelaide’s “boring” reputation.
“The greatest reward for me has been the ability to bring joy to local businesses in South Australia,” he said.
“Seeing their smiles and knowing that my content can make a difference is incredibly fulfilling.”
Mr Komljenović’s videos feel akin to a game simulation, taking the audience through the streets of Adelaide and partaking in various activities or events.
“I’ve always had a deep love for Adelaide, and I believe it often gets a bad rap for being ‘boring’,” he said.
“I want to showcase the vibrant culture, hidden gems, and unique experiences that make Adelaide truly special.”
Mikayla Monteleone, 23
Age: 23
Handle: @princessmikayla_
Followers: 10.5k
A registered nurse by trade and a TikTok starlet on the side, Mikayla Monteleone has the best of both worlds.
“Fashion and lifestyle have always been huge loves of mine, and TikTok became the perfect platform to express myself, connect with others, and share my passion for health, lifestyle, and beauty,” she said.
Ms Monteleone first began charting the social media waves creating content to entertain her family and friends, which she said soon evolved into “get ready with me” videos, outfit checks, thrifting hauls, current makeup obsessions, and anything she felt passionate about.
She is also no stranger to the big misconception that influencers have an “easy and straightforward” job.
“In reality, creating high-quality videos takes time and effort, and sometimes the results don’t match the expectations, which can be discouraging,” she said.
“Another misconception is that people feel it’s okay to comment on a creator’s page just because they’re putting themselves out there.
“Just because there’s a screen separating us doesn’t mean it’s okay to be rude or disrespectful”.
J-MILLA
Age: 27
Handle: @jmillaofficial
Followers: 99.6k
Rapper Jacob Nichaloff, aka J-MILLA, is a rising star in SA’s hip-hop scene.
The 27-year old is expected to headline Barunga Festival 2025 with his brother Yung Milla this June.
The former Scotch College student grew up in Darwin but lives in Adelaide with his wife, Poppy Radbone and their two children, Blossom, and Zebedee.
Poppy Radbone and Jay Nichaloff aka Pops and Jay
Age: Both 27
Handle: @popsandjay
Followers: 316.6k
Is it cheating if we include J-MILLA on this list again?
But hear us out, this second account which has amassed more than 300k followers is wholly different from his.
Operated by his wife, Poppy Radbone, the joint account documents the family’s daily adventures and hijinks.
The high school sweethearts tied the knot in a picture perfect ceremony in December.
Kasey Knowles and Amelia Solomou
Age: 22
Handle: @kaseandmilly
Followers: 67.3k
This best friend duo has taken the TikTok world by storm since launching their joint account.
It started with casual posting on Amelia Solomou’s personal account during the musical.ly era.
But when Ms Solomou met Kasey Knowles they started creating TikToks together on her account, including a “guess whose style is whose” video that racked up over 100k views.
Their shopping hauls from a trip to Melbourne further ignited their passion for content creation, growing a following of more than 67,000 followers.
The duo finds pride in representing young women who feel overlooked in the social media space.
“One of the rewards we’ve gained from creating content on TikTok is the sense of pride in representing young women who may feel overlooked in the social media space,” they said.
“We strive to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote body positivity and self-love.
“Additionally, our presence on social media has allowed us to connect with other influencers in South Australia and attend local events, which we are truly grateful for.”
They also aim to showcase the hidden gems of SA, believing there’s much to discover.
Kayla Ruggiero
Age: 24
Handle: @kaylaruggiero_
Followers: 13k
Kayla Ruggiero is all about eco-friendly living, championing the joys of thrifting and showcasing the hidden treasures within local op shops.
Since she began sharing her content in 2020, she has inspired more than 10,000 followers to embrace sustainable shopping.
“I love inspiring and motivating people to shop sustainably and sus out the op shops in their area,” Ms. Ruggiero said.
“A lot of people you know might see an op shop and just walk by and not really know what’s inside, so I love to share the possibilities of what people can find.”
Brenda Loveday
Age: 30
Handle: @freakyfeedsaus
Followers: 83.5k
Brenda Loveday turned her lifelong passion for food into a thriving career, both online and in the real world.
What started as a casual food blog for the 30-year old, Freaky Feeds, in 2016 became a social media sensation after a single TikTok video went viral.
Now, with tens of thousands of followers across TikTok and Instagram, she manages social media for over 10 venues in Adelaide.
For Ms Loveday, food content has evolved beyond just photos.
“I feel like about five years ago the big thing was to take a selfie and you’d have all the food in front of you and that’s all you’d post,” she said.
“But now, it’s a video and people want to see every little detail.”
And with her engaging videos and insider knowledge, she’s giving them exactly that.
Romanee Virgara, 26
Age: 26
Handle: @romaneevirgara
Followers: 39.7k
While a TikTok hustle may come by accident for some, Romanee Virgara always knew wanted to be a content creator.
“Growing up I was watching YouTubers, seeing the incredible impact and opportunity social media created … and I’ve always wanted to do the same for myself and my own community,” Ms Virgara said.
In 2022 she took matters into her own hands by posting funny videos and various snippets of her life after deciding “it’s time to create more and consume less”, and her follower count began growing by the thousands.
Ms Virgara also credits TikTok for helping materialise her pride and joy.
Through her brand strategist business she teaches other creators and business owners how to build and grow their brands organically on both TikTok and Instagram
“From then, I have worked with upwards of 400 creators and business owners to increase brand awareness, grow their social media organically and build engaged, inspired communities online,” she said.
The 26-year old said TikTok had changed the trajectory of her life and she was “forever grateful for it”.
“TikTok is like word-of-mouth on steroids, so to share content for businesses, for your community, for yourself it’s an incredible tool to create impact and grow the industry in Adelaide for both businesses, tourism and residents alike,” she said.
“We want to foster communities of all kinds in our beautiful state.”
Hallie and Maddi Newman
Age: 23
Handle: @hallieandmaddi
Followers: 317.9k
Comedic geniuses the Newman twins have skyrocketed to TikTok fame surpassing 300k followers with their side-splitting skits.
Offline, Hallie is the creative brains behind the sister’s clothing brand, Seeing Double and is often spotted in one of her handmade pieces.
While you may also recognise Maddi from Crows AFLW line up.
Last year the sister act attended the TikTok Australia awards and enjoyed brushing shoulders with other popular creators from across the country.
Daniela Brkic
Age: 26
Handle: @daniela.brkic
Followers: 15.6k
With over 15,000 followers, it seems like Daniela Brkic is the go-to account for your fashion, food or travel fixes.
“It has opened up incredible opportunities and helped me grow both personally and professionally,” she said.
Ms Brkic is full of praise for SA and said she is keen to showcase “the best of our state and prove that you don’t have to be in a major city to enjoy where you live”.
“I love South Australia. While I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, I’ve always found myself drawn back home,” she said.
“I never understood why people would say Adelaide was boring or that there was nothing to do, especially when I had friends wanting to move interstate.”
For the 26 year old, TikTok provides a creative outlet to share her passions and connect with a diverse audience.
“It’s pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, try new things, and develop confidence through authenticity,” she said.
Luke Wulff
Age: 21
Handle: @lukewulff
Followers: 271.2k
Luke Wulff has amassed 270,000 followers through documenting his fitness journey, training routines and occasionally posting funny content.
The 21-year old is a rising star has racked up thousands of views on his videos, be it for gym junkies or not.
Brooke Emily Measham
Age: 25
Handle: @brooke.measham
Followers: 17.8k
A registered nurse by day and content creator by night, Brooke Emily Measham is using TikTok to keep it real.
The 25 year old started her TikTok journey as a way to document her adventures, share lifestyle vlogs, and connect with like-minded people.
“From the beautiful natural landscapes to the incredible food/places to eat, there are a lot of hidden gems here, and I feel passionate about sharing them with others,” she said.
“I want to highlight what makes this state unique and show that you don’t have to travel far to experience something special!”
Balancing social media with a full-time career in healthcare, Ms Measham finds joy in both fields.
“Making TikToks allows me to explore my creative side while working in a job I love,” she said.
But it’s all worth it for Ms Measham who said connecting with followers, collaborating with local businesses and even inspiring others to pursue nursing, made it worthwhile.
Looking ahead, she hopes to create more personal content on self-image, almost like a big-sister figure for younger audiences.
“I want to be real about self-image struggles and body confidence. If I can inspire even one person, that makes it all worth it,” she said.
Marcus Constanzo, 24
Age: 24
Handle:@marcus.costanzo
Followers: 338.8k
Marcus Costanzo has built a name for himself in the foodie world, sharing his own recipes and reviewing some of SA’s best (and worst) chicken parmis.
Since appearing on My Kitchen Rules with his mum Sofia, the 24-year old has racked up 340k followers and indulges in the occasional cooking tutorial for his loyal followers.
Amy Tranh
Age: 25
Handle: @maaybeamy
Followers: 99.5k
Amy Tranh’s TikTok gives a little bit of everything – food recommendations, fitness vlogs and the daily feats of her life.
The 25 year old initially opened her account “as an outlet for video editing and creating”, and soon began combining her love for reviewing food and documenting her gym journey.
But Ms Tranh said TikTok could sometimes be “a double-edged sword”.
She said she sometimes felt “embarrassed, shy and anxious” when filming in public spaces while also trying to remain respectful of others.
“It can build your self confidence, but some days it can really take a hit too,” she said.
While TikTok has put her on the social media map, she also said it had helped her achieve personal growth.
“It’s allowed me to express myself in many ways and try out new content ideas, and massively improved my editing and filming skills,” she said.
“My ability to talk to people and talk to the camera has become more natural and confident (too).
“I’ve learnt so much from TikTok, it’s been a great resource at times … I would be devastated if we no longer had it.”
Jacqui and Victoria Hondrou
Age: 27
Handle: @hondroutwins
Followers: 993.3k
Adelaide’s tanning TikTok twins will soon tick over the 1m follower count.
Victoria and Jacqui Hondrou known online as the Hondrou Twins got their start on the app in 2020 when their fake tan tips immediately went viral.
The social media fame led to the launch of their own tan empire – Outer Ego – bringing in $1m from their parents garage in the first year.
The talented singers even have their own “Tanning Thursday” jingle.
Brooke Robran
Age: 22
Handle: @brookerobranleticia
Followers: 88.3k
A little bit of everything encompasses Brooke Robran’s TikTok content.
From makeup looks, life vlogs, outfit ideas and documenting her travel adventures and her pilates instructor training, the 21-year old narrates her daily routine in nearly all her videos.
An underlying message of self love and authentic living is the centre of Ms Robran’s content.
Rylee Cooper aka Date Night Adelaide
Handle: @datenightaus
Followers: 43.2k
The brains behind the infamous Date Night Adelaide account has risen to stardom across SA, inspiring followers to find offline connections through ‘date night’ activities.
“We’ve spent too long relying too heavily on online connection because it’s too scary, too difficult or just seems so much more complicated or intimidating to catch up in person,” Ms Cooper said.
Her viral content centres around food recommendations and places to visit around SA to form lifelong bonds.
“I think Adelaide is such a cool place to live, I want people to see Adelaide the way I see it,” the 25-year old said.
“And I’m always so, so grateful. It’s incredibly humbling and heartwarming to be able to do so many things so often.”
Emily Ross
Age: 25
Handle: @emross00
Followers: 215.8k
Emily Ross started TikTok as “a joke” at 19 – now she’s 24 with more than 200,000 followers behind her.
“It was definitely scary taking that leap, but I was finding it really hard to both produce content that I was proud of, and put in 100 per cent effort into my job,” Ms Ross said.
Her content ranges from relatable vlogs, fashion advice and her daily exploits – all while dressed to the nines.
Stavros Kapoulitsas
Age: 25
Handle: @stavroskap_
Followers: 1.4m
Stavros Kapoulitsas has mastered the knack for making people laugh, since joining the platform in 2019 he has built an audience of 1.4m followers.
But while TikTok has become a lucrative side hustle, it’s not the 25-year old’s main gig.
“I’m just a regular guy running multiple businesses and always looking to grow,” he said. “TikTok brings in money, but I won’t compromise my values just to cash in.”
His comedic videos, often set to trending sounds, keep him a familiar face on the For You page, earning thousands of likes with every post.
Brooke Upton, 25
Age: 25
Handle: @brooke.upton
Followers: 71.6k
If there’s one thing Brooke Upton’s content will do, it is romanticise life in the most effortless way.
The 25 year old’s minimalist approach to fashion, lifestyle and travel creates an enviable aesthetic, blending timeless style with dreamy destinations.
Demi Lynch
Age: 24
Handle: @demi.lynch
Followers: 4.3k
Demi Lynch is all about being authentic, by promoting an affordable and practical lifestyle — all while still looking dressed to impress.
You’ll often see her sharing her daily routine, clothes hauls or creating fun TikToks with her twin sister.
Henry Nguyen Tuan Anh
Age: 25
Handle: @henry.nguyen153
Followers: 5.3k
Nguyen Tuan Anh, better known as Henry, is on a mission to change the way people see Adelaide.
What started as a personal escape during the stress of the Covid pandemic in 2020 has since turned into a platform showcasing the city’s hidden gems.
“Besides its negativities that people say Adelaide is boring and nothing to do, I think my TikTok approached a lot of people from interstate, international and especially Adelaide people who never take a chance to go out and see,” the 25-year-old said, who prefers to keep the lens on his surroundings than on himself.
“My TikTok really inspired me to go out to see more and experience more things in Adelaide where I live.”
A former international student now working full-time as a chef, Mr Nguyen makes time to explore events and festivals, capturing Adelaide’s vibrant side.
“TikTok (has been) a tool for me to showcase where I live, and it inspired me to go out more to be active and to boost my mood, my mental health.”
Leticia Wise, 25
Age: 25
Handle: @withletty
Followers: 2.5k
Bookworms look no further, Leticia Wise is the account for all your literary needs.
The 25-year-old marketing manager goes through the ins and outs of her reading journey, while also providing a candid look at being a social media manager.
You can often find her going through her books to be read or listing out her monthly reads.
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