Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
5 influencers who built their social media platforms in Alabama
Reading time: 4 minutes
Alabama has played a role in more viral success stories than many people realize. Long before gaining national attention, these influencers began building their platforms in the state, using social media to connect with audiences far beyond Alabama.
From TikTok creators to lifestyle influencers and digital first artists, each of these names got their start in Alabama before their audiences grew nationwide.
Here are five influencers you might not have known got their start in Alabama.
Rob Rausch
Before appearing on Love Island USA, Rob Rausch was already creating content out of the Shoals. Early in his social media journey, he appeared in group TikTok videos with friends, including content shared on the @cheekyboyos account, before later developing his own platform.
His time on Love Island USA introduced him to a much larger audience and helped turn his online presence into a national platform.
Rausch is not the only Alabama native to find success on the show. Olandria Carthen, who appeared on the most recent season, has also gained national attention since leaving the villa.
Where to find his content:
- Instagram: @robert_rausch — 1.5M followers
- TikTok: @robert_kelley — 2.2M followers
Amy Barton Cotney
Amy Barton Cotney built a massive following through Sweet Home Auburn, a platform inspired by life in Auburn Alabama. Her content focuses on home décor family life and everyday moments, all shared from a distinctly Southern perspective.
What began as casual lifestyle content quickly grew into a nationally followed brand, with Cotney maintaining strong ties to her Alabama roots throughout her rise.
Where to find her content:
- Instagram: @sweethomeauburnal – 129K followers
- TikTok: @amybartoncotney – 1.3M followers
Ophelia Nichols
Ophelia Nichols, widely known as Mama Tot, is from Mobile Alabama and first began posting on TikTok while living in the state. Her candid and comforting videos quickly resonated with viewers, helping her build a loyal following.
Nichols grew her platform entirely online, creating a sense of community rooted in honesty and Southern warmth. She has since become one of the most recognizable TikTok creators with Alabama roots.
Where to find her content:
- Instagram: @ophelianichols – 1.2M followers
- TikTok: @shoelover99 – 12.2M followers
Lilly Claire
Lilly Claire is originally from Huntsville, where she first began creating content that focused on thrifting and everyday lifestyle moments. Her secondhand fashion finds and approachable style quickly gained traction online, helping her build an early audience.
While she is now based in Nashville, Lilly’s platform grew out of her time in Alabama, with her thrifting content laying the foundation for a national following.
Where to find her content:
- Instagram: @lillianclaireee– 198K followers
- TikTok: @lillianclairee – 998.3K followers
Haley Sharp
Haley Sharp is originally from Alabama and began growing her platform while living in the state. She gained traction by sharing lifestyle and fashion content that resonated with a growing online audience.
Her early success in Alabama helped establish her presence as an influencer before her platform expanded beyond the state.
Where to find her content:
- Instagram: @yodelinghaley– 376K followers
- TikTok: @yodelinghaley – 3.4M followers
Know an influencer who got their start in Alabama? Follow The Bama Buzz on Facebook, LinkedIn + Instagram and let us know who we should feature next.
