At 18 years old, Trenton Grimes has accumulated 10.6 million views across his social platforms in the past 90 days. The Connecticut native and recent high school graduate represents a new wave of artists building careers through social media rather than traditional channels.
His path to these numbers started unconventionally. Last year, Trenton Grimes entered Rolling Stone’s “America’s Next Top Hitmaker” competition, facing off against 63,000 other hopefuls. The contest, organized by Colossal and Rolling Stone Magazine, saw Grimes advance to the semi-finals, placing in the top 0.5 percent before his elimination. While he didn’t win, the exposure provided a platform that Grimes has successfully leveraged since.
That leverage became clear when major brands started calling. Ariana Grande’s R.E.M. Beauty featured him in four separate campaigns throughout 2024. For a new artist, landing multiple campaigns with a major beauty brand signals that initial performances met expectations. His collaboration with Duet generated 3.7 million TikTok views in under a week, demonstrating his ability to create content that resonates with platform algorithms and audiences alike.
“Beauty brands are definitely more willing to take chances on emerging talent now,” says Diana Walsh, a brand partnership strategist in New York. “When they come back for multiple campaigns, it usually means they’re seeing solid engagement rates. Four campaigns suggests Trenton connected with their target demographic.”
That demographic reach extends across multiple platforms. Snapchat recognized his growing influence by naming him a Snap Star, integrating him into their creator program. His follower count varies across platforms: 106,000 on TikTok, 88,000 on Snapchat, and 30,700 on Instagram. His team reports reaching over 50 million unique viewers, a significant number even accounting for how platforms calculate reach.
But it’s not just the size of his audience that stands out—it’s who’s watching. Data shows 65% of Trenton Grimes’ viewers are between 19 and 60 years old, an unusually broad demographic for a teenage pop artist. Most young creators attract fans within a five-year radius of their own age. His audience is 60% female and 97% U.S.-based, providing the kind of concentrated domestic following that brands value.
This growing influence hasn’t gone unnoticed by established platforms. Famous Birthdays featured Grimes in an exclusive interview earlier this year. The celebrity ranking site draws 33 million monthly visitors and has become a barometer for Gen Z relevance. His inclusion places him among recognized internet personalities and rising entertainment figures.
Traditional media has also taken notice of what’s happening online. Grimes has appeared on Fox 40, KOTA Radio, and The Vaughn Joseph Show. Pennsylvania Magazine covered his rise, while radio station 91.5 WSPU added his tracks to their rotation. His monthly digital listeners have reached 100,000, a respectable number for an independent artist building without major label support.
“The Rolling Stone competition has launched several careers over the years,” notes Tyler Richardson, who covers emerging artists for a music industry blog. “What’s interesting about Grimes is that he’s diversified beyond just music. He’s treating this like a media business, not just an artist career. Smart move in today’s market.”
That business approach is evident in his professional infrastructure. A-List Me now handles Grimes’ representation, helping coordinate his growing partnership portfolio. Google verified him with a Knowledge Panel, while IMDb hosts his professional profile. These digital markers of legitimacy have become important as young artists establish credibility in a crowded marketplace.
The brand partnerships, in particular, show a pattern of success. Beyond R.E.M. Beauty, Grimes has collaborated with Duet and Tribal Chimp, with companies returning for multiple activations. This pattern of repeat partnerships indicates that brands are finding value in their investment, whether through sales, engagement, or brand awareness.
Looking at the numbers in context, those 10.6 million views came during a 90-day period when Grimes was fresh out of high school. While established creators might pull similar numbers faster, for someone building independently, it demonstrates consistent content performance across multiple platforms.
His journey from Rolling Stone semi-finalist to social media influencer reflects broader changes in how young artists navigate today’s entertainment industry. Rather than waiting for traditional gatekeepers, Grimes built his audience directly. The semi-final placement provided initial visibility, but sustaining and growing that attention required strategic content creation and brand positioning.
What makes Trenton Grimes worth watching isn’t just the current numbers but the trajectory. He’s managed to maintain momentum post-competition, secure repeat brand partnerships, and attract an unusually diverse age demographic. Whether this translates to long-term success depends on numerous factors: continued content quality, audience retention, and the ability to evolve beyond initial viral moments.
The challenge facing Grimes mirrors that of many digital-native artists: converting online attention into sustainable career infrastructure. Views and followers provide a foundation, but longevity requires deeper audience connection and diverse revenue streams. His early moves suggest an understanding of this reality.
For now, Trenton Grimes continues building his presence across platforms, balancing music releases with brand partnerships and social content. His ability to attract viewers from teenagers to middle-aged adults sets him apart in an increasingly segmented digital landscape. Where that takes him next is still being written.
Those interested can find Trenton Grimes on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and his website at trentongrimes.com.
