One unexpected viral moment can turn a clip into a career and a story into a brand. Far beyond transient fame, a lucky—or cringe-worthy—clip can be the springboard for a viral moment business venture. In today’s digital age, turning online attention into real income isn’t just smart—it’s possible. From internet memes to TikTok star turns, these eight celebrities show how one moment can breathe life into a brand. Let’s look at how they seized that second of viral fame and turned it into something lasting.
1. Haliey Welch – the “Hawk Tuah Girl” Merchtable
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Haliey Welch became famous after her offhand comment “Hawk Tuah” during a viral news interview turned into a national meme. Instead of hiding, she leaned into the moment—creating an apparel line around the phrase. Within weeks, she earned over $65,000 selling Hawk Tuah merchandise and gained representation and media attention. Her viral moment business move shows how even unexpected fame can be monetized smartly. She turned embarrassment into entrepreneurial opportunity—and built real momentum.
2. Robbie Tripp – From “Wife Guy” Post to Creative Enterprise
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(@tripp)Robbie Tripp’s infamous Instagram tribute to his wife—now known as a signature “wife guy” moment—went viral back in 2017. That unexpected attention helped him build Desert Money Media, Inc., a media and production company serving independent artists and creators. What began as a heartfelt viral post became the foundation for a creative business venture. Tripp’s approach proves how storytelling vibes can translate into long-term revenue. His viral moment business evolution shows emotional authenticity can drive enterprise.
3. Alix Earle – Acne Confession to Brand Partnerships
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TikTok creator Alix Earle went viral after a candid video about her cystic acne resonated widely. As part of those “Get Ready With Me” routines, she opened up and gained millions of followers, acknowledging her struggles. That content authenticity led to partnerships with major brands like Poppi and Amazon, and equity opportunities following the PepsiCo acquisition of Poppi. From vulnerability to venture, she’s now recognized for her business savvy. The result: a true viral moment business trajectory rooted in relatability.
4. Paris Hilton – Celebrity Infamy to Lifestyle Empire
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Paris Hilton first made headlines as a reality star and socialite—but she turned public fascination into a billion-dollar business. Her 2000s virality fueled perfume lines, fashion collections, home goods, and a global brand empire under her company. As of 2020, her fragrance line alone brought in over $2.5 billion. Hilton leveraged early celebrity notoriety into a cohesive lifestyle brand, turning fleeting fame into timeless product lines. That’s a classic example of a viral moment business that keeps giving back.
5. Taylor Swift Fans’ Hyper-Force As Brand Boosters
While not a traditional celebrity, Taylor Swift’s massive cultural moments often force brands and creators into viral opportunities. Brands like Gymshark and Cetaphil have leveraged her influence and themes during high-profile events—turning viral moments into sales spikes and new brand awareness. Swifties amplify the effect of even subtle nods to Taylor’s image, making those moments business-catalysts. Smaller brands riding her viral energy saw exponential traffic and sales. It’s an indirect celebrity-led viral moment business model built on fandom.
6. Cassey Ho – Viral Skort Moment to Skirt Empire
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Fitness influencer Cassey Ho shot to broader fame when her Pirouette Skort appeared briefly in a Taylor Swift video, which triggered a flood of interest. That exposure brought demand—and copycat issues—but she had patented the design to protect her brand. Ho capitalized by marketing her skorts as authentic originals, defending her intellectual property. Her strategic response turned a viral peek into a sustained business venture. It’s another example of how a viral moment business can be grounded in design and branding savvy.
7. The Coldplay Kiss-Cam Saga That Boosted Astronomer
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Although not planned as a business move, the viral Coldplay “kiss-cam” involving Astronomer’s CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot thrust the company’s name onto global headlines. Despite the scandal leading to resignations, the company received unusual global attention, giving Astronomer broader name recognition in the tech world. PR experts note that—even in crisis—such virality can spark awareness of a brand’s mission. Astronomer shifted the narrative toward its core tech offerings, turning infamy into recognition. It shows how even negative exposure can become a viral moment business moment when steered carefully.
8. Bethany Mota – From Haul Videos to Fashion Jewelry
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Long before micro-influencers, Bethany Mota started posting haul videos on YouTube in 2009 and quickly amassed millions of views. Her virality led to partnerships with Aeropostale, her own makeup and apparel lines, and eventually Atom & Matter jewelry, which she co-founded in 2019. Mota turned internet fame into product businesses in fashion and accessories, combining influencer credibility with entrepreneurship. She’s a textbook case of a viral moment business grown from digital content to tangible goods. Her career path shows that longevity is possible when followers become customers.
Viral Moments Won’t Last—But Businesses Might
What these eight stars prove is that a viral moment isn’t just eye candy—it can be a growth lever for real products, brands, and ventures. Whether it’s memes, leaks, honesty, or pop culture celebration, translating digital attention into durable business requires strategy and agility. A viral moment business isn’t luck—it’s a launchpad, leveraged thoughtfully. If you’re watching social media or pop culture closely, those fleeting moments might just hide a golden opportunity. The key is turning virality into value.
Which celebrity’s viral moment turned business surprised you the most? Share your thoughts—or tag any other examples you know—in the comments!
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The post How These 8 Celebrities Turned One Viral Moment Into a Business appeared first on Plunged in Debt.
