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The Shocking Evolution: Where Are The Top 10 Social Media Influencers In The Philippines From 2018 Now?

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Step back in time to 2018, a pivotal year when the Philippine digital landscape was rapidly shifting from traditional celebrity dominance to the rise of authentic, platform-native content creators. This era marked a fascinating convergence where mainstream stars like Anne Curtis and Kathryn Bernardo began mastering Instagram, while new vlogging pioneers were building empires on YouTube. Looking at their careers today, in late 2025, reveals a dramatic evolution, with many of these figures achieving global recognition and completely redefining what it means to be a Filipino influencer.

The transition from a celebrity-first model to a content-first model, which began in earnest around 2018, set the stage for the massive, multi-platform careers we see today. This article dives deep into the top influencers of that year, tracking their phenomenal growth, their career shifts, and their current status as global digital powerhouses.

The 2018 Titans: Celebrity Influencers Who Ruled Instagram

In 2018, the list of the most-followed Filipino social media personalities was overwhelmingly dominated by A-list actors, hosts, and beauty queens. Their influence was a direct extension of their television and film fame, using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with their massive existing fan bases. This list highlights the core group who defined the Philippines’ digital power structure that year.

  • Anne Curtis: The undisputed queen of Instagram and Twitter. Her content in 2018 was a mix of high-profile endorsements, fitness, and behind-the-scenes looks at her hosting duties on *It's Showtime*. She was also riding the success of her critically acclaimed 2018 action thriller, *BuyBust*.
  • Kathryn Bernardo: A major force, often ranking second in follower count. Her presence was tied to the popular love team "KathNiel" (with Daniel Padilla), and she used her platform to promote her blockbuster films and endorsements.
  • Liza Soberano: Known for her classic beauty and major acting roles, Liza was a top-tier endorser and one of the most-followed celebrities. Her content was highly curated, appealing to a massive youth demographic.
  • Heart Evangelista: While already a prominent actress, 2018 was a key year where her fashion influence began its exponential climb. Her presence at international fashion weeks was starting to gain serious traction.
  • Marian Rivera: A veteran actress and model, Marian maintained a strong following, focusing on family life and major brand partnerships, representing the established celebrity guard.
  • Vice Ganda: The unkabogable (undefeated) star was a powerhouse across all media—TV, film, and social. His comedic and outspoken presence translated into massive engagement, making him one of the most influential voices.
  • Pia Wurtzbach: As Miss Universe 2015, Pia retained a huge, globally-focused following. Her content centered on travel, beauty, and advocacy, solidifying the role of beauty queens as modern influencers.
  • Alex Gonzaga: While already famous, 2018 was the turning point where her YouTube channel exploded, transforming her from a celebrity into a full-fledged digital content creator.

From Screen to Stream: The Rise of the Original Vlogging Stars (2018-2025)

The year 2018 was a watershed moment for native digital content creators. While celebrities dominated the follower count, a new breed of influencers focused on YouTube and authentic, daily-life vlogging was rapidly gaining ground. This group shifted the power dynamic, proving that relatability could compete with traditional stardom.

The YouTube Phenomenon: Alex Gonzaga and the Vlogging Revolution

Alex Gonzaga is arguably the most significant example of a celebrity successfully pivoting to become a digital content titan during this period. Her YouTube channel, launched a few years prior, saw explosive growth in 2018. Her comedic, unfiltered, and often self-deprecating vlogging style resonated deeply with Filipinos who craved authenticity outside of the polished mainstream media.

A key moment in 2018 was the release of her novelty song "Chambe," which became a viral sensation, racking up tens of millions of views and solidifying her status as a multimedia star. By late 2025, Alex Gonzaga Official has surpassed 15 million subscribers, making her one of the most-followed Filipino YouTubers globally. Her success proved that the future of influence lay in direct, unscripted connection with the audience.

The Pioneers of Lifestyle Vlogging

Beyond the celebrity sphere, 2018 saw the cementing of other key content creators:

  • Wil Dasovich: Known for his travel and lifestyle vlogs, Wil's content stood out for its high production quality and engaging narrative style, captivating a broad international audience.
  • Ranz Kyle and Niana Guerrero: This sibling duo were already massive on musical.ly (now TikTok) and YouTube, pioneering dance and challenge content that appealed to a hyper-engaged Gen Z audience, showcasing the power of family-friendly digital entertainment.
  • Lloyd Cadena (†): A comedic vlogger whose popularity was soaring in 2018, known for his relatable skits and authentic personality. His legacy continues to be a major part of the Philippine vlogging history.

Where Are They Now? The Global Evolution of the 2018 Elite

The true measure of the 2018 elite is their career trajectory in the years that followed. Far from fading, many have transcended the local scene to become global figures, showcasing a massive shift in the potential of Filipino influence.

Heart Evangelista: From Local Star to Global Fashion Icon

While a top influencer in 2018, Heart Evangelista’s transformation since then has been the most dramatic in terms of global impact. By 2025, she has cemented her status as a true international fashion icon. She is a consistent fixture at major fashion events like Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, where she has been ranked among the top global influencers based on Media Impact Value (MIV).

Her content has evolved into a luxury lifestyle brand, securing ambassadorships with major international luxury houses. The "Heart Effect" is now a recognized phenomenon, demonstrating how a Filipino celebrity influencer can dominate the global luxury market, a feat that was only just beginning in 2018.

Liza Soberano: The Hollywood Transition

Liza Soberano’s career shift is perhaps the most ambitious. After dominating the local scene in 2018, she made a conscious pivot away from the traditional celebrity structure to pursue a Hollywood career. Her debut in the 2024 horror-romance film *Lisa Frankenstein* marked her official entry into the international film industry.

This move was driven by a desire for change and a dream of working in Hollywood, a path that has been publicly acknowledged as challenging due to cultural and production differences. Her journey symbolizes the growing aspiration of Filipino talent to break free from local constraints and compete on the global stage, using her massive social media platform as a springboard for international projects.

Kathryn Bernardo: Asia's Superstar and Box Office Queen

Kathryn Bernardo has solidified her position as "Asia's Superstar." Her influence has translated directly into massive commercial success. Post-2018, she starred in *Hello, Love, Again*, which became the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time. She continued to headline major projects, including the critically acclaimed film *A Very Good Girl*.

Her career demonstrates the enduring power of the celebrity influencer model in the Philippines, where a strong social media presence amplifies and sustains a successful career in mainstream entertainment. She remains a top endorser and a cultural touchstone for millions of fans across Southeast Asia.

Anne Curtis: The Enduring Icon

Anne Curtis, who was already a titan in 2018, has continued to evolve. Her career, spanning over two decades, has seen her successfully transition from a full-time host and actress to a mother, entrepreneur, and still a highly-followed fashion and beauty icon. Her content now includes more personal insights into motherhood and family life, alongside her major returns to film and television. Her ability to maintain her massive following across multiple platforms for so long is a testament to her adaptability and enduring star power, a status she had already achieved by the time of her 2018 action film *BuyBust*.

The Legacy of 2018 in the Philippine Digital Landscape

The year 2018 was not just a snapshot in time; it was the foundation for the current era of Philippine digital dominance. It was the moment when the lines between traditional celebrity and social media influencer blurred irrevocably. The stars of that year—whether mainstream celebrities like Anne Curtis and Kathryn Bernardo or rising content creators like Alex Gonzaga and Wil Dasovich—have all demonstrated a phenomenal ability to leverage their digital platforms to drive global careers, massive box office success, and international brand partnerships.

Today, in late 2025, the Filipino digital content creation scene is more vibrant and diverse than ever, with new platforms like TikTok and various micro-influencers gaining prominence. However, the lasting legacy of the 2018 cohort is their proof that a strong, authentic, and well-managed social media presence is no longer a supplement to a career, but the very core of a modern global Filipino superstar. Their stories are a blueprint for aspiring digital creators worldwide, showing how local fame can be successfully translated into international influence.

The Shocking Evolution: Where Are the Top 10 Social Media Influencers in the Philippines from 2018 Now?
top social media influencers philippines 2018
top social media influencers philippines 2018

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