The Most Popular Athletes on TikTok
By
Will Brown
Contributor Updated: 13 December 2024
Will Brown Contributor
William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.
Athletes on TikTok
Over the past few years, athletes on TikTok have generated huge fan followings by showcasing their impressive skills, comedic chops, and even insights into their lavish lifestyles. With TikTok being one of the best ways for personalities to reach young audiences, this move has been instrumental in their personal branding. In this guide, we’ve looked at the most popular TikTok athletes and what sets their content apart from the rest.
Intro to the Best Athletes on TikTok
The diversity of famous athletes on TikTok includes everything from pro football stars to iconic wrestlers. As beloved stars on and off the field, the best athletes know how to leverage their athletic talents to entertain and attract new fans.
We’ve started this guide by discussing why athletes on TikTok are so popular and why the platform is important for their brands. From then, we’ve discussed the accounts of the best athletes on TikTok, from Tom Brady to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
- Athlete TikTok Popularity
- Tom Brady’s Tiktok
- Ryan Garcia’s Viral Moves
- Isaac Rochell’s Fun Side
- Simone Biles’ Gymnastic Flips
- Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA Feed
- Dwayne Johnson’s Inspirational Talks
Popularity of Famous Athletes on TikTok
With more than one billion average monthly users, TikTok provides celebrities with unprecedented access to the younger generation. Through short-form videos, content creators are able to quickly enthrall, entertain, and engage with their followers. TikTok videos made by athletes are especially popular as they can showcase a different side of fan-favorite stars.
They can also be used to exhibit their athletic skills in humorous or novel ways, whether it’s by participating in challenges or performing trick shots. Whether it’s fan favorite NFL players or emerging basketball stars, the popularity of their accounts can help to boost team and league popularity, or increase sales in personal merchandising or brand partnerships.
Tom Brady’s TikTok Expertise
Tom Brady is regarded as one of the greatest NFL players of all time, so it’s no wonder why he is one of the most popular athletes on TikTok. It wasn’t just his staggering ability to crush opponents on the field that earned him fans, but his undeniable charisma and charm.
When Tom Brady joined TikTok in 2021, he racked up millions of followers within weeks. The legendary quarterback delighted fans by dancing alongside Lil Nas X, playing Fortnite, and providing a glimpse into his family life. He soon became one of the most followed footballers on TikTok for his unique approach to the platform.
When he joined the site, the #TomOnTikTok hashtag exploded, with fans posting reaction videos to the news. Since Brady retired, his content has focused on everything from his vacations to his insights about the league, so those who enjoy betting on football games may find something beneficial to following him.
Brady now has 4.9 million followers, and his videos have garnered an impressive 43 million likes. Whether he’s hitting the gym, playing golf, or hanging out with his kids, Brady’s light-hearted videos will make you smile.
Ryan Garcia’s Viral Moves
As a 26-year-old, American professional boxer Ryan Garcia seems to have a natural intuition when it comes to building an online following. With lightning-fast moves and a charming personality, he’s one of the most successful athletes on TikTok. He has 8.1 million followers and more than 100 million likes on his videos, proving his global appeal.
His online presence proves that he is capable of much more than just fighting, and his account provides a unique window into the day-to-day life of a world-class athlete. The success of the account can be attributed to his openness to fans and sense of humor, challenging the hard-man stereotype of many boxers.
That’s not to say that the content is rarely boxing-related. He regularly shares snippets of his training sessions, often accompanied by motivational tracks or trending sounds. He is also unafraid to show his goofy side, whether he’s dancing along to popular songs, sharing face filters, or “stitching” with fan content.
Unpredictability is another major appeal to his feed. One moment he’s showing off his impeccable footwork, and the next, he’s laughing and smiling, cracking jokes and making people laugh. It’s this impressive balance that has earned him a legion of fans outside of the boxing world.
Isaac Rochell’s Fun Side
In an era where athletes are joining social media platforms more than ever, few accounts stand out as much as Isaac Rochell does on TikTok. The defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers sets himself apart from other NFL stars by sharing personal details about his character. It’s clear how much his digital presence has on his followers.
One day Rochell will be showing off his rigorous fitness routine, while the next, he’ll be goofing around, joining in with current dance trends or stitching fans’ videos. Another important attribute is that he consistently prioritizes inspiring people to lead active, fulfilling lives.
Through his “Rochell’s Recruits” scheme, he motivates young kids to participate in sports. He believes this will allow them to develop habits essential for maintaining well-rounded lifestyles and keep them out of trouble. His approach has garnered him 2.2 million followers and 144 million video likes.
Simone Biles’ Gymnastic Flips
Undeniably one of the best athletes on TikTok, gymnast Simone Biles’s lively personality practically jumps out at you from the screen. As one of the most decorated American Olympians of all time, Biles’ presence on the platform is a treat, providing insights into her personal life and gymnastic expertise.
With 5.4 million followers, she’s become an online inspiration to male and female viewers alike. Simone Biles shares everything from her latest fashion looks to meals out. Her fame and access to celebrities are also highlighted, and it’s not rare to see an A-lister pop up in one of her videos.
Of course, Biles is also known for her mental health advocacy, and she can occasionally be found reaching out to her fans with messages of love and support. All the while, her content remains light-hearted, intimate, and infectious, helping to attract young fans to gymnastics and boosting her standing with brand partners.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA Feed
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek-Nigerian NBA superstar, is one of the top NBA athletes on TikTok, showing off his larger-than-life personality to fans. The “Greek Freak” isn’t just an extraordinary basketball talent. He has a knack for creating infectious content that is dynamic, surprising, and hilarious.
With 5.3 million followers, Giannis has become a TikTok sensation. His content ranges from candid locker room antics to heartwarming family moments and some impressive displays of his basketball acumen. Watching his videos alongside his steady rise to NBA stardom has been both fascinating and insightful.
Antetokounmpo also uses his platform to spread messages of positivity and perseverance. Whether by partaking in dance challenges or sharing inspirational quotes, the NBA star has provided a masterclass on how athletes can engage with fans in a healthy and happy way.
Dwayne Johnson’s Inspirational Talks
We couldn’t finish this guide without highlighting one of TikTok’s most famous athletes, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Not only is the former professional wrestler a top athlete creator, he also has one of the platform’s most popular accounts. The beloved actor, producer, and motivational speaker shares behind-the-scenes moments, workout clips, and experiences from his exciting career.
His account currently has nearly 75 million unique followers, with his clips earning more than 500 million likes. This staggering achievement is down to his charisma and ability to connect with audiences around the world. His videos are also usually under 60 seconds, keeping things fast and engaging.
The Rock creates content in just about any niche. If he’s not offering sage and inspirational advice and motivating youngsters to fulfill their full potential, he’s sharing hilarious skits. The Rock has also leveraged his TikTok stardom to greatly boost his personal businesses, whether it be his tequila brand or upcoming movie releases.
