Tiktok
From Vine star to multi-platform creator: How authenticity built an empire in the ever-changing social media landscape
# From Vine to Viral: The Unfiltered Journey of a Digital Creator
If you've spent any time scrolling through TikTok lately, you've probably stumbled across Gabbie Hanna's content—whether it's her brutally honest storytimes, musical snippets, or those moments when she just decides to wear whatever makes her "comfy" from the thrift shop instead of her planned outfit. What makes Hanna stand out in the crowded creator space isn't just her 5 million YouTube subscribers or nearly 3 million Instagram followers—it's her willingness to show up authentically, even when it's messy.
Born Gabrielle Jeanette Hanna on February 7, 1991 in New Castle, Pennsylvania, she's the seventh child in a family of eight siblings. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in Psychology and Communications in 2013, she worked retail jobs while building what would become her digital empire. Her career took off when she was just 22—relatively late compared to many social media stars who find fame as teenagers. "I was actually more lucky than a lot of people," she once reflected, noting how many Vine creators found fame at 15 or 16. This slightly later start might explain why her content often carries a more grounded perspective than some of her peers.
Hanna's content evolution reads like a roadmap of social media history itself. She first gained traction on Vine with "The Gabbie Show," amassing 5 million followers before the platform shut down. When Vine died in 2016, she seamlessly transitioned to YouTube, where she'd already built a following. Her content spans everything from comedy skits and challenges to deeply personal storytimes that sometimes blur into therapeutic sessions. She's released music (including her 2017 debut single "Out Loud"), starred in YouTube Premium's "Escape the Night," and even hosted MTV's VMA backstage coverage. Her two books—"Adultolescence" (2017) and "Dandelion" (2020)—both became New York Times bestsellers, proving her ability to connect with audiences across multiple platforms.
What's particularly interesting about Hanna's TikTok presence is how she's adapted her established style to the platform's unique rhythm. While she still shares personal anecdotes and commentary, her TikTok content often features quick, relatable observations about adulting, mental health, and the absurdity of internet culture. She's not afraid to call out how "history rewrites itself" online—a nod to her own experiences with internet drama. Unlike some creators who carefully curate every post, Hanna's TikToks sometimes feel like she's just talking to you while getting ready, occasionally changing outfits mid-video because "whatever makes you comfy" is the real priority.
Now 34 and recently married to Robbie Kroner (as of May 2025), Hanna represents a different generation of digital creators—one who's navigated multiple platform lifecycles and emerged with both success and perspective. She's proof that authenticity, even when it's uncomfortable, resonates more than perfect polish. Whether she's discussing her French, Polish, and Lebanese heritage, sharing insights from her psychology background, or just being unapologetically herself in thrifted clothes, Hanna reminds us that the most compelling content often comes from simply showing up as you are—no filters required.