In the age of social media, where virality can be a career catalyst, some individuals have found fame not by their own creations but by bearing an uncanny resemblance to celebrities.
These look-alikes have leveraged platforms like TikTok and Instagram to amass significant followings, often blurring the lines between admiration and impersonation. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous ones.
1. Ashley Leechin – The Taylor Swift Doppelgänger
@noitisashley13 😹 #cardib #blueface #cattok ♬ YUH IM A MOTHHAA – Trendsetter ★
Ashley Leechin, known on TikTok as @noitisashley13, has captivated over a million followers with her striking resemblance to Taylor Swift. Her content often features her lip-syncing to Swift’s songs and recreating iconic looks from various eras of the pop star’s career.
Tools like SocialWick may have helped her content gain traction quickly, given the fast-paced nature of TikTok’s algorithm.
However, her resemblance has led to real-world confusion. In August 2023, she was escorted out of a Los Angeles shop after being mistaken for Swift, an incident she described as a “social experiment.” This event sparked backlash from Swift’s fans, who criticized her for excessive impersonation.
Leechin has denied undergoing plastic surgery to enhance her resemblance, stating that her likeness is natural.
2. Paige Niemann – Ariana Grande’s Mirror Image
@paigeniemann I’m so awkward haha #fyp #foryou #foryoupage tiktok idea by the amazing @tammiebby ♬ original sound – Velan
California-based content creator Paige Niemann, known as @paigeniemann, has gained international attention for her uncanny resemblance to Ariana Grande.
Starting at age 12 on musical.ly (now TikTok), she began posting videos dressed as Grande, mimicking her high ponytail, cat-eye makeup, and mannerisms. Her content went viral in 2019, earning her over 10.5 million followers.
Grande herself commented on one of Niemann’s videos, noting the “bizarre” blend of her past and present personas.
However, Niemann has faced criticism for attempting to profit from her likeness, including recreating Grande’s wedding photos and walking the runway at New York Fashion Week in 2023.
Her actions led to a temporary ban from TikTok in 2024, though she continues to create content.
3. Felix Lalo – The Harry Potter Lookalike
Felix Lalo, known on TikTok as @felixir_, has become a sensation among Harry Potter fans for his remarkable resemblance to Daniel Radcliffe. With 1.8 million followers, Lalo posts videos reenacting iconic scenes from the Harry Potter series, often wearing glasses and Hogwarts robes to enhance the likeness. His content also features humorous takes on being mistaken for Radcliffe in everyday life.
Lalo’s popularity has led to media appearances and fan convention invitations, where he is often mobbed by fans. His ability to capture Radcliffe’s youthful appearance and charm has made him a standout in the look-alike community.
4. Max Kessler – Adam Sandler’s Doppelgänger
Max Kessler has gained a following for his resemblance to comedian and actor Adam Sandler. On TikTok, where he has 167,000 followers, Kessler posts videos mimicking Sandler’s comedic style, including scenes from films like “Happy Gilmore” and “Billy Madison.” His content often features him in casual, Sandler-esque outfits, complete with the actor’s signature laid-back demeanor.
Kessler has expressed interest in pursuing a career in comedy, inspired by his look-alike status. His videos resonate with fans who appreciate his ability to channel Sandler’s humor.
5. Iza IJzerman – Gigi Hadid’s Twin
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Dutch model Iza IJzerman, known on Instagram as @izaijzerman, is known for her striking resemblance to supermodel Gigi Hadid. With 30,000 followers, IJzerman shares professional modeling shots and casual selfies that highlight her similarity to Hadid’s iconic looks. Her posts often replicate Hadid’s fashion choices and poses, earning her opportunities in the modeling industry.
Beyond her look-alike status, IJzerman uses her platform to promote body positivity and self-acceptance, adding depth to her online presence. Her resemblance has opened doors to collaborations with brands and photographers.
6. Shelby Kandrade – Olivia Rodrigo’s Reflection
@shelbykandrade Happy Halloween #fyp ♬ original sound – Addy
Shelby Kandrade has attracted attention for her resemblance to singer Olivia Rodrigo. With 14,400 followers on TikTok, Kandrade posts videos that include covers of Rodrigo’s songs and recreations of her music video aesthetics. Her content often features outfits inspired by Rodrigo’s style, capturing the singer’s expressive performances.
As an aspiring musician, Kandrade uses her platform to share original songs and covers, blending her look-alike status with her musical talents. Her followers appreciate her authenticity and passion for music.
7. Bobby Martin – Tom Hiddleston’s Double
@bobbbybigwheels 🍉 #loki #viral #foryou #lifeisgood #tomhiddleston ♬ Seaside_demo by SEB – SEB
Bobby Martin is celebrated for his resemblance to actor Tom Hiddleston, particularly known for his role as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With 1.5 million followers on TikTok, Martin posts videos reenacting Hiddleston’s scenes and humorous skits that play on his likeness. His ability to mimic Hiddleston’s accent and mannerisms has earned him praise for his acting skills.
Martin has collaborated with other creators and appeared at fan events, leveraging his look-alike status to explore opportunities in acting. His engaging content continues to resonate with Marvel fans worldwide.
8. Miles Mitchell – Timothée Chalamet’s Lookalike Contest Winner
Miles Mitchell, a 21-year-old college senior from Staten Island, gained fame after winning a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest in New York City in October 2024.
Dressed as Willy Wonka, a role Chalamet played, Mitchell impressed judges with his resemblance and charisma, taking home a $50 prize and a six-foot trophy.
His victory led to a viral moment when he attended the 2025 Golden Globes, posing with a sign that read, “I won a lookalike contest and now I’m at the Golden Globes.”
Mitchell’s Instagram showcases his passions for fashion, travel, and piano, with occasional nods to his Chalamet resemblance. He has recounted his experiences in media outlets, including a YouTube video titled “How Winning the Timothée Chalamet Look-Alike Contest Changed My Life.” His story highlights the transformative potential of look-alike contests.
9. Oscar Journeaux – Harry Styles’ Musical Twin
@doseofsociety“Having years of this comparison, it’s hard because it takes away your individuality” – Oscar Journeaux, Jersey ❤️🩹♬ original sound – Dose of Society
Oscar Journeaux, a 22-year-old musician, won a Harry Styles lookalike contest in London’s Soho Square in November 2024.
Sporting a brown leather jacket and scarf, Journeaux was crowned the winner among 12 contestants, taking home a £50 prize. He has been mistaken for Styles in public, once missing a train due to a fan requesting an autograph.
Journeaux’s Instagram features his music, fashion, and lifestyle, with his look-alike status boosting his visibility. As a singer and guitarist, he aims to leverage his newfound fame to advance his music career.
Cultural Significance and Controversies
The rise of celebrity look-alikes on social media reflects a broader fascination with celebrity culture and the power of visual similarity in the digital age.
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram provide a stage for these individuals to showcase their resemblances, often leading to viral fame and professional opportunities.
For instance, look-alike contests, such as those for Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles, have become cultural events, drawing thousands of spectators and generating millions of views online.
However, the phenomenon is not without controversy. Look-alikes like Ashley Leechin and Paige Niemann have faced criticism for perceived over-impersonation, with some fans arguing that their actions exploit celebrities’ identities.
The use of AI and facial recognition technology to identify look-alikes has also raised concerns about privacy and authenticity, particularly as AI-generated content becomes harder to distinguish from reality.
Final Thoughts
Celebrity look-alike accounts on social media offer a unique blend of entertainment, curiosity, and cultural commentary. Individuals like Ashley Leechin, Paige Niemann, and Miles Mitchell have turned their resemblances into platforms for creativity and fame, navigating both admiration and scrutiny.
As social media continues to evolve, the fascination with doppelgängers is likely to persist, reflecting our enduring interest in celebrity culture and the power of visual identity in the digital world.
