Internet fame is a loathed and much sought position nowadays, but it’s a crown that only a few get to wear. Among Internet famedom, there are two types; the actual, real-life celebrities, and the Internet-born celebrities. That latter are the minority. Sorry to break it to you, but it’s a hell of a lot easier to become Internet famous if you’re already “real life” famous.

Don’t fret, though; plenty of people have gained fame from no more exposure than that of their Twitter and Facebook profile. If that’s what you’re after, here’s a few role models to learn from.

1. Produce an unintentionally horrible song

There are some people who make intentionally crappy music because crappy music, when made intentionally, is funny. There’s a sort of comedic value to it. On the other hand, there are people who make unintentionally crappy music, but they make it in seriousness. Like they’re actually trying. With that in mind, we change the subject to Rebecca Black. When Rebecca’s Friday hit YouTube, people were initially like “wait, is she serious? Like, is this real or like some kinda parody?” Then we learned it was real. I still laughed my butt off, because that video’s embarrassing as anything.

I feel bad, too, because it’s like laughing at someone’s failure, like I’m a bad person for doing it. But it’s funny — whether it’s intentionally funny or accidentally funny, it’s funny, and funny sells. So be funny. If you’re being serious and it fails, well, we hope your failure has some Rebecca-esque comedic value to it.

2. Don’t be afraid to go overboard

Reality TV got boring pretty quickly. It was a good concept at first, but all the Hollywood touches and drama pumping kind of ruined it. But alas, the reality genre, the one of quality, is not yet dead. YouTube personalities have brought it back to its foundations. Among these is most famously the notorious YouTuber Kassem G.

His “California On” show, in which he interviews random pedestrians and asks for their opinion and/or borderline harasses them on a specific subject, has captured the views of millions and entertained them all. His refreshing take on reality TV – a simple but witty public opinion reflection – is a model to follow for any looking into the genre.

3. Quirkiness and wit will get you ahead

Granted, Ze Frank’s hype has died down quite a bit in recent years. His time was back in the early-to-mid 2000’s era. Back then, he did everything, and that’s what made him famous. Just look at this site, zefrank.com; all sorts of different projects are hosted there. As of late, he seems to have settled himself into a news commentary persona. His 2006 The Show fathered the style for popular news vloggers today (like Phili DeFranco) but ended a year after its launch. Just recently, Ze Frank launched A Show; yet another news commentary endeavor.

In everything he’s done, however, he’s maintained his signature wit. He blends his humor into all his creations, and has quite a humor, and that makes just about anything he touches profitable, and that’s why he’s successful in so many areas; his humor.

4. Understand the power of giving

If anyone understands the art in giving with the intention of receiving, it’s Seth Godin; pioneer of the Internet promotional giveaway. A good chunk of his numerous ventures have included giveaways — even his website has an entire page dedicated to listing free materials. The power in this doesn’t even have to be discussed; it’s a well known fact that whenever someone says “free,” people come running.

What you give away doesn’t even have to be important: people will take anything that’s free, even if it’s cheap at regular price. Hold a contest or promotional event and give away something easy, coupon codes or tickets or something. The masses will reward you with their attention.

5. Create your own style

In the end, the best personality for you to follow as a model is your own. Stay true to yourself. Let out your quirkiness, your humanity, and your uniqueness. That’s what will set you apart. In a world full of celebrities who copy their “inspiration” and mindless zombie-fans who copy those celebrities, a fresh and real person quickly gains the eyes and even subtle admiration of many. Tell embarrassing stories, share inner thoughts, go against popular opinion if it’s what you really feel.

Even if you’re extremely weird, weird has a huge market. Just look at Lady Gaga, at Steven Tyler, at any of the weird spotlights. Weird works, and if you’re true to yourself then a little bit of weird is bound to seep out. Don’t stop.

How to become an Internet celebrity

About Dylan Taylor

He’ll have you know that he has big feet and sexy hair. When not posting pictures of his oversized shoes on Twitter, Dylan is either writing, socializing or sleeping. He lives on the East Coast and loves design, technology and new media. The man has quite the female fan following, maybe even a tad too much if you ask us. On wwwireframe, he covers new media and pop culture.