Identical twins Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight have taken the social media world by storm, amassing over 2.5 million subscribers and more than 280 million video views on their YouTube channel, Brooklyn and Bailey, since its inception in March 2013. Known for their fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content, these 16-year-old internet sensations have become a beloved fixture in the online community. Here are five things you need to know about Brooklyn and Bailey.
1. From Hair Models to Internet Stars
Brooklyn and Bailey got their start as contributors to their mother Mindy’s channel, Cute Girls Hairstyles, the leading hairstyling channel on YouTube. Initially, the twins served as hair models, with viewers only seeing the backs of their heads.
However, fans soon demanded to know more about the girls behind the hairstyles. Responding to this curiosity, the twins launched their own channel, Brooklyn and Bailey, where they share their lives and experiences, from getting braces to beginner makeup tips, babysitting advice, budget fashion tips, and fun family activities.
2. A Passion for Makeup
The twins’ love for makeup is evident in their videos, and they have even expressed interest in launching their own mascara line or partnering with a well-known brand. Brooklyn mentioned, “A high percentage of our YouTube comments come from viewers either complimenting us on our eyes or wanting to know which mascara we use!” Their enthusiasm for makeup has garnered a dedicated following of beauty enthusiasts who eagerly await their recommendations and tutorials.
3. Education Comes First
Despite their busy schedules as social media influencers, Brooklyn and Bailey prioritize their education. Their parents have always emphasized that school is their number one job, followed by family and then YouTube. The twins attend traditional school and are actively involved in their academic pursuits. Brooklyn shared, “Our parents do a good job helping to take care of things while we are at school, so we can stay in traditional school and be involved as much as we can.” They also have supportive teachers and school administrators who accommodate their unique situation.
4. College Ambitions
Continuing their commitment to education, Brooklyn and Bailey plan to attend college. They aim to follow in their parents’ footsteps and pursue higher education while maintaining their YouTube channel. Brooklyn noted, “It’s crazy to think that this is our junior year, where we’ll take the ACT and begin taking college campus tours!” Bailey added, “We plan on continuing YouTube either at school together or at separate universities. It may even be that we do online coursework for a while to allow for our travel schedule.”
5. Career Aspirations
The twins have clear career goals beyond YouTube. Bailey is interested in a career in marketing with a minor in broadcast journalism, while Brooklyn wants to study business or possibly become a child psychiatrist. Their diverse interests highlight their dedication to personal growth and their desire to impact various fields positively.
The Journey from Teen Stars to Influencers
Since their early days on Cute Girls Hairstyles, Brooklyn and Bailey have grown their brand significantly. Now 22, the twins have expanded their social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where they have 7.6 million followers. Their journey includes releasing their own music, launching a successful mascara line called Lash Next Door, and documenting their transition from teens to college students and young adults.
Authenticity and Transparency
Brooklyn and Bailey attribute their success to their authenticity and honesty. They believe that being genuine and transparent with their audience has been the key to growing their followers. “The biggest ‘secret’ we have to growing followers is to be authentic and honest! A lot of people like to have that transparency, and it feels like a breath of fresh air on social media,” they shared.
Pivotal Moments
The twins have experienced several pivotal moments that have contributed to their growing popularity. One of the most significant moments was their engagements and weddings. Bailey married Asa Howard in 2021, and Brooklyn got engaged to Dakota Blackburn in April. These life events provided a wealth of content for their channel and resonated deeply with their audience.
Advice for Aspiring Influencers
Brooklyn and Bailey emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself in the world of social media. They advise aspiring influencers not to lose themselves and to remain authentic. “It is not an easy job being an influencer, and it is important to remember to stay true to who you are and what you know,” they advised.
Fun Facts About Brooklyn and Bailey
Despite their online presence, there are still some fun facts about Brooklyn and Bailey that their followers might not know. For instance, Bailey won her school spelling bee in 4th grade, dislikes Chick-fil-A, and has only kissed her now-husband, Asa. Brooklyn is allergic to ocean/sea algae, has read over 100 books in a year, and failed her first driver’s test.
Celebrity Inspirations
The twins draw inspiration from celebrities like Zendaya and Emma Watson. They admire Zendaya for her humility and hard work despite her fame and Emma Watson for pursuing education and using her platform to advocate for women. These role models reflect the values that Brooklyn and Bailey strive to embody in their own lives and careers.
Launching itk: A Skincare Brand for Gen Z
Brooklyn and Bailey have ventured into the beauty industry with their skincare brand, itk, co-created with Maesa and launched via Walmart. The brand focuses on cruelty-free, effective, and straightforward skincare products designed for a wide range of skin types and needs. The product line includes items like the Clay Color-changing Mask, Nightly Clarifying Serum, Milk-to-Foam Cleanser, and Prebiotic Gel Moisturizer.
The development of itk involved significant input from their audience, with nearly one million responses helping shape the products. Brooklyn, a licensed aesthetician, expressed excitement about making skincare accessible and easy to understand. Bailey added, “For the past two years we’ve relied on our audience to guide us in this journey in hopes of creating a skincare brand that is truly inclusive for all consumers.”
Conclusion
Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight continue to inspire and influence millions with their genuine and relatable content. From their humble beginnings as hair models on their mom’s YouTube channel to launching their own skincare brand, the twins have shown incredible dedication and passion in all their endeavors. Their journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, hard work, and staying true to oneself.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What made Brooklyn and Bailey start their own YouTube channel?
Brooklyn and Bailey started their own YouTube channel after fans of their mother’s channel, Cute Girls Hairstyles, expressed a desire to know more about them beyond just seeing the backs of their heads in hair tutorials.
2. How do Brooklyn and Bailey balance their education with their social media careers?
Brooklyn and Bailey prioritize their education by attending traditional school and relying on the support of their parents and understanding teachers. They also plan to continue their studies in college, either together or at separate universities.
3. What are Brooklyn and Bailey’s career aspirations?
Bailey is interested in a career in marketing with a minor in broadcast journalism, while Brooklyn wants to study business or possibly become a child psychiatrist.
4. How do Brooklyn and Bailey stay authentic on social media?
Brooklyn and Bailey believe in being genuine and transparent with their audience. They attribute their success to their authenticity and honesty, which resonate with their followers.
5. What is itk, and how did Brooklyn and Bailey involve their audience in its development?
Itk is a skincare brand co-created by Brooklyn and Bailey with Maesa and launched via Walmart. The brand’s development involved significant input from their audience, with nearly one million responses shaping the products to ensure they meet the needs and preferences of Gen Z consumers.