The desire for recognition existed long before the internet. During the Middle Ages, fame spread by word of mouth. Religion and family lineage granted people social prestige. In the Renaissance, intellect and creative talent put you on the map. By the Industrial Revolution, wealth became synonymous with status, much like the popularity that radio and television brought people throughout the 20th century.
Today, it's clear that virality didn't invent our hunger for recognition. It simply became the defining tool of our era to achieve it.
The internet crowned her the queen of Vine. Today, she has more than 52 million followers on Instagram and 33 million on TikTok. Influencer, singer, and creative force, Lele Pons sheds her skin whenever necessary, evolving alongside her content.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Eleonora Pons Maronese, better known as "Lele Pons", has ruled the internet not only through comedy but also as one of the most transparent and outspoken creators when it comes to mental health, self-esteem, and empowerment.
Shirt, Corset, Pants: CAMPILLO
For her, achieving virality is no longer the focal point of her career, though in truth, it never really was. Like many great creators, the internet first served as an escape valve. It was a way to lighten life's heavier moments and bring humor to people through a screen.
From parodies and dramatic falls to flawlessly executing the latest trends, Lele is fully aware of the formula behind her success and the importance of constant reinvention.
"I think physical comedy has always worked for me. No matter what language people speak, everyone can understand my content. My secret is being universal," she told us.
There's a common belief that succeeding on social media depends above all on consistency and the sheer volume of content you produce. But how long can anyone realistically sustain that pace?
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"During the first six years of my career, I posted every single day at the exact same time. I was incredibly consistent. Back then, I'd post whatever came to mind. Now that I'm a mom, I can't do that anymore. You evolve with every stage of life."
Learning how to navigate the algorithm has become one of the most valuable skills of the digital age. Knowing when to move from Vine to Instagram, from Instagram to TikTok, and from TikTok to longer-form content has allowed Lele to remain relevant through every chapter of her career.
"You have to adapt to what's happening in the world or you'll get left behind. With my podcast, Suite 305, I finally have the chance to share more about myself and my friends. I feel like I'm entering a new phase of life and have a much broader perspective now. I'm no longer afraid of being canceled for what I say."
Dress: CURIEL, Ring: Alexis Bittar, Headpiece: Binata Millinery
Today, perhaps nothing is more intimidating than cancel culture. In the past, living within a tribe was a matter of survival, and being cast out could mean certain death. Now, being judged by the digital collective has made us far more conscious of the content we create.
"My advice to new creators is to think twice before posting anything. I've seen so many good people make one mistake and watch their whole world fall apart. There will always be hate, so you need crocodile skin if you're creating content. That's why it's important not to just post, post, post, because one bad post can really break you if you don't know how to handle the hate."
There's no question that being one of the most-followed figures on social media comes with immense power and influence, but also immense pressure. Mental health and social media are becoming increasingly intertwined. Lele has been remarkably open about living with OCD and depression while navigating the demands of digital success.
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"You have to take breaks, not when you're already overwhelmed, but before you even feel like you need them. For example, when everything is going amazingly well online, that's probably the perfect time to go to therapy. Mistakes happen when you're moving at a million miles an hour. I think you can prevent getting to that point if you allow yourself to rest."
Imagining yourself five years into the future can be a tricky question, but not for Lele. Once you've experienced virality, success is no longer measured only by metrics or views.
Lele has learned to laugh at herself, to understand that attention can be fleeting, and that real life ultimately matters far more than going viral. Today, she hopes to continue making people laugh, direct films in Hollywood, and grow her family.
Suit: KidSuper, Shoes: Jimmy Choo, Sunglasses: Gentle Monster
Photographer: Nina Rodrigues
Stylist: Charlie Rincón
Hair & Make Up Artist: Armando González
Photography Assistant: Claudia Fernandes
Styling Assistant: Ray Stein
Interview: Nany Cárdenas
Location: Mint Room Miami
Chief Creative Officer: Brian Calle
Fashion Director: Angelina Cantú
Executive Producer: Aya Sloan
Digital Director: Ricardo Diaz