Social media was bigger than ever in 2015, and not always for the better.
Just like everyone else, Hollywood stars used social media to speak their minds. But unlike the average user, they had millions of followers reading what they wrote. Whether their social media rants changed things for the better or were simply full of hot air, they were nevertheless fun to follow.
From Taylor Swift‘s game-changing letter to Apple Music, to Donald Trump’s endless stream of angry tweets, see the nine best social media rants of 2015 below.
Taylor Swift vs. Apple Music Pop megastar Taylor Swift single-handedly changed the music industry when her open letter to Apple convinced the company to reconsider its policy of not paying artists streaming revenue for music streamed during the free trial period.
“It’s not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this,” she wrote. The company reversed its policy later that same day.
Nicki Minaj vs. VMAs/Taylor Swift
When Nicki Minaj‘s “Anaconda” music video was snubbed by the MTV Video Music Awards for Video of the Year, the rapper didn’t hold back her criticism on Twitter, accusing the show of body shaming and racism, and of favoring videos by thin, white artists. Taylor Swift took the tweets as a personal attack, launching pop music’s biggest feud of 2015.
@NICKIMINAJ I’ve done nothing but love & support you. It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot.. — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 21, 2015
Stephen Amell vs. Stereotyping Texas You don’t mess with Texas, at least not if Stephen Amell has anything to say about it. The “Arrow” star came to the state’s defense when he felt like it was getting a bad rap following the case of a 14-year-old Muslim boy who was unfairly arrested over a science project. The subsequent backlash was so intense, it drove Amell to take a hiatus from social media.
Stereotyping Texas isn’t any better than stereotyping Ahmed. Just so we’re clear.
Kanye West vs. in-app purchases on kids games Like a true dad, Kanye West struggles with technology and parental controls, a frustration he voiced online with an amusing series of tweets.
That makes no sense!!! We give the iPad to our child and every 5 minutes there’s a new purchase!!!
Meek Mill vs. Drake
Rapper Meek Mill kicked off a rap beef with Drake over the summer when he took to Twitter to claim that the Canadian rapper doesn’t write his own lyrics. Drake soon responded with the diss track “Charged Up,” a song Mill called “baby lotion soft.”
Stop comparing drake to me too…. He don’t write his own raps! That’s why he ain’t tweet my album because we found out! ???? — Meek Mill (@MeekMill) July 22, 2015
Chrissy Teigen vs. cereal shamers, “Arrow” actress Katie Cassidy, the media “FABLife” host Chrissy Teigen has a prolific and outspoken social media preference, at various points throughout the year taking aim at Twitter users criticizing her eating habits, “Arrow” star Katie Cassidy and the media for killing comedy.
if you wanna give me unsolicited baby advice on the damn cereal I eat/what I wear u better unlock your profile so I can see your perfection — christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) October 29, 2015
Montel Williams vs. “bigot,” “scumbag” Josh Duggar
When the allegations of molestation against Josh Duggar were unearthed back in May, talk show host Montel Williams took to Twitter to voice his outrage. The multi-tweet tirade called Duggar a “scumbag” and “a world class bigot.”
Gosh, yet another anti-gay alleged “Christian” defender turns out to be a garden variety scumbag. https://t.co/C4gWWE0YnA — Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) May 21, 2015
Patton Oswalt vs. Trevor Noah’s critics Patton Oswalt, the king of Twitter outrage, took issue with the outrage over new “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah’s controversial jokes. In a 53-tweet dissection of a joke, the comedian demonstrated how any gag can be twisted to be offensive if you try hard enough.
(53/53) Also, the “come” part of “welcome” shouldn’t be construed in a “faggy” way.
Rob Lowe vs. Francois Hollande
“The Grinder” star Rob Lowe took massive heat on Twitter after the terrorist attacks in Paris, when he voiced criticism of French president François Hollande. “This is either the worst translation of an important speech ever, or one of the worst ever given,” he wrote of the president’s speech declaring a state of national emergency.
Donald Trump vs. everyone
Who didn’t Donald Trump take aim at on Twitter this year? With the heightened profile that comes with campaigning to be President of the United States, Trump had an endless number of people to blast on social media: Jeb Bush, Megyn Kelly and Fox News, to name a few.
Wow, @megynkelly really bombed tonight. People are going wild on twitter! Funny to watch. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2015
45 Hollywood Social Media Stars: Periscope, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram (Photos)
Ellen DeGeneres on Periscope: Along with offering up some fun behind-the-scenes content, DeGeneres has promoted the Periscope app on her show and encouraged audience participation.
Warner Bros.
Dwayne Johnson on Periscope: The Rock was an early user of the app and played up Periscope to promote the “Furious 7” movie premieres.
Getty Images
Josh Malina on Periscope: The “Scandal” star (also known for his work on “The West Wing” and “Sports Night”) has earned lots of love by engaging in AMAs on Periscope from his home office, plus taking people on a tour of the “Scandal” set, featuring his co-stars.
Getty Images
Aaron Paul on Periscope: While not the most active user, he delivered one of the most talked about live streams on Periscope.
Getty Images
Adam Shapiro and Cristela Alonzo on Periscope: Shapiro was an early Periscope adopter, streaming live from the “Scandal” set with his wife Katie Lowes. The charismatic comedian then teamed up with costar Alonzo to connect with fans and build buzz for the season finale of ABC’s “Cristela” using the hashtag #CristelaShappyPeriscopeParty.
ABC
Chris Sacca & Matt Mazzeo, Lowercase Capital on Periscope: The L.A.-based early stage investors have been busy answering tech investing questions all around town, be it the beach or a hackathon at UCLA, in addition to Mazzeo’s morning talk show with coffee klatch partner Abby Chambers.
Lowercase Capital
Shonda Rhimes on Periscope: The Shondaland creator tweeted, "Just tested out #Periscope for the first time. Live streaming from my office. Back to writing." Find her at ShondaRhimes.
Michael Buckner/Getty Images
Arnold Schwarzenegger on Periscope: Arnie was one of the first celebs to join Periscope, and now already has 11,455 followers. He is also big on Snapchat. Find him at Schwarzenegger.
Getty Images
Tyra Banks on Periscope: The model/actress has been smizing (smiling with your eyes) on Twitter's live-streaming platform.
Getty Images
Mario Batali on Periscope: Batali was one of the first celebrities granted early access to the platform with a beta version.
Sophia Bush on Periscope: The "One Tree Hill" alum was one of the first celebrities granted early access to the platform with a beta version.
Getty Images
Mark Cuban, mcuban, on Periscope: Cuban was one of the first celebrities granted early access to the platform with a beta version.
Rihanna on Snapchat: There have been Snapchat accounts masquerading as the singer for years but Rihanna didn’t officially join the platform until April. Since then, RiRi, her entourage and a couple of troll dolls have been featured in the disappearing snaps. The singer is a reluctant subject at times but always entertaining.
Snapchat
Cody Simpson, CodySimpson, on Snapchat: His Snapchat account recently came under fire for allegedly exposing his girlfriend doing drugs. But more traditional snaps feature the laid-back artist performing, surfing or spending time at the beach with friends.
Snapchat
Hailee Steinfeld, HaileeSteinfeld, on Snapchat: Steinfeld is best known to movie fans for 2010’s “True Grit,” for which the teen was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. But the LA-native and star in the upcoming “Pitch Perfect 2” is also an avid Snapchat fan who shares behind the scenes snaps from on set via her own account and from the movie’s marketing account with “Pitch Perfect 2” costar Chrissie Fit.
Snapchat
Jared Leto on Snapchat: Leto communicates regularly with fans across multiple social platforms, teasing the reveal of his “Suicide Squad” haircut on Twitter and Instagram recently. The actor’s championed Snapchat’s crude drawing tool, using the app to scribble messages and ask for fan feedback. But he’s best known for his psychedelic snaps. Whether at an awards show in Hollywood or on tour in Russia with his band Thirty Seconds to Mars, the Oscar winner’s specialty is decorating his Snapchat selfies with neon war paint. Follow him at jaredleto.
Snapchat
Ryan Seacrest on Snapchat: Seacrest’s unique access to Hollywood’s hottest events and biggest stars is reflected on Snapchat much like it is online and on-air. Follow him at ryanseacrest.
Snapchat
Nev Schulman, nevschulman, on Snapchat: The TV host and self-described social media addict spends less time on Snapchat promoting his show than he does offering followers an authentic and unscripted window into his personal life.
Snapchat
Shay Mitchell on Snapchat: The young actress is in the sweet spot for Snapchat’s demo, attracting young fans to her mix of on-set snaps and attractive selfies. And as the only one of the four PLL female leads active on Snapchat, her behind-the-scenes snaps are especially coveted for their exclusive access. Find her at shaymitch.
Snapchat
Keegan Allen on Snapchat: Allen, best known as heartthrob Toby Cavanaugh on the show, offers fans an inside look at the making of the series. But Allen’s also used his social clout on Snapchat to promote his own career as a photographer and recently published a book of his work, “life.love.beauty.”
Snapchat
Kevin Jonas on Snapchat: He’s used Snapchat himself for everything from behind the scenes snapshots while taping “Celebrity Apprentice” and screen time with influencers like Shonduras and Casey Neistat to a dentist visit and baby photos of daughter Alena.
Snapchat
Diplo on Snapchat: Recently, he used the app to tease a collaboration with Skrillex (aka skrilloo on Snapchat) and Missy Elliott and also shares candid snaps from the road turning a recent trip to South America into a Snapchat travelogue.
Snapchat
Fifth Harmony on Snapchat: The group formed on the second season of The X Factor has posted performances, fan encounters and rehearsal selfies. They’ve also used the platform to mobilize their Harmonizer fan base around the group’s first studio album, “Reflection,” using the mobile platform to officially announce the album’s track list before its February 3 debut.
Snapchat
Brett Eldredge/Luke Bryan on Snapchat: The country singers get honorable mention as snapper newbies. They each announced their Snapchat accounts on March 9. Eldredge has used the mobile app to show his off his silly side, engaging in a staring contest with followers and posting snaps of his puppies. Bryan held a Snapchat scavenger hunt, hiding swag in a cooler in the sand at Panama Beach City for fans to find.
Snapchat
Anna Kendrick on Twitter: When she’s not shooting off self-deprecating zingers or sharing her food porn proclivities, the “Pitch Perfect” star loves a live TV event (looking at you NBC). She’s so fast and funny, you half-expect her to reveal a writing team behind each tweet.
Getty Images
Zach Braff on Twitter: Things you can’t miss if you follow Braff on Twitter: There isn’t a selfie he doesn’t like, “Scrubs” lives on and the bromance with Donald Faison will last forever. And, like so many stars, he loves a live musical TV event.
Getty Images
Billy Eichner on Twitter: In one subtweet, Eichner manages to skewer the entire TV musical genre and pin it all on “Sound of Music” sweetheart Carrie Underwood.
TBS
Will Wheaton on Twitter: Comedy Central owes the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” star a paycheck, benefits and a yearly bonus. When Wheaton isn’t guesting on friend Chris Hardwick’s internet-themed improv show “@Midnight,” he’s racking up points and retweets playing the show’s hashtag games like #XmasAMovie or #StonerSports. Will gets our vote as a very punny guy.
William Shatner on Twitter: The onetime Captain Kirk is just as likely to be found live-tweeting CW or SyFy dramas as engaging in Twitter feuds or railing over his pet peeve: Twitter’s verified accounts.
Mia Farrow on Twitter: Farrow is as likely to tweet about the “Sound of Music Live” and “Peter Pan Live” as she is about civil rights, global injustice or tune-in alerts for son Ronan Farrow’s MSNBC show.
Getty Images
Josh Groban on Twitter: In between concert updates, a lot of dog tweets and flirting with Twitter friends like Anna Kendrick and Michael Buble, Groban spoke for us all when he praised staged-for-TV musicals as a great American holiday tradition.
Getty Images
Judge Reinhold on Twitter: The “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” star can’t seem to post enough #TBT (Throwback Thursday) snapshots. But he gets a special mention for pulling this 1982 headgear shot out of the archives and comparing himself to Christopher Walken during NBC’s live musical event, “Peter Pan Live.”
Getty Images
Jerome Jarre on Snapchat: In 2014, he was the fourth most followed individual on Vine, and in 2013, he co-founded GrapeStory, a talent agency for Vine and Snapchat stars.
Getty Images
Shaun McBride on Snapchat: Known by his username, Shonduras, he became famous for his art work, and he is making thousands of dollars in advertising deals.
Snapchat
Sanjay Gupta on Periscope: CNN's doctor brought Periscope into Surgery with him.
Getty Images
Jimmy Fallon on Snapchat: The Tonight Show has started posting their line-up for their upcoming shows to their Snapchat users, with artsy drawings and graphics.
NBC
Tony Reali on Snapchat: He often takes over Good Morning America's Snapchat, and even live snapped/chatted Taylor Swift's concert in 2014.
ESPN
Carson Daly on Periscope: Daly will often tweet that he is live streaming using Periscope, whether it's backstage at The Today Show or at The Voice.
Getty Images
David Beckham on Facebook: The soccer player has 50,654,657 likes on Facebook, posting personal pictures and videos. Also, Beckham just became an instagram user a couple of days ago.
Getty Images
Vin Diesel on Facebook: Mashable called him the second most popular person on Facebook after President Obama. Currently, he has 91,714,170 likes, and is known to his followers as authentic.
Getty Images
Shakira on Facebook: The singer has 100,233,197 likes on her Facebook page, making her the most-liked celebrity on this platform.
Getty Images
Justin Bieber on Twitter: Bieber has the second-highest following on Twitter, after Katy Perry, with 63.3 million followers.
Getty Images
Kim Kardashian on Instagram: The reality star is evidently one of the most followed Instagram users, with a total of 31.5 million followers. Her wedding photo with Kanye West was also the most liked instagram photo of all time.
Marcus Johns on Periscope: Johns already enjoys celebrity status inside the Twitter ecosystem, thanks to his popular Vine account. Some of his entertaining streams have included aerobic dancing on Hollywood Blvd in fluorescent green shorts.
Getty Images
Amanda Oleander on Periscope: A Los Angeles-based artist, Oleander quickly became one of Periscope’s most popular personalities. “I was surprised. I have never been really popular on any other social media app,” Oleander told TheWrap in an interview. She says her streams are focused around motivational talks, exploring Los Angeles and connecting with her audience.
YouTube
1 of 45
Twitter, Periscope and Snapchat stars top the list of our favorite social media users
Ellen DeGeneres on Periscope: Along with offering up some fun behind-the-scenes content, DeGeneres has promoted the Periscope app on her show and encouraged audience participation.