What Are Internet Chicks? Your Starter Guide to the Online Aesthetic

In a world where scrolling is second nature and filters can transform your vibe in seconds, a new online persona has taken the internet by storm: the Internet Chick. Think bold eyeliner, perfectly edited selfies, snappy captions, and an aura of cool confidence that jumps off the screen. But what does it actually mean to be an Internet Chick? And why is this aesthetic so popular across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and beyond?

Internetchicks aren’t just about looks—they’re digital icons of style, confidence, and culture. Whether you’re scrolling through a curated feed or watching a “Get Ready With Me” video, chances are you’ve encountered one. Let’s break down where they came from and why they’re still trending.

Origins in Digital Subcultures

The concept of online beauty personas started brewing in the late 2000s on platforms like Tumblr and YouTube. Back then, scene queens and alternative girls were the pioneers of what we now call digital aesthetics. Fast forward a decade, and these archetypes evolved into Internet Chicks—stylish, meme-savvy, and hyper-aware of how to navigate the algorithm.

Influence of Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms have acted as both the runway and the stage. Instagram birthed the polished, glam-heavy baddie look, while TikTok added a layer of chaotic authenticity and rapid trend shifts. The Internet Chick aesthetic thrives where visuals dominate, creating a hybrid of influencer culture and niche internet trends.

Defining the “Internet Chick” Aesthetic

So, what exactly makes someone an Internet Chick? It’s more than just looking cute online—though that’s part of it.

Fashion and Beauty Elements

From oversized hoodies and slick ponytails to bold eyeliner and Y2K accessories, the Internet Chick wardrobe is equal parts edgy and nostalgic. Think butterfly clips, cargo pants, crop tops, and nails that could double as art installations.

Popular Poses and Filters

Duck faces? That’s old school. Today’s Internet Chicks pose with “effortless” candidness—mirror selfies, overhead angles, and the ever-popular pouty look with blurry backgrounds. Filters play a huge role too, with presets on apps like VSCO, Lightroom, and FaceApp being essential tools.

Attitude and Persona Online

Confidence is key. Internet Chicks often present a hyper-stylized version of themselves—cool, a little mysterious, and effortlessly aesthetic. It’s all about owning your identity and leaning into the vibe, whether that’s sultry, sweet, sarcastic, or some chaotic blend.

Popular Subcategories of Internet Chicks

Not all Internet Chicks look or act the same. Over time, several distinct sub-aesthetics have emerged, each with its own vibe, fashion choices, and online communities.

Baddies

The Baddie aesthetic is perhaps the most mainstream version of the Internet Chick. Think Instagram influencers with flawlessly beat faces, sleek hair, contour for days, and outfits that scream confidence and high glam. Baddies love designer logos, stiletto nails, and bodycon dresses, and they’re always on top of the latest beauty trends—often setting them.

They thrive on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, where aesthetic presentation and bold looks get the most engagement. Brands love baddies for sponsorships and collaborations because they have major influence on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle purchases.

E-Girls

The E-Girl burst into the spotlight with TikTok’s rise. This aesthetic is a mash-up of goth, anime, and alt-girl styles—think striped long-sleeve shirts under band tees, heart-shaped blush on cheeks, choppy dyed hair, and chokers. E-Girls are all about the chaos: emotionally expressive, high-energy, and meme-forward.

E-Girls gained their reputation for their dramatic makeup (like bold eyeliner and under-eye hearts), love for glitchy edits, and sometimes ironically dark vibes. They often use music like hyperpop, emo rock, and slowed-down remixes in their content.

Soft Girls

The Soft Girl is the pastel-loving, cloud-wearing, innocent cousin of the Internet Chick world. She’s all about blush tones, pigtails, oversized sweaters, and subtle makeup. Her vibe is sweet, dreamy, and often sprinkled with kawaii (cute) culture influences.

Soft Girls rule platforms like Pinterest and TikTok, with content focusing on cozy aesthetics, morning routines, and soft-spoken affirmations. It’s a digital comfort zone for those who prefer dreamy over dramatic.

It Girls

An It Girl is a mix of all the above—but cooler. She’s not trying too hard, yet she nails the effortlessly stylish look every time. It Girls don’t just follow trends; they make them. Whether it’s streetwear, designer pieces, or thrifted fits, they always look curated but casual.

It Girls dominate every corner of the internet—Instagram for fashion, YouTube for vlogs, and TikTok for their lifestyle snippets. They’re often muses for fashion houses or the front row stars at events.

Signature Platforms and Where They Thrive

Each type of Internet Chick has her kingdom—and here’s where you’ll most likely find her ruling.

Instagram and the Baddie Empire

Instagram is the OG playground for Internet Chicks, especially Baddies and It Girls. The platform’s image-heavy feed is ideal for showing off makeup, fashion hauls, glam looks, and curated aesthetics. Sponsored posts, affiliate links, and luxury tags often appear in their feeds.

TikTok Trends and E-Girl Fame

TikTok has become the hotspot for E-Girls and Soft Girls. With its short-form content and audio-driven trends, it provides the perfect space for experimenting with styles, humor, and personality-driven content. Duets, transitions, and “Get Ready With Me” videos are staples here.

YouTube and Lifestyle Queens

Longer-form content finds a home on YouTube. From detailed makeup tutorials to “day in my life” vlogs, Internet Chicks on YouTube offer a more personal look into their routines, personalities, and advice. This is also where the monetization game gets serious, with ad revenue, brand deals, and influencer marketing becoming central to their online presence.

Internet Chicks vs. Traditional Influencers

At first glance, Internet Chicks and influencers might seem like the same thing—but there are key differences.

Aesthetic Over Authenticity?

While many influencers focus on lifestyle and relatability, Internet Chicks lean more into the visual and performative aspect of their persona. They’re often less concerned with being “relatable” and more focused on being aspirational or trend-setting.

Monetization and Brand Deals

Internet Chicks are incredibly savvy at using aesthetics to drive income. Whether it’s via sponsored posts, affiliate links, or exclusive content platforms, they know how to monetize their look and persona. However, their audience often expects a consistent vibe, making brand partnerships a strategic balancing act.

The Role of Memes and Virality

Internet Chick as Meme Fuel

Internet Chicks aren’t just followed—they’re memed. Their poses, slang, and even outfit choices become internet templates. You’ll often find viral tweets and TikToks mimicking their style, sometimes ironically, sometimes admiringly.

How Trends Spread and Fade

Because the Internet Chick aesthetic is rooted in digital trends, styles can rise and fall overnight. A makeup hack or clothing item can go viral on Monday and feel outdated by Friday. This fast-paced environment requires constant evolution, adaptability, and meme-awareness.

Criticisms and Controversies

While there’s a lot to love about the Internet Chick aesthetic, it’s not without its critics.

Overemphasis on Appearance

One of the biggest concerns is the heavy focus on physical appearance. Filters, Facetune, and editing apps can create unrealistic standards that viewers may feel pressured to match.

Cultural Appropriation Concerns

There have been ongoing discussions about certain styles being borrowed or copied without understanding their cultural significance—especially within baddie and E-Girl aesthetics.

Mental Health and Image Pressure

Constantly curating a perfect online image can take a toll. The pressure to perform, appear flawless, and chase clout can lead to burnout, self-esteem issues, and anxiety.

Positive Impacts of the Aesthetic

Digital Creativity and Self-Expression

For many, becoming an Internet Chick is a form of self-expression. From experimenting with makeup to styling outfits and editing videos, it encourages artistic creativity.

Diverse Beauty Representation

The rise of various subgenres—like Soft Girls and Alt-Girls—has opened the door for broader representations of beauty. It’s not all about one look anymore; it’s about finding and owning your unique vibe.

How to Embrace the Internet Chick Vibe

Curious about stepping into the world of Internet Chicks yourself? Whether you’re going for the full glam Baddie or the soft and sweet vibe, here’s how to start owning your aesthetic.

Style Tips for Beginners

You don’t need a massive wardrobe or luxury makeup collection to get started. Begin by identifying which subcategory resonates most with you—are you edgy like an E-Girl or effortlessly cool like an It Girl?

Starter Essentials:

The key is consistency—choose color palettes and clothing pieces that align with your chosen aesthetic and repeat those in different looks to build a recognizable style.

Creating Your Online Persona

The Internet Chick aesthetic isn’t just visual—it’s also about attitude. Think of it as playing an amplified version of yourself online. Your persona should reflect confidence, charm, and a clear sense of identity.

Tips to Cultivate Your Vibe:

• Craft a catchy, aesthetic Instagram or TikTok bio.

• Use consistent usernames across platforms.

• Interact with others using witty, on-brand responses.

• Use curated music and captions that match your mood.

Building Your Aesthetic Toolkit

To make content pop, you’ll need a few digital tools in your corner. Filters, editing apps, and presets elevate your visuals and set the tone for your online persona.

Pro Tip: Don’t over-edit—let your vibe come through authentically while enhancing your content tastefully.

Tools of the Trade: Filters, Apps, and Editing Software

Behind every great aesthetic photo or video is a set of editing tools that help bring the vision to life. Here are the must-have apps used by top-tier Internet Chicks:

Best Editing Apps

• VSCO – Ideal for filters with soft, moody undertones.

• Lightroom Mobile – Perfect for more detailed color correction and presets.

• FaceTune2 – Used for smoothing, reshaping, and retouching selfies.

• CapCut – A TikTok favorite for video edits, transitions, and audio syncing.

• PicsArt – Adds fun overlays, doodles, and artistic flair to static photos.

Top VSCO and Lightroom Presets

Some influencers even sell their own presets, but you can find free or affordable options online that match:

• Moody Aesthetic – High contrast, muted colors (great for It Girls)

• Soft Pink Glow – Great for Soft Girls

• Grunge Cool Tones – Perfect for E-Girls

• Golden Hour Vibes – Ideal for Baddies

TikTok and Insta Hacks

To keep up with fast-moving trends, use:

• Trending sounds (especially on TikTok)

• Reel templates for IG

• Loop-friendly edits for better algorithm performance

The Business Behind the Beauty

Internet Chicks aren’t just making content for fun—many are turning their aesthetic into income.

Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships

Brands love working with Internet Chicks because of their highly engaged audiences. If you’re starting out, consider affiliate programs with beauty brands, clothing sites, or lifestyle products.

Platforms like:

• Amazon Influencer Program

• LIKEtoKNOW.it

• RewardStyle

…make it easy to monetize your aesthetic.

Merchandising and Branding

Some Internet Chicks launch their own brands—everything from fashion lines to skincare products. Once you’ve built a following, your style becomes a brand in itself.

Real Internet Chicks You Should Follow

Want to study the pros? Here are a few influencers and creators who perfectly embody the aesthetic (these are subject to change, but current as of 2025):

These creators can give you inspiration, trend insights, and even teach you some of their editing secrets.

Evolution of the Aesthetic Over Time

2010s Tumblr Roots

The Internet Chick aesthetic traces its DNA back to Tumblr, where soft grunge, pastel goth, and “sad girl” vibes reigned. Think Lana Del Rey quotes over blurred photos.

2020s TikTok Glow-Up

By the 2020s, the aesthetic became more structured. TikTok added speed, virality, and interactivity to the equation. Now, the Internet Chick is a digital shapeshifter—always evolving and reacting to the next viral moment.

Internet Chick Aesthetic and Gender Roles

This aesthetic has brought both liberation and debate around femininity online.

Feminine Performance Online

Many Internet Chicks embrace hyper-femininity as a statement—using it to reclaim their image and define beauty on their own terms. It can be both empowering and performative.

Empowerment vs. Objectification

While some critics argue that the aesthetic reinforces old beauty standards, others see it as a form of creative control and visibility in a male-dominated digital space. Ultimately, it’s about how and why you present yourself.

(FAQs)

1. What exactly is an Internet Chick?

An Internet Chick is a person—usually female-presenting—who curates a highly stylized online aesthetic using fashion, makeup, filters, and personality to create a specific digital vibe.

2. Are Internet Chicks the same as influencers?

Not always. Influencers typically aim to market products or services. Internet Chicks may or may not do this—they’re more about curating an aesthetic or lifestyle.

3. Can anyone become an Internet Chick?

Absolutely! It’s about finding your personal aesthetic, embracing your style, and consistently sharing content that represents you.

4. Do Internet Chicks always edit their photos?

Most use editing apps for color grading or touch-ups, but it varies. Some embrace heavy editing, others prefer a more raw, natural look.

5. What are some risks of following this aesthetic?

It can sometimes lead to comparison, body image issues, or pressure to maintain perfection. It’s important to consume and create content mindfully.

6. Can Internet Chicks make money from their aesthetic?

Yes! Through brand deals, affiliate links, content creation, and even launching their own businesses, many turn their style into income.

Owning Your Internet Chick Identity

Whether you’re a Soft Girl sipping matcha in pastel pajamas or a Baddie killing it in heels and highlighter, being an Internet Chick is about self-expression. It’s playful, powerful, and deeply rooted in internet culture.

Embrace the aesthetic that speaks to you. Keep evolving with trends, stay authentic to your vibe, and remember—there’s no one way to be an Internet Chick. The best ones don’t just follow trends—they set them.