Alyssa McKay: The Social Media Powerhouse Taking Over Audio Storytelling
“The potential is limitless,” Jon Hamm remarked at this year’s Sundance about the future of audio storytelling. Few embody that limitless potential quite like Alyssa McKay—TikTok sensation, digital powerhouse, and the voice behind The Royals of Malibu, the #1 fiction podcast that skyrocketed to global success without traditional marketing dollars.
A young-adult audio drama dripping in scandal, romance, and elite drama, The Royals of Malibu has dominated Spotify and Apple Podcast charts in over 125 countries—twice. But behind that success isn’t a multi-million-dollar studio; it’s one creator, a phone camera, and an undeniable connection with an audience.
McKay is more than a content creator—she’s a cultural force. With billions of monthly views across TikTok and Snapchat, she doesn’t just follow trends; she defines them. So when The Royals of Malibu sought a lead actress to bring the fierce and relatable Ella Sinclair to life, McKay was the natural choice.
“I was intimidated at first,” “I really wanted to do her [Ella] justice,” she tells Galore. “But as soon as I stepped into the sound booth… magic just started happening.”
Unlike a traditional audiobook, The Royals of Malibu delivers a fully immersive experience. “It truly feels like you’ve closed your eyes and are watching a TV show,” McKay explains. “The sound engineering makes it feel like you are in the room with these characters,” “You are living it with them.” That emotional depth has fueled the show’s cult-like following. Listeners aren’t just engaging with the story; they’re living in it, drawn in by McKay’s ability to make the world impossible to ignore.
What sets The Royals of Malibu apart isn’t just its success—it’s how that success happened. Unlike Hollywood’s big-budget audio dramas, this one soared to the top with no traditional advertising. Instead, it had McKay.
“Social media has truly become the catalyst for success,” she says. “I am very proud that I have been able to cultivate a global audience & community that connects with me,” “[The audience] is incredibly supportive”. About the popularity of the podcast? It’s #1 in over 100 countries around the world – “mind blowing” “It truly shows the power of new media.”
The numbers tell the story. A simple teaser for Season 3 in late 2024 sent the podcast skyrocketing to #1 on Spotify’s US Fiction chart. McKay’s ability to mobilize millions with a single post isn’t a glimpse of the future—it’s proof that creator-led marketing is already redefining the entertainment landscape.
Acting in an audio drama presents a new kind of challenge. Without cameras, lighting, or action-packed stunts, everything hinges on voice and emotion. “It’s different,” she says. “On a typical film set, there are hundreds of people,” “But in an audio show, it’s a smaller team, and more intimate. But what’s so special about The Royals of Malibu is that we actually act out the scenes together in the booth,” “the same way we would on camera.”
Recording days are intense. “I’m in the studio by 9 AM, iced coffee in one hand, throat drops in the other,” she laughs. “Since I’m in most scenes, I’m in the booth all day and we just go from scene to scene. It’s a lot of work, but it’s so worth it.” And according to McKay, Season 3 is about to be the wildest one yet.
More than just an actress, McKay is redefining Hollywood on her own terms. The entertainment industry is shifting, proving that success no longer hinges on massive ad budgets or legacy studios. Now, it’s about authenticity.
“It’s so important to collaborate with my audience,” “They play a bigger role in my life than just my followers.” “As a foster child growing up in the system, I grew up without that typical family unit or close inner circle. However, with my Snapchat audience I truly do consider them both my friends and my own unique inner circle. I talk to them just how I would talk to any of my friends.”
With The Royals of Malibu gearing up for another season—and an even bigger wave of chart domination—Alyssa McKay is proving that the future of entertainment belongs to the creators. And this is only the beginning.
