How TikTok fame shaped her new relationship with the spotlight—and why she's drawing firmer lines

Addison Rae may have rocketed to fame by sharing her life on TikTok, but these days, she’s a lot more selective about what parts of herself she puts out there—especially when it comes to her personal life.

“I don’t mind being seen—as long as it’s on my terms.”

In a candid interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, the 24-year-old pop star explained why she’s become more “hesitant” to post personal moments online.
“I’m fine with being real in front of a camera—as long as I’m the one choosing to be there,” she said.
“It’s not about hiding. It’s about owning the context.”

Authenticity is key—but not everything needs to be shared

Rae emphasized that it’s not the camera itself she resents—it’s how footage can be stripped of nuance when it’s shared without context.
“If you’re not there to feel the energy or the intention, then what’s left is often flat, even distorted.”

The unseen footage: raw moments she chose to keep private

Even behind the scenes of her latest music videos, Rae revealed, cameras were rolling constantly—capturing everything from lighthearted bloopers to high-stress diva moments. Still, she decided to keep those clips under wraps.
“It was personal,” she said simply.
“I didn’t want to give anyone the chance to twist it into something it wasn’t.”

“I’m protecting my peace”

That choice, she admits, comes from experience:
“Some people will look for the negative even in a beautiful moment—maybe out of jealousy, maybe because they just can’t stand to see you happy. I just don’t want to invite that energy anymore.”

New era, new boundaries—and new music

Rae is stepping confidently into her next chapter with the release of her debut album Addison, out Friday, June 6. The project includes tracks like “Diet Pepsi,” “High Fashion,” “Headphones On,” “Aquamarine,” and “Fame Is a Gun.” She also recently dropped an experimental remix of “Aquamarine” with Arca, aptly titled “Aquamarine / Arcamarine.”

This is Addison Rae on her own terms—fierce, focused, and finally in control of her own narrative.