- Internet Popularity: Posner first rose to prominence when his song "Cooler Than Me" went viral on MySpace. The song gained massive popularity and attention, and helped introduce him to a wider audience.
- Record Labels and "Take Over": Recognizing his talent, local Detroit-based record label J Records offered him a recording contract in 2009. J Records eventually folded but Posner was signed to Interscope Records. It was during his association with J Records that his hit single "Take Over" was released in 2010, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Take Over" became one of Posner's signature songs and contributed significantly to his rising fame.
- Debut Album and Hit Songs: Posner's debut album "31 Minutes to Takeoff" came out on August 10, 2010, and featured several successful songs, including "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" and "Please Don't Go." These tracks received significant radio airplay and contributed to Posner's growing popularity.
- Collaboration with Big Sean: Posner's collaborative work with fellow Detroit artist Big Sean helped boost his career. Their joint track "Too Close," released in 2011, was a commercial success and contributed to both artists' recognition.
- Other Hit Singles: Posner's subsequent hit songs, such as "Looks Like Sex" (2012) and "I Took a Pill in Ibiza" (2015), further solidified his status as a talented musician and chart-topping artist.
- Social Media Presence: Posner effectively used social media platforms, particularly Twitter, to connect with his fans directly and share updates about his music. His engaging and genuine personality on social media helped him garner more attention and build a solid fan base.
- Personal Journey and Recent Projects: After some personal struggles and a hiatus from music, Posner returned with his self-produced mixtape "The Truth" in 2019, focusing on the theme of self-discovery and personal growth. Subsequently, he embarked on a cross-country walk titled "Walk Across America" to raise funds for several charities and increase mental health awareness.
In essence, Mike Posner rose to fame through a combination of organic online popularity, catchy hit singles, collaborations with fellow artists, an appealing personality, and his ability to connect with listeners through personal experiences and messages of self-discovery.