Bianca Heinicke: From YouTube Icon to Let’s Dance 2026 Contestant
COLOGNE, 4 February 2026 – Bianca Heinicke, the social media pioneer once known to millions as “Bibi”, has officially transitioned from the digital screen to the ballroom floor. Following her highly publicised return to the spotlight in late 2024, Heinicke has been confirmed as a headline participant for the 2026 season of the popular RTL dance competition, Let’s Dance.
A New Chapter for ‘Bibi’
After disappearing from the public eye in May 2022, Heinicke remained silent for 20 months, leaving her massive “BibisBeautyPalace” audience in speculation. Her return in the winter of 2024 marked a significant shift in her public persona. Moving away from the make-up tutorials and lifestyle vlogs that defined her early career, the 33-year-old has embraced a more philosophical and authentic approach to content creation.
In recent interviews, Heinicke expressed that she “is not ashamed of anything” regarding her past but has sought to distance herself from the “self-staging” of her youth. This evolution is further evidenced by her new MDR podcast, Bibis Palace – Freundschaft für Likes, where she discusses the pressures of digital fame and the reality of life behind the camera.
The Road to Let’s Dance
The announcement of her participation in Let’s Dance 2026 represents her most significant mainstream television commitment since her hiatus. Industry analysts suggest that her move to the RTL flagship show is a strategic step in re-establishing her brand as a versatile media personality rather than just a “YouTube star”.
Key Milestones: Bianca Heinicke’s Career Timeline
| Period/Date | Event / Milestone |
|---|---|
| May 2022 | Abrupt withdrawal from all social media platforms and public life. |
| December 2024 | Official return to the public eye and rebranding of her digital presence. |
| July 2025 | Featured in high-profile interviews (e.g., Frühstück bei mir) discussing her hiatus. |
| January 2026 | Confirmed as a contestant for the 2026 season of Let’s Dance. |
| February 2026 | Launch of the MDR podcast Bibis Palace – Freundschaft für Likes. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bianca Heinicke leave YouTube in 2022?
Heinicke recently revealed in a TV appearance that her 20-month hiatus was necessary to escape the “ten-year permanent presence” in the media. She cited a need for privacy and a break from the constant self-inszenierung (self-staging) required by her former brand.
Is she still using the name ‘Bibi’?
While she is increasingly referred to by her full name, Bianca Heinicke, to reflect her more mature image, she still acknowledges the “Bibi” moniker in specific projects, such as her new podcast title, acknowledging the legacy of her original platform.
What is her new podcast about?
The MDR-produced podcast, Bibis Palace – Freundschaft für Likes, focuses on the complexities of fame, the power of digital influence, and the personal cost of living a life curated for social media likes.