After releasing two albums independently in 2003 and 2011, she signed with Columbia Records in 2015 and released her mainstream debut single, "Fight Song", which peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, topped charts in the United Kingdom and peaked within the top ten of multiple charts worldwide.

Platten won a Daytime Emmy Award for a live performance of the song on Good Morning America.

Her major-label debut studio album, Wildfire (2016), was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and featured the follow-up singles "Stand by You" and "Better Place".

Outside of music Platten appeared as a model in clothing brand Aerie's advertising campaign in photos that have not been retouched.

[6] The organization honored Platten for her volunteer work with Music Heals Award at a benefit event on December 1, 2015.

[20] She moved to New York City's Greenwich Village, recorded demos and performed in a Prince and Sly and the Family Stone cover band called Dayz of Wild.

[23][20] Her song "Begin Again" was used in Freeform's teen drama television series Pretty Little Liars' 100th episode, "Miss Me x 100".

[24][20] Her songs "Don't Care What Time It Is" was used in VH1's Basketball Wives and "You're Safe" was used in MTV's Finding Carter in September 2014.

On June 27, 2014, Platten debuted "Fight Song" on the social networking website We Heart It as part of an artist spotlight.

Platten served as a support act on Alex & Sierra's and Andy Grammer's "The Good Guys & A Girl Tour" in early 2015.

[43] From May to July 2019, Platten toured with a capella group Pentatonix as the opening act for their shows in North America.

Platten worked for nearly a decade playing cover performances and recording songs before gaining mainstream recognition as an artist.

[52][53] Platten's story and "Fight Song" has served as an inspiration for people around the world, who have used it as a motivation not to lose hope, when experiencing difficulties in life such as cancer, postpartum depression and unemployment.

[56] She wrote "Fight Song" at a low point, saying:[57]It was about my own journey and my own fire that would not die, that was regardless of how much rejections I was getting, and how impossible it seemed for me to keep trying to make this dream happen, that I just wouldn't give up.

That's where it came from.In January 2018, Platten appeared as a model in clothing brand Aerie's advertising campaign in photos that have not been retouched.

[3] Platten has supported numerous charities, including, Music Unites, Ryan Seacrest Foundation, Autism Speaks, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BuildOn and Live Below the Line.

[6] The organization honored Platten for her volunteer work with Music Heals Award at a benefit event on December 1, 2015.