Starting with her YouTube channel, Macbarbie07, created in 2009, she rose to fame for her haul videos, in which she shows her fashion and style purchases via the internet.

She began her YouTube channel in order to escape from the stress of bullying and rapidly gained followers,[6] which numbered 9.5 million in October 2015.

[6] As hauling became more popular on YouTube, retailers began to use it for marketing, and Mota was offered free cosmetics and gift cards.

[12] She also interviewed President Barack Obama on January 22, 2015 as part of a White House initiative to reach out to a broader audience following his 2015 State of the Union Address.

[14][15] She has partnered with J. C. Penney and Forever 21, and, in December 2013, she launched a clothing, perfume, and accessories line at Aéropostale, over which she retains creative control.

[17] The Salt Lake Tribune described this relationship as unique, as both Mota and Aéropostale benefit in prestige from the deal, unlike traditional celebrity endorsements.

[20] While resting from YouTube, Mota also became the founder and co-designer of Atom&Matter, a line of delicate jewelry meant for everyday use.

[14] In November 2020, she was the subject of a NYT profile, "Can a YouTube Queen Like Bethany Mota Create a Jewelry Realm?

[25][26] On May 4, 2015, in an interview at YouTube's 10th anniversary's YT Fan Meet Up, Mota confirmed she is working on new music and possibly her debut studio album.

[26] In June 2015, a video of Bethany Mota singing "Flashlight" on Kurt Hugo Scheneider's YouTube channel was released, which has since amassed over 24 million views.

[34] In 2016, it was announced that Mota would be publishing her first book, a memoir called Make Your Mind Up: My Guide to Finding Your Own Style, Life, and Motavation!.