Leading Black Influencers Searched Globally in 2025
In 2025, a diverse group of influential creators are reshaping digital culture, driving trends in fashion, technology, lifestyle, and entertainment. These trailblazers, including Yara Shahidi, Khaby Lame, iShowSpeed, Wisdom Kaye, and others, hold significant followings on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Yara Shahidi, with 8.7M Instagram followers, leads as an actor, producer, and podcast host, promoting curiosity and creativity in digital spaces. Her advocacy for social justice and education further cements her position as a powerful social activist.
Wisdom Kaye, a fashion influencer with 7.6M followers, is recognized for his groundbreaking style and viral content. He has walked in Paris Fashion Week, signed with IMG Models, and been listed on Forbes' Top Creators list.
Marques Brownlee stands out as a tech influencer with 5.1M followers, elevating consumer tech awareness through clear, high-quality reviews.
Tabitha Brown, with 4.5M followers, merges lifestyle, veganism, and positivity to engage diverse audiences.
Ava DuVernay influences cultural discourse through filmmaking and storytelling.
Jackie Aina is a trailblazer in the beauty industry, known for her advocacy for inclusivity and diversity. Her popular candle line, FORVR Mood, and ongoing advocacy continue to make waves.
Khaby Lame, the most-followed TikToker in the world, is known for his silent comedy and deadpan responses to overly complex "life hacks." He has secured major brand partnerships with companies like Hugo Boss and is about to make his acting debut.
Darren Watkins Jr., better known as iShowSpeed, has a sizable following on YouTube and other platforms due to his exuberant and chaotic gaming and reaction videos.
Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, has over 20 million subscribers on his main YouTube channel and is a trusted source for unbiased and expert opinions on technology.
Tabitha Brown is a vegan chef, actress, and motivational speaker whose warm and comforting presence has made her a beloved figure across social media, known as "America's Mom."
Sphokuhle, a South African TikToker, has millions of followers and collaborated with global brands due to her captivating dance trends and fashion reels.
These influencers impact digital culture by elevating Black voices and perspectives, shaping trends in fashion and digital content creation, driving engagement through platform-crossing content, and collaborating with brands via Black-owned influencer agencies. Their combined influence is reshaping digital content through authentic storytelling, cultural representation, and cross-industry innovation. Together, their impact in 2025 reflects a digital culture increasingly inclusive of Black creativity, innovation, and leadership, influencing marketing, content creation, and audience engagement across global social media landscapes.
References:
[1] Top 10 Black Influencers Shaping Digital Culture in 2025. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.digitalculturemag.com/top-10-black-influencers-shaping-digital-culture-in-2025/
[2] The Rise of Black Influencers in Fashion and Digital Content Creation. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.fashionmagazine.com/the-rise-of-black-influencers-in-fashion-and-digital-content-creation/
[3] Black-Owned Influencer Agencies Driving Cross-Industry Collaborations. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/black-owned-influencer-agencies-driving-cross-industry-collaborations/
[4] Khaby Lame and iShowSpeed Redefining Humor and Entertainment on TikTok and YouTube. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.entertainmentweekly.com/article/khaby-lame-ishowspeed-redefining-humor-and-entertainment-on-tiktok-and-youtube/
- Wisdom Kaye's fashion-and-beauty influence on social media, as seen through his groundbreaking style and viral content, contributes to pop-culture trends.
- Marques Brownlee's Entertainment Weekly-recognized expertise in consumer tech awareness (as MKBHD) on YouTube and his unbiased, expert opinions make him a crucial figure in tech-related fashion-and-beauty and entertainment discussions.
- Influential creators like Khaby Lame and iShowSpeed disrupt the fashion-and-beauty and entertainment industries with their innovative content styles, such as Lame's silent comedy and Speed's exuberant gaming and reaction videos, further cementing their place in social media's digital culture.
