Top African American Influencers: Shaping Trends and Driving Change

Nov 06, 2025 0

The discussions surrounding race in the media aren’t new. But perhaps because of the rise of social media apps and the visibility it provides to marginalized communities, we continue to discuss it every year like clockwork. Heck, every time there’s a new influencer trip or ad campaign it seems to be just as triggering. Even recently, makeup giants like Tarte struggle with adding dark-skinned black women to their lineups.

The most-read posts on my blog are about the conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion within the influencer industry. After a historic surge in 2020 due to the Black Lives Matter movement, brands are hoping to do their part in creating a more equitable world. Initiatives such as Pull Up for Change or The 15% Pledge work with brands to put more Black leadership in their boardrooms and retail shelf space. And these are just a few examples that are committed to inclusivity within the space. I previously shared about how we can make strides for more inclusion in media here.

Advocating for black women particularly is a crucial step in the betterment of this space. And no, it’s not diversity for diversity’s sake (though that’s what a few extremists would have you believe.) The result can allow Black women a fair shot and a seat at a table for the conversations that help shape the beauty standards of the young, impressionable world. In addition to the systemic racism that plagues our community, the average moments of prejudice are born from ignorance. Exposing yourself to more diverse creators allows you to observe and support people from all walks of life.

It never makes sense to me to exclude black women from the conversation. We’re trendsetters. Cultural icons. And I’ve always been a firm believer that diversity allows you to reach more people aka higher financial ROI. Shouldn’t brands want that as well? If you’ve ever complained about your feed looking the same, it’s time for an Instagram audit. Add in accounts that make you feel strong, inspired, and beautiful- no matter your background.

At the end of the day, racism and prejudice affect everything and of course, this visual career of mine is no different. I’ll continue to use my platform to uplift other black women that I see are truly killing it and deserve their things!

Black Influencers have been at the forefront of shaping culture, setting trends, and building powerful online communities. From fashion to fitness, beauty to food, their influence runs deep - not just in the digital space, but in the way we shop, think, and engage with the world around us. Black History Month is the perfect time to recognize and celebrate the talent, creativity, and impact of these creators.

Whether they’re redefining beauty standards, making wellness more accessible, or using their platforms to advocate for change, these influencers are leaving their mark in a big way. Our list highlights some of the most inspiring Black influencers across different industries - people who are not just making content, but making a difference.

Black influencers are shaping global culture, fashion, beauty, tech, and business in powerful ways-and their names are some of the most searched online. Their influence extends beyond followers; they are setting trends, challenging norms, and building empires across industries. The demand for authentic, unapologetic, and diverse content has propelled these figures to the top of Google’s most searched lists. Their stories inspire millions, often blending personal history with entrepreneurial hustle. Some got their start during the pandemic, while others have spent years building their platforms brick by brick.

They are not just content creators-they are storytellers, educators, business owners, and visionaries. As brands prioritize representation and cultural relevance, these influencers are leading the way with originality and depth.

How to ACTUALLY become an influencer in 2024 | content creation tips, brand deals and growth tips

Spotlight on Influencers

Let's take a closer look at some of the most Googled Black influencers:

Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas

Khaby Lame: Originally from Senegal and raised in Italy, Khaby turned unemployment during the pandemic into a social media empire. His content is universal, breaking language barriers with humor and relatability. Brands like Hugo Boss and Meta have partnered with him due to his massive global appeal.
iShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.): Rose to fame through high-energy gaming and reaction videos on YouTube. His chaotic style draws millions of views, especially among Gen Z.
Wisdom Kaye: Blends cultural pride with Gen Z edge. He has walked Paris Fashion Week and signed with IMG Models.
Yara Shahidi: An actress, Harvard graduate, and activist best known for her roles in Black-ish and Grown-ish. She uses her platform to promote education, social justice, and voter awareness.
Druski: A viral comedian whose skits and catchphrases have become embedded in hip-hop culture.
Marques Brownlee (MKBHD): One of the most trusted tech reviewers on YouTube. He has interviewed tech giants like Elon Musk and Satya Nadella, showcasing his influence in Silicon Valley.
Sphokuhle: Her vibrant style and confident moves have earned her a dedicated fanbase both in Africa and globally.
Tabitha Brown: A vegan chef, actress, and motivational speaker whose warm, soothing voice has become her trademark. Known as “America’s Mom,” her influence expanded into cookbooks, TV appearances, and her own seasoning line.
Jackie Aina: A beauty influencer and entrepreneur known for pushing inclusivity in the makeup industry. Jackie launched FORVR Mood, a luxury candle line that celebrates self-care and Black identity.
Jordan The Plug: A rising music influencer known for his viral freestyles, curated sound, and streetwear aesthetic.
Kristy Sarah Scott: One-half of the wildly popular couple content duo, ScottFam, known for their comedic and heartwarming family videos.
Pat McGrath: A legendary makeup artist and founder of the globally acclaimed brand Pat McGrath Labs. Often referred to as the “Mother of Makeup,” her artistry has graced the runways of Dior, Valentino, and Prada.
Terrell Grice: A YouTube host and music curator known for The Terrell Show, where he interviews rising and established vocalists.
Monet McMichael: A beauty and lifestyle influencer known for her quick glam routines and down-to-earth personality.
Emira D’Spain: Made history as the first Black transgender model to work with Victoria’s Secret. Emira uses her platform to promote inclusivity and visibility for trans women of color in the fashion and beauty industries.
Logan Nicole: A beauty content creator celebrated for her smooth makeup transitions and high-quality tutorials.
Tanicha Rose: A UK-based beauty influencer recognized for her radiant skin routines and natural glam style.
Teszlyn: A lifestyle influencer and digital storyteller with a focus on Gen Z culture, beauty, and identity.
Ciarra O'Neil: She gained traction for her clean edits, dewy finishes, and accessible product guides.
Brianna Doe: A marketing strategist and beauty influencer who bridges the gap between content and commerce.
Morgan J. Ingram: A top voice in B2B sales content and career development for young professionals.
Dara Treseder: A high-profile marketing executive and former CMO of Peloton, known for scaling iconic brands with global reach.
Julian Mitchell: A creative strategist and storyteller who has worked with brands like Complex, Forbes, and Snapchat.
Ross Simmonds: He teaches marketers how to repurpose content, reach niche audiences, and build long-term brand authority.
Tyrona Heath: A respected thought leader in B2B marketing, known for championing inclusive leadership and ethical content strategy.

The most Googled Black influencers are not only trendsetters-they’re redefining influence itself. These creators span a wide range of industries, from beauty and fashion to tech, comedy, and business, proving that Black excellence is multifaceted. Their success reflects a shift in audience demand for content that feels honest, bold, and culture-driven. Many of them have built their platforms from scratch, often navigating industries that weren’t always built to include them. Their influence isn’t confined to social platforms-it spills into campaigns, boardrooms, and mainstream media.

As search trends show, people are not just watching them-they’re actively looking for them. From Khaby Lame’s viral videos to Tyrona Heath’s marketing leadership, these individuals are setting standards that others now follow. They represent a future where representation is normalized and creative ownership is expected.

Additional Influencers to Follow

Here are some additional Black influencers who are making waves in their respective fields:

Jackie Aina: Has the best YouTube channel, and she is beyond entertaining. I always learn something from her videos and beauty tutorials.
Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes: An invaluable Black voice in the community. She is so knowledgeable about cooking, baking, and everything in between.
Tomi Obebe: “Hello, it’s me.”-Adele but also Tomi Obebe.
Janae: An LA-based lifestyle blogger with a focus on home decor and wellness.
Shawnaci: If you love neutral tones and cozy chic, you’ll want to give Shawnaci a follow.
Skylar: Skylar is a force to be reckoned with.
Nzinga: Nzinga is an amazing source for current + aspiring vegans living it up in NYC!
Chinyere: Black girl magic personified as a content creator, it would be Chinyere. Traveling the world is a dream many people think is unattainable. Who has the time or the funds to make it as often as they would like?
Carmen: As a mom of 2, Carmen is dedicated to sharing how to look and feel your best to women everywhere.
Demi: Another neutral style icon, Demi is the queen of the aesthetic shot.
Dayna Bolden: What can’t Dayna Bolden do?
Joy Ofodu: Initially followed for her work on Instagram’s team and as a fellow Nigerian, but I became obsessed with Joy Ofodu’s drive for success.
Nikki. Meghan. Shay: Each has its own successful brand and aesthetics, but together they’re unstoppable.
Melissa: With sneaker culture growing larger every year, Melissa gives audiences an inside look at the best finds.
Sofi: If you could envision sunshine with a side of laughter, you would see Sofi! She is unapologetic about who she is and what she loves.
Brittany: Brittany is a boss woman at work and at home! As a boy mom and brand consultant to Fortune 500 companies, she slays the game.
Donye: Donye is what I like to call a marketing guru - she is a creative motivator in life and on Instagram!
Nana: Nana is all about empowering and uplifting Black women - can I get a heck yes?
Shanna: Shanna truly puts Black women first - she owns an influencer agency that focuses on helping Black creators succeed.
Nikki: If you’ve watched Bridgerton and wished you could live in that world, meet Nikki.
Oyin: Oyin serves jaw-dropping looks with high quality imagery - what more could you ask for in a content creator?
Lola: Recently obsessed and looking for new reads? Lola is your girl. She is a book-obsessed boy mom who also writes and promotes self-care which is SO important.
Monet: If you’re looking up how to be THAT girl trademark, you’ll most likely find Monet.
Clarke: Clarke’s content gives that sort of nostalgia. A calming presence as she takes us through her daily life in NYC as a student at Columbia. It’s not just the content we’ve come to adore but Clarke’s winning personality. We’ve followed her from the ground up, moving to luxury apartments as her following skyrockets.
Shaniah: Shaniah has looks that never get old.
PrettyVee: As an OG social media comedian queen, PrettyVee is a prime example of utilizing your platform to take you to higher heights.
DonYe: DonYe is a master in digital creation. The wave of lifestyle content has grown tremendously.

Black Mental Health Influencers

Looking after our mental health is an essential part of life. Mental illness does not discriminate and affects everyone, regardless of race or background; it is equally important to be empowered with resources and knowledge to help us cope with mental distress. Black people often face unique mental well-being issues, especially with cultural identity, institutional racism, and intersectional-based microaggressions. It's crucial to know that there are individuals in the Black community who exist in the social space - experts on racialized experience and advocates for Black Mental Health care who are uplifting voices in this arena.

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford: She is best known as the founder of a mental health platform called Therapy for Black Girls, an online therapist directory due to the high demand for recommendations of Black women therapists. She has a podcast of the same name, specializing in mental health issues relevant to Black women.
Lauren Ash: She is the founder and executive director of the culture-changing lifestyle company Black Girl In Om, which offers meditation classes to Black women.
Dr. Ebony: She is a psychologist who supports traumatized women in recovering successfully. Her main areas of interest are women's relationships with food and their perceptions of their bodies.
Kid Cudi: Kid Cudi, a recording artist, has been open about his battles with drug addiction and mental health issues. He has discussed his past struggles with alcohol and cocaine in interviews with the media.
Brandon Marshall: Former NFL player Brandon Marshall was occasionally in the news in the past for his conduct off the field. He revealed that he had been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in 2011. He is now an advocate for mental health as a result.
Celeste Viciere: Psychotherapist, mental health advocate, and best-selling author Celeste Viciere. She also serves as the host of the thought-altering podcast Celeste The Therapist.
Logic: Musician and record producer Logic frequently sing and speaks about mental health.
Lorraine Pascale: Lorraine Pascale may be a familiar face from television. She is a chef who frequently appears on BBC and Food Network programs. She is also an advocate for emotional wellness and an author.
Dak Prescott: Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott, has opened up and shared details about his personal struggle with mental health.

Black-Owned Businesses to Support

Here are just a few of my favorite Black owned businesses below.

Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery

Tiny Tassel: The Tiny Tassel is a jewelry, clothing, and accessories brand inspired by the vibrant colors of Charleston, SC. Its founder, Mimi, is a genius and I love how she embraces color!
Estelle Colored Glass: Another brand to check out is Estelle Colored Glass, a Black woman owned business. I love everything about this brand. In fact, we own several wine glasses. Overall, I can’t get enough of the hand-blown colored glass cake stands and stemware in a mix of jewel tones and soft pastels.
Danessa Myricks Beauty: Danessa Myricks Beauty is getting a bunch of buzz based on her phenomenal makeup company that targets specific skin types and makeup goals. I personally recommend checking out the Yummy Skin Blurring Powder, which covers texture. The blurring powder that hydrates your skin.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge

Moreover, encourage retailers to join the Fifteen Percent Pledge. The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a call to action for retailers and businesses to commit and develop sustainable, supportive ecosystems for Black-owned businesses. In fact, they collaborate with brands to evaluate their organization structures, operations, funding, and resourcing in order to implement impactful change and create greater equity for Black businesses. After all, Black people make up 15% of the US population. So, we asked businesses to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands.

Working with Influencers

Today’s shoppers want more than just things to buy from their favorite brands. They want to support companies that stand up for important causes and truly mean what they say about making the world better. This means every brand needs to ask itself an important question: What do we truly believe in and care about? The Black Lives Matter movement and protests in recent years led many companies to take real action in supporting racial justice and giving Black voices a bigger platform. This opened doors for a new wave of social media activists who share these same goals. When these activists team up with brands, it goes beyond typical marketing deals - they work together to create more opportunities and fairness for groups that haven’t always had a fair chance.

The Influence Agency helps brands partner with creators who bring authenticity and impact to every campaign. Whether you’re looking to collaborate with leading Black influencers or craft a campaign that truly resonates, we’ve got the expertise to make it happen. Let’s build something meaningful together - reach the right audience, tell the right story, and create a campaign that stands out.

One of the best aspects of social media is finding new accounts, creative individuals, and authentic perspectives. It is a heavy time for our country, and I hope you’ve been able to take a step back to reflect, listen, and learn. I know I am, and I’m committed to continuing the journey.

My hope is that you’ll take a few minutes to read through this list, follow their accounts, and engage with their content! Supporting Black creators and amplifying Black voices are just two preliminary ways we can take action and show support - especially on social media platforms. By no means is this list conclusive nor exhaustive. There are many more Black creators and creators of color I look forward to sharing in the future!

Lastly, view this post on Instagram for more direct links to these Black content creators featured on this blog. Who are you following and supporting?