As TikTok continues to shape the landscape of social media, a vibrant community of African American influencers is at the forefront, bringing creativity, authenticity, and cultural richness to the platform. In 2024, these influencers are not just trendsetters; they’re also powerful voices advocating for social issues, celebrating heritage, and entertaining millions. Whether you’re looking for dance challenges, comedic skits, fashion inspiration, or insightful discussions, these influencers have something unique to offer. Here’s a look at the top 20 African American TikTok influencers you should be following this year.
1. Khaby Lame (@khaby.lame) – Humor Icon
- Followers: 162.8M+
- Niche: Comedy, Reaction
- Why Follow: Khaby Lame is a TikTok sensation known for his comedic genius and relatable content. Hailing from Senegal and residing in Italy, he gained fame for his silent yet expressive reactions to overly complicated life hacks. With over 162.8 million followers, Khaby has become a global humor icon, using his unique blend of wit and simplicity to entertain audiences from all walks of life.
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2. Jalaiah Harmon (@jalaiahharmon) - Creator of the "Renegade" dance
- Followers: 3.3M+
- Niche: Dance
- Why Follow: Following Jalaiah Harmon means immersing yourself in the world of dance and creativity. Her energetic performances and engaging choreography are sure to entertain and motivate you. As a young influencer, Jalaiah represents the power of youth and creativity, encouraging her followers to express themselves through movement. Additionally, her journey from a talented dancer to a viral sensation is inspiring, reminding us that hard work and passion can lead to incredible opportunities. With every video, you can expect to be uplifted and motivated to join in on the fun!
3. KEKE JANAJAH (@keke.janajah) - Dance Queen
- Followers: 3.8M+
- Niche: Dance, Lifestyle, Mom
- Why Follow: Keke is an emerging TikTok star known for her lively dance and lip-sync videos. With her infectious energy and charismatic personality, she captivates her audience by participating in trending challenges and showcasing her creative choreography. Keke's content often features relatable themes and fun, making her videos entertaining and enjoyable to watch.
4. Jackie Aina (@jackieaina) - Makeup Artistry Expert
- Followers: 3M+
- Niche: Beauty, Fashion
- Why Follow: Jackie Aina is a prominent beauty influencer and makeup artist known for her engaging personality and expertise in cosmetics. With a strong presence on YouTube and social media, she advocates for diversity and inclusivity in the beauty industry. Jackie offers honest product reviews, creative tutorials, and relatable content that resonates with her audience, making her a trusted source in the beauty community.
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5. Dante Williams (@dtay.known) - Comedy Sensation
- Followers: 16.2M+
- Niche: Humor, Dance
- Why Follow:Dante is a prominent figure across social media, having been active on Twitter since 2012, but he’s most recognized for his TikTok account, where he shares comedy skits, vlogs, and original dance videos. His younger brother, Devin, is also a popular creator on the platform.
6. James Henry (@jameshenry) - Public Speaker Actor & Comedian
- Followers: 4.2M+
- Niche: Humor
- Why Follow: James Henry has been entertaining audiences since his Vine days, where he showcased his slapstick comedy and dance skills. His content often revolves around relationships and dating, and he has a talent for making even sponsored ads entertaining. In 2020, for Black History Month, James collaborated with other creators to humorously address the misconception that all Black people should know each other and be friends or date. His ability to blend humor with meaningful commentary makes his work both relatable and thought-provoking.
7. Drea Knowsbest (@dreaknowsbest) - Comedy and culture advocate
- Followers: 6.6M+
- Niche: Humor, Culture
- Why Follow: Drea is a Nigerian American engineering graduate who first gained attention on Vine with humorous videos that playfully teased her African mother. She quickly expanded her reach by sharing her self-deprecating comedy across various platforms. Her relatable humor and authentic storytelling provide a refreshing perspective on everyday life and cultural experiences. Drea’s content is not only entertaining but also meaningful, as she addresses important topics with wit and grace. Following her means joining a community that celebrates humor, culture, and empowerment.
8. Tabitha Brown (@iamtabithabrown) - Vegan cooking expert
- Followers: 5.1M+
- Niche: Food, Lifestyle
- Why Follow: Tabitha Brown is often referred to as “the world’s favorite mom.” Her calming voice and optimistic perspective make her a beloved figure on social media. While she shares a variety of content, she particularly shines as a Black food and cooking influencer thanks to her delightful vegan recipes. Tabitha offers easy-to-follow dishes like spaghetti with pecan meat sauce and carrot bacon, making plant-based cooking fun and accessible for all.
9. Christian Paul (@_christianpaul) - Creative baker
- Followers: 1.3M+
- Niche: Food, Baking
- Why Follow: Christian Paul is a talented baker known for his unique recipes, including custom chocolate bars, delicious cupcakes, and his own take on Pop-Tarts. He showcases his incredible creations at CP Cake Studio in the Atlanta area, where he brings his sweet visions to life. His innovative approach to baking inspires creativity in the kitchen, and his mouthwatering recipes are perfect for anyone looking to elevate their baking skills.
10. NaeNaeTwins (@naenaetwinsofficial) - Dynamic twin duo
- Followers: 3.3M+
- Niche: Dance
- Why Follow: The NaeNaeTwins, Shayné and Zhané Stanley, began their dance journey at a young age, training in hip hop, ballet, and jazz through their mom's nonprofit organization. Their years of experience shine through in their incredible performances, where they move in perfect sync, even at lightning speed. Their infectious positivity and energy make them a delight to watch, bringing joy to your feed. Whether you’re looking for impressive dance routines or just some uplifting content, their talent and enthusiasm are sure to inspire you!
11. ULISSES (@ulissesworld) - Fitness Enthusiast
- Followers: 3.1M+
- Niche: Fitness
- Why Follow: Ulisses is an accomplished bodybuilder with multiple MuscleMania titles under his belt, including the prestigious MuscleMania Universe. His impressive physique has also graced the pages of fitness magazines like Men’s Health and FLEX, showcasing his expertise in the fitness world. Following Ulisses is worthwhile because he not only embodies fitness excellence but also inspires others to pursue their health goals through his motivating content and expert advice.
12. Marques Brownlee (@mkbhd) - Tech Titan
- Followers: 2.6M+
- Niche: Tech
- Why Follow: Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD, is a leading tech reviewer and YouTuber renowned for his high-quality content on gadgets and consumer electronics. He provides detailed reviews, insights, and comparisons of the latest devices, making technology approachable for everyone. Following Marques offers the benefit of staying updated on the newest tech trends and products, along with trustworthy, expert analysis that can help you make informed purchasing decisions. His engaging style and clear explanations make learning about technology enjoyable and accessible.
13. Beyoncé (@beyonce) - Music Icon
- Followers: 5.9M+
- Niche: Music, Culture
- Why Follow: Beyoncé is a global music icon known for her powerful voice, dynamic performances, and influential artistry. As a multi-talented singer, songwriter, and actress, she has shaped contemporary music and culture while promoting messages of empowerment and equality. You'll love following Beyoncé for her inspiring music, groundbreaking performances, and advocacy for social justice. Her ability to connect with fans through authentic storytelling and powerful visuals makes her a captivating figure in entertainment.
14. Wisdom Kaye (@wisdm8) - Fashion Innovator
- Followers: 12.4M+
- Niche: Fashion
- Why Follow: Wisdom Kaye is a dynamic fashion influencer and content creator known for his unique style and innovative outfit ideas. With a keen eye for trends and a flair for creativity, he inspires his audience with bold fashion choices and engaging content. You’ll love following Wisdom for his fresh approach to style, which encourages self-expression and confidence. His entertaining videos and relatable personality make fashion accessible and fun, helping you discover new ways to elevate your own wardrobe.
15. Terrell.and.jarius (@terrell_jarius) - Love Advocates
- Followers: 2.1M+
- Niche: Family, Lifestyle
- Why Follow: Terrell and Jarius are a dynamic couple and family influencers known for their joyful, relatable content. They share their experiences as partners and parents, blending humor with heartfelt moments. You'll enjoy following them for their uplifting energy and authentic storytelling. Their positive messages about love and family make their content both entertaining and inspiring.
16. Shayla (@makeupshayla) - Beauty Maven
- Followers: 1.1M+
- Niche: Beauty, Fashion
- Why Follow: Shayla is a talented beauty influencer and makeup artist known for her breathtaking looks and expert techniques. She shares creative tutorials, product reviews, and beauty tips that make makeup fun and accessible. You'll love following Shayla for her engaging content and vibrant personality. Her ability to inspire confidence through beauty and her passion for creativity make her an essential source for makeup lovers looking to enhance their skills.
17. Monet Mcmichael (@monetmcmichael) - Skincare Advocate
- Followers: 3.8M+
- Niche: Skincare, Makeup, Fashion, Family
- Why Follow: Monet Mcmichael is a dynamic beauty and lifestyle influencer celebrated for her striking makeup looks and engaging content. She combines beauty tutorials, fashion tips, and personal stories, all showcased through her distinctive style.
18. CoryxKenshin (@notcoryxkenshin) - Gaming Legend
- Followers: 5.9M+
- Niche: Game, Humor
- Why Follow: CoryxKenshin is a beloved gaming and comedy content creator known for his charismatic personality and entertaining gameplay. He focuses on horror games and reactions, mixing humor with thrilling moments for captivating videos. You’ll want to follow Cory for his infectious energy and genuine connection with fans. His unique style and commitment to positivity make him a standout in the gaming community, offering fun and entertainment for everyone.
19. Deji (@deji) - Comedy King
- Followers: 1M+
- Niche: Game, Humor
- Why Follow: Deji Olatunji, known as ComedyShortsGamer, is a top YouTuber with 12.2 million followers and 10.6 million subscribers. Born in the UK on December 9, 1996, he also has 1 million TikTok followers and 3.2 million on Instagram. Since starting with gameplay videos in 2011, he has expanded into challenges and pranks, and he even won his first boxing match. Follow Deji for his infectious humor and entertaining content—his dynamic personality makes him a standout in online entertainment.
20. Yara Shahidi (@yarashahidi) - Empowerment Advocate
- Followers: 712.3K+
- Niche: Fashion, Activism
- Why Follow: Yara Shahidi is an accomplished actress and activist, best known for her roles in Black-ish and Grown-ish. She passionately advocates for education, diversity, and social justice, inspiring young people to engage in activism. You should follow Yara for her impactful voice and commitment to positive change. Her blend of talent and advocacy makes her an inspiring role model, resonating with audiences and empowering the next generation.
Final Thoughts
As we celebrate the vibrant community of African American influencers on TikTok, it’s clear that these creators are not just shaping trends but also fostering meaningful conversations and connections. From dance challenges to heartfelt advocacy, they bring a unique blend of creativity and authenticity that resonates with millions.
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