Black Digital Stars Who Made the 2026 TIME100 Creators List

TIME recognized a diverse group of Black digital stars on its 2026 TIME100 Creators list, honoring influencers across beauty, comedy, sports, and education.

The list includes a mix of established internet veterans and breakout stars from reality television. These creators span various niches, from high-end fashion and mental health advocacy to specialized educational content and viral comedy skits.

Comedy and Entertainment Figures on the TIME100 Creators List

Several comedians and entertainers secured spots on the 2026 list. Druski, who maintains 13.1 million followers on Instagram and 14.4 million on TikTok, was recognized for his pop culture skits. Mark Phillips, a creative force behind RDCWorld, was cited for redefining YouTube comedy through sketches inspired by anime, sports, and Black culture.

Other comedy-focused creators include Kevin Fredericks, known as KevOnStage, whose career progressed from stand-up to TV show creation. Boman Martinez-Reid, or Bomanizer, was noted for satirizing everyday life and shows like Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Demarcus Shawn was recognized for his use of nostalgic, everyday memories in his comedic content.

The list also features personalities known for high-energy or unfiltered content. Darren Jason Watkins Jr., known as iShowSpeed, was included for his unpredictable streaming and stunts. Quenlin Blackwell was cited for her unfiltered brand and chaotic day-in-the-life videos, while Fanum was recognized for his influence in the gaming and streaming community.

Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Influencers

The 2026 list highlights creators who have shifted industry standards in aesthetics and style. Jackie Aina was recognized for her long-term advocacy for Black women’s representation in the beauty industry. Kahlana Barfield Brown, a former beauty and fashion editor, was cited as a trusted authority on luxury style and the business of fashion.

Wisdom Kaye was noted for his creative approach to high-end fashion. In the lifestyle sector, De’Arra Taylor was recognized for her evolution from couples content to luxury travel and beauty. Micky Gordon was included for her relatable pop culture and travel conversations.

Reality television stars also transitioned into the creator space. Serena Page, a 2024 Love Island USA winner, was cited for her lifestyle content and relationship with Kordell Beckham. Olandria Carthen, also a Love Island USA alumna, was recognized for her style and relatability.

Educational, Activist, and Specialized Content Creators

TIME included creators focusing on education and social impact. Historian and author Blair Imani was recognized for making history and social issues accessible through bite-sized content.

Health and specialized skills were also represented. Psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph was noted for making mental health conversations more approachable. Deidre Kelly was recognized for her math education content, while the Rapping Chef was cited for blending cooking tutorials with rap lyrics.

Media, Sports, and Cultural Commentary

The list identifies creators who bridge the gap between traditional media and digital platforms. Terrell Grice was recognized for his music and variety series, The TERRELL Show. Speedy Morman was cited for his transition from Complex interviews to viral online connections.

In the sports and cinema realms, former college football player Deestroying was recognized for his athletic challenges and behind-the-scenes football content. Juju Green, also known as StrawHatGoofy, was noted for his analysis of cinema and its impact on culture.

Additional recognized creators include Kinigra Deon for her family-friendly skits, PlaqueboyMax for his gaming and music streams, Taryn Delanie Smith for her comedy videos, Yaya Onalaja-Aliu for travel content, and the duo Terry and Kaniyia for their musical reaction videos.