In just a couple of years since becoming available for worldwide use, TikTok has seen an explosive surge in popularity. TikTok now boasts over 1.6 billion users globally, making it a formidable social media platform. Among its vast user base, there are already numerous standout TikTok influencers.
TikTokers convey their messages through short videos. Most TikTok influencers focus on a particular niche like comedy, beauty, fitness, etc.
Even when choosing a niche, however, many TikTokers also participate in challenges on the platform. This gives them the opportunity to reach an even broader audience while still bringing their own personality and style to the challenges.
Viral videos (videos that get really popular) are shown on each user’s “for you” page. This page is what shows up when you open the app and uses TikTok’s algorithm to show you content similar to the content you’ve watched and engaged with in the past. It’s likely you’ll find that your “for you” page is filled with people very similar to you.
Having said that, it’s important to mention that TikTok, like YouTube, has a bit of a diversity platform. Not that the users of the platform aren’t diverse—they are. However, Black creators have pointed out that their content has largely been left out of the “for you” pages, even for other Black creators with similar niches.
TikTok has pledged to take steps to ensure that this gets remedied, but in the meantime, how do you find Black TikTok influencers who are creating the content you want to see?
In this article, we’re showcasing 17 Black TikTok influencers across niches like comedy, music and dance, fashion and beauty, food, and fitness. Let’s dive in!
Black TikTok creators are well-represented across multiple niches on the platform. And, what’s really fantastic about TikTok’s algorithm is that the more you follow Black TikTok influencers and like the content they create, the more they’ll show up on your “for you” page. This makes them a lot easier to find. Here are our picks for the top Black TikTok influencers you need to go follow right now.
Black TikTok Influencers: Comedy
To be completely honest, most of the content creators on TikTok could fall into this category. Seriously, they’re a funny, observational lot.
But, here are our top picks for Black TikTok influences who are comedy-focused.
1. Khaby Lame
@khaby.lame
- Followers: 163M
- Likes: 2.5B
- Avg. Views/Post: 8.5M
- Engagement Rate: 5.63%
Khaby Lame is a highly popular TikTok creator known for his humorous and relatable videos. He has become the most followed personality on the platform, often featuring silently reacting to and simplifying overly complicated life hacks and videos. Khaby's unique style and expressive reactions have resonated with a global audience, making him a beloved figure on TikTok.
Most Liked/Viewed Video
@khaby.lame Why are the Bad Boys always doing the most? ??? #BadBoys: Ride Or Die is exclusively in theaters this June @Bad Boys: Ride or Die @Sony Pictures #SonyPicsPartner ♬ original sound - Khabane lame
Most Commented Video
@khaby.lame POV: The Bad Boys doing too much ?? #badboys : Ride Or Die is exclusively in theaters this June @Bad Boys: Ride or Die @Sony Pictures #sonypicspartner ♬ original sound - Khabane lame
2. @dtay.known
@dtay.known
- Followers: 16.2M
- Likes: 299.8M
- Avg. Views/Post: 348.6K
- Engagement Rate: 11.18%
Dtay is everywhere on social media (he’s been on Twitter since 2012), but he’s best known for his TikTok account where he posts comedy skits, vlogs, and original dance videos.
His younger brother Devin is also popular on the platform.
Most Liked/Viewed/Commented Video
@dtay.known Little Brothers ??♂️ @Trunks ♬ original sound - Dtay
3. @jameshenry
@jameshenry
- Followers: 4.2M
- Likes: 60.9M
- Avg. Views/Post: 34.2K
- Engagement Rate: 7.64%
James Henry has been around since Vine with slapstick comedy and dance. He mostly hits on relationships and dating and even his sponsored ads are entertaining.
For Black History Month 2020, James worked with other creators to riff on the phenomenon that leads non-Black people to this that all Black people should know each other and either be friends or date.
Most Liked/Viewed Video
@jameshenry You’re never safe to fart in peace ??.#15secondreview #fastfoodlife ♬ original sound - James Henry
Most Commented Video
@jameshenry Don’t start what you can’t finish ????… Do you clapback at your family?????#clapbackseason #Thanksgiving ♬ original sound - James Henry
4. @dreaknowsbest
@dreaknowsbest
- Followers: 6.6M
- Likes: 152.8M
- Avg. Views/Post: 71.6K
- Engagement Rate: 8.98%
Drea is a Nigerian American graduate in Engineering who got her start on Vine with videos that teased her African mother. From there, she began sharing her self-deprecating comedy everywhere.
Drea was one of the drivers behind the #MakeBlackHistory movement on TikTok which was intended to create awareness about Black culture.
Most Viewed Video
@dreaknowsbest I don’t play with my skin and y’all shouldn’t either ✨ Keep your face glowing with the new @Coppertone USA Every Tone Invisible Finish Face! #TheOneForSun ?? Drea (1 ) v Sun (0) ? purr ?? #coppertone #ad ♬ original sound - Drea Knowsbest
Most Commented/Liked Video
@dreaknowsbest NYC people yall are different and I love it! ??? How did my New Yorkers do with these Nigerian ?? names? #newyork #tiktoknigeria #manonthestreet #humor ♬ original sound - Drea Knowsbest
5. @lifeofasassystew
@lifeofasassystew
- Followers: 247.5K
- Likes: 3.8M
- Avg. Views/Post: 1.7K
- Engagement Rate: 5.98%
Have you ever had a flight with a flight crew that was just hilarious? Maybe LifeofaSassyStew was on your flight!
LifeofaSassyStew creates comedic content about exactly what it’s like to fly the friendly skies as a full-time attendant. She has built her strong following by being honest and funny about her work both as a flight attendant and mother.
Most Liked/Viewed Video
@lifeofasassystew Still proud to work for my airline even though we’ve got some major kinks to work out. #southwestairlines #southwest #travel #flight ♬ original sound - alexbreakshisback
Most Commented Video
@lifeofasassystew Southwest is hiring and the portal opens on Monday! It’s a not easy, easy job but only for the right people. Comment your questions! I’m happy to help! #southwest #southwestairlines #jobs #travel #flightattendant ♬ Pretty Girls Walk - Big Boss Vette
Black TikTok Influencers: Music & Dance
While many of the content creators on TikTok take part in music and dance challenges, there are quite a few TikTokers who are just massively talented in this area.
Here are our picks for the top black tiktokers who focus on music and dance.
6. @dancemachine45
@dancemachine45
- Followers: 684.4K
- Likes: 19.7M
- Avg. Views/Post: 605.5
- Engagement Rate: 5.16%
Derrell Underwood truly is a dancing machine. He not only has excellent video editing skills, but a broad range of dance moves (arm-ography, swaggy grooves, and more).
He also posts funny content and commentary.
Despite his broad appeal, Derrell remains humble and disbelieving that he has fans who love his content as much as he loves them.
Want to create high-quality videos like Derrell’s? Here are our picks for the best TikTok video editing tools.
Most Viewed Video
@dancemachine45 Printful thanks for the help! Link in bio #Printful #OwnYourHustle #PrintfulJourney #TeamClicks #ad ♬ LEF ME Tha GAME - A'Why?
Most Liked Video
@dancemachine45 Sorry i had to snap on this Kpop song #dance #kpop ♬ 쏘리 쏘리 Sorry, Sorry - SUPER JUNIOR
7. @naenaetwinsofficial
@naenaetwinsofficial
- Followers: 3.3M
- Likes: 46.1M
- Avg. Views/Post: 40.9K
- Engagement Rate: 5.41%
The NaeNaeTwins are Shayné and Zhané Stanley. They started dancing early in life and trained in hip hop, ballet, and jazz through their mom’s nonprofit.
And you can tell they’ve been dancing forever—just check out the perfect unison even when moving at a ridiculous speed.
Plus, they’re just super positive and a joy to watch.
Most Liked/Viewed/Commented Video
@naenaetwinsofficial She wasn’t ready for all that ? dc: @Myke_Livinlegend #wannabechallenge #gomegchallenge #glorilla #megtheestallion ♬ original sound - Myke_Livinlegend
Black TikTok Influencers: Fashion & Beauty
Fashion and beauty influencers on TikTok run the gamut on what they specialize in. You’ll find cosplayers who recreate entire characters using makeup and their faces as a canvas, makeup tutorials, fashion tips, and so much more.
Here are some of our favorite Black fashion and beauty TikTok influencers.
8. @donidarkowitz
@donidarkowitz
- Followers: 436.4K
- Likes: 11.6M
- Avg. Views/Post: 788
- Engagement Rate: 22.31%
Taj Reed shows you how to get her stunning makeup looks synced with some of TikTok’s trending sounds.
Her videos show off each layer, starting with primer all the way to lashes.
Bonus: she’s funny!
Most Liked/Viewed/Commented Video
@donidarkowitzWhat for?♬ Bring it back once more. In allxmllr bio - allxmllr
9. @dajjrambo
@dajjrambo
- Followers: 438.4K
- Likes: 18.4M
- Avg. Views/Post: 10.6K
- Engagement Rate: 9.86%
Dasia is a content creator best known for her makeup tutorials, but she also shares DIY art videos like sneaker art and room renovations.
She started sharing makeup tutorials on her YouTube channel in 2015.
Her adorable children, Noelle and Naz, make the occasional appearance in her videos.
Most Liked/Viewed/Commented Video
@dajjrambo GDWM: Winter Outfit Inspo ? #winteroutfitideas #gdwm #ootd #30daysofoutfits ♬ whats luv - senia
10. @wisdm8
@wisdm8
- Followers: 11.6M
- Likes: 380M
- Avg. Views/Post: 4.4M
- Engagement Rate: 16.49%
Wisdom is a Nigerian-born TikTok creator who is all about fashion. He launched his TikTok account in January and has already racked up more than 10 million likes.
Wisdom, who moved to Texas when he was 4, got his first million views on a video showing him switching between a few different outfits.
Most Liked/Viewed/Commented Video
@wisdm8 Replying to @Richmond okeke ♬ original sound - Wisdom Kaye
11. @ahliyahmichelle
@ahliyahmichelle
- Followers: 61.7K
- Likes: 1.1M
- Avg. Views/Post: 6,484
- Engagement Rate: 0.69%
Ahliyah is a micro-influencer whose TikTok videos are relaxing and mesmerizing. Watching her do beautiful makeup tutorials is something we would recommend even if you don’t wear makeup.
Most Liked/Viewed/Commented Video
@ahliyahmichelleInstagram ? ahliyah.michelle ##makeup ##foryourpage ##fyp♬ original sound - normalwithadashoffab
Black TikTok Influencers: Food & Cooking
Food blogging has been around for a long time, but TikTok gives it a special something. For starters, the videos are short. This means that you can convey a lot of information in a bite-sized snippet that’s perfect for Gen Z and Millennial audiences.
Here are our picks for the best Black TikTok foodie influencers.
12. @iamtabithabrown
@iamtabithabrown
- Followers: 5.1M
- Likes: 98.6M
- Avg. Views/Post: 147.8K
- Engagement Rate: 13.11%
Tabitha Brown truly is “the world’s favorite mom.” She has such a soothing voice and positive outlook, it’s no surprise that she’s so popular on the platform.
While she really posts about everything, she made it onto our list of Black food and cooking TikTok influencers because of the vegan recipes she’s always sharing.
She offers up very easy recipes for things like spaghetti with pecan meat sauce and carrot bacon.
Most Liked/CommentedVideo
@iamtabithabrown Family look at what the Lord has done?????? My new collection begins to rolling out this Sunday @target ❤️. See yall there!!! #tabithabrown #targettabcollab #newcollection ♬ original sound - Tabitha Brown
Most Viewed Video
@iamtabithabrown Happy Throwback Thursday!! Dont yall forget to check in with the Lord today?❤️. #spreadlove #laughter #tabithabrown ♬ original sound - Tabitha Brown
13. @_christianpaul
@_christianpaul
- Followers: 1.3M
- Likes: 28.1M
- Avg. Views/Post: 3.7K
- Engagement Rate: 9.07%
Christian Paul is a baker whose recipes include custom chocolate bars and cupcakes, as well as a Pop-Tarts recipe that he’s made his own. He sells his amazing confections at CP Cake Studio in the Atlanta area.
Most Liked Video
@_christianpaulCosmic Brownies ❤️ Cosmic Brownies: 1 cup dark chocolate 1/2 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup cocoa powder Nerds or rainbow chip sprinkles (I used nerds) Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes 9x9” square pan Ganache: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate 1/3 cup heavy cream♬ original sound - Christian Paul
Most Commented Video
@_christianpaulCopycat Hershey Pie Recipe ⬇️ Chocolate Cream Pie: Crust: 3 cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs(around 33 cookies) 5 tablespoons melted butter Cream cheese layer: 3-8oz cream cheese pack 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon Vanilla Chocolate Cream layer: 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup Dutch processed cocoa 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/3 of the cream cheese layer filling(about 2 cups) Whipped Cream: 1 cup heavy cream 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup powdered sugar Chocolate syrup & Mini Chocolate Chips for garnish♬ original sound - Christian Paul
Most Viewed Video
@_christianpaulStar Crunch ❤️ Star Crunch: Cookie: 7.5 ounces oat flour or 2 1/2 cups rolled oats pulsed 1/3 cup whole wheat flour 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar* 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup raisin paste Bake at 350° F for 16 minutes Caramel: 500g sugar 250g water 100g corn syrup 325g heavy cream 1 teaspoon butter extract 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract 1/2 tablespoon salt 3 cups rice crispy cereal 10 ounces Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers♬ original sound - Christian Paul
14. @tiemyapron
@tiemyapron
- Followers: 25.6K
- Likes: 384.1K
- Avg. Views/Post: 997.5
- Engagement Rate: 4.84%
Tiemyapron is a culinary arts teacher, so she knows exactly what she’s doing when it comes to food.
But it’s not just fancy food you’ll find here. She also includes instructions for improving on a frozen pizza, making drinks, and does her own reviews of fast food menu items.
Most Liked/Viewed Video
@tiemyapron Pirogies PART 1!!! #foodie #food #recipe #newrecipe #newvideo ♬ original sound - Maia
Most Commented Video
@tiemyapron @ALDI USA Crispy Autumn Grapes! #grapes #fruit #crispy #crispygrapes #aldifinds #aldi #viralfoods #asmr #trywithme ♬ original sound - Maia
15. @onegreatvegan
@onegreatvegan
- Followers: 243.2K
- Likes: 4M
- Avg. Views/Post: 1.7K
- Engagement Rate: 7.88%
Gabrielle Reyes is multi-talented. She goes live on TikTok to share vegan recipes and tutorials but also creates catchy songs for each recipe that she uses to promote her live streams.
Most Liked/Commented Video
@onegreatvegan Let’s make Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup! @eatbanza #dinnerwithme #learnontiktok #tiktokpartner #vegan #homecooking #recipe ♬ original sound - Gabrielle Reyes
Most Viewed Video
@onegreatvegan The definition of eat the rainbow ? #sponsored #falafel #recipe #vegan #easyrecipe #veganfood #plantbased #ThinkDinnerThinkFrozen #BirdsEye FALAFEL Fresh Parsley (1 Cup) Fresh Mint (½ Cup) Soaked Red Lentils (1.5 Cup) Garlic Cloves (6 Cloves) Red Onion (½ Onion) Cumin Powder (½ Tsp) Chickpea Flour (½ Cup) Toasted Sesame Seeds (2 Tbs) Salt and Pepper to Taste PINK HUMMUS Hummus (1 Cup) Beet Juice (2 Tbs) TOPPINGS Bird’s Eye Roasted Potatoes and Onions (1 Bag) Cooked Chickpeas (1 Cup) Herb Vinaigrette Dressing (4 Tbs) Chopped Lettuce (3 Cups) Chopped Tomatoes (1 Cup) Diced Pickles (½ Cup) Sliced Cucumber (½ Cup) Plant-Based Feta Cheese (½ Cup) Chopped Fresh Parsley (¼ Cup) Toasted Sesame Seeds (¼ Cup) INSTRUCTIONS 1. Process the fresh parsley and fresh mint in a food processor, until fully broken down into small minced pieces. 2. Next add in the soaked red lentils, fresh garlic, cloves, red onion slices, chickpea flour, Toasted, sesame seeds, and cumin powder into the food processor. Process until a thick batter forms and add more chickpea flour if needs to make it thicker. 3. Using an ice cream, scoop, form equal sized balls, and roll them into your hand to create the falafel balls. 4. With hot oil, deep fry the falafel balls for 3-5 minutes, periodically flipping them so that all sides are golden brown. You can also bake or air fry them until crispy! 5. When the falafel is done frying, set it aside on a towel cover plate so that all of the excess oil goes into the towel. 6. Build your bowl with lettuce, Bird's Eye Oven Roasters Red Potato Wedges and Onions, fried falafel, and all of your favorite toppings. 7. Sing your song, Do your dance, Speak your truth and enjoy the Falafel Feast! @birdseye @walmart ♬ Falafel Feast Gabrielle Reyes - Gabrielle Reyes
Black TikTok Influencers: Fitness
What better category to follow food and cooking than fitness?
TikTok has made it easier than ever to find training tips and workout ideas. But, if you want real, evidence-based tips you need to look for more than just a nice body. You want to follow the people who actually know what they’re doing!
Here are some of our favorite Black fitness influencers on TikTok who share workouts, nutrition help, training tips, and an inside glimpse into their lives.
16. @ulissesworld
@ulissesworld
- Followers: 3.1M
- Likes: 32.6M
- Avg. Views/Post: 31.8K
- Engagement Rate: 6.45%
In case you couldn’t tell, Ulisses is a bodybuilder. He’s won multiple MuscleMania competitions (including MuscleMania Universe). He’s also appeared as a model in fitness publications like Men’s Health and FLEX.
Most Liked/Viewed/Commented Video
@ulissesworld You know the saying.....One man’s trash is another man’s treasure ?? @sharah_ulisses_ duet with @innocentlove9 #foryou #fyp @lovek_r ♬ original sound - ULISSESWORLD
17. @bongiwepinana
@bongiwepinana
- Followers: 350.3K
- Likes: 2.4M
- Avg. Views/Post: 716
- Engagement Rate: 9.33%
Bongiwe is a personal trainer from South Africa and the CEO of Thunder Fitness. She shares guided, step-by-step videos that are easy to follow when you’re looking for a fitness fix.
Most Liked/Viewed/Commented Video
@bongiwepinanaA dlozi child♬ original sound - Oratile Brownsugar?
Wrapping Up
Every Black TikTok influencer on this list is here because they are ridiculously talented at the content they create. If you’re on TikTok, you’re probably already following some of these influencers. If you’re not, what are you waiting for?
Interested in becoming a TikTok influencer? Check out our TikTok Influencer Marketing Guide for all the info you need to get started fast!
Supporting Black TikTok influencers is crucial for promoting diversity and representation on the platform. It helps ensure a variety of voices and perspectives are heard, fostering a more inclusive community. Additionally, following and engaging with these influencers can help counteract the algorithmic biases that may marginalize their content. To discover more Black TikTok influencers, you can: Black TikTok influencers excel in a wide range of niches, including but not limited to: Following Black TikTok influencers can enhance your TikTok experience by: When collaborating with Black TikTok influencers, brands should:Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to follow and support Black TikTok influencers?
How can I find more Black TikTok influencers to follow?
What niches do Black TikTok influencers commonly excel in?
How can following Black TikTok influencers enhance my TikTok experience?
What should brands consider when collaborating with Black TikTok influencers?
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