Black Influencers are dominating almost all social media platforms, especially TikTok. Whether they are dropping the latest makeup looks or creating the next viral dance challenge, Black creatives are the most consistent digital trendsetters. Alongside their work in the creative sector, Black creatives are forming the intersection of viral social media content and activism by using their platforms to increase attention to social issues that impact the Black community.
While Black creatives have been an integral part of the rise of TikTok, their work is often overlooked by their white peers, due to TikTok’s problematic algorithm. The algorithm leaves Black creatives off the “For You” page, where most viral videos are stored for everyone to see. Although TikTok has pledged to remedy the discriminatory algorithm, we have compiled a list of the top 15 Black TikTok Influencers that you should know, that are in different niches like music and dance, food and fitness, beauty and fashion, and comedy.
Beauty and Fashion
Taj Reed has over 300k followers on TikTok from her imaginative makeup tutorials that she synced with trendy TikTok sounds and audio. Alongside her makeup-focused videos, she often uses her platform to speak out against injustice.
Wisdom is a Nigerian-born TikTok creator who shows his latest looks by incorporating style and fashion tips. In his videos, he even features the price of each item and where to purchase individual pieces.
Dasia is a content creator who gives us a little bit of everything from makeup tutorials to hair styling tips. She even features a few DIY videos like room renovations, not to mention she occasionally includes her adorable kids in her videos!
Food and Fitness
Tabitha Brown is becoming a household name because of her positive outlook and even more soothing voice in all her videos. She also consistently drops the best vegan recipes!
Bongiwe is a personal trainer from South Africa, who shares guided step-by-step workout videos that are easy to follow and useful without workout equipment.
Christian Paul is a baker who has almost every recipe that you can imagine on his TikTok. From custom chocolate bars to Pop-Tart recipes, Christian is a one-stop shop for your baking needs.
Music and Dance
The Stanley twins, Shayné and Zhané, are always dropping the latest TikTok dance trends and making every move in perfect unison. If you are looking for the next TikTok dance to know, check out their page!
@dancemachine45: Derrell Underwood has an arsenal of dance moves under his belt and consistently creates new TikTok challenges. Alongside his killer dance moves, Derrell has terrific video editing skills that make his content even more impressive.
Kyla is an 18-year-old singer-songwriter, who uses TikTok to share snippets of her new music and covers of popular songs. She also shares a few videos of her doing dance challenges on the platform.
Social Commentary
Kenya is always dropping facts and educating her audience about social issues that impact the Black community. She usually breaks down the realities of what is happening in the world and launches series, like “Check Your Privilege,” where she discusses the impact of white privilege.
This 7th-grade teacher from NYC is always dropping entertaining content and dropping facts about the racial injustices impacting the Black community. Alongside these videos, Capehart also uses his platform to promote daily affirmations to encourage his followers’ positive energy.
This social organizer shares and analyzes the news that affects minority communities. Although she covers some serious subject matter, she brings comedic aspects into a few of her videos.
Comedy
Drea is a Nigerian American who makes comedy videos that are bound to have you rolling with laughter. Drea also uses a lot of her videos to bring awareness to Black culture.
James Henry is a comedian that tackles topics like relationships and dating. He even has a few videos that feature his dance skills while learning the newest challenges on TikTok.
This comedian has a very niche brand of comedy, as most of her videos feature her life as a full-time flight attendant. She has videos featuring her entire flight crew and her life as a mother.
Corinne Dorsey is a DC-based freelance writer and journalist, currently studying journalism at Howard University. Most of her work focuses on black womanhood, social issues, culture, and music.
