Trust me, your algorithm needs them.
TikTok runs the world. Since the pandemic, and even before it, the social media platform has become a hub for creatives and content creators.
In many ways, Black creators are to thank for TikTok's popularity, especially when it comes to many of the dance trends, viral challenges, and overall tastemaking on the platform.
Today, I'm highlighting the Black TikTok stars that you need to follow right now.
1. Khaby Lame
@khaby.lame Life is easy, we make it hard.🤷🏾♂️🤲🏾What do you think? Give me your opinion guys❤️#learnfromkhaby #imparacontiktok #stitch
♬ suono originale - Khabane lame
@khaby.lame / Via tiktok.com
If you don't know who Khaby Lame is by now, you've been hiding under a rock. TheSenegalese-Italian has transformed his brand of mocking TikTok hacks into a lucrative empire as the most followed TikTok creator in the world. His videos often find him silently reacting to tips and tricks online (that are infinitely more complex than they need to be).
2. Jordan Howlett a.k.a Jordan The Stallion
@jordan_the_stallion8 Welp @Donald Glover #fyp
♬ original sound - Jordan_The_Stallion8
@jordan_the-stallion8 / Via tiktok.com
The secrets of the fast food industry have never been the same since Jordan The Stallion emerged on TikTok. His content, in general, surrounds life hacks and chiming in on viral topics with hilarious commentary (sometimes accompanied by his cat Harvey), but he's also the biggest threat to the fast food industry that we've seen in a while. His efforts earned him a spot on #BlackTikTok Visionary Voices list and attracted a few surprising celebrity collaborations alongside Method Man and Donald Glover, to name a few.
3. Kimberly Nichols a.k.a. KimmyKreation
@kimmyskreations Garlic Parm Tenders…the best ever…try me lol oh and I fried it in lard!!! #kimmyskreations #lard #chickentenders
♬ original sound - KimmyKreations
@kimmykreation / Via tiktok.com
KimmyKreation has recipes that will make you salivate. She crushes it in the kitchen, from classic soul food dishes like mac and cheese and fried chicken, to decadent cakes and mouth-watering pasta. If you're not much of a chef to begin with, KimmyKreation will likely inspire you to want to throw down in the kitchen ASAP.
4. Bachala Mbunzama a.k.a. BashTheEntertainer
@bashtheentertainer Oh my days these jokes 😂😂😂😂😂😂 #lol #bashtheentertainer #comedy
♬ original sound - BashTheEntertainer
@bashtheentertainer / Via tiktok.com
Honestly, his laugh is just plain infectious.
5. Tenisha Billington a.k.a flawlessbytenisha
6. Kahlil Greene a.k.a The Gen Z Historian
@kahlilgreene #blackculture #hiddenhistory #culturalappropriation #blackcommunitytiktok
♬ Hayloft - Mother Mother
@khalilgreene / Via tiktok.com
Though fashion tips and viral dances are cool, TikTok's greatest strength is its ability to share information. Greene uses his platform to spread knowledge, specifically surrounding history and how it impacts the present day. Greene brings engaging and refreshing content that delves into the lesser-known aspects of Black history in America, whether addressing Gen Z slang and TikTok trends or the racist history of the Dodgers Stadium. He became the youngest person to win a Peabody Award for his work on the micro-seriesThe Hidden History of Racism in New York City.
7. Drea Okeke a.k.a Dreaknowsbest
@dreaknowsbest Teaching celebs nigerian slangs!😆🇳🇬 How did they do?! @Chlöe @chancetherapper #RickRoss #chloebailey #chancetherapper #betawards #culturetok #nigeriantiktok #culturesbiggestnight
♬ original sound - Drea Knowsbest
@dreaknowsbest / Via tiktok.com
This Nigerian-American influencer has gained a massive following with her comedic chops and relatable videos that landed her on#BlackTikTok Visionary Voiceslist, too. Her career kicked off on Vine before she transitioned to TikTok where she dished out content that highlights Nigerian culture. But beyond that, she's used her platform to amplify Black content creators and their voices.
8. Tabitha Brown
@iamtabithabrown Carrot bacon❤️ #tabithabrown #veganbacon
♬ original sound - Tabitha Brown
@iamtabithabrown / Via tiktok.com
You probably recognize Tabitha from shows like Black Jesusand The Chi,but she's probably more well known for being America's Mom these days, as the HuffPost described her. Tabitha's TikTok page is filled with amazing vegan-friendly tips and motivational content with a sprinkle of humor.
9. Antonio Baldwin a.k.a TonyTalks
@officiallytonytoks I Try To Go Unnoticed In Public 🫢
♬ original sound - TonyTalks
@officiallytonytoks / Via tiktok.com
With hilarious skits and a plethora of wigs, TonyTalks TikTok page deserves a follow right now. Whether poking fun at the mundane aspect of working a day job or the struggles of dating as a queer man.
10. Daven Gates a.k.a. onestopchop
@onestopchop Mac and Cheese is a side you CANNOT get wrong for the holidays. I got you covered #macandcheese #sides #holidaysides #onestopchop
♬ original sound - OneStopChop
@onestopchop / Via tiktok.com
For my foodies out there, Daven Gates is a necessary figure on your FYP. His recipes are both delicious and straightforward as he explores comfort foods and a variety of other dishes that will spark an appetite. He's also another creator who was honored on the#BlackTikTok Visionary Voiceslist.
11. Jade and Jadah
@jadeeandjadahh / Via tiktok.com
These two creators have gone viral several times over after impersonating hilariously iconic clips, whether it's 50 Cent's response to Floyd Mayweather ("Why he say f*ck me for?"), Orlando Brown's outlandish claims, or one of Tony Yayo's many interviews. With a laptop in front of them, their synchronicity often makes these already viral clips 10x funnier.
12. Dr. Darien Sutton a.k.a Doctor Darien
@doctor.darien Hit the like if you learned something 👋🏾
♬ original sound - Doctor Darien
@doctor.darien / Via tiktok.com
Dr. Darien Sutton is aBoard Certified ER Doctor who uses his platform as a "TikTok Med School." The ABC News Medical Correspondent's timeline is filled with useful content that provides insight into trending topics within that space. More importantly, he also works towards highlighting the disparities and racial inequalities within the health care system, which earned him a spot under the Industry Disruptors section of#BlackTikTok Visionary Voices.
13. Keith Lee
@keith_lee125 He isn’t on yelp so I tagged him on my IG 💕 Southern Taste Seafood taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic
♬ original sound - Keith Lee
@keith_lee125 / Via tiktok.com
A review from Keith Lee could change any restaurant owner's life. The food critic/MMA fighter is based in Las Vegas where he began his doing reviews. However, recently, he's traveled from city to city, highlighting family-owned and Black-owned restaurants. More often than not, it's hidden gems that deserve their shine.
14. Ms. Hassan a.k.a misswondroussoul
@misswondroussoul DRAKE POSTED US ON HIS STORY?!! #drake #ovo #teachertok #teachersoftiktok
♬ original sound - Ms.Hassan
@misswondroussoul / Via tiktok.com
For a bit of insight into the classroom, look no further than Ms. Hassan, another prominent creator who appeared on the 2024#BlackTikTok Visionary Voiceslist. The Toronto-based teacher not only gets fly through a stellar sense of style but also provides crucial information to help fellow educators and students.
15. Saint a.k.a saintsw0rld
@saintsw0rld I wish I could bring all of you with me to experience how beautiful this is in person🥺 #saintsworld #guatemala #fyp #travel #pov #sunset
♬ original sound - $AINT
@saintsw0rld / Via tiktok.com
This list wouldn't be complete if we didn't highlight one of the many Black travel influencers showing us pockets of the world that we need to visit ASAP. As a travel photographer, his eye for the landscapes shapes creative and eye-popping visuals of the places he visits. Plus, he provides some serious gems on where to go.
16. Taylor Lindsay-Noel a.k.a accessbytay
@accessbytay Replying to @K@3LY/\/ what #gymnastics skill was I trying to complete that ended up paralyzing me for life? It’s called a rigby double front 🫠 - #gymnast#gymnastic#paralyzed#greenscreen#greenscreenvideo
♬ original sound - Taylor LN | Creator ♿️
@accessbytay / Via tiktok.com
A former gymnast and 2024 honoree on the#BlackTikTok Visionary Voiceslist who was left paralyzed from the chest down after an accident, Lindsay-Noel is an inspiration who uses her platform to advocate for change and raise disability and accessibility awareness.
17. Paris Kinsey a.k.a brotherofcolor
@brotherofcolor tiktok, please ban her account... she stays cheating.. @jazminera #fyp #foryou #xyzbca
♬ original sound - Brotherofcolor
@brotherofcolor / Via tiktok.com
Paris Kinsey merges comedy with pranks and challenges, often with his siblings accompanying him and money being waged. Unfortunately, Kinsey often loses his bets to his siblings, but his reactions will have you scrolling through his entire page.
18. Joshua Willford a.k.a rappingchef
@rappingchef Replying to @✨ Danyell ✨ I love making yall laugh 🎶👨🏾🍳
♬ original sound - The Rapping Chef 🎤👨🏾🍳
@rappingchef / Via tiktok.com
Joshua Willford is a man of many talents but his passion for food and music comes together in each of his videos. As the name suggests, Willford's bars guide you through his recipes, remixing records from Ye, Drake, Eminem, among others, and will certainly make you laugh, too.
19. NaeNaeTwins
@naenaetwinsofficial The benefits of having a twin...he’ll never know 😏🤫 #twins inspo: @rominagafur @prettylittlething
♬ original sound - ROMINA
@naenaetwinsofficial / Via tiktok.com
The TikTok duo, made up of identical twins Shayné and Zhané Stanley, have taken their talents across the world, touring with Keyshia Cole and appearing in one of her videos. Their synchronized moves with leave you hypnotized and probably scrolling for hours. NaeNaeTwins are also credited for inventing the "Savage Remix" viral dance. But beyond that, their humor, infectious personality, and sisterly bond goes outside of dance and into humorous videos, as well as those that provide deeper insight into their family.