A New Generation of Digital Influencers: The 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Media List
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and at its forefront are young creators harnessing the power of social media to reshape industries, advocate for change, and build thriving careers. The Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Media list for 2025 showcases a diverse cohort of individuals under 30 who are redefining the creator economy and making a significant impact on the world. These individuals are not just influencers; they are innovators, activists, and entrepreneurs leveraging their platforms for social good, challenging conventional norms, and inspiring millions.
Leading the charge are creators like Drew Afualo, a TikTok sensation and self-proclaimed "media mogul," who has amassed a following of 9 million with her witty commentary on internet culture and unwavering advocacy for women’s empowerment. Afualo exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of this generation, turning her online presence into a multifaceted business, including podcasts, brand partnerships, and a New York Times best-selling memoir. Carlos Espina, known as the "One-Man Telemundo on TikTok," uses his platform to deliver news in Spanish to over 10 million followers, while also founding Migrantes Unidos, a non-profit organization providing essential resources to immigrant communities. Dr. Joel Bervell, the "Medical Mythbuster," leverages his medical expertise to educate over a million followers about racial disparities in healthcare, even presenting his insights at the White House. These individuals demonstrate the diverse ways social media can be used to inform, empower, and advocate for important causes.
Beyond individual creators, the 2025 list highlights those striving to make our relationship with social media healthier. Oliver Hill and Royce Branning, co-founders of Clearspace, are developing an app to help users manage screen time and cultivate healthier phone habits. Steve Rathje, a psychology researcher, explores the complex interplay between social media and psychology, sharing his findings with over a million TikTok followers. Simultaneously, researchers like Angela Lee delve into the psychological harms of social media, working to develop interventions for safer online engagement. These individuals represent a growing awareness of the need for a more balanced and mindful approach to technology.
This year’s list also recognizes young leaders advocating for policy changes within the social media landscape. Chris McCarty, founder of Quit Clicking Kids, champions protections for child social media stars. Zamaan Qureshi and Arielle Geismar spearheaded the Design It For Us campaign, resulting in California’s Age Appropriate Design Code, a groundbreaking law promoting online safety for children. Similarly, Emma Lembke and Clara Wasserman, co-founders of the LOG OFF movement, advocate for safer online spaces and responsible technology use. These individuals demonstrate the power of collective action in shaping the future of online interactions.
The beauty industry is also experiencing a transformation, fueled by creators who are redefining beauty standards and promoting inclusivity. Toni Bravo has become a prominent voice for people of color in the beauty and lifestyle sector, sharing makeup tutorials and product reviews that celebrate diverse beauty. Similarly, April Lockhart, a fashion influencer born with a disability, uses her platform to showcase inclusive fashion and challenge conventional notions of beauty. Golloria George, with nearly 3 million followers, champions inclusivity for people of color, collaborating with major beauty brands to expand their product offerings. These individuals demonstrate the power of social media to challenge established norms and promote representation.
The 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Media list reflects a generation that is not only consuming social media content but actively shaping its future. These young individuals are leveraging their platforms to address critical issues, promote positive change, and build impactful careers. Their work exemplifies the transformative potential of social media, demonstrating its ability to amplify diverse voices, spark important conversations, and drive meaningful action in both the digital and physical worlds. The selection process, led by Forbes journalists and a panel of expert judges, involved reviewing thousands of applications, underscoring the immense talent and innovation within this space.
The judging panel included prominent figures from the creator economy, including Vivian Tu, a former Wall Street trader and Forbes Under 30 alum known as “Your Rich BFF”; Renee DiResta, a policy expert and author; Ali Berman, a talent agent specializing in digital creators; and Adam Waheed, a successful comedian and YouTube creator. These judges brought a wealth of experience and insight to the selection process, ensuring the list represents the most impactful and innovative young leaders in the social media sphere. The Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Media list serves as a testament to the evolving nature of influence and the power of young creators to shape the future of digital communication.