The Top TikTok Influencers in 2025

TikTok’s influence in 2025 is bigger than ever, with over 1.5 billion active users globally fueling viral trends and new internet celebrities. The platform’s For You Page (FYP) algorithm can catapult ordinary people to stardom overnight, creating a diverse ecosystem of content creators. Notably, both macro-influencers (household names with tens of millions of followers) and micro-influencers (niche creators with smaller followings) thrive on TikTok today. In fact, brands are increasingly turning to micro-influencers with 10k–50k followers for their higher engagement rates and tight-knit communities. Meanwhile, mega-stars still rack up hundreds of millions of views and lucrative sponsorships.

In this article, we’ll explore the top TikTok influencers of 2025 – from the largest macro stars to rising micro creators – across a variety of categories including comedy, dance, beauty, fitness, gaming, and tech. We’ll break down why each influencer is so successful, from their sky-high engagement to the viral content styles that set them apart. You’ll also find a comparison table of key metrics (follower counts, engagement rates, niches, and estimated earnings per post) for these creators. Finally, we’ll highlight emerging TikTok trends and algorithm changes in 2025 that are shaping who gets famous (and why). Let’s dive in!

1. Comedy & Entertainment Influencers

Comedy is king on TikTok, and no one illustrates this better than Khaby Lame. Khaby Lame (@khaby.lame) rose from factory worker to the most-followed TikToker in the world by 2025. He has 162.4 million followers, largely thanks to his wordless, deadpan reaction videos that lampoon overly complicated “life hacks.” His silent shrug and expressive face have universal appeal – a kind of modern Charlie Chaplin vibe that transcends language barriers. Khaby’s signature style of simplifying ridiculous hacks struck comedy gold on TikTok. Brands have taken notice too – he lands major sponsorships (even earning an estimated $259K per TikTok post in deals). With an engagement rate around 6.3% (average for an account his size), his videos regularly pull tens of millions of likes. Khaby’s success shows how universal humor and authenticity can build a massive global audience. Everyone from kids to boomers loves his content, proving you don’t always need words to go viral.

Another entertainment powerhouse on TikTok is MrBeast (@mrbeast) – better known as a YouTube icon but now a top TikTok creator as well. Jimmy “MrBeast” Donaldson leveraged his fame for outrageous stunts and philanthropy to amass 114+ million TikTok followers. On TikTok he serves up bite-sized versions of his YouTube antics – think insane challenges, giveaways, and feel-good stunts – which regularly land on the FYP. MrBeast’s approach of “go big or go home” resonates on TikTok, where extreme content stands out. He even cracked TikTok’s top 3 most-followed in 2024. With huge engagement (e.g. a sponsored TikTok for Shopify got over 8,000 comments, MrBeast can reportedly command about $151K per post in sponsorship value. His success underscores TikTok’s shift toward high-budget, high-production content in the entertainment category, even as lo-fi relatable videos remain popular.

TikTok’s comedy scene also blurred with Hollywood, bringing established celebs into the mix. For example, actor Will Smith (@willsmith) turned himself into a TikTok sensation with prank videos and nostalgia content – and sits around 75 million followers. Even The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) joined TikTok fun with comedic skits for his 77M followers. Their presence shows TikTok isn’t just for teens; older entertainers can thrive by adapting to the platform’s playful tone. In short, from viral newcomers like Khaby to crossover megastars, TikTok’s comedy and entertainment influencers succeed through relatable humor, big personalities, and savvy trend participation.

Dance & Lifestyle Influencers

Dancing and lip-syncing put TikTok on the map, and the queens of TikTok’s dance culture still reign in 2025. Charli D’Amelio (@charlidamelio), who skyrocketed to fame as a 15-year-old, remains one of the top TikTokers with 157.4 million followers. Charli became the platform’s first big superstar by posting infectious dance videos to trending songs, and her down-to-earth teen personality made viewers feel like they were watching a friend. Even at just 20, Charli is a veteran influencer now – but she’s managed to keep her content relatable and fun, dabbling in vlogs and collabs while still busting out choreography. Notably, Charli maintains a remarkably high engagement rate ~7.5% for a mega-influencer, indicating her audience is still highly tuned-in. This “Gen Z icon” has also leveraged her platform into brand deals (Dunkin’ even named a drink after her) and new ventures like a Hulu series. Charli’s ability to stay authentic and evolve – from viral dances to advocating against bullying – is key to her lasting success.

Alongside Charli is her real-life friend-turned-TikTok-rival Addison Rae (@addisonree). Addison blew up in 2019 with trendy dance and lip-sync videos, reaching 88.6 million followers by 2025. Fans love Addison’s bubbly, girl-next-door vibe, and she often makes followers feel like they’re hanging out with a bestie through her candid posts. She parlayed her TikTok fame into a multi-faceted career – releasing music, starring in a Netflix film, and launching a makeup line – proving she’s more than just a one-dimensional creator. On TikTok, Addison still serves up dances and beauty content, though her engagement (~2.9% in early 2025) is lower than peers. Even so, her massive reach means brands pay top dollar to partner with her – an estimated $142K per sponsored post. Addison’s strategy of mixing trending dances, glam lifestyle content, and genuine charm keeps her relevant on the FYP.

These dance/lifestyle stars also illustrate how TikTok’s algorithm rewards trend participation and collaborations. Charli and Addison often hopped on the same challenges and appeared in each other’s videos, cross-pollinating their fanbases. As Billboard noted, the “secret sauce” for many TikTok dancers was collaborating with fellow creators and jumping on viral dance challenges to boost visibility. By giving the audience exactly what they ask for in comments, creators like Charli, Addison, and Mexico’s Kimberly Loaiza (@kimberly.loaiza) (83M followers) have kept growth strong. In 2025, dance and lifestyle influencers remain hugely popular, but they succeed by evolving their personal brand – branching into music, beauty, or entrepreneurship – while still delivering the fun, trend-driven videos that built their following.

Beauty & Fashion Influencers

TikTok isn’t all dances and skits – it’s also a hotspot for makeup artists, beauty gurus, and fashion inspiration. One of 2025’s most influential beauty creators is Mikayla Nogueira (@mikaylanogueira). Mikayla started as a makeup-loving retail employee and, through TikTok, transformed into a beauty superstar with 16.2 million followers. Her Boston accent, rapid-fire talking, and candid product reviews make her stand out – she’s refreshingly unfiltered and authentic in a niche that often felt overly polished. Fans appreciate that Mikayla will bluntly say if a hyped foundation is actually trash or worth the money. That honesty, plus her pro-level makeup skills, earned her an “Excellent” 11.5% engagement rate – extremely high for an account of her size. In other words, her followers are highly engaged and trust her opinions. Mikayla’s influence is so strong that a simple mention of a product can prompt a sellout. She’s landed major brand partnerships and even launched her own makeup palette, likely earning tens of thousands of dollars per sponsored post in the beauty space. By keeping it real and relatable (openly discussing acne, mental health, and confidence), Mikayla exemplifies why TikTok’s beauty community favors authentic creators who feel like a friend giving you tips.

On the fashion side, TikTok has birthed style icons like Wisdom Kaye (@wisdm) – dubbed “TikTok’s best-dressed guy” – who blends high fashion with streetwear in snappy outfit videos. Wisdom’s creative styling and striking looks garnered collaborations with Dior and Coach. For female fashion, influencers such as Brittany Xavier (@brittany.xavier) gained millions of followers by translating runway trends into everyday outfits and “hacks” viewers can actually use. Notably, TikTok’s fashion scene is diverse in age. Case in point: Carla Rockmore (@carlarockmore), a Dallas-based fashionista in her 50s, went viral as the “real-life Carrie Bradshaw.” Carla’s bold, maximalist style and closet tours inspired viewers of all ages, showing that style has no age limit. She amassed a large following (often women over 40, a growing demographic on TikTok) by celebrating personal style and sustainable fashion finds.

Even established beauty moguls have embraced TikTok. Huda Kattan (@hudabeauty), founder of Huda Beauty, shifted from YouTube to TikTok where she shares product demos and skincare routines with her trademark glamorous flair. Similarly, YouTube makeup artist Nikkie de Jager (@nikkietutorials) brought her transformation videos and humor to TikTok, delighting fans with quick looks and celeb cameos. These cross-platform veterans lend industry credibility on TikTok and often collaborate with younger TikTok-native beauty creators – a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Overall, TikTok’s top beauty and fashion influencers succeed through creativity, honesty, and community interaction. Whether it’s Mikayla’s no-BS reviews or Abby Roberts’ surreal makeup art (15M followers), the content feels fresh and engaging. Many also use TikTok’s duet and stitch features to respond to follower requests or debunk beauty myths. The result: beauty fans feel heard and involved, fueling strong engagement. Brands love this – in 2025 we see more cosmetics and apparel brands partnering with these influencers for authentic promotions. (It’s not surprising given beauty content on TikTok averages 3.5–5% engagement, higher than on Instagram) The bottom line: unique style + genuine personality = beauty TikTok success.

4. Fitness & Wellness Influencers

TikTok’s quick videos are perfect for fitness inspiration – from mini workout routines to crazy stunts. Demi Bagby (@demibagby) is a standout in this category. With 14.2 million followers, Demi is a petite powerhouse known for jaw-dropping feats of strength and agility. After bouncing back from a severe cheerleading injury, she turned to CrossFit and calisthenics, documenting her journey on TikTok. Now she’s famous for doing things like one-armed flips, lifting strangers, and turning everyday environments into her gym. Her videos often prompt the question: “Wait, how is that even possible?!” – which is the kind of curiosity that drives shares. Demi’s content is equal parts impressive and fun, often set to trending music or challenges (for example, doing flips in a Wonder Woman costume, or the viral #NatureWorkout trend). This blend of entertainment and fitness earned her massive likes (314 million total likes on her profile). Beyond the flashy stunts, she also posts approachable workout ideas, encouraging followers to push their limits and enjoy being active. Her inspirational story and positive energy make fitness feel accessible. It’s no wonder Red Bull signed her as an ambassador, and brands in athletic wear and supplements line up to work with her.

Another fitness creator, Jesse James West (@jessejameswest), gained millions of followers with a mix of gym tutorials and relatable vlogs. Jesse’s transformation from a “scrawny” teen to a muscular trainer resonates with young male audiences – he keeps it real about his struggles and routines. By collaborating with other fitness TikTokers and doing day-in-the-life style videos, he keeps his content fresh and motivational. On the wellness side, Shiv Wilson (@wilsoncoaching) has 1M+ followers tuning in for her no-nonsense workout tips and nutrition advice. As a professional soccer player and coach, Shiv brings expertise to TikTok, often busting fitness myths and demonstrating exercises with clear instructions. Her success shows there’s a demand for educational fitness content on TikTok – not just flashy feats.

Interestingly, TikTok’s wellness influencers also include medical professionals. Dr. Muneeb Shah (@dermdoctor), a dermatologist, became a TikTok star by giving skincare advice and debunking viral “skin hacks.” By dueting other users’ videos and fact-checking them, he’s made dermatology fun and gained a huge following. His friendly explainer videos (and satisfying pimple talks) proved that even science-backed, informative content can go viral if delivered in a light, visual way. Dr. Shah’s popularity has influenced a broader “Ask the Expert” trend in 2025, where doctors, therapists, and nutritionists use TikTok to share tips – a sign that wellness on TikTok isn’t just about physical fitness, but also skin health, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

Whether it’s extreme athletes like Demi or helpful coaches and doctors, TikTok’s fitness and wellness influencers thrive by demonstrating real results and inviting participation. Many do challenges (“10 push-ups a day for 30 days – join me!”) or use POV storytelling to hook viewers. High engagement comes naturally because followers often tag friends (“we should try this!”) or comment about their own progress. The platform’s challenge culture and short-form format are perfectly suited to get viewers off the couch – even if it’s just to try a quick dance burn or a protein recipe they saw on their FYP. The key for these creators is to be motivational yet relatable, showing that anyone can start their journey (and maybe one day do a backflip like Demi!).

5. Gaming & Tech Influencers

TikTok might not be the first platform you think of for gaming or tech content, but in 2025 these niches are booming on the app. Quick game clips, tech hacks, and gadget reviews have found a huge audience. For instance, KSI (@ksi) – known originally as a YouTube gamer and boxer – has become one of TikTok’s top gaming personalities with 11.8 million followers. KSI’s TikToks show a mix of gaming highlights, funny commentary, and even boxing training clips, reflecting his multi-hyphenate career. His charisma and humor attract not just gamers but a broad audience. By participating in viral challenges and posting snippets of his matches, he keeps fans engaged across interests. KSI’s dynamic presence (plus his existing fame) has earned him a “massive following” on TikTok and lucrative partnerships in the gaming sphere.

Beyond celebrity gamers, dedicated TikTok gaming creators are on the rise. Gamelancer (@gamelancer), for example, built up 5 million followers by posting rapid-fire game reviews, memes, and gameplay clips that resonate with the TikTok crowd. Their content distills the fun of gaming into bite-sized videos – perfect for short attention spans. Another popular account, Gamingbible (@gamingbible) (3.1M followers), delivers gaming news and humor, keeping gamers in the loop with the latest releases and inside jokes. These accounts succeed by staying topical and entertaining – a funny Skyrim meme or a reaction to a new game trailer can easily go viral among the gaming community.

On the more techy side, creators have found clever ways to make gadget and software content engaging. Lopez Tips (@lopeztips), for instance, amassed about 11 million followers by sharing tech tutorials and life-hacks in a snappy, easy-to-digest format. His videos might show hidden iPhone features, cool websites, or even travel hacks – all under the umbrella of “tech tips.” By using trending sounds and quick captions, he turns tutorials into fun content rather than dry demos. Another rising tech influencer is Saal Haerid (@saalhaerid) with ~14.2M followers, known for creatively using editing (like CapCut effects) to showcase tech tricks. His average video view count is incredibly high (over 50M per post) indicating that his content often reaches far beyond his follower base – a testament to TikTok’s algorithm rewarding high-retention, shareable tech videos.

For micro-influencers in gaming/tech, TikTok is fertile ground because of niche communities. Take Blue and Queenie (@blueandqueenie) – a gamer couple in their 30s who focus on console hardware and horror game previews. They have a modest 37.7K followers but a very engaged audience in the retro and indie gaming niche. Their comprehensive coverage of gaming news and genuine enthusiasm for the topic make them a trusted source despite the smaller following. Brands are noticing that these micro-creators, though small, often deliver higher engagement rates and a sense of community. A micro tech influencer with say 50K followers might earn only ~$100 per sponsored post, but their recommendations can carry more weight among hardcore fans than a generic mass advertisement. This trend has led to more sponsorships for niche tech TikTokers (like gadget accessory brands partnering with micro tech reviewers).

In summary, TikTok’s gaming and tech influencers win by adapting content to a fast-paced, humorous format. They join in on general TikTok trends (for example, using a popular sound clip but showing a gaming twist) to reach beyond just techies. The TikTok algorithm’s personalization means even these specialized videos find their target audience, whether it’s casual mobile gamers, hardcore PC builders, or gadget geeks. And with TikTok seeing a 150% increase in tech-related content in 2023-2024, by 2025 tech is no afterthought on the platform – it’s a growing vertical with its own stars. Expect to see more “nerdy” influencers becoming mainstream names as TikTok’s content horizons expand.

TikTok Trends & Algorithm Changes in 2025

TikTok in 2025 isn’t the same beast as in 2020 – the platform has evolved with new trends and algorithm tweaks that influence what (and who) goes viral. One big trend is the rise of niche communities on TikTok. The app used to be dominated by a handful of general-interest viral stars, but now “more creators are covering more niches” than ever. From #BookTok (readers) to #CleanTok (cleaning hacks) to ultra-specific humor niches, TikTok’s algorithm has gotten better at connecting niche content to interested viewers. In fact, TikTok’s own 2025 trend report notes that two in three TikTokers love seeing brands partner with a range of creators, big and small. This indicates the For You Page is surfacing a diversity of creators. For influencers, this means micro-influencers can thrive without millions of followers, as the algorithm will still show their content to the right people. Brands have caught on, increasingly investing in micro and even nano-influencers for that reason.

Another 2025 shift is the emphasis on authentic, candid content. Polished ads or overly scripted videos don’t perform as well; instead, TikTok rewards content that feels genuine and spontaneous. Even big brands now try to “act like creators” – showing behind-the-scenes clips, using viral sounds, and responding to comments in a human way. This bodes well for influencers who are good at storytelling and showing personality. A great example is how Bella Poarch did a sponsored Vans campaign by sharing a personal story of her first pair of shoes – an honest approach that resonated with fans. TikTok users appreciate this kind of realness, and the algorithm seems to favor content that sparks genuine engagement (comments, shares) over passive views.

Importantly, engagement rate remains a key to success on TikTok. The algorithm still prioritizes videos with high watch time and interaction. Creators in 2025 know the first 2-3 seconds of a video are crucial to hook viewers – many top influencers start with an intriguing question or dramatic moment to stop the scroll. Trending challenges, sounds, or effects are also critical for discovery. TikTok’s algorithm updates frequently, but a constant has been its tailored recommendations: it learns what each user likes (e.g. beauty videos versus sports highlights) and feeds more of that. This means influencers can grow fast if they nail a certain niche and trend, since the app will aggressively push their content to the segment of users most likely to enjoy it.

In 2025, we’re also seeing TikTok become a bit more of a search engine and educational platform. Many users now search TikTok for how-tos or reviews. TikTok has responded by allowing longer video descriptions and even 10-minute videos. This favors creators who provide value (like tutorials or informative content) because their content might be recommended in search results for relevant keywords. For example, a tech influencer who writes “how to upgrade PS5 storage” in the caption could reach users actually looking for that info, not just passive scrollers.

Lastly, monetization has expanded. The TikTok Creator Fund and TikTok Shop features have improved, giving influencers more ways to earn inside the app beyond brand deals. This encourages quality content since creators are literally invested in making viral hits. However, the highest earnings still come from sponsorships – which is why understanding engagement is key. For perspective, a “good” TikTok engagement rate is about 4-6% for mega-influencers (1M+ followers), whereas micro-influencers aim for 10%+. Creators who maintain those strong rates (like our highlighted influencers above) are cashing in on big partnerships.

In short, TikTok’s 2025 algorithm trends can be summed up in three words: niche, authentic, engaging. The platform is pushing diverse content to the right people, rewarding genuine connection, and still values those likes, comments, and shares. Whether you’re a brand or an aspiring creator, tapping into these trends – and staying flexible with the ever-changing #ForYou algorithm – is crucial to success on TikTok this year.

Top TikTok Influencers 2025: Comparison Table

Notes: Engagement rates are approximated from available data (mega influencers typically see 4–6% engagement, while micro accounts often exceed 1. Earnings per post are estimates combining reported figures for top stars and typical rates for smaller influencers – actual payouts vary by campaign. (For example, Khaby Lame’s sponsorships can reach **$750K for large projects, and micro creators might earn free products or a few hundred dollars.) The figures above give a general idea of the influence and market value each creator commands in 2025.

As the table shows, macro-influencers like Khaby, Charli, and Addison boast follower counts in the tens of millions but have slightly lower engagement percentages, whereas niche creators with smaller followings often foster higher engagement. Each influencer has carved out a distinct niche – be it comedy, dance, beauty, fitness, or tech – and leveraged TikTok’s trends to their advantage. From Khaby Lame’s universally funny skits to Mikayla’s makeup transparency, these creators represent the diverse talent thriving on TikTok in 2025.

Conclusion to The Top TikTok Influencers in 2025

TikTok’s star-makers are always evolving. Today’s top influencers balance entertainment with authenticity, riding viral trends while engaging their community on a personal level. Whether you’re a brand looking to partner with creators or an aspiring TikToker yourself, there’s a lot to learn from these success stories. TikTok in 2025 rewards creativity and real connection – so find your niche, be yourself, and who knows, you just might find your name on next year’s “top influencers” list!

Ultimately, whether you’re a global brand or an aspiring creator, success on TikTok in 2025 boils down to the same formula: keep it real, know your community, and deliver content that truly connects. The TikTok landscape will keep evolving with new features and trends, but authenticity and engagement are timeless ingredients that continue to drive the platform’s influencer dynamics. By prioritizing genuine connections over vanity metrics, both brands and influencers can thrive in TikTok’s vibrant ecosystem. Here’s to a future where being true to your voice (and audience) is the key to TikTok stardom – 2025 and beyond!