The entertainment world has flipped its script, trading red carpets for the home office where entertainment influencers are the new royalty. With influencer marketing budgets ballooning to $26 billion last year, it’s clear we’re taking a front-row seat to watch the influencers who are setting the stage for 2024.
Thanks to these trendsetters, nearly half of Gen Z has clicked ‘buy’ on a product endorsed by their favorite digital stars. This isn’t just changing the game; it’s creating a whole new playbook where followers, engagement, and life through a lens are what’s scoring points in the entertainment industry.
So, dim those studio lights, hit the play button on the intro music, and let’s get ready to explore the movers and shakers of media and entertainment.
In the breakneck speeds of digital entertainment, staying ahead means constantly scouting for fresh faces and groundbreaking talent.
That’s why we’re shining a spotlight on the media mavens poised to capture the spotlight in 2024. These creators, with their fingers on the pulse of pop culture, bring unique narratives, captivating content, and a fiercely loyal audience to the table.
Location: Toronto
Followers:
Laura Clery has turned the internet into her stage with her knack for crafting relatable, laugh-out-loud humor that delves into the chaos of motherhood, marriage, and the daily grind. Clery’s signature series, Help Helen Smash, became a cultural phenomenon, introducing the world to Helen and her hilariously inept attempts at wooing her then-husband, Stephen Hilton. Through her videos, which have garnered over 2B views, Laura has created an unforgettable roster of characters like Pamela Pumpkin and Laura Flirts, making her a household name in comedy.
@lauraclery Look at how it firms & sculpts my skin… @Olay Skin Care for the win! #OlayPartner #MicroSculptingCream #Regenercise ♬ original sound – Laura Clery
Beyond the laughs, Clery’s openness about her past struggles with addiction and her path to recovery in her memoir Idiot resonated with readers worldwide, showcasing her depth as both a creator and a human being. Her work, however, stretches far beyond entertainment; Laura is a fervent advocate for mental health, using her platform to inspire and uplift those facing their battles. Despite recent personal challenges, including announcing her divorce from Hilton, Laura continues to engage her audience through her podcast Idiot, where she shares insights into her life with unflinching honesty.
Location: California
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If laughter is the best medicine, then Cruz is the healthcare provider the corporate world didn’t know it needed. Carving a niche for himself amid the remote work revolution of late 2020, Cruz’s sharp wit and keen observational skills have turned the mundane aspects of office life into a source of shared laughter and connection. Cruz’s viral triumph, a hilarious take on how different generations book a stay to a trip catapulted to over 101M views on TikTok, striking a chord across various platforms and demographics.
@champagnecruze When you’re booking a hotel at any age, it matters where you stay. Which one are you planning a trip? @hilton #hiltonforthestay #hiltonpartner #workhumor #relatable ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
This viral hit, along with a successful brand campaign with Dell, underscores his appeal to brands seeking authentic engagement with their audiences. As he eyes future collaborations with giants like LinkedIn or Indeed and dreams of launching a podcast, Cruz is setting new benchmarks for what it means to be an influencer in the corporate sphere.
Location: Florida
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Jackson Dean reflects the modern musician’s journey, seamlessly bridging the gap between social media stardom and traditional music success. Starting as a point-of-view (POV) style content creator on TikTok, Jackson captured hearts with his charismatic lip-sync performances to rap and pop anthems, amassing a devoted following. His journey from a small-town dreamer to a Nashville-signed artist is a testament to the evolving paths modern musicians navigate, where viral videos on platforms like TikTok can pivot into significant recording contracts.
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Beyond the screen, Jackson ventured into mainstream media, featuring in the television series Yellowstone, a move that undoubtedly broadened his appeal among fans of the show’s rugged thematic landscape. His viral hits, ranging from fast-food rankings to the transformation of his room into a gaming haven, highlight a relatable, multifaceted personality that resonates with a generation that values authenticity as much as talent.
Location: California
Followers:
Watching Chris Klemens is like grabbing coffee with that one friend who always has the wildest stories. He’s the guy stopping strangers on the street, asking them everything from their Taylor Swift takes to their most intrusive thoughts. His knack for turning everyday encounters into viral gold, like his “you’re coming home with me” TikTok sound, showcases just how he’s mastered the art of comedic soundbites.
@chrisklemens #ad tune in to @himyfonhulu to see what dreams are made of #himyf @hulu
His podcast, Unhinged with Chris Klemens discusses everything from the absurdities of pop culture to life’s messy moments. Whether he’s roasting red carpet outfits or sharing the highs and lows of home renovation, Chris’s content feels like you’re catching up with an old friend who always keeps it real.
Location: Michigan
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Allen Ferrell, the daredevil of social media, has carved a niche for himself by turning fan comments and viral video challenges into comedic gold. Ferrell’s fearless embrace of the absurd, from securing endless KFC refills to challenging Olive Garden’s unlimited cheese policy, not only showcases his adventurous spirit but also highlights a unique intersection with the influencer movement.
@itsallenferrellKFC Bucket Refill Policy?? 😎🍗♬ Classical Music – Classical Music
His catchphrase, “What is wrong with you?”—emblazoned on merchandise as a nod to the outrageous dares he often receives—epitomizes the playful rapport he shares with his followers. Ferrell has mastered the art of engagement, with an impressive rate of 15.59% underscores the value of forging direct connections with their audience, transforming the ludicrous into a shared, viral sensation.
Location: Toronto
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With his breakout hit, ‘What Really Happens at the Red Light, Darryl catapulted himself into YouTube stardom, racking up an impressive 33M views and counting. Beyond the laughs and viral hits, Darryl fosters a genuine connection with his audience, affectionately dubbed the Maye’s Family.
Darryl Mayes has explored music comedy through his YouTube music channel, which he initially launched under the name Mayes Music. His first upload, A Suspenseful Instrument, marked the beginning of his venture into combining music with comedic elements.
Location: Los Angeles
Followers:
Evelyn Gonzalez, known for her captivating performance as Sandra in La Chamba, has seamlessly transitioned her on-screen charisma into social media stardom. Her hilarious sketches reflect the style of Key & Peele, with relatable moments marred with comic timing and exaggerated character roles. This form of comedy pairs perfectly with brand partnerships, as seen here in her hugely successful hit: When You Get Catfished @Cinemark.
@evelyngonzalez When you get catfished @Cinemark 😭😤 Who can relate?! #comedy #catfishdate #catfish #cinemark #ad ♬ original sound – Evelyn Gonzalez
Collaborations with renowned content creators like Adam Waheed and Liane V only work to further amplify her reach. Racking up tens of millions of views, her viral hits include, “When the bathrooms are ‘Employees only!'” and “When you say ‘You too’ at the wrong time!”
Location: Georgia
Followers:
Transitioning from a promising basketball career cut short by injury to a digital content powerhouse, Marquay Collins’ journey underscores a profound shift in focus. His Helicopter Man video, a blend of comedy, dance, and dubbing, catapulted him into the spotlight, earning accolades from TikTok and MTV, and solidifying his position as a content creator.
@marquaythegoat Replying to @kay.dang This is a must have from @steamis_lobster in Duluth, Ga! #lobster #lobsterroll #atlantafood #atl #atlanta #seafood ♬ original sound – HELICOPTER MAN🚁
Beyond his viral successes, Collins’s content often features his family, adding a layer of personal charm and relatability that resonates deeply with his audience. Serving as a brand ambassador for THE 5TH watch brand, he’s discovered a method to merge the grit of athletic discipline with the creative pulse of digital content creation.
Location: UK
Followers:
Ben Tiffen, hailing from the UK, has masterfully captured the essence of Gen Z teen angst and nostalgia through his off-beat comedy. His clever point-of-view (POV) videos, marked by the hashtag #fyp (for your page) offer a humorous yet poignant commentary on the quirks and hidden behaviors that define our human experience. Tiffen’s skill in highlighting those fleeting, often overlooked moments in life like the irrational embarrassment of walking behind someone on a flight of stairs.
@tiffytoky #tiffytoky #fyp #relatable #embarrassing ♬ original sound – Benjamin Tiffen
In a grand gesture to celebrate his millionth follower milestone, Ben cleverly hid Amazon gift vouchers in different shots around his house, extending a heartfelt thank you to his audience for their unwavering support. Among his array of viral hits, the video “me doing some random shit in my sibling’s room for no reason at all” is classic Ben Tiffen, amassing millions of views and featuring cameos from his sister Asha and their pet cat.
Location: California
Followers:
Before the advent of social media platforms, David Brubaker’s early experiments with filmmaking laid the foundation for what would become a signature blend of humor, pop culture, and sharp commentary. His collaboration with Ubisoft for their “Skull and Bones” game launch underscores his influence and reach as a trusted partner for major brands looking to connect with audiences in hilariously memorable ways.
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Over the years, Brubaker’s persistence and dedication to his craft culminated in the creation of a platform that took a decade to build but eventually earned him widespread acclaim. His multi-series parody of Stranger Things, Stupid Things, was just a warm-up for the hugely popular parodies of Yellowstone.
Location: North Carolina
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No entertainment influencer list would be complete without James Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, who revolutionized the landscape of YouTube with his potent blend of entertainment and altruism. At the heart of his meteoric rise is a catalog of fast-paced, high-stakes videos where grandiose challenges and philanthropy intertwine. His viral recreation of the Netflix series Squid Game rocketed to over 120M views in five days powered by an influencer marketing campaign with the mobile game, Brawl Stars.
James’ knack for merging entertainment with social good has earned him accolades, including being named Creator of the Year at the Streamy Awards for four consecutive years and landing a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2023. Leadership in environmental initiatives include planting 20M trees, removing 30M pounds of trash from the oceans, and funding water wells in Africa reinforce his pledge to “make the world a better place before I die.”
Location: Los Angeles
Followers:
Zach King, an imaginative force and digital magician, casts spells over millions with his ingenious “magic vines.” These six-second marvels, a blend of digital editing mastery and traditional magic, catapulted him to fame, establishing him as a titan of illusion on the digital stage. Zach now merges his visual sorcery with high-profile brand collaborations, transforming movie promotions like Jumanji: The Next Level and Dolittle into captivating viral vignettes.
@zachking When you get too caught up in the movie…🎥Watch #Jumanji: The Next Level at home today! #ad ♬ original sound – Zach King
King’s magic spills into the literary world with his Magical Book Series, inviting readers into an interactive adventure, turning pages into portals in his whimsical universe. As Zach eyes the director’s chair, his journey from digital sleight of hand to potential cinematic storyteller continues to unfold.
Location: London
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From their humble beginnings in a Grand Theft Auto Online group named “The Ultimate Sidemen” in 2013, The Sidemen have evolved into a cultural phenomenon, blurring the lines between gaming, entertainment, and philanthropy. This ensemble of creators, including KSI, Miniminter, Zerkaa, TBJZL, Behzinga, Vikkstar123, and W2S, has captivated millions with a blend of challenges, sketches, and video game commentary.
Their journey, encapsulated in the Netflix documentary The Sidemen Story offers a deep dive into their decade-long camaraderie and evolution. Beyond the screen, The Sidemen’s ventures span a successful clothing line, a bespoke subscription service Side+, culinary endeavors with their restaurant chain Sides, and their venture into spirits with XIX Vodka. Their commitment to charity, demonstrated through annual football matches raising significant funds for various causes, culminates in a Guinness World Record for the most viewers for a charity sports match live stream on YouTube in 2023.
Location: Toronto
Followers:
With a flair for the dramatic and a knack for nailing celebrity impressions, this TikToker is redefining sketch comedy one video at a time. From side-splitting takes on Leonardo DiCaprio’s taste in women to Johnny Depp in a courtroom parody, Tommy’s swiftly grown from a fresh face to a household name in comedy.
@tommy_schoenith Cmon they all secretly love the guy😂 #comedy#sketchcomedy#funnyvideos#fyp#johnnydepp#amberheard#cartok ♬ Pirates Of The Caribbean – Main Theme – He’s A Pirate – Geek Music
His knack for collaboration extends into brand partnerships that read like a who’s who of industry giants — from a festive tie-in with Microsoft to a scent-sational promo with Dossier Perfume. His content strikes the perfect balance between entertainment and endorsement, proving that sometimes, a good laugh is the best way to a viewer’s heart.
Location: Toronto
Followers:
Ever watched someone leap from rooftop to rooftop and thought, “Hey, I could do that if I didn’t value my life so much?” Meet Nick Pro, who started his YouTube channel at the tender age of 14, inspired by free runner Oleg Vorslav. After graduating from the International Stunt School in 2011, Nick has been setting the bar high — literally. From high falls and fire burns to stunt driving, there’s no stunt too daunting for him. But what really sets Nick apart is how he’s turned his parkour prowess into viral gold, especially with his Marvel series and the iconic Video Games In Real Life video, which catapulted him into YouTube stardom.
With a knack for blending his love for geek culture with jaw-dropping parkour stunts, Nick’s channel has seen a meteoric rise in subscribers, thanks in part to his strategic embrace of short-form content. Fast forward a few years, and not only has Nick mastered the art of parkour, but he’s also sharing the love through his Parkour Tutorials app, proving that he’s not just about the thrills — he’s also got the brains to match his brawn.
Location: New York, New York
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Ever wondered what it would be like if your Asian dad became a viral sensation overnight? Enter Steven He, the comedic genius whose spot-on impersonations and catchphrases catapulted him onto this year’s Forbes 30 under 30 social media list. Steven’s Emotional Damage sketch, where his Asian dad character humorously navigates high parental expectations, resonated globally, turning the phrase into an emblem of meme culture.
Last year, Steven collaborated with acclaimed executive producer Ken Mok for the YouTube series Ginormo!, a homage to Japanese sci-fi action movies of the ’60s and ’70s which he produced, wrote, and directed. Steven even made it to our year-end roundup: 5 Creators Who Had an Outstanding 2023.
Location: Miami
Followers:
Chad Epps, better known as Chadio across the social media realm, has turned this curiosity into a viral sensation. Jumpstarting his journey on TikTok in January 2020, Chad quickly became the go-to source for laughs with his “6 really specific things” series, racking up more than 244M likes on his videos. It’s not just his content that’s captured hearts; his personal life, particularly his relationship with fellow TikTok sensation Zaira Nunez, adds a layer of relatability to his online persona.
@chadio Replying to @Chad Epps 🦒 Last one most valid fr 🤞😭🔥Top 3 best halloween costumes 🦇😵💫 #chadio #halloweencostume @Chad Epps 🦒 ♬ Carti Wave Beat – Staysee
Chad’s knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary catapulted him into the spotlight, with a parody set to Roddy Ricch’s “The Box” marking one of his initial triumphs on the platform. It felt like just yesterday that Viral Nation welcomed Chad Epps to the repertoire of media and entertainment talent.
Location: Los Angeles
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Connor Price isn’t just playing the game; he’s rewriting the rules of the digital music landscape. Connor’s Spin the Globe series catapulted him into social media stardom, showcasing his genius for keeping eyeballs glued to the screen. Every TikTok becomes a launchpad for his tracks, marrying music promotion with viral content creation in a way that makes waiting weeks for a song drop seem as outdated as flip phones.
@connorprice__🇨🇦🤝🇿🇲♬ Violet – Connor Price & Killa
Innovating beyond traditional revenue streams, he’s embraced everything from pop-up shows to strategic brand partnerships with giants like KFC & Ruffles, proving that connecting with fans doesn’t have to break the bank. Connor was part of nine new signings last year at Viral Nation alongside other prominent social celebrities.
Location: Arizona
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Cameron Perez, better known as Outtpig on TikTok, is a master of wearing many hats (quite literally) when it comes to his comedy skits. Diving headfirst into the vibrant world of Gen Z culture, Perez crafts content that’s as diverse as it is delightful, ranging from takes on everyday scenarios to spot-on satires of pop culture phenomena.
@outtpig The first sleepover is so awkward #POV #comedy #childhood #relatable ♬ original sound – OuttPig
His breakthrough moment, a hilarious riff on the ‘Twilight’ series, not only underscored his comedic genius but also his savvy in tapping into the zeitgeist. Skillfully blending everyday commentary with sharp pop culture satires, his content attracts a loyal audience who love his unique sense of humor.
Location: New Jersey
Followers:
Meet Christopher and Alyson, the couple behind Games 4 Two, who transformed their board game passion into a thriving content creation journey. Their story starts in the early days of sharing a mutual gym crush to discovering a shared passion for the untapped niche of two-player games that resonated with millions.
@games4two Come Play Shoot The Moon With Us! #boardgames #gamenight #couple #fun ♬ Rocky (Main Theme) – The Intermezzo Orchestra
Their passion for amassing a huge collection of duo-player games has led to them becoming one of YouTube’s fastest-growing channels, turning their hobby into a full-time job. Their content isn’t just about winning; it’s about connecting, sharing, and making every viewer feel like part of their extended family.
As the curtain falls on our showcase of the internet’s most entertaining figures, it’s clear that the fusion of creativity and brand strategy these influencers bring to the table is unparalleled. Aligning with such personalities on socially led campaigns offers brands an opportunity to boost awareness and connect with audiences on a whole new level.
At Viral Nation, we specialize in orchestrating these star-studded collaborations, bridging the gap between brands and creators to propel your message into the limelight. As a premier digital talent representation agency we offer brands unparalleled access to the largest and most diverse inventory of digital creators.
The Viral Nation Talent team represents over 900+ creators and influencers across 35 content verticals. If you’re interested in influencer marketing for your next campaign, please contact us today.
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