Poki
Influence is a social currency we can spend for good or for ill purposes. When it comes to social media, what we say can have a major impact one way or the other. Fortunately, my picks for the top social media influencers includes those who are making a mark on the world in a good way. These folks are all inspiring, offering keen insight that makes me want to work harder.
1. Shay Rowbottom
Every time I see a video or post from Shay Rowbottom, I think: This will be something I can use, it will be insightful, and I’ll probably write it down somewhere in a journal. I have noticed a lot of other people comment and share her posts. They are often about marketing but she also started a new project helping people heal through a podcast and other materials.
2. Parker Pannell
I first wrote about the TikTok aficionado earlier this year and we’ve stayed in touch. His story-driven posts (often about his family) make him a standout. Sometimes, we influence others by doing something well. His videos are interesting, narrative, and funny.
3. Gary Vaynerchuk
You’ll notice I included many LinkedIn influencers on this list, which has become my platform of choice for business. It almost seems weird to include Gary Vaynerchuk because he is so well-known, but his brutally honest posts had me hooked all year.
4. Poki (aka, Imane Anys)
Technically, Poki is not only a social media influencer. She’s incredibly influential on Twitch and active on social. My own definition is more about how much digital currency someone has, and she is one of the top talents around. I’d also argue that Twitch is just as social as any app.
5. JT O'Donnell
I’ve followed JT O'Donnell for years, picking up sage advice about the workplace and job hunting and watching her videos. What stands out is her delivery style which is easy to follow, always insightful, and very practical.
6. Marina Mogilko
Sometimes, an influencer makes an impact because of her approach and success in business. YouTube is not technically a social media platform but it is social, it is media, and it is influential. These interactive and engaging videos also support a linguistic startup.
7. Lance Ulanoff
Lance probably doesn’t even remember that I used to work with him back when I was a feature writer at PC Magazine. On Twitter, he is one of the biggest influencers because his posts tend to grab you with some urgency and they are always newsworthy.
8. Katrina Ghazarian
I wonder if we can all just take a little breath once in a while? That seems to be the point with Katrina Ghazarian, who I follow on LinkedIn. Her humorous approach (even her bio is cheeky) helps engage with an audience and helps build her HR business.
9. Stephanie Saunders
When I think of influencers on social media, I don’t immediately think of a property damage claims expert. Yet, Stephanie Saunders provides well-produced videos, insights to help her audience, and tons of followers. That sounds pretty legit to me.
10. Elon Musk
You might find it funny to see Elon Musk on this list. Might as well throw Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates on here as well, right? And yet, there’s no question his Twitter posts are influential and often brutally honest. He has basically owned Twitter this last year.
