March 24, 2023

Find Your Influencers: The most followed TikTok creators of 2023

Since it merged with Music.ly in 2018, TikTok has continued to gain popularity and become one of students’ favorite social media platforms. Much of TikTok’s success can be attributed to the new generation of content creators that have emerged on the app. Lots of these creators became overnight sensations, amassing millions of followers by displaying their own unique talents. 

From dance trends and comedy skits to morning routines and beauty tutorials, TikTok creators have made their mark on the internet and become household names in the process. As students explore the wide range of content available, it’s important to be mindful of the potential impact it can have on their mental well-being. By actively choosing to follow TikTok creators who promote healthy habits and uplifting messages, students can create a positive social media experience.

Top TikTok Creators of 2023

Popularity on TikTok can often be fleeting— new creators emerge on students’ screens all the time, older ones may fade, and some have consistently maintained their popularity for years. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of 2023’s most followed and successful TikTok creators, who have not only gained huge followings but also have captured the hearts of students. 

The top 5 most followed TikTok accounts of 2023 and how they are influencing your students:

  1. @khaby.lame – Khaby Lame is a Senegalese-Italian creator whose deadpan comedy & sketch-style videos have helped him reach 155 million followers. Khaby makes students laugh and smile, especially with his #LearnfromKhaby life-hack videos. 
  2. @charlidamelio – Charli D’Amelio rose to fame in 2020 when she was 15 years old, for her short dances to popular TikTok sounds. With 150 million followers, D’Amelio remains one of the most popular TikTokers in the world and keeps students coming back for more with her dances, beauty routines, and behind-the-scenes looks at her life.
  3. @bellapoarch – Bella Poarch, with 92 million followers, built her following after one of her lip-syncing videos went viral and became the most-liked TikTok of all time. Students can enjoy her content on TikTok, or hop over to a streaming service to listen to her popular singles and EPs.
  4. @addisonre – Addison Rae, a TikTok creator since 2019, still remains one of the most widely followed creators on the app, with 88 million followers. Students may be seeing her on their For You pages or on their favorite reality show or movie.
  5. @mrbeast – MrBeast, the most followed Youtuber in the world, also has a significant TikTok following of 77 million followers. MrBeast has used TikTok as a way to share his YouTube content via short-form videos on the app. Also a philanthropist, MrBeast uses his platform to raise money for different causes. He inspires students to be aware of how their actions can impact the world around them.

These TikTok creators have taken the world by storm and shown the power of social media to create new stars seemingly overnight. As students navigate this ever-evolving landscape of content, it’s important for them to find their influencers and be intentional about how they spend their time on social media. 

TSI’s Take

TikTok creators have made a significant mark on the platform and captured the attention of millions of students around the world. With 61.3% of Gen Z visiting TikTok at least once a month, the platform is only growing in popularity. This makes it more important than ever for students to find their influencers, connect with people who inspire them, and look beyond follower counts for creators who promote positivity, kindness, and self-expression. 

In our #WinAtSocial Find Your Influencers Grade 8 Lesson, Surrounding yourself with people and content that inspire you, we encourage students to be mindful of how they engage with others on apps through positive & safe social media practices. 

For access to lessons like this and more, contact us today

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The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in understanding student experiences and creator of #WinAtSocial, a gamified, online learning platform that equips students, educators, and families to navigate social experiences — online and offline — in healthy ways. Our unique, student-respected approach incorporates topics like social media, technology use, and current events that have a significant impact on student well-being. Lessons teach life skills for the modern day to inspire high-character decisions that support the health, happiness, and future success of students, while capturing data that provides insights to school leaders to inform school policy and communications, and enable high-impact teaching and a healthy learning environment. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities. For schools, our turnkey technology allows for easy implementation and a comprehensive game plan to support the well-being of school communities.