12 TikTok Influencers You Should Follow In 2023
When it comes to TikTok, where entertaining content is endless, you can’t help but swipe up to see what’s next.
Well, BET has done a little digging and chosen its inaugural list of TikTok influencers who are breaking boundaries and shifting the culture in the right direction for a collaboration called “Project NanoMicro.”
These up-and-coming content creators from the inaugural Class of 2023 will create rich and innovative content as the year progresses. They will help us appreciate our differences and celebrate our similarities.
Here’s a look at the 12 TikTok influencers you should click, like, share and follow.
Antonio Davis (@morebetter1212)
Antonio is versatile with skills that include drawing, editing, and filming music videos or making music; he knows how to put on a show. He is also guaranteed to put a smile on your face with videos where he jokes about the earth being flat and raps about gas prices being too high.
The New York native says he hopes this collaboration will open doors into entertainment and to grow on and off the screen. Some topics he looks forward to focusing on include Black love, sports, tv/movies, and astrology. "Expect me to have you glued to TikTok," he says.
Zaynna (@itszaybaybay)
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Zaynna is known for her fashion dupes and she also recreates trending styles. For this collaboration, you can expect tons of fun content as you watch her change into different outfits. She also wants to step out of the box and motivate young people and, at some point, interview other creatives.
Whether it's recreating the Grinch for the holidays or having fun with cosplay, Zaynna is one to serve the looks and bring the laughs. "My biggest thrill is when people tell me that my videos make them happy," she says. She also admits that she was a professional dancer before entering the TikTok scene and uses the skills she learned from dancing to plan her videos.
Terrell Wade (@thewadeempire)
Calling himself "your favorite disgruntled employee" Terrell knows how to bring the laughs, and says his goal for the partnership is to create content that is as relatable as possible with a hint of humor. "I want to showcase and make fun of some of the similar thoughts and experiences we've all had in the workplace," he says.
As the fed-up, overworked employee, the Lansing, Michigan native puts a smile on our faces with his take on work shenanigans, like his reaction to the end of a stressful shift. By making fun of himself in the workplace, he shows viewers that no matter what they are going through, there is always humor to be found.
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Alex Hill (@justaddhotsauce )
This California-based cooking instructor enjoys showing off new techniques and recipes to her followers. She plans on presenting even more recipes during The BET collaboration and hopes to learn more about the TikTok space.
What makes Alex so captivating is her versatility. You can find her whipping up afternoon treats like vanilla oat matcha, crab and shrimp rolls, and Moroccan lamb shanks. As a cook of African-American and Puerto Rican descent, Alex says she likes to showcase both of her cultures.
Keira White (@keirashleyhair)
This D.C. hair care entrepreneur is all about motivating her followers. Keira plans to post more beauty, wellness, and inspiring content for this collaboration. And as a person who used to get consumed and overwhelmed by social media, she has learned to create boundaries and have a healthier relationship with it.
Whether from her style hack videos or hair care videos, Keira creates content that resonates with her followers as she encourages them never to give up on themselves.
T'ka "Toyomi" Martin-Hines (@teektoyomi)
T'ka's energy and relatability on TikTok are unmatched, and this year, she will produce content that celebrates key artists and honors them while they are still with us. You can also catch this Atlanta native capturing trending content highlighting the contemporary definition of "adulting." T'ka's content also features her showing off her dance moves, cute moments with her son, and humor as she showcases some of life's stressful moments.
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Courtnee Futch (@courtneefutch)
As a chef and trained mixologist, Courtnee will share her go-to cocktail pairings for her favorite BET shows related to friendships and relationships. She looks forward to introducing more folks to the world of craft cocktails through thoughtful perspectives on romance, friendships, and self-love.
Before the pandemic, this NYC foodie used to paint Black women in varying shades of blue. When she isn't posting cocktail recipes on TikTok, she hosts a podcast called With Love & Butter and writes cocktail-focused cookbooks.
BuzyBaker (@BuzyBaker)
This LA creative is a pro when it comes to funny TikTok videos. BuzyBaker plans to do an interview series for this collab where followers can get a behind-the-scenes moment with various artists. He hopes the partnership with BET brings more growth to his career and opens up opportunities. In addition to his humor, BuzyBaker loves trying out new restaurants.
Dorian Gayle (@doriangayle)
As a comedian and popular TikToker, Dorian knows how to leave viewers wanting more. For the collaboration, the Florida native plans to discuss new musicians and actors with new movies on the rise. He will incorporate how these entertainers impact the culture and highlight the social media influencers who transitioned into television stardom.
Dorian, is known for his comedic timing, videos from his standup shows, impersonations of musicians, and interviews and projects he's done over the years, like the Chris Rock impersonation for Mrs. Pat right before the BET Awards.
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Natasha B (@chefnatashabee)
Natasha says food is essential to Black culture, and her TikTok page highlights that fact. For this collaboration, the Maryland chef wants to show how much food brings us together and how we are more alike than we think. She will include dishes related to family, recreating dishes from some of our favorite icons, and creative meals for couples.
If you asked Natasha what her unique talent is aside from cooking, she'd say singing since she loves doing so while throwing together a meal. Her mouth-watering videos include her most romantic brunch meals, comfort food she cooks for her family, and meals she cooks as a form of therapy for her.
Austin Hall (@austinhallcomedy )
Austin knows how to keep the laughs coming. For this collaboration, the L.A. based comic would like to cover topics such as getting relationship closure on Valentine's Day, Anita Baker's birthday, and why we have to bring back BET "After Dark."
Austin is one-of-a-kind standup, giving life advice to his followers. When asked if he has a special talent, he says, "I'm also really good at making things make sense if you want to call that a special talent."
Dorothy Milone (@dorothymilone)
Dorothy Milone is an up-and-coming R&B girl group aiming to motivate and give positive vibes. For the collaboration, they plan to create uplifting and motivating content for #SlaySunday, including affirmations, funny skits, and showcasing their vocals. The DC duo also hopes this partnership will encourage young girls to pursue their dreams.
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