Most Influential Creators of 2026

Rolling Stone’s 2026 list spotlights the 25 most influential creators, emphasizing leaders who still actively shape platforms where they became stars. The magazine notes it omitted several top figures from earlier editions because their media empires—like a $100 million Amazon series or a $500 million company—have left content as a secondary priority. The outlet says its ranking process weighed follower counts, growth, engagement rates, and editorial judgment after gathering submissions from staff, contributors, and industry experts. The article profiles creators including Chan and Jamal (8 million followers), who discuss a viral “hoodie video” and a new mockumentary venture, and Leigh Soriano (@oldfashionedhussle), a New Jersey bartender whose Instagram following surged in the past six months.