Rolling Stone recently unveiled its highly anticipated list of the "Top 25 Most Influential Social Media Influencers and Creators of 2025," spotlighting a diverse array of content creators shaping the digital landscape.
From streamers and podcasters to TikTok megastars and OnlyFans models, the list aims to capture those who are not just amassing followers but pushing cultural conversations forward. However, as with any ranking, the list has ignited debates, with none more vocal than YouTube titan MrBeast, whose reaction to his No. 7 placement has set social media ablaze.
Rolling Stone’s Methodology: A Blend of Data and Editorial Judgment
Rolling Stone’s selection process emphasizes creators who were “born from the internet” rather than traditional celebrities who transitioned to social media.
The magazine collaborated with a software and analytics company to evaluate metrics like follower count, engagement rate, and audience growth over the past year.
These numbers were then weighed alongside Rolling Stone’s “editorial judgment” to rank creators who are “shaping the culture of 2025.” The result is a list that celebrates a mix of established names and rising stars, but it’s this subjective editorial lens that has sparked skepticism.
At the top of the list is Darren Watkins Jr., better known as iShowSpeed, a 20-year-old Ohioan lauded for his high-energy worldwide streaming tours. With 135 million followers across platforms, Speed’s boisterous personality and ability to draw massive crowds — both online and offline — earned him the No. 1 spot.
Rolling Stone highlights his record-breaking 1 million concurrent YouTube livestream viewers during a 2024 tour in Indonesia, underscoring his global influence. O
ther notable names include children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel (No. 10), podcaster Alex Cooper (No. 5), and comedian Druski, reflecting the diversity of genres represented.
MrBeast’s Reaction: A Social Media Firestorm
Perhaps the most surprising moment came from MrBeast, the YouTube juggernaut with over 300 million subscribers, who landed at No. 7. Known for his larger-than-life giveaways and philanthropy-driven content, MrBeast took to social media to express his bemusement, questioning what he did to “piss off” Rolling Stone.
His tongue-in-cheek post specifically called out the fact that creators with significantly fewer followers — some with as little as 1 million — ranked above him. The sentiment resonated with fans, who flooded social media with support, arguing that MrBeast’s unparalleled reach and impact on the creator economy make him a shoo-in for the top spot.
MrBeast’s reaction highlights a broader tension: the gap between measurable influence (followers, views, revenue) and Rolling Stone’s more subjective definition of cultural impact.
With his massive subscriber base and headline-grabbing stunts — like funding clean water initiatives or recreating *Squid Game* — MrBeast’s influence is undeniable. Yet, Rolling Stone’s emphasis on creators who “push conversations forward” seems to prioritize those with niche, socially conscious, or boundary-pushing content over sheer scale.
The List: Hits and Misses
The inclusion of creators like Ms. Rachel, who gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic with her *Songs for Littles* YouTube series, reflects Rolling Stone’s focus on authenticity and mission-driven content. Her advocacy for children in conflict zones like Gaza and Sudan earned her praise for living “in the same reality as her audience.” Similarly, creators like Kay Poyer (No. 25), a lifestyle influencer with 1.1 million followers, made the list for her candid takes on issues like trans rights and community service, despite a smaller audience compared to giants like MrBeast.
However, the list’s eclectic mix has raised eyebrows. For instance, OnlyFans star Camilla Araujo (No. 15) is celebrated for her strategic, data-driven approach to virality, while Dave Portnoy (No. 23), a media mogul, feels like an outlier given his established presence predates the internet era. Critics on social media have questioned whether the list leans too heavily on editorial bias, with some arguing it overlooks creators who dominate in raw metrics or mainstream appeal.
The Bigger Picture: What Is Influence in 2025?
Rolling Stone’s list underscores a shifting definition of influence. It’s no longer just about follower counts or sponsorships — it’s about cultural resonance, authenticity, and the ability to spark meaningful dialogue. This perspective aligns with broader trends in the creator economy, where niche creators and micro-influencers are gaining traction for their relatability and targeted impact. A report noted that younger audiences increasingly turn to influencers for news and cultural commentary, particularly on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, highlighting their growing role as tastemakers.
Yet, the subjective nature of “cultural influence” invites scrutiny. Fans on social media have pointed out inconsistencies, with some questioning why established names like Kanye West or Pharrell Williams were ranked lower or excluded entirely from similar lists in the past. Others argue that Rolling Stone’s editorial lens may favor creators who align with specific cultural or political narratives, potentially sidelining those whose influence is more entertainment-driven, like MrBeast.
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Conclusion: A Snapshot of a Fractured Digital Landscape
Rolling Stone’s Top 25 list is a fascinating, if imperfect, snapshot of the creator economy in 2025. It celebrates a diverse range of voices, from iShowSpeed’s global streaming spectacles to Ms. Rachel’s heartfelt advocacy. But it also reveals the challenges of quantifying influence in an era where social media is fragmented across platforms, genres, and ideologies. MrBeast’s playful jab at his ranking reflects a broader truth: no list can fully capture the complexity of influence in the digital age.
As the creator economy continues to evolve — projected to reach $480 billion by 2027—lists like these will remain lightning rods for debate. Whether you agree with Rolling Stone’s picks or side with MrBeast’s bemused critique, one thing is clear: the conversation around influence is as dynamic as the creators themselves.
