Snubbed and Streaming: Why Time’s ‘Most Influential’ List Left Black Creators Behind

Don’t let the Kai Cenat cover fool you—Black creators are still being overlooked.

Time Magazine recently released their list of the 100 Most Influential People Online, and while the list had a glossy finish and some familiar names, it also had some major gaps. The kind of gaps you can’t ignore.

July 14th. Written by Ryan Packer |Editor in Chief for PlannMagazine

Where’s Druski?

Let’s start here: Druski was literally at the NBA All-Star Game alongside Kai Cenat, but somehow didn’t make the cut. He’s one of the most recognizable comedic personalities online today, with a cultural reach that’s hard to match. But apparently, that wasn’t enough to land him a spot.

Christie with the Billion-Like Flex

Christie has over 16 million followers on TikTok and more than a billion likes. Read that again. A billion. The type of engagement most creators dream about. Yet, somehow, her name is missing from the list—despite her proven influence across multiple platforms.

Jules Lebron: The Trend Starter

Jules Lebron helped spark a global trend less than a year ago. That alone should’ve put him on the radar, but once again, a creator of color with real cultural impact got left behind.

The Ones Who Did Make It Deserve Better Placement

Now let’s talk about the few Black creators who did make it—because even they weren’t treated with the weight they deserve.

Wisdom Kaye

Wisdom K was placed in the same “leader” category as a creator most people have never even seen before.Wisdom’s influence is undeniable—he was at the Met Gala, for crying out loud. And not just as a guest—he was a moment. People were mad he didn’t return this year. That’s impact.

Keith Lee

Keith Lee’s culinary reviews have shifted entire restaurant economies. But the fact that he’s being paired in the same category as creators with far less cultural pull feels like a disservice to the work and authenticity he brings.

Support Can’t Be Performative

If you care about creativity, culture, and content that actually shapes the internet—not just reflects it—support Black creatives.

Follow them. Subscribe to their Substacks. Repost their work. Because while others get celebrated for “potential,” Black creators are out here delivering results—and still being overlooked.

This isn’t just about a list. It’s about recognizing the real architects of internet culture. And Time missed the mark.