When it comes to TikTok, one thing is crystal clear: Generation Z has firmly taken the reins. As the platform continues to soar in popularity, the youngest generation in the digital age, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is shaping the app’s content and driving its viral trends. Whether it’s viral dance moves, hilarious skits, or heartwarming moments, Gen Z has made TikTok their own playground.
Unlike platforms like X and Instagram, where Millennials dominate, TikTok has become a space where Gen Z excels. While Millennials thrive on X with personal branding and global influence, and are also dominating Instagram, TikTok’s fast-paced, short-form videos are the perfect fit for Gen Z’s creativity and quick consumption habits. This generational difference in platform dynamics showcases how each generation has found its own niche in the social media landscape.
Of the top 10 most-followed TikTok accounts, a significant 70% of the creators belong to Generation Z. These young content creators have mastered the art of using short-form video content to capture attention and build massive followings. But what makes TikTok so appealing to this generation? And how are the content creators shaping the platform? Let’s break it down from a generational perspective and explore which creators belong to which generation and the type of content they’re producing.
Generational Breakdown of the Top 10 Most-Followed Accounts on TikTok:
- Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012): 7 accounts
- Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996): 2 accounts
- Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980): 1 account
- Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964): 0 accounts – Looks like TikTok hasn’t quite caught the attention of the Baby Boomers just yet! Guess they’re still figuring out how to send a text.
With these stats, it’s clear that Generation Z dominates the platform, but Millennials and even a member of Generation X have still found their place among the most-followed accounts. Let’s take a closer look at the creators who are making waves on TikTok, starting with the Gen Z leaders.
1. Khaby Lame: The King of Simplicity (Gen Z)
Born in 2000, Khaby Lame is the epitome of Gen Z’s humor, with over 162 million followers. His no-nonsense reaction videos have made him an internet sensation, simplifying absurdly complicated life hacks with just a gesture and a look of exasperation. His minimalist approach has made him a global icon, with his content consistently striking a chord with viewers who value authenticity and simplicity.
Khaby’s most-watched video showcases his signature style: simplifying the overly complex task of opening a banana by demonstrating the simple way of peeling it from the bottom. This video perfectly captures why his straightforward, humorous take on everyday tasks has earned him millions of fans.
2. Charli D’Amelio: The Dance Queen (Gen Z)
Charli D’Amelio, born in 2004, is arguably the most famous Gen Z TikTok personality. With 157 million followers, she became a star after posting viral dance videos, particularly to trending songs. Her content is fun, energetic, and always in sync with the latest trends. Charli exemplifies Gen Z’s penchant for fast-paced, highly engaging content that often incorporates viral challenges and collaborative trends. Her success highlights the rise of internet fame and the potential for a single viral moment to transform a young creator into a mainstream influencer.
3. MrBeast: The Gen Z Entrepreneur (Gen Z)
Born in 1998, MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) is a standout Gen Z creator who has mastered the TikTok game, amassing 115 million followers with his elaborate challenges, philanthropy, and creative video stunts. His content is centered around generosity, as he often gives away massive amounts of money to participants or random strangers. MrBeast’s TikTok is an extension of his larger YouTube success, where his content is designed to entertain, surprise, and give back. His entrepreneurial mindset and attention to viral content make him one of the most influential creators on the platform.
4. Bella Poarch: The Lip Sync Legend (Gen Z)
Bella Poarch, born in 1997, quickly became a TikTok sensation after her lip-sync videos, particularly her iconic video to the song “Sophie Aspin Send,” garnered millions of views. With over 94 million followers, Bella’s account focuses on fun, catchy, and often humorous content, including lip syncs, challenges, and personal moments. Bella represents Gen Z’s love for creative self-expression through viral music and short, impactful videos that often go beyond mere entertainment to create cultural moments.
5. Addison Rae: The Gen Z Star with Hollywood Dreams (Gen Z)
Addison Rae, born in 2000, has over 88 million followers on TikTok and is a true Gen Z influencer. Initially famous for her dance moves and lip-sync videos, Addison has branched out into acting and music. She embodies Gen Z’s tendency to leverage social media success into other career opportunities, particularly in the entertainment industry. Her content is diverse, featuring lifestyle vlogs, dance videos, and collaborations with other influencers, showcasing her ability to evolve with the trends while staying true to her roots.
6. Kimberly Loaiza: The Rising Star (Gen Z)
Born in 1997, Kimberly Loaiza has become one of TikTok’s biggest stars, with 83 million followers. Known for her beauty and lifestyle content, it’s her ability to share relatable family moments, fashion tips, and trends that has really connected with her audience. Although she’s officially part of Gen Z, Kimberly is close in age to Millennials, which gives her a unique ability to appeal to both generations. She effortlessly blends her personal life with her brand, offering followers a sense of being part of her world. Whether it’s a casual outfit or a peek into her everyday life, her content resonates with fans across the age spectrum, making her one of the most engaging influencers on the platform.
7. Zach King: The Master of Illusion (Millennial)
Born in 1990, Zach King is the first Millennial to make an appearance on the list, and he’s certainly made his mark with his mind-bending “magic vines” and visual illusions. With 82 million followers, Zach has turned short-form video content into an art form, showcasing jaw-dropping tricks that leave viewers amazed. His videos demonstrate the creative potential of TikTok, where visual effects and innovation come together to captivate audiences. Zach’s success is a prime example of how Millennials have mastered the art of blending technology and storytelling, using the platform to craft visually compelling narratives that continue to spark wonder and creativity.
8. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: The Gen X Entertainer (Gen X)
Dwayne Johnson, born in 1972, represents a rare but important presence from Generation X on TikTok, with 77 million followers. The Rock has used TikTok to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life, promote his projects, and connect with his massive fan base. His content is a blend of fitness motivation, personal anecdotes, and brand promotion. While he is older than most of the top influencers, his ability to adapt to TikTok’s fast-paced environment demonstrates that even Gen X can thrive on the platform.
9. Dominik Lipa: The Gen Z Creator with a Diverse Fanbase (Gen Z)
Dominik Lipa, born in 2001, represents the new wave of Gen Z influencers. With over 77 million followers, his content spans various genres, from dancing and lip-syncing to more intimate vlogs. Dominik’s ability to evolve and create relatable content that resonates with his primarily young audience shows how TikTok is being used by Gen Z to share their lives in a creative and impactful way.
10. CZN Burak: The Chef Who Captivates the World (Millennial)
CZN Burak, born in 1996, is a Turkish chef who has gained a huge following on TikTok, amassing 75 million followers. His content features cooking tutorials with a signature twist—he engages his audience with his infectious personality, often smiling directly at the camera while preparing dishes. CZN Burak represents the Millennial generation’s flair for creativity and social media branding, using TikTok to promote his culinary skills and entertain a global audience.
As Gen Z continues to dominate TikTok, one question remains: Will the next generation, Generation Alpha (Gen A), take over the platform, or will they shift their attention to something new? With Gen A growing up in a world even more saturated with technology and new platforms, it will be interesting to see if they reinvent how we engage with social media or perhaps dominate a completely new platform we haven’t yet imagined. Only time will tell!