By Ania Bolden and Amiah Richards Published March 2, 2025
Caption: As social media use among teens grows, so is the influence of content creators on these apps.
Photo Credit: Freepik
Many teenagers today spend a significant amount of time on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, watching their favorite creators. These influencers have become powerful figures, shaping trends, opinions, and even the way young people see themselves. Among these creators, some focus on dance and entertainment, while others specialize in fashion, beauty, food, or humor. Their content influences what teens watch, buy, and aspire to be.
One popular influencer is Charli D'Amelio, who gained fame in 2020 through her TikTok dance videos. Unlike many other creators who post a variety of content, such as pranks or funny skits, D’Amelio mainly shares dance routines. Her focus on dancing sets her apart and makes her unique. Annabelle Frederick, a teenage girl, is a big fan of D’Amelio. She admires her because she loves dancing and appreciates that D’Amelio is a professional dancer. Frederick mentions that she has learned several TikTok dances just by watching D’Amelio’s videos. “I think D’Amelio is an easier person to learn dances from since she is a professional,” she says, often rewinding the videos to perfect her moves. Dancing is a source of happiness for Frederick, and seeing someone like D’Amelio who shares her passion motivates her to improve her skills. She also relates to D’Amelio because they both enjoy sharing dance videos online. Despite her popularity declining somewhat, Frederick continues to watch D’Amelio because she finds her content inspiring and fun. For Frederick, following D’Amelio isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about learning, growing as a dancer, and feeling connected to someone who shares her interests.
Photo Credit: Youtube
Caption: Charli D'Amelio is a popular American dancer and social media star.
Photo Credit: Ania Bolden
Caption: Ryder Easley is praised as a cool and confident fan.
Joe Bartolozzi is an example of a different kind of influencer; he’s comedic, energetic, and loud. Ryder Easley, a fan at South Career & Technical Academy, watches Bartolozzi because he finds him very funny and different from other creators. Easley stated in the interview, “He is very funny”, and believes many girls would also find Bartolozzi cool and entertaining. Although Easley hasn’t learned anything serious from Bartolozzi, he relates to him because they both share a good sense of humor and occasionally get angered easily. Since rising to fame around 2025, Bartolozzi has become popular among young audiences for his comedic videos that make people laugh and feel connected.
In the broader world of social media, influencers influence everything from fashion to food. Many create videos showcasing clothing try-ons, giving followers ideas for new outfits. Makeup tutorials and product reviews are also incredibly popular, helping viewers learn how to use beauty products and stay trendy. Food videos are another favorite, where influencers taste-test snacks or fast food, often sparking viewers’ curiosity and cravings. Additionally, some showcase accessories like jewelry or tech gadgets, appealing to those eager to update their style.
Overall, influencers who focus on fashion, beauty, food, and humor continue to shape the preferences and behaviors of teenagers. Their ability to entertain and influence what young people buy, wear, and try makes them some of the most powerful figures in today’s digital landscape. Whether it’s Charli D’Amelio inspiring teens to dance or Joe Bartolozzi making them laugh, these creators play a significant role in shaping youth culture in the online world.