Rising Stars : Indian Influencers Who Dominated 2024’s Digital Space

We're all hooked on those reels that make us laugh, think, and even try out a few ourselves-all thanks to the ever-popular social media influencers. These creators go above and beyond to keep their fans entertained, boosting their following in the process.

Forbes had revealed its list of top 100 digital stars who've made an impact both on social media and in our minds in 2024. This was the second edition of the Forbes India-Goat study, which is based on criteria such as Initial Identification, Goat Score, Goat Genuity Score, and Goat Score versus Reach/Followers. Let's take a look at who made it to the top 10!

Nancy Tyagi

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/nancytyagi

Category - Fashion & Lifestyle

Earning the top spot at the Forbes list is Nancy Tyagi, a Delhi-based fashion influencer and designer with nearly 3 million Instagram followers, who rose to fame from humble beginnings in Uttar Pradesh. Initially she moved to Delhi to prepare for UPSC exams, but discovered her passion for fashion and never looked back. Her breakthrough moment came at Cannes, where her self-designed red-carpet gown earned global attention. From winning accolades like 'Disruptor of the Year' to inspiring women from smaller towns with her relatable journey, Nancy blends her modest upbringing with a flair for high fashion, creating content that resonates with millions.

Sakshi Keswani

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/_beingsuku

Category - Comedy

2nd place goes to Sakshi Keswani, famously known as 'Being Suku,' who skyrocketed to fame with her hilarious takes on everyday life and rom-com reels that feel like a mirror to reality. From her humble roots in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to becoming a digital star with over 3 million YouTube subscribers and over 1 million Instagram followers, she's made Mumbai her creative playground. Starting out during the pandemic, Sakshi's knack for comedy, vlogging, and art has made her a fan favourite. This year, she bagged a nomination for the 'Disruptor of the Year' at the National Creators Award, cementing her place as a powerhouse of talent.

Danny Pandit

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/dannyypandit

Category - Comedy

With more than 1 million followers, Danny Pandit grabs the 3rd spot. He has carved a niche in the comedy scene with his witty takes on everyday moments. Since 2016, his Hindi and Marathi videos have become a hit, often focusing on trending topics and relatable situations, particularly through the 'Normal Day with' format. Apart from his viral videos, he also made waves with a live comedy show in Mumbai and released his Marathi rap song 'Baadhsha Boy,' written and performed by him, adding a new dimension to his creative repertoire.

Dharna Durga

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/dharnaaaaa

Category - Comedy

Durga's rise to fame is nothing short of impressive, landing her at the 4th spot thanks to her relatable yet quirky content. The 23-year-old comedian made a mark during the Covid-19 pandemic with videos that capture the humour in everyday Indian household situations. Her unique blend of personal stories and charm quickly turned her into an online comedy sensation. Now, with a massive following, Durga collaborates with top brands like Amazon, Google, Veet, and The Face Shop, proving that her content resonates with both fans and big brands alike.

Mahesh Keshwala

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/maheshkeshwala

Category - Comedy

Mahesh Keshwala takes the 5th spot. Better known as Thugesh, he is a 28-year-old actor, producer, and comedian renowned for his skits and parodies on Bollywood, Indian media, and social media personalities. He has starred in shows like Lafda Central and The Thugesh Show. Thugesh also appeared in the music video Mukammal in 2021 by Yasser Desai. Alongside his comedic content, he has a vlogging channel called Thugesh Live, where he shares travel vlogs and personal experiences. His past modelling experience also adds an extra flair to his multi-talented persona.

The other top five digital star influencers are the following. Harshita Gupta in the comedy category. She is on the 6th spot, as her sharp wit and comedic timing keep her fans entertained with stand-up and social media sketches and are especially loved by younger audiences.

Under the category of comedy once again Rajvardhan Grover has the 7th spot. His mix of satire and relatable humour hits home for fans, as he cleverly touches on current trends and societal issues. Comedy dominates over all the categories as Apoorva Mukhija gets the 8th spot.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/the.rebel.kid

Known as the Rebel Kid, this 23-year-old rose to fame with mini vlogs, rants, and skits, collaborating with 150+ top brands like Nike and Maybelline. 9th spot is taken over by Tarini Peshawaria, the beauty guru who's got everyone's skincare routine sorted with her expert tutorials and product reviews. Kiran Dutta wraps up the top 10 list by taking the 10th position. His light-hearted comedic take on modern-day issues makes him a go-to for fun, relatable content.

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