RANKED: 40 rising SEQ influencers eclipsing social media
Here we reveal 40 of southeast Queensland’s social media stars on the rise, showing off the delicious, the trendy, the funny and the beautiful side of the state’s southeast.
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Social media influencers are the television and movie stars of the younger generation and as people move away from traditional forms of media, their online audience only continues to grow.
Whether through TikTok pranks in a shopping centre, Instagram photo shoots at Surfers Paradise or hip-hop dances on YouTube, southeast Queensland’s influencers are not just entertaining, they are making a serious income.
Food blogger Lara De Bruyne started her influencer journey in 2018 by taking photos of her food out of sheer boredom and planned to delete the page after a month.
The 20-year-old photographer now boasts more than 50,000 followers and said a career of influencing had its pros and cons.
“I have been inspired by social media in many ways but some people treat you differently just because you have followers and you can get taken advantage of,” she said.
“It’s easy to get lost and be less authentic to yourselves just because you get offered to do something.”
De Bruyne said aspiring social media stars should just start straight away and not worry about being perfect.
“You’ll most likely look back at how you started and laugh, it’s all a part of the journey.
“Don’t start for the money, start for something you are actually interested and passionate about. It’s easy to do things because they are trendy but find your point of difference and create something that you personally like.”
Read the full list of the 40 most promising up-and-coming social media influencing stars of southeast Queensland.
40. ashtogold
Instagram reach: 15.3k followers
A mum, model, and content creator, Samantha Asha burst into the Brisbane social media influencing scene armed with thoughtful captions and aesthetic pictures which portray an aspirational life.
She has worked with a number of well-known brands, including — currently — Biologi Serum, Before Anyone Else, Imbibe Living, and Wondersmile.
Her fee to “create content with (a brand’s) product and share to my feed” is priced at $100, and she does “shoutouts”, “gives feedback”, and “answers questions” for $15.
39. tyson_deen
Instagram reach: 15.3k followers
Instagram influencer Tyson Deen is popular for his workout videos and lengthy captions containing advice about how people can get the most out of their gym sessions.
A coach himself, Mr Deen understands the struggles people might face in their fitness journeys and offers advice to help overcome them.
The online star has recently created TikTok and YouTube accounts, and has teased a podcast, so he can expand his reach.
38. wolfofbrisbane
TikTok reach: 16.8k followers
The self-proclaimed “king of Brissy” Alastair Candlin is a comedic influencer with a following that grows each and every day.
His TikTok videos range in content, from poking fun at elements of his life as an Aussie trade apprentice to clips of the ‘best nightclub’ in Brisbane, with some promoting brands such as The Oodie and SafeStyle Eyewear.
37. mikeyynolikey
TikTok reach: 19.8k followers
Michael Hermon, 26, uses his social media platforms to promote his music and “real talk”.
One of his most popular videos has been viewed more than 835,000 times, and liked by more than 127,000 people, and focuses on mental health and exhaustion.
Thousands of people left comments on the video thanking Mr Hermon for his honesty and telling him they resonated with his perception of the world.
36. themagicalozfamily
Instagram reach: 21.9k followers
The Magical Oz Family Instagram is operated by Brisbane mum Jo Christiaans and focuses on content relating to parenting and “mum-ing”.
Many of her posts feature her son Beau and promote businesses such as Freedom Cars, Code Camp, Footprints of Kindness, and Be Fit Food Australia.
According to theright.fit, Ms Christiaans charges brands $250 per social media post and $1000 per image.
35. yardleyyyyyyy
TikTok reach: 26.7k followers
Instagram reach: 9400 followers
Up-and-coming TikTok star Yardley has recently found immense success online with one of her videos being viewed more than 1.7 million times.
The young influencer posts video snippets of her day-to-life as well as comedic videos, which have altogether earned her more than 907,000 likes.
Her Instagram is also growing in popularity and features her dressed in brands such as Princess Polly Boutique.
34. taylahrobertson
Instagram reach: 26.8k followers
TikTok reach: 4690 followers
Professional boxer and Commonwealth Games medallist Taylah Robertson is not only thriving as an athlete, but also as an influencer.
Ms Robertson is active on social media, sharing photos and videos of her training, competing, and general happy snaps.
She is supported in her training by brand Everlast Australia, also promoting businesses such as Air Locker in Newstead.
33. traviswtelfer
Instagram reach: 30.1k followers
A businessman through and through, Travis Telfer uses his social media account to help him in his mission to “teach everything I know from growing startups to million-dollar internationally-known companies”.
He largely shares photos related to his travels, his business, and his family to his more than 30,000 followers.
32. trinitynquyen
TikTok reach: 30.1k followers
Young social media star Trinity Nguyen is certainly one to watch in the local influencing scene, with one of her most recent TikTok videos viewed more than 1.2 million times.
She makes content that others can relate to about dating, friendship, and other topics as a person who, in her words, suffers “middle child syndrome”.
31. elishafiorentino
TikTok reach: 31.5k followers
Instagram reach: 22.9k followers
Founder of app Social Mama, which helps connect mums via local and virtual meet-ups, Elisha Fiorentino is also a content creator with more than 31,000 followers on TikTok and 22,000 followers on Instagram.
The business owner and boy mum shares snippets of her life to her social media platforms, also promoting children’s fashion, women’s fashion, and lifestyle items from brands such as Little Ares Shop, Bambini Fashion, and Aimn Oceania.
Ms Fiorentino’s realistic portrayal of her life resonates with a large audience, so it is no surprise the size of her following base is on the up.
30. k_bloves
Instagram reach: 38.7k followers
A different kind of influencer to the type most are used to seeing on their Instagram feeds, stylist Kirra Bell purely shares photos of the products she is promoting — but does so in a way that is sophisticated and her audience loves.
Ms Bell has collaborated with a range of massive brands such as Target Australia, Sleeping Giant Australia, and Pullen and Co Homewares.
29. lys.richardson
TikTok reach: 44.6k followers
Instagram reach: 1352 followers
While TikTok videos shared by makeup extraordinaire Lyssa Richardson, 21, have consistently garnered views, a recent clip of hers — which was viewed more than two million times — truly affirmed she has the potential to become a top social media star if she so wishes.
Ms Richardson has used her social media platforms to promote brands including The Oodie, but her most popular videos are those of her makeup transformations.
28. jaydenhawkss
TikTok reach: 45k followers
Instagram reach: 4696 followers
Prankster Jayden Hawks’ sense of humour is beginning to earn him a name in the southeast Queensland influencing space, with one of his recent videos — filmed at the University of Queensland — viewed 38.5 million times.
The rising star has recently started interviewing local university students, filming and posting the interactions to his TikTok feed.
Mr Hawks does not yet seem fazed about promoting brands but is focused instead on making people laugh.
27. caitlinaarmstrong
Instagram reach: 54.1k followers
‘Lifestyle and motivation’ influencer Caitlin Armstrong is growing in popularity each and every day with her neatly curated, monochromatic Instagram feed.
Her posts include reminders for people to balance work and play where they can, tips to form and maintain healthy morning routine habits, snapshots of her daily life.
The young social media star has collaborated with a number of popular brands, mostly related to health and wellness, including Tropeaka.
26. codiezofia
TikTok reach: 56.2k followers
Instagram reach: 25.7k followers
Codie Zofia is a successful product photographer who is also making a name for herself in the Brisbane social media influencing space.
The rising star works with brands such as Bangn Body and offers coaching sessions to people who are looking to expand their businesses.
Ms Zofia’s Instagram posts are lifestyle-based and depict her in tropical locations sporting swimwear or activewear or promoting products.
25. lalasplate
Instagram: 57.1k followers
TikTok reach: 8208 followers
Brisbane-based food blogger Lara De Bruyne is showing tens of thousands of people how they can lead a more balanced life by introducing them to healthy and easy recipes.
At just 20 years old, the young social media star has collaborated with several reputable brands including Active Collagen, has her own website, and has before hosted a 28-day wellness and Instagram challenge for her followers to take part in.
“I’m all about nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods, while still enjoying a balanced lifestyle,” she wrote on her website.
“I’m here to support you on your health and fitness journey, by sharing my delicious recipes and hopefully inspire you to make your plate more wholesome and nutritious!”
24. rosiejanefitness
Instagram reach: 59.5k followers
TikTok reach: 23.8k followers
An online coach and fitness inspiration, Rosie Jane has amassed an impressive following on both Instagram and TikTok for her gym-related content which emphasises ‘never giving up’ and ‘going hard or going home’.
The influencer has recently documented her journey to competing in her first-ever bodybuilding show, her dedication and progress praised by her thousands of fans.
As well as sharing fitness tips, Ms Jane is currently using her social media platforms to promote a popular gym clothing brand called Ryderwear.
23. georgiaarichardss
Instagram reach: 61k followers
TikTok reach: 24.1k followers
Up-and-coming social media star George Richards is adored online for her vulnerability, her aesthetic feed of Instagram photos, her relatability, and her humour.
Ms Richards is currently working with brands including Gymshark, Naked Harvest, White Fox Boutique, and Elite Supps, often offering her followers discount codes on clothes and health products.
The young influencer is currently exploring Europe, with her recent posts and captions about self love being received particularly well.
22. vanessahaldane
TikTok reach: 69.7k followers
Instagram reach: 24.8k followers
Vanessa Haldane is a force to be reckoned with who started a powerful movement that is helping countless women explore and understand their worth.
Through her podcasts So Unladylike and Journey to Worthy and her Instagram and TikTok accounts, Ms Haldane seeks to help women realise “their worth is not wrapped up in being in a relationship or bearing children”.
The influencer makes money through many channels, including through the sale of tickets to her ‘worthiness tour’ at the Gold Coast and ‘worthy tee’ merchandise.
21. ella.van.seters
Instagram reach: 70.8k followers
TikTok reach: 2108 followers
Ella van Seters, 22, is a Brisbane-based model who preaches self love and body positivity.
The young influencer shares behind-the-scenes snaps of her work, her gym routine, her eats, and her social life — all the while promoting her motto: “say ‘yes’ to life”.
Many of her Instagram photos depict her modelling work and daily life, or promote businesses including Hey Chica and Rokstar Salonz, while her TikTok videos are largely comedic.
20. jakeellis86
Instagram reach: 73.1k followers
After featuring on hit reality TV shows The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, Jake Ellis now works as a content creator.
He has recently worked with businesses including hotel The Langham, whisky brand Canadian Club, and horse racing event Seppelt Wines All-Star Mile, using his platforms for promotion but also to share happy snaps of travel and with friends and family.
19. jon.wyeth
TikTok reach: 81.3k followers
Instagram reach: 3718 followers
Young TikTok star Jon Wyeth is making a name for himself online for his humorous and relatable video content, as well as helpful guides for locals and visitors interested in exploring Brisbane.
The brands he has worked with across his platforms to date are varied, ranging from budgeting app We Money to meal kit provider EveryPlate.
18. two.brisbane.mamas
TikTok reach: 90.7k followers
Instagram reach: 82.6k followers
By sharing snaps and video snippets of their lives online, Brisbane mums Kat and Kirsten are providing insight into important and often undiscussed experiences such as pregnancy, post-partum, and IVF treatment.
The pair has a daughter named Gigi and is expecting to welcome a baby boy to their family in March next year.
Photos on the mums’ Instagram account feature collaborations with brands such as Junior Co. Personalised Gifts and Fox and Fallow, while videos on their TikTok feature partnerships with the likes of Mco Beauty.
17. jaymonck
TikTok reach: 93k followers
Brisbane TikTok star Jay Monck recently catapulted to success with a video of them singing a song in a stairwell which has now been viewed more than 25 million times.
But the 24-year-old is no stranger to posting musical theatre-type singing videos, with many of their videos receiving tens of thousands of views, likes, and comments, making them one to watch in the local influencing space.
16. yiannk
TikTok reach: 95.1k followers
Instagram reach: 13.6k followers
A model, photographer, and influencer, Yianni Kondilis has had a number of TikTok videos receive significant attention online.
The young star mostly posts videos and photos of himself to his social media platforms, as well as some of his travels.
15. aishaxshah
TikTok reach: 106.2k followers
Instagram reach: 20.2k followers
Influencer Aisha Christa Shah, 23, is popular across several social media platforms — but particularly TikTok, where one of her videos has been viewed more than 937,000 times.
Much of her TikTok content relates to her experience as a young queer woman, while her Instagram content largely features photos of her dressed up for events and sporting brands such as Draco Jewellery.
Her photos are widely shared by brands’ Instagram accounts, such as DC Shoes, jewellery shop Statement Collective, and clothing store Restated Vintage.
14. jamietompkinss
TikTok reach: 121.5k followers
Instagram reach: 2290 followers
Up-and-coming influencer Jamie Tompkins, 22, is making a splash on TikTok with videos of her dancing.
The talented young star posted a video to the platform last week that was viewed 386k times, liked by more than 86,000 people, and received more than 640 comments, in just two days.
She used the video to promote Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sydney dance studio KM Studios as well as high heels brand Vamped, as well as her impressive choreography and dancing skills.
13. millyrosebannister
Instagram reach: 157k followers
TikTok reach: 5620 followers
Entrepreneur, writer, and speaker Milly Bannister has a mission to be her followers’ “digital BFF”, bringing them content they can enjoy and relate to.
She has recently collaborated with brands such as Emma Mattress, Vivaldi Smile Artisans, and GoTo Skincare, promoting their products with creative and well-produced videos.
Not one to shy away from typically taboo topics, Ms Bannister often shares updates with her followers about her mental health on her own social media platform and that of her charity, Allknd, and reminds them they are not alone in — nor should they ever feel ashamed of — their feelings.
12. peachyskaterr
TikTok reach: 162.5k followers
Instagram reach: 106k followers
Though one might expect rollerskating-related content to appeal only to a niche internet market, content creator Demi Jenkins’ posts about her hobby sport have piqued the interest of hundreds of thousands of people across multiple social media platforms.
Based in southeast Queensland, the young influencer is always sporting rollerskates in her TikTok videos and Instagram photos, performing tricks and having fun.
She is currently working with brand Honey Rollerskates to offer her fans discounts on skating products, also promoting clothing brands such as RollerFit.
11. maybemackenzie
TikTok reach: 195.7k followers
Instagram reach: 19.6k followers
Brisbane’s Mackenzie McIntyre is on track to have a long and successful career in content creation if he so wishes, with a number of his TikTok videos attracting views in the millions.
The university graduate is known and loved for his humorous content — including his uber-popular TikTok series on this year’s Splendour in the Grass festival — and recently began sharing photos and videos promoting brands such as Jack and Jones and Levis.
10. rrachelcatherine
YouTube reach: 206k subscribers
Instagram reach: 39k followers
Popular with her YouTube subscribers for her book-focused content, Rachel Catherine is also now making a splash in the world of Instagram.
She has recently collaborated with tanning brand Baddest Bod and clothing brands Princess Polly Boutique and White Fox Boutique.
Her many fans adore her book and clothing hauls and her video blog posts where she catches her followers up on what has been happening in her life since her last check-in with them.
9. emmatheg0at
TikTok reach: 209.7k followers
Queensland influencer Emma Reynolds has seen significant success online for someone only 25 years of age, working with brands including Hello Fresh, Smile Pro Teeth Whitening, and Meshe Hair.
The young star provides honest and unfiltered insight into her life with a sense of humour that appeals to the multitudes and keeps people coming back for more.
8. xantheia.pennisi
TikTok reach: 239.7k followers
Instagram reach: 13.6k followers
With a profession as interesting as cliff diving, it is perhaps no surprise Xantheia Pennisi is as popular online as she is.
TikTok videos of her jumping in scenic places across the world often receive hundreds of thousands of views, likes, and comments — her most successful in recent months now viewed more than 14 million times.
The young athlete works with brands including LSKD and Budgy Smuggler and regularly posts videos and pictures sporting their gymwear to her social media profiles.
7. kerryknighttt
Instagram reach: 250k followers
Some may know Kerry Knight for her appearance on hit reality TV show Married At First Sight — on which she met her now-fiance Johnny Balbuziente — but she presently spends her days working as an occupational therapist and content creator.
The young star has collaborated with brands including meal provider Chefgood, beauty business The Quick Flick, and retail store Emma Mattress and is well-liked online for her light and fun content.
6. chriseldridge_
Instagram reach: 368k followers
TikTok reach: 1367 followers
A singer and model represented by Glass Management and The Social Agency, Chris Eldridge uses his social media platforms to share snippets of his everyday life with his fans.
The influencer shares video clips and photos of his gym routine and modelling work, as well as promotional content shared in collaboration with businesses selling products that range from luxury pet products to electronic devices.
5. mariareko
TikTok reach: 463.3k followers
Instagram reach: 41.9k followers
Maria Rekowski is one of southeast Queensland’s biggest up-and-coming influencers with more than 460,000 followers on TikTok.
Her TikTok content is largely comedic, while her Instagram photos mostly feature her dressed up for events, relaxing with her son, or having fun with friends.
The social media star once participated in a season of Australian Ninja Warrior and recently launched a podcast called Random but Interesting where she shares, as the name suggests, “random but interesting stuff and stories”.
4. conagh_kat
YouTube reach: 518k subscribers
Instagram reach: 99.9k followers
TikTok reach: 24.5k followers
At just 23 years old, Conagh Kathleen has amassed a significant following across her several social media channels.
She is most known for her work on YouTube, where she regularly posts video logs of her days, try-on clothing hauls, gym workout routines, recipes, travel updates, and other general chitchat.
The young social media influencer is working with a number of brands, including Stax, Gymshark, and Naked Harvest Supplements, to offer her followers discounts on items such as gymwear and nutrition.
Her followers love her for her relatability and the entertainment she provides, with one user writing on her most recent YouTube video: “I don’t think I’ve (ever) come across a YouTuber that I relate to as much as you Conagh, you’re easily my favourite person to watch.”
3. zairayzabelleee
TikTok reach: 811.1k followers
One of the most powerful up-and-coming influencers in southeast Queensland is hip hop dancer Zaira Ladisla.
The Brisbane content creator has recently collaborated with popular clothing brand Jay Jays and iPhone case brand Casetify, though her most-watched videos tend to feature her dancing to upbeat tunes.
Just last month, Ms Ladisla posted a video to TikTok of her dancing which was viewed more than 1.2 million times and noticed by superstar Sam Smith.
2. imkaylaoxley
TikTok reach: 1.5 million followers
YouTube reach: 275k subscribers
Instagram reach: 55.2k followers
Snapchat reach: 100k subscribers
Southeast Queensland influencer Kayla Oxley recently realised the extent of her reach online when she travelled to Europe and came across fans.
“I’ve (known) that for a while my videos reach people all over the world, but being able to see you all in person, especially in a completely different country, makes it feel way more real,” she recently wrote in an Instagram caption.
The young social media star is most famous for videos of her pranking strangers, but is also popular for her travelling and lifestyle themed content.
1. oxlee
TikTok reach: 4.1 million followers
YouTube reach: 787k subscribers
Instagram reach: 138k followers
Snapchat reach: 100k subscribers
Brisbane artist Oxlee is well and truly making the most of the flexibility a career in content creation offers, currently spending his days travelling Europe and filming comedic TikTok videos.
The young social media influencer is most popular for videos in which he pulls pranks and asks strangers interesting questions about their lives and preferences.
But his engagement on music streaming platform Spotify is also quite impressive, with his most popular song ‘crazy’ having been listened to more than one million times.
Oxlee is certainly one of the biggest names in recent southeast Queensland influencing history.
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