As part of its annual roundup, Time has revealed its 30 Most Influential People on the Internet for 2016. And to no surprise, my girl Kim and her husband Kanye West were part of that list (congrats, KK!). But there were several others who’ve been named for their sheer talent at capturing the attention of the internet with their wit and whimsy. And that part is just incredible. Those who know me know how much I love social media (we’ve built our whole company based on the social aspect!). So it’s empowering to see how relevant and necessary this skill has become. And how rewarding it can be when it’s put to use in a smart, savvy way. It just goes to show: don’t be afraid to show your true colors. And if you have something to say, say it to anyone who will listen.
Time’s 30 Most Influential People on the Internet*
Kim Kardashian West: “Kim Kardashian West is one of the most-watched people on the planet, with more than 120 million followers across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Most recently, she made headlines for posting, and then ardently defending, a series of nude selfies. “I am empowered by showing the world my flaws and not being afraid of what anyone is going to say about me,” she wrote.”
Kanye West: “The artist and entrepreneur has perfected the art of the Twitter spree, sharing candid thoughts that are often just as provocative—if not more so—than his music.” West also used the Internet to shake up the idea of an album as we know it, treating his latest LP, The Life of Pablo, like a work in progress by refusing to sell it (it’s only available on the streaming service Tidal) and promising alterations to its “final” version.
DJ Khaled: “Just five months after joining Snapchat, the music producer (real name: Khaled Khaled) has become one of the social media platform’s biggest stars and “a meme in human form.” His more than 20 million followers are drawn to his relentlessly positive attitude and numerous catchphrases—like “major keys to success,” or motivational humblebrags that are often marked with the key emoji.”
Caitlyn Jenner: “When she came out as a woman last year, the former Olympic athlete instantly became the most famous transgender person in the world—and on social media. Four hours after joining Twitter (in sync with her Vanity Fair cover reveal), Jenner had gained 1 million Twitter followers, beating President Obama’s record.”
Helen Van Winkle (a.k.a. Baddiewinkle): “It’s never to late to reinvent yourself, especially on the Internet. For proof, look no further than Helen Van Winkle, the 87-year-old Tennessean whose new-found love of eccentric clothing—which she says she uses to cope with the passing of her husband and son—has made her an Instagram sensation.”
*All summaries are excerpted from the original Time article. To read the full list, click here.
