TIME released its 2026 TIME100 Creators list, featuring creator and entrepreneur Alix Earle on the cover while recognizing 100 influential digital voices across social media, podcasting, gaming, fashion and lifestyle. The announcement also confirmed the return of the TIME100 Creators event in New York City later this month.
Key Takeaways
- TIME announced its 2026 TIME100 Creators list recognizing 100 digital creators.
- Alix Earle appears on the cover of the 2026 TIME100 Creators issue.
- The list includes creators from fashion, beauty, gaming, podcasting and lifestyle.
- TIME confirmed the second annual TIME100 Creators event will take place in New York City on July 30.
- Max Alexander is the youngest creator included in the 2026 list at age 10.
The Alix Earle TIME100 Creators 2026 announcement introduced this year’s group of 100 digital creators selected by TIME for their influence across social media and online publishing. The release placed creator and entrepreneur Alix Earle on the cover of the magazine’s latest issue while presenting creators working across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, gaming, podcasting, entertainment and digital media. TIME also confirmed that the second annual TIME100 Creators event will be held in New York City on July 30.
The annual list recognizes creators whose work reaches audiences through platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, podcasts and other digital channels. The publication organized the list into multiple categories reflecting different areas of content creation rather than ranking individuals by popularity, as the creator earnings surpassing $1 billion continue to demonstrate the scale of the creator economy.
TIME Releases the 2026 TIME100 Creators List
TIME announced the 2026 TIME100 Creators list as its latest edition recognizing influential digital voices. The publication selected 100 creators representing a wide range of content categories and online communities.
The release accompanied a dedicated TIME100 Creators issue that features Alix Earle on the cover. The issue also includes an interview with Earle discussing her career as a creator and entrepreneur.
According to the announcement, the list spans creators producing content across social media, podcasts, digital video and other online formats. Rather than focusing on a single platform, the selection includes individuals whose work reaches audiences through multiple forms of digital media.
TIME also confirmed plans for the second annual TIME100 Creators event in New York City. The gathering is scheduled for July 30 and will bring together many of this year’s recognized creators.
Alix Earle Appears on the Cover of the New Issue
Alix Earle appears on the cover of the 2026 TIME100 Creators issue as the publication’s featured creator for this edition.
Earle has built a large online audience through lifestyle, beauty and personal content shared across social media platforms. Her appearance on the cover accompanies the release of the annual creators list and positions her as the featured face of the issue. Stories about creators building lasting personal brands continue to resonate across the industry, alongside examples such as the 76-year-old first-time author who found a new audience later in life.
The magazine announced that Earle is expected to participate in the upcoming TIME100 Creators event in New York alongside other members of the 2026 class.
Her inclusion reflects the publication’s recognition of creators whose influence extends beyond individual posts to broader digital communities and brand partnerships.
Creator Categories Span Multiple Digital Platforms
Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Creators Included
The 2026 list includes creators representing fashion, beauty and lifestyle content across social media.
Among those recognized are Bretman Rock, Jackie Aina, Wisdom Kaye, Desi Perkins, Katie Jane Hughes, Linoya Friedman, Kahlana Barfield Brown and Salish Matter.
Lifestyle creators included in the announcement are Galey Alix, Drew Michael Scott, Alix Earle, Kristy Sarah and De’arra Taylor. Their content covers home projects, fashion, beauty, personal experiences and lifestyle-focused digital publishing.
Podcast and Digital Media Personalities Recognized
The publication also included creators known for interviews, podcasts and digital hosting.
The list names Alex Cooper, Lex Fridman, Quenlin Blackwell, Julian Shapiro-Barnum, Nicolas Heller, Terrell Grice, Dwarkesh Patel, Joe Rogan, Kareem Rahma and Speedy Morman.
These creators produce content across podcast platforms, social video and digital media channels, reflecting the growing range of formats represented within the annual list. The expanding range of creator careers also mirrors stories about employees becoming full-time influencers as more professionals transition into digital content creation.
Gaming and Entertainment Creators on the List
Gaming and entertainment creators also appear throughout the 2026 selection.
Rachel Hofstetter, known professionally as Valkyrae, is among those expected to participate in the July 30 event. Roberto Escanio, widely known as Fanum, and Kinigra Deon are also included in this year’s recognition.
The list demonstrates that the publication selected creators from multiple sectors of online media rather than concentrating on a single platform or content category.
New York Event Brings Together 2026 Listmakers
TIME confirmed that the second annual TIME100 Creators event will take place in New York City on July 30.
The event is expected to bring together creators recognized on the 2026 list for scheduled appearances and activities celebrating this year’s selections.
According to the announcement, attendees are expected to include Alix Earle, Cleo Abram, Jackie Aina, Kristy Sarah, Valkyrae, Donald De La Haye, Kat Stickler, Wisdom Kaye, Fanum and Kinigra Deon, among others.
The gathering serves as an extension of the annual list by providing an opportunity for recognized creators to participate in a shared event connected to the publication’s release.
TIME announced the event alongside the publication of the new issue, making it part of the broader rollout for the 2026 TIME100 Creators recognition.
Recognition Extends Across the Creator Community
The 2026 TIME100 Creators list includes creators representing different age groups, content specialties and digital audiences.
Among this year’s selections, Max Alexander is identified as the youngest creator on the list at 10 years old. His inclusion reflects the publication’s recognition of creators working across different creative disciplines.
The list also brings together established digital personalities alongside creators whose audiences span fashion, beauty, gaming, interviews, education and entertainment.
Rather than organizing recipients by follower counts or platform size, the announcement groups creators according to their primary areas of work and influence across digital media.
The release of the TIME100 Creators issue, the publication of the annual list and the scheduled New York event collectively form the 2026 edition of the TIME100 Creators initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is featured on the cover of the TIME100 Creators 2026 issue?
Alix Earle appears on the cover of the 2026 TIME100 Creators issue released by TIME.
What is the TIME100 Creators 2026 list?
The TIME100 Creators 2026 list recognizes 100 influential digital creators across categories including fashion, beauty, lifestyle, gaming, podcasting and digital media.
Which creators are included in the 2026 TIME100 Creators list?
The list includes creators such as Alix Earle, Bretman Rock, Jackie Aina, Wisdom Kaye, Alex Cooper, Lex Fridman, Valkyrae, Fanum, Kat Stickler and Kristy Sarah, among others.
When is the TIME100 Creators event scheduled?
TIME confirmed that the second annual TIME100 Creators event is scheduled for July 30, 2026, in New York City.
Who is the youngest creator recognized in the TIME100 Creators 2026 list?
Max Alexander, a 10-year-old fashion designer, is the youngest creator included in the 2026 TIME100 Creators list.
