As internet culture evolved, some creators leveraged their followings for brand deals or sneak peeks at new releases — essentially turning posting online into a whole career. Tech influencers, or techfluencers, have gained popularity as social media platforms and their algorithms create niche communities with shared interests.
These niches allow micro-influencers to grow their audiences, and it has changed the way companies and the corporate world value internet celebrities and social media posts.
While beauty and fashion influencers may make headlines, there’s a burgeoning influencer community in business technology, too.
Influencers can add value to companies through marketing and brand recognition, but tech leaders should also remember that there is value in listening end users, especially when these end users have millions of followers.
Though most influencers are directed towards consumers, there are many that can provide insight — and entertainment — to enterprise leaders.
Here are six tech influencers whose content is sure to entertain, inform or make you think.
Marques Brownlee
Brownlee, known professionally as MKBHD, posts videos reviewing consumer technology, new tech unboxing and building PCs. Brownlee cohosts Waveform, a weekly podcast about the latest in tech, with Andrew Manganelli. He has a window into the homes of millions, and his viewers value his opinions. Brownlee has a subreddit community that is in the top 5% of all communities on Reddit ranked by size, with over 76,000 users that discuss his latest content.
@mkbhd HOW WORDLE WORDS ARE SELECTED with the man himself, Josh Wardle
♬ original sound - Marques Brownlee
Somi Arian
- LinkedIn: 82,000 followers
- Twitter: 19,000 followers
- YouTube: 7,400 subscribers
- Instagram: 21,600 followers
Arian is the CEO and founder of InPeak, a tool for learning, networking and career development for Web3 —she also pushes out content across multiple platforms. Her videos and posts focus on the Web3 market, NFTs, other emerging technologies and leadership skills. She also hosts a podcast that discusses the latest industry trends and career development strategies with thought leaders in the tech industry.
Dagogo Altraide
Altraide is more commonly known on social platforms as ColdFusion TV. With videos ranging from exploring the history of major tech companies to dissecting the latest tech updates and innovations, ColdFusion’s content is a blend of finance, tech and business. Altraide also hosts a weekly podcast, “Through the Web,” which covers tech, innovation and current events related to the internet.
Allie K. Miller
Miller is a prolific writer on LinkedIn and was named as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology & Innovation in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Her posts consist of news on AI, insights, job advice and hiring. On TikTok, Miller gives viewers technology productivity hacks, at-home automation ideas and tutorials.
@alliekmiller More ideas for NFC stage and fun home automation options. Especially helpful for productivity hacks. Check the playlist for tons of step-by-step iPhone tutorials. Super easy for beginners, only takes a minute or two to get started. #tech #techtok #technology #nfc #nfctag #nfctags #productivity #lifehack #productivityhack ♬ Sunny Day - Ted Fresco
Lavinia D. Osbourne
Osbourne is a Web3 specialist, consultant and thought leader. She founded Women in Blockchain Talks, a networking and educational platform that highlights women in the blockchain ecosystem. She won the Women in Tech 100 award in 2021 and was named as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Technology & Innovation in 2021. Her LinkedIn posts cover industry events and her efforts to bring more women into tech and the blockchain realm.
Grace Lee
Lee, also known as Dr. Grace Lee online, does not create tech specific content, but she does focus on executive career empowerment and executive coaching. Her videos provide viewers with strategies to help team members reach their full potential, advice on leading teams through economic turmoil and tips for delivering presentations to other C-suite members. Lee also hosts “Career Revisionist,” a podcast focused on building a fulfilling career.
