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We’ve all seen the lists of top creators that surface around this time every year, and while we love to see creators getting recognized and appreciated - we don’t love that these lists always seem to over-emphasize creators who are entertainers, streamers, or have contributed to a significant trend in the past year.
We consider these people "knowledge creators". Where is the list that recognizes them?
Inspired by this post by creator economy executive Monica Khan, we decided that if we couldn’t find the list - we’d make it ourselves.
We've highlighted a few notes below about how we put this list together (and if you'd like to submit a creator for the 2025 list, please check out the form at the bottom of this page)!
Enjoy, and thank you to all the creators out there who are sharing their knowledge with us!
We based the pool of candidates on our own knowledge, as well as input from some other creator economy experts. That being said, there are likely dozens of worthy candidates we might have missed - we will aim to broaden the pool next year!
After creating a larger list, we whittled it down to the top 24 based on their overall impact, cultural relevance, uniqueness of their viewpoint, effectiveness of their monetization, and scale of the business(es) they've built.
To make sure this list had minimal overlap with the more generalized lists out there, we made the decision to limit the inclusion of "mega-creators" by placing a cap of 10M total followers across all platforms.
The are the top 24 knowledge creators of 2024 based on our assessment, but we haven't ranked them among each other. The list is presented alphabetically, so there is no "winner"...or maybe we're all winners!
Raw, unfiltered, and ruthlessly practical - that's the Alex Hormozi approach to business education. While others dance around with theory, Hormozi has built his reputation on delivering battle-tested strategies that cut through the noise of typical entrepreneurial advice. His 2024 was one for the books: "$100M Leads" didn't just hit the Wall Street Journal bestseller list, it redefined how internet entrepreneurs think about client acquisition. His daily business breakdowns on social media consistently rack up millions of views not because they're polished, but because they work. And while his podcast has become required listening for serious entrepreneurs, perhaps his most powerful move has been turning the traditional business education model on its head - he consistently gives away his most valuable insights for free while building a high-ticket consulting empire that proves his methods work.
Space science has a reputation for being either oversimplified or overwhelmingly complex. Alexandra Doten (known widely as Astro Alexandra) shatters this false dichotomy. Through her pioneering approach to space science communication, she's crafted a unique voice that brings scholarly rigor to astrophysics education while making it irresistibly engaging. Her talent isn't just in explaining complex concepts - it's in making viewers feel the thrill of discovery alongside her. 2024 marked a year of remarkable impact: her real-time coverage of space missions turned complex orbital mechanics into edge-of-your-seat drama, her partnerships with leading space agencies brought unprecedented access to the public, and her innovative visual breakdowns of astronomical phenomena made concepts like gravitational waves feel tangible. But perhaps her most significant achievement is in changing who gets to be excited about space - proving that the wonder of cosmic discovery belongs to everyone, from seasoned astronomers to casual stargazers. By combining academic expertise with genuine enthusiasm, she's created a new model for science communication that educates, inspires, and reminds us all that looking up at the stars is just the beginning of understanding them.
The journey from medicine to millions of followers isn't a common one, but Ali Abdaal has never been about following conventional paths. His rise from sharing study techniques to becoming a leading voice in productivity and creator entrepreneurship speaks to a larger truth: authentic expertise, thoughtfully shared and expertly communicated, has extraordinary power. 2024 was a year of even further growth for Ali as his book, "Feel-Good Productivity", topped international bestseller lists. But it's his continued innovation in creating knowledge products that resonates most with his audience - both his Part-time YouTuber Academy and his new Productivity Lab that set him apart as one of the most successful knowledge creators in the world.
While creators can often portray themselves as overnight successes, Amy Porterfield champions the power of methodical mastery. She truly is the OG of the digital course world, while consistently bringing fresh innovation to the field. Her approach to digital course creation isn't about quick wins - it's about building educational experiences that truly transform lives using proven systems that scale. Throughout 2024, her impact deepened: Digital Course Academy reached unprecedented enrollment numbers, while her "Online Marketing Made Easy" podcast remained the GPS for digital entrepreneurs navigating uncharted waters. Her new book "Two Weeks Notice" didn't just hit bestseller lists - it gave countless corporate employees a realistic roadmap to independence through digital businesses. Amy is the epitome of a creator-educator and is sharing her knowledge to raise up a whole new generation of creators in the category by teaching them her playbook.
Most design educators teach aesthetics. Chris Do teaches survival. Through The Futur, he's bridged the notorious gap between creative excellence and business success, proving that artistic integrity and profitability aren't mutually exclusive. His 2024 reach expanded globally as The Futur Pro community flourished, but his real impact lies deeper - in transforming how creative professionals value their work and negotiate their worth. His Emmy-winning design experience gives him credibility, but it's his commitment to transparent business education that has been changing lives for years - if you've ever been in a room full of designers as Chris walks in, it's hard to articulate the sense of genuine excitement and appreciation that sweeps across the crowd.
When most people's eyes glaze over at terms like "nuclear fusion" and "quantum mechanics," Cleo Abram's light up. What makes Cleo special isn't just her ability to explain complex tech - it's her talent for making you care about why it matters, and the infectious enthusiasm she brings to each explanation. 2024 saw her influence skyrocket as her "Huge If True" series captured the imagination of millions, turning dense technical concepts into bingeable content. Beyond crossing milestone after milestone on YouTube, she's carved out a unique role as technology's chief translator, forming bridges between cutting-edge researchers and curious minds. Her collaborations with leading scientists (and Zuck) haven't just produced viral content - they've helped shape public understanding of the innovations that will define our future.
Imagine Inside The Actor's Studio, but for creators. And instead of James Lipton, you've got Scorcese and De Niro. For many, that's what the The Colin and Samir Show has become. Chroniclers, analysts, and in many ways, architects of the creator economy's future, Colin Rosenblum and Samir Chaudry began making videos about lacrosse, but have evolved into two of the most trusted voices in creator culture. Throughout 2024, their influence reached new heights: their show is required viewing (or listening) for anyone serious about understanding creator culture, and their Publish Press newsletter is the go-to for industry news. But beyond analysis and reporting, they launched Creator Startup, their educational platform to educate and empower the next generation of creators - and turning their knowledge into practical application for thousands of students.
Gone are the days when parents had to rely solely on outdated books and well-meaning (but often conflicting) advice from family members. Through her groundbreaking platform Good Inside, Dr. Becky Kennedy has revolutionized modern parenting education with an approach that's both scientifically grounded and deeply empathetic. What began as straightforward social media tips has blossomed into a parenting movement, and 2024 marked her most impactful year yet. Between launching a game-changing mobile app, sitting down with Oprah for candid conversations about modern parenting challenges, and publishing her first children's book, Dr. Becky has proven that practical parenting wisdom can be both accessible and transformative.
If you've ever struggled with financial jargon, don't worry - Humphrey Yang speaks human. His genius lies not in knowing the complex mechanics of markets (though he does), but in making them make sense to everyone else. Throughout 2024, his influence expanded far beyond his viral TikTok beginnings - his "Hump Days" newsletter became essential reading, while his innovative use of AI and market simulations set new standards for financial education. But his true impact isn't in the millions who watch his content - it's in the countless people who finally feel confident making financial decisions because he made the complex simple.
Most creator economy gurus chase the spotlight. Jay Clouse prefers building the stage. Through his brand, Creator Science, he's quietly revolutionized how content creators approach their businesses - not with viral hacks or overnight success stories, but with sustainable, community-driven strategies and a commitment to ongoing experimentation. 2024 saw his methodical approach bear fruit in remarkable ways. His newsletter and podcast have become the thinking person's guide to creator entrepreneurship, while his community, The Lab, has grown sustainably while he builds it in public. But what truly sets him apart is his radical transparency about building multiple six-figure revenue streams - creating a blueprint for creators who want to build businesses that endure rather than empires that implode. One additional interesting fact: Jay coined the term 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳-𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴, which helped inspire this list focused on knowledge creators!
"Build a business, not a following" - this contrarian philosophy has made Justin Welsh one of the quiet revolutionaries of the creator economy. While others chase viral fame, he's methodically built his newsletter, "The Saturday Solopreneur", into a blueprint for sustainable solo entrepreneurship. His 2024 impact runs deeper than numbers, though they're impressive: helping over 100,000 professionals build their personal brands, turning LinkedIn strategy into a science with his "LinkedIn Operating System." But his real legacy might be the impact his products have made - with a huge portion of LinkedIn's annual Top Voices being students of Justin's courses and content.
Who knew spreadsheets could make people smile? Kat Norton did. Better known as Miss Excel, she's pulled off what seemed impossible: making Excel tutorials go viral. Her secret weapon? Joy. Pure, infectious, dance-while-you-learn joy. 2024 saw her unconventional approach scale to staggering heights - building a massive course empire, bringing her energetic training style to Fortune 500 companies, and proving that even the most corporate skills can be taught with creativity and flair. Her success isn't just about numbers (although formulas might suggest otherwise) - it's about transforming how we think about learning itself, proving that education doesn't have to be dry to be effective.
Poker player. Digital marketer. Book launcher. Gardener? Kevin Espiritu's career has followed an unconventional path, but the result has been one of the creator economies successful business empires. Through Epic Gardening, he's made growing food feel less like a daunting hobby and more like an accessible adventure. 2024 marked his most impactful chapter yet: reaching almost 10 million gardening enthusiasts across platform and expanding the brand's retail presence nationwide. But Kevin is an aspirational knowledge creator because beyond just financial sucess, he has enabled countless urban apartments and suburban backyards where people are growing their first tomatoes, guided by his practical, bite-sized wisdom.
In 2024, Lacy Phillips, better known as To Be Magnetic, revolutionized the world of personal development by making neuroscience-backed manifestation accessible to a global audience. The platform empowered individuals to rewire their subconscious beliefs and step into their full potential through its signature workshops and membership program, The Pathway. This year marked significant growth, with new offerings like expanded workshops and tools designed to deepen the practice of self-worth and alignment. To Be Magnetic's innovative blend of science, spirituality, and practicality resonated with a diverse community, creating transformative results for thousands. By fostering an environment of vulnerability, authenticity, and growth, To Be Magnetic has solidified itself as the leading voice for conscious manifestors in 2024
Natalie Ellis, co-founder of Bossbabe, is a standout leader in the knowledge creator space for 2024. Under her leadership, Bossbabe has empowered millions of women entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses and fulfilling lives through online courses, a dynamic membership platform, and a magnetic social media presence. What sets Natalie apart is her ability to pair actionable business strategies with a deep commitment to community. In 2024, her innovative blend of education and empowerment solidified Bossbabe as a trusted resource for women seeking both professional success and personal growth. By sharing her journey from bootstrapping to building a multimillion-dollar brand, Natalie has inspired and equipped countless creators to follow in her footsteps.
Most gardening experts tell you what to grow. Nicole Burke teaches you why you can grow. Through her company Gardenary, Nicole's groundbreaking (get it?) approach to kitchen garden education has transformed the ancient art of growing food into a modern movement for busy professionals and suburban homesteaders alike. Her vision isn't just about prettier gardens - it's about reviving the lost connection between people and their food. 2024 marked a watershed year for her mission: Gardenary's virtual coaching platform revolutionized how people design and maintain kitchen gardens, while her Kitchen Garden Academy transformed thousands of blank yards into productive paradises. But her greatest achievement isn't in the gardens she's helped create - it's in the confidence she's cultivated in people who never thought they could grow their own food.
One Peak Creative, made up of Conar Fair, Megan Jackson, and Glen Jackson, has cemented its place as one of the top creators of 2024 by redefining how video production empowers businesses and personal brands. Specializing in crafting high-impact, story-driven content, they help creators, entrepreneurs, and companies elevate their online presence through visuals that captivate and convert. Their unique approach combines cinematic quality with a deep understanding of storytelling, ensuring every project resonates with audiences and drives meaningful engagement. In 2024, their expertise in blending strategy with creativity has made them the go-to partner for creators aiming to scale their influence and monetize their passions. With a focus on authenticity and innovation, One Peak Creative continues to set the standard for excellence in content creation.
Forget keeping it in the bedroom - Shan Boodram took it to social media. Armed with clinical expertise and disarming authenticity, she's transformed intimacy education from awkward conversations into empowering dialogues. Her 2024 reach extended far beyond traditional boundaries, from commanding attention on Prime Video to packed masterclasses that turned relationship education into must-watch content. But her greatest achievement lies in the conversations she's normalized, the taboos she's broken, and the scientific rigor she's brought to a field too often ruled by hearsay and shame.
Traditional finance speaks the language of exclusion. Simran Kaur speaks the language of possibility. Through Girls That Invest, she's turned investing from an intimidating wall of numbers into an accessible path to freedom. Her 2024 breakthrough wasn't just about numbers - though becoming the #1 female-focused investment podcast globally is remarkable. It wasn't just about her bestselling book or revolutionary investing masterclass. It was about changing the conversation around wealth building, proving that financial education doesn't need gatekeepers or jargon to be powerful. Her impact lies in the thousands of women who now see the stock market not as a hostile territory, but as a path to their dreams.
From Nasty Gal's meteoric rise to Business Class's thoughtful evolution, Sophia Amoruso's journey embodies the real entrepreneurial experience - messy, unpredictable, and incredibly instructive. Unlike traditional business educators who teach from theory, she teaches from truth - both triumphs and setbacks. Throughout 2024, her Business Class platform evolved beyond education into a comprehensive support system for founders, and her newsletter has become essential reading for entrepreneurs seeking unvarnished reality, particularly as she documents her journey (and learnings) in becoming a full-fledged venture capitalist.
When children or parents think they can't - Spencer Russell champions that they can. Through his groundbreaking "Toddlers Can Read" methodology, he's challenging decades of assumptions about early childhood literacy, proving that with the right approach, children as young as one can master reading skills previously thought impossible for their age. Throughout 2024, his impact on early education has been nothing short of revolutionary: his teaching system has helped thousands of parents of toddlers learn how to teach their children to read ahead of traditional expectations, while his viral demonstrations of young readers have sparked intense discussion in educational circles. His parent education platform has transformed from a passionate project into a global movement, with families across continents implementing his methods and sharing extraordinary results.
Financial advice has historically come in two flavors: dry academia or get-rich-quick schemes. Tori Dunlap created a third option - practical financial feminism that acknowledges money isn't just about numbers, it's about power. Her First 100K has turned traditional financial education on its head, making wealth-building accessible to those traditionally left out of the conversation. Throughout 2024, her impact amplified exponentially: her podcast dominated business charts, her investment platform flourished, and her book "Financial Feminist" topped bestseller lists across continents. But her real achievement? Starting a movement that's transforming how an entire generation of women thinks about money and power.
The creator economy has a sometimes seedy underbelly, ready to take advantage of unsuspecting creators - those people need to watch out for Tyler Chou, the new godmother of the creator "mafia" fighting back. As the Creator's Lawyer, she's becoming a leading voice, and advocate, for creators in an industry that is filled with pitfalls. Beyond practical guidance, Tyler serves as a true advocate - calling out bad actors and worse behavior wherever she sees it. Her 2024 impact was particularly profound as the creator economy faced, and continues to face, unprecedented legal challenges - from AI rights to intellectual property battles. Whenever a unique legal issue surfaces for creators or a high profile lawsuit emerges, you can count on Tyler to weigh in on it with her expert opinion for the benefit of all.
In 2024, BrainCraft continued to lead the charge in making psychology and neuroscience accessible, engaging, and impactful for audiences worldwide. Created by Vanessa Hill, the channel has become a trusted source for exploring the science behind how we think, learn, and make decisions. This year, BrainCraft expanded its reach with thought-provoking series tackling mental health, productivity, and the quirks of the human brain, blending complex concepts with relatable storytelling and visual creativity. Vanessa's ability to break down cutting-edge research into actionable insights has earned her a loyal following of curious minds. By inspiring viewers to better understand themselves and the world around them, BrainCraft remains a standout in educational content creation for 2024.
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Kajabi is the leading creator commerce platform. From digital products to marketing tools, creators can launch a newsletter, build a community, publish courses, create memberships, or offer coaching services – all in one place, while keeping your brand front and center. With over $8B earned by creators on the platform, Kajabi doesn’t take revenue shares, meaning every dollar a creator earns stays in their pocket.
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Did we miss someone? Let us know if there is a fantastic knowledge creator we should be aware of for the 2025 version of this list!
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