According to a recent poll, over 50 percent of young Americans want to become influencers. But for some kids, this isn’t just an aspiration — it’s a reality.
In this modern era of instant online access, more kids are creating their own platforms to show off their unique, impressive work while connecting with thousands (or even millions) of followers and launching remarkable careers.
Here are five young creators, athletes, entrepreneurs, and activists to watch out for in 2023. Our future looks bright with these kids leaving their stamp on the world.
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Brexton Busch
Instagram: @brextonbusch
As the son of Kyle Busch, NASCAR Cup Series Champion, racing is in Brexton Busch’s DNA — a fact he has continually proven since debuting on the circuit at 5 years old. In 2021, Brexton became one of the youngest sponsored athletes in history, and he is currently the winningest member of his professional stock car racing team, Kyle Busch Motorsports. Brexton creates entertaining content for YouTube and social media when he’s not zooming around the track. This small but speedy athlete has a prolific career ahead of him.
Nico Parker
Instagram: @nicoparker
If you’re among the millions of viewers who tuned into HBO’s The Last of Us in early 2023, then chances are, you will recognize Nico Parker in the scene-stealing role of Sarah Miller. While her character does not feature long in this dystopian series, Nico has cemented herself as a young breakout star. Most recently, she was cast in a live-action adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon,” and it seems this teenage talent has no plans to slow her on-screen momentum. Nico is unmistakably poised to be a Gen Z icon for years.
Jahkil Jackson
Instagram: @officialprojectiam
When he was 8 years old, Jahkil Jackson launched a campaign to deliver essentials such as food, water, socks, and personal hygiene items to those experiencing homelessness in his native Chicago. This effort has since grown to become Project I Am, an organization that influences youth to enact positive change in their own communities across the U.S. His philanthropy has caught the attention of President Obama, LeBron James, Disney, Nike, and CNN. If that’s not enough, Jahkil is a two-time author and motivational speaker.
Mari Copeny
Instagram: @littlemissflint
Known worldwide by her online epithet, “Little Miss Flint,” Mari Copeny has spent the last 8 years advocating for solutions to the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. She’s been able to distribute over one million bottles of safe drinking water to those affected by this toxic lead exposure. Still, now Mari is on a mission to raise money for water filtration systems that impacted families can reuse in their homes. With a GoFundMe goal of $1 million and “Future President” written on her Instagram bio, Mari is an inspirational activist worth rallying behind.
Ilirian Kameraj
Instagram: @ilirian_cooks
Online cooking sensation and social media influencer Ilirian Kameraj became the internet’s youngest famous chef when a video of him roasting a chicken went viral in 2020. Now at 5 years old, Ilirian has amassed 8.2 million followers on TikTok, where he showcases those culinary skills with a wide range of dishes — from pizza and ramen to filet mignon and shrimp tacos. He’s even impressed Gordon Ramsay with his rendition of Beef Wellington, which begs the question: could Ilirian be a Master Chef one day?
Keep an Eye on these Incredible Kids in 2023
The next generation is full of boldness, talent, passion, and creativity — these kid influencers are living proof of that. From raising awareness for social justice issues and captivating an audience on TV screens to winning medals on the racetrack and serving up irresistibly viral content, be sure to follow their exciting careers in 2023 (and well beyond)!
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