Last year, we launched our first Creators to Watch list to spotlight people whose star is on the rise, not just the creators who have already made it big. 12 months on, it’s been so exciting to watch names like The Little Plantation and Nicksmusictaste grow their audiences, sharpen their styles, and start getting the recognition they deserve.
Now we’re back with 18 more creators we believe are on the cusp of something big. From cinematic storytellers and fashion disruptors to gaming creators and chaotic comedians, every name on this list is bringing something fresh to the feed. To make the cut, each creator had to meet two simple criteria:
- A total following under 250K across all platforms
- Showing undeniable signs of growth and a buzz on their primary platform
Scroll on to meet our #UppNext creators set to blow up in 2026. And if you’re curious, check out our 2025 picks to see how they’re getting on too.
- Anton Hugo
- Catherine Lee
- Thomas J McClure
- Mandelbro
- Vincent Color Film
- Eva Janssen
- Sarby
- Salty Cheeks
- Josh’s Gaming Garden
- JaLynn Blanks
- Phil Famous
- Magu Travels
- JoJo the Techie
- Zresin
- Jason Lum
- Maria Fuentenebro
- Igor Radek
- Aprilynne Alter
1. Anton Hugo
In short: Cinematic travel edits with immersive soundscapes
Platforms: Instagram | YouTube
Followers: 58K
Why we chose them:
There’s a quiet intensity to the way Anton captures the world. His films feel more like experiences than videos, layered with rich sound and a reflective sense of pacing. Based between France and Portugal, he’s building a catalogue of cinematic shorts that show emotional depth as much as technical skill. It’s immersive storytelling with a personal lens.
2. Catherine Lee
In short: Mixed media storytelling with a warm, handmade feel
Followers: 11K
Why we chose them:
When you land on one of Catherine’s edits, they make you pause. Her videos blend journaling, narration and analogue textures in a way that feels like you’re watching memories unfold. She’s quietly cultivating a space for creativity that’s thoughtful and beautifully imperfect. There’s nothing else quite like the hand-crafted warmth of her storytelling style.
3. Thomas J McClure
In short: Filmmaking tips that look and sound top-tier
Platforms: YouTube | Instagram
Followers: 26.1K
Why we chose them:
Thomas turns complex filmmaking concepts and equipment guides into clear advice. His practical, no-nonsense tips help creators get the best possible image quality and camera gear without overspending. Every upload feels like a mini masterclass, blending technical insight with crisp audio, gorgeous shots, and perfectly balanced color grading. Whether you’re working with a full rig or just your phone, his tutorials feel tailored to how creators actually work.
4. Mandelbro
In short: Music, philosophy and filmmaking fused into one
Platforms: YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Spotify
Followers: 47K
Why we chose them:
Think of Mandelbro as a one-man creative studio. This multi-talented musician weaves together lo-fi visuals, poetic narration and experimental editing in a way that feels raw, artistic and entirely his own. Based in Paris, his content explores everything from memory to masculinity without ever slipping into cliché. If you’re craving depth and originality, he’s one to watch.
5. Vincent Color Film
In short: Behind-the-scenes knowledge with commercial-level quality
Platforms: Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
Followers: 36K
Why we chose them:
One moment you’re watching a slick commercial-style video, the next you’re seeing exactly how it was made. That’s the magic of Vincent’s content, it’s cinematic and educational all at once. He shares gear setups, colour grading insights and lighting breakdowns that make you feel like you could pull it off too. Creators at all levels are tuning in and learning how to up their game. And if you want to recreate Vincent’s signature looks, you can explore his custom LUTs in the Uppbeat LUTs library too.
6. Eva Janssen
In short: Rhythm-based fashion content that breaks the mould
Followers: 51K
Why we chose them:
Eva has a knack for turning fashion into fast-paced visual art. Her edits are sharp, high-energy and often full of movement, treating camera work and editing as a tool to compliment her outfits. Now based in London, her multicultural background subtly shapes a feed that always surprises. She’s not here to follow the algorithm, she’s playing her own game.
@evajan.x outfit check with @axelarigato 🖤🤍 #gifted beginning of the video inspired by jeffmachad0 on IG #axelarigatocommunity #outfitcheck #falloutfitinspo
♬ Sequência da Botação - DJ Ryder & Dj Dudu Coupper & Mc Gw
7. Sarby (Benjamin Sarbacker)
In short: Reddit deep-dives and podcasting with personality
Platforms: Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitch | Spotify
Followers: 129.5K
Why we chose them:
Sarby describes himself as a “professional yapper” and brings pure charisma to every mic he touches. His podcast-style content spins Reddit threads and internet chaos into punchy, fast-paced content that keep you locked in. His growth across platforms is no accident having tapped into a format that’s smart, scrappy and full of momentum. You get the sense he’s just getting started.
8. Salty Cheeks
In short: Surfing vlogs and creator-life storytelling
Platforms: Instagram | YouTube
Followers: 46K
Why we chose them:
There’s a deep sense of purpose in Si’s creator journey, chasing what she calls her “silly little dream to surf across China.” Edits that combine beautifully captured action shots with stunning locations around the world catch the eye. But her open and reflective storytelling is what draws you in, capturing the highs and lows of creative freedom. It’s the kind of series you find yourself coming back to.
9. Josh’s Gaming Garden
In short: Cosy, comforting content for farming game fans
Platforms: YouTube | Twitch | TikTok
Followers: 76K
Why we chose them:
Josh’s content is built on cosy vibes. He covers farming sims and low-stress games with a calm tone that’s quietly built a dedicated, supportive audience. Having quite his job to become a full-time creator, his uploads have only grown more confident and consistent. In a loud internet, his corner of calm is exactly what people are looking for.
10. JaLynn Blanks
In short: Cinematic TikToks built around sound and style
Platforms: TikTok | Instagram | YouTube
Followers: 148K
Why we chose them:
There’s a slick cinematic quality to JaLynn’s edits that makes viewers take notice immediately. She blends audio, VFX and fashion with serious visual confidence, creating TikToks that feel like mini music videos. JaLynn’s worked with brands and is growing fast, but her tone always stays true. You get the sense she’s running the show.
@jalynnblanks ANXIETY 👀 PT. 1 Cinematography, Lighting, Editing, and Acting done by me 🤝🏾 Full Video on YouTube (Link in Bio) ‼️ @Doechii @HOORAE Media Lighting: Amaran 150C + Light Dome Mini SE by @Aputure #doechii
♬ original sound - JaLynn Blanks
11. Phil Famous
In short: Skits with absurd humour and impeccable timing
Followers: 212K
Why we chose them:
Phil’s sense of humour lives in the surreal. His skits play with awkward timing, anti-punchlines and strange plot twists that somehow all just work. Part of his unique alchemy is how the pacing of his clips serves to amplify the completely unhinged humour at the heart of his videos. It’s sheer unpredictability that’s gained a loyal following.
12. Magu Travels
In short: Calming travel content with a cinematic eye
Platforms: Instagram | Threads
Followers: 9K
Why we chose them:
Magu’s videos feel like watching the world exhale. Based in Austria, she brings together beautiful shots and hypnotic edits that show off the best of nature. Her colour grading, soft transitions and peaceful pacing offer a break from the rush of most travel content. Plus, she’s just as invested in supporting other creators as she is in growing her own platform, crediting her personal inspirations like divyassified and fedor.matushev.
13. JoJo the Techie
In short: Smartphone tech reviews with honesty and insight
Platforms: YouTube | Threads | Instagram | X
Followers: 19K
Why we chose them:
JoJo doesn’t try to overhype products, she simply explains them. Her gear reviews feel like they’re made for real creators, with honest pros, cons and smart suggestions that cut through the noise. She’s built trust with her growing community by staying grounded and helpful. It’s the kind of content you return to before buying anything.
14. Zresin
In short: Music-led edits with a grunge-meets-design twist
Platforms: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
Followers: 135K
Why we chose them:
Zresin’s visuals don’t whisper, they blast through your screen. His edits pull from hip-hop, zine culture, and glitch art to create something loud, bold and unmistakably his. Already collaborating with musicians and visual artists, he’s got a signature style that’s gaining serious traction. An eye-catching standout in a crowded visual space.
15. Jason Lum
In short: Nostalgic wedding edits with timeless visual flair
Followers: 7K
Why we chose them:
Jason brings vintage soul to modern-day love stories. His wedding edits use soft film tones, intimate audio and retro-inspired framing to capture something truly emotional. He’s early in his creative journey but already crafting a distinctive look that he describes as being for “for the vintage lovers and nostalgic hearts.” The combination of heartfelt storytelling, cinematic shots, and nostalgic edits makes viewers root for couples they’ve never met.
@jasonlumm Downtown romance #utahweddingvideographer #cinematic #film
♬ Apocalypse - Cigarettes After Sex
16. Maria Fuentenebro
In short: Drool-worthy cooking videos with personality
Followers: 5K
Why we chose them:
Maria cooks like she’s inviting you into her kitchen. Her edits are bright, sharp and full of flavour, not just in the food, but in her high-energy narration too. You’d think this was the work of a seasoned creator, but she’s only been posting regularly on TikTok for a few months, already making waves with her natural camera presence. This is mouth-watering content from a true creative.
@maria.fuentenebro episode 1 of span-ish! 🥳 today, the icon, the queen, the one and only: pan con chocolate 🥖🤝🍫 #spanishrecipes #spanishfood #chocolaterecipe #easydesserts
♬ Green Onions - Booker T. & The MG's
17. Igor Radek
In short: Cinematic iPhone tips with an honest edge
Platforms: Instagram
Followers: 30K
Why we chose them:
Igor is proof that great filmmaking doesn’t need fancy gear. His videos break down how to shoot cinematic content on an iPhone, with clear explanations and standout visuals. But what really sets him apart is his openness, sharing not just the tips, but the personal struggles too. That vulnerability is connecting just as much as the quality of each edit.
18. Aprilynne Alter
In short: Creator advice with clarity, data and heart
Platforms: YouTube | X | Instagram
Followers: 178K
Why we chose them:
Aprilynne speaks to creators like someone who’s lived it. Her YouTube breakdowns are full of practical, data-backed advice – covering everything from intros to burnout – but always delivered with care. She’s built a following by being both smart and generous with her knowledge. A creator helping other creators thrive.
Know a creator who we should look out for?
We’re always looking for the next wave of standout talent. If you’re a creator on the rise – or know someone who is – tag us on @uppbeatofficial with the hashtag #Uppnext or send us a link to their work. We’d love to see who’s going to blow up in 2026!
