TikTok Unveils Its 2026 Discover List of Rising Creators

TikTok has officially released its annual Discover List for 2026, highlighting top creators in various fields who are each helping to advance topical discussion and education on the app. Social Media Today This marks the sixth iteration of TikTok’s creator showcase program. Social Media Today

50 Creators Across Five Categories

The 2026 Discover List is a global showcase of 50 creators to watch, spanning five categories: Educators, Foodies, Icons, Innovators, and Originators. TikTok Those on the list come from a host of different countries, including Indonesia, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan, and range in follower count from 50,000 to 12 million. Variety TikTok described the honorees as creators who have “a gift for storytelling, building a world where curiosity leads to discovery.”

How Creators Were Selected

TikTok’s global team nominated creators and evaluated those making a significant impact on and off the app over the past six months. Measurement criteria included video creations, views, account growth, likes, comments, interactions with followers, and content that sparked global conversations. TikTok

Beyond the recognition itself, chosen talent will also receive additional training and direct support from TikTok’s team. Social Media Today James Stafford, Global Head of Content Operations at TikTok, said the platform is “proud to be a space where new talent can be discovered and authenticity and creativity can thrive.”

For brands, the list may also serve as a useful guide for identifying relevant creators to collaborate with, giving social media marketers a curated listing of top emerging talent across key verticals. Social Media Today The full 2026 Discover List lookbook is available on TikTok’s official newsroom.