Fashion and lifestyle content creator Nancy Tyagi has risen to the pinnacle of Forbes India’s 2024 Top 100 Digital Stars list. With 2.9 million Instagram followers, Tyagi’s engaging content, alongside her striking presence at the 2024 Cannes red carpet where she debuted her own fashion designs, earned her the top spot. Following Tyagi is comedy creator Sakshi Keshwani, who ranked second, while Danny Pandit, another notable content creator, claimed the third position.
The Growing Power of Indian Influencers
The rise of influencers in India has redefined the marketing landscape. With the growth of social media, influencers are now an integral part of how brands engage with their audiences. This shift has allowed creators, many of whom are self-made, to cultivate authentic connections with their followers. Regional language creators are also seeing a surge in popularity, as they tap into the vast, diverse Indian audience.
This evolving digital ecosystem showcases the potential for influencers to redefine modern advertising and consumer engagement. However, despite their rising influence, creators continue to face challenges such as constantly evolving platforms, algorithm changes, and fierce competition.
GroupM and Forbes India: Unveiling the Top 100 Digital Stars of 2024
In a joint effort, GroupM and Forbes India revealed the third edition of the “Top 100 Digital Stars of 2024.” This annual list celebrates the most influential digital creators across a variety of industries including comedy, fitness, food, technology, travel, social work, beauty, fashion, business, and finance.
The partnership with GroupM’s influencer and content marketing division, The Goat Agency, has allowed for a more comprehensive and data-driven approach to compiling the list. This year, the selection criteria were expanded to include all creators, whether verified or non-verified, ensuring that authenticity and impact are prioritized over mere status.
Sakshi Keswani – Comedy Queen, Rank 2
@beingsuku
With a Goat Score of 9.03 and an impressive Genuity rating of 87.2%, Sakshi Keswani secures the second spot. Her knack for blending humor with real-life situations has captivated millions, making her a standout in the comedy niche.
Danny Pandit – The Rising Star in Comedy, Rank 3
@dannyypandit
Danny Pandit ranks third with a Genuity score of 90.35%, making him one of the most trusted comedians in the digital space. His Goat Score of 9.01 places him among the top influencers. Danny’s unique style of delivery and impeccable timing continues to attract a wide audience.
Dharna Durga – Comedy’s Rising Female Voice, Rank 4
@dharnaaaaa
With a Goat Score of 9.01 and Genuity of 85.05%, Dharna Durga has made her mark as a leading female voice in comedy. Her content, often focused on relatable daily life, resonates deeply with her audience.
Mahesh Keshwala – Comedy with a Twist, Rank 5
@maheshkeshwala
Mahesh Keshwala, also known as “Thugesh,” is another prominent figure in comedy. Ranked fifth, Mahesh enjoys a Goat Score of 9.00. His humor, which often involves a satirical take on trending topics, has made him a favorite among millennials.
Harshita Gupta – New Comedy Sensation, Rank 6
@soharshi_
Harshita Gupta, with a Goat Score of 8.99, is an emerging star in the comedy domain. Her content’s Genuity score of 81.76% highlights her authenticity and relatability, traits that have endeared her to her growing fan base.
Rajvardhan Grover – Witty and Entertaining, Rank 7
@rajgrover_in
With a Goat Score of 8.94 and a Genuity of 81.87%, Rajvardhan Grover continues to entertain audiences with his quick wit and humor. His comedic style bridges the gap between entertainment and thoughtful commentary.
Apoorva Mukhija – The Rebel in Comedy, Rank 8
@the.rebel.kid
Apoorva Mukhija brings a fresh perspective to the comedy scene. Her Goat Score of 8.93 and a Genuity of 81.03% reflect her unique style of humor, which often challenges societal norms and expectations.
Tarini Peshawaria – Beauty Maven, Rank 9
@tarinipeshawaria
Tarini Peshawaria makes her mark in the beauty category, securing the ninth spot with a Goat Score of 8.89. With a Genuity rating of 78.07%, her content is trusted and valued by her followers for its authenticity and beauty tips.
Kiran Dutta – Bengali Comedy Icon, Rank 10
@yourbongguy
Kiran Dutta, better known as “Your Bong Guy,” ranks tenth in this illustrious list. His Genuity score of 88.56% showcases his authentic connection with his audience, while his Goat Score of 8.88 confirms his comedic excellence.
Meethika Dwivedi – The Sound Blaze, Rank 11
@the_sound_blaze
Meethika Dwivedi’s engaging and energetic content in the comedy space places her eleventh on the list. Her Goat Score of 8.88 and a high Genuity of 87.96% make her one of the most beloved figures among the younger generation.
Saba Ibrahim – Fashion & Lifestyle Star, Rank 12
@saba_ka_jahaan
With a Goat Score of 8.87 and a Genuity rating of 72.64%, Saba Ibrahim is a force in the fashion and lifestyle niche. Her ability to influence trends while staying grounded has made her a trusted figure in the industry.
Shrutik Kolambekar – The Most Genuine Comedian, Rank 13
@konshrutik
Shrutik Kolambekar tops the chart with an exceptional Genuity score of 92.8%, the highest among the comedy influencers. Ranked thirteenth with a Goat Score of 8.85, Shrutik is renowned for his fresh, humorous takes on everyday life.
Mridul Sharma – Fashion & Lifestyle Expert, Rank 14
@mridul_sharmaa
Mridul Sharma holds the fourteenth spot with a Goat Score of 8.80 and a Genuity of 76.39%. His expertise in fashion and lifestyle resonates with a broad audience, who trust his style tips and recommendations.
Revant Himatsingka – Health Guru, Rank 15
@foodpharmer
Revant Himatsingka’s focus on health and wellness places him fifteenth on the list. With a Genuity score of 85.29% and a Goat Score of 8.79, Revant’s content is both informative and engaging, helping his audience lead healthier lives.
Tech Giants and Changemakers
The digital space also saw influencers outside of comedy and lifestyle making waves. Rakesh Kumar (@gyantherapy), ranked twentieth, is a leading name in tech, known for breaking down complex concepts for everyday audiences. His Genuity score of 82.66% and Goat Score of 8.74 reflect his impact.
Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju (@trintrin), ranked nineteenth, is a powerful changemaker, using her platform to promote social justice and advocacy. With a Goat Score of 8.74, she stands as a voice for the marginalized.
The Next Generation of Influencers
The list also features emerging names who are steadily climbing the ranks, including tech influencer Sameeha Mariam (@techpotate), who ranks thirty-seventh, and food expert Bharat Wadhwa (@bharatzkitchen), at thirtieth.
11. Meethika Dwivedi
Category: Comedy
Genuity: 87.96%
Goat Score: 8.88
Handle: @the_sound_blaze
Meethika Dwivedi has carved out a niche in the comedy world, making her way to the top 11 influencers with a high genuity score, captivating audiences with her sharp wit and humor.
12. Saba Ibrahim
Category: Fashion & Lifestyle
Genuity: 72.64%
Goat Score: 8.87
Handle: @saba_ka_jahaan
With her flair for fashion and lifestyle content, Saba Ibrahim continues to influence her growing follower base with tips, trends, and a stylish lifestyle.
13. Shrutik Kolambekar
Category: Comedy
Genuity: 92.8%
Goat Score: 8.85
Handle: @konshrutik
Shrutik Kolambekar’s high genuity makes him a top contender in comedy, known for his authentic humor that resonates with a broad audience.
14. Mridul Sharma
Category: Fashion & Lifestyle
Genuity: 76.39%
Goat Score: 8.8
Handle: @mridul_sharmaa
Mridul Sharma showcases his creativity and love for fashion, ranking highly in this category due to his keen sense of style and lifestyle content.
15. Revant Himatsingka
Category: Health
Genuity: 85.29%
Goat Score: 8.79
Handle: @foodpharmer
In the health category, Revant Himatsingka is a notable influencer, sharing insights on food, health, and wellness while maintaining a genuine connection with his followers.
16. Rahul Dey
Category: Comedy
Genuity: 89.3%
Goat Score: 8.76
Handle: @rahuldey
Rahul Dey has a strong following for his comedy content, blending high genuity with humor that makes him one of the top influencers in this space.
17. Yuvraj Dua
Category: Comedy
Genuity: 84.89%
Goat Score: 8.76
Handle: @yuvraj.dua
Yuvraj Dua’s humorous take on everyday life situations keeps him highly ranked, with a dedicated audience who appreciate his comedic timing.
18. Karishma Gangwal
Category: Comedy
Genuity: 86.45%
Goat Score: 8.75
Handle: @rjkarishma
Karishma Gangwal uses her wit and sharp humor to engage her audience, standing out in the comedy category for her authentic and relatable content.
19. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju
Category: Changemaker
Genuity: 79.22%
Goat Score: 8.74
Handle: @trintrin
As a changemaker, Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju inspires through advocacy and empowerment, contributing meaningfully to important social conversations.
20. Rakesh Kumar
Category: Tech
Genuity: 82.66%
Goat Score: 8.74
Handle: @gyantherapy
Rakesh Kumar is known for his knowledge in the tech space, helping his followers stay updated with the latest technological trends and insights.
These influencers stand out not only for their follower base but for their ability to genuinely connect with their audience, creating impactful content across various fields from comedy to lifestyle and beyond.
Comedy, Tech, and Travel Creators Lead the Pack
Among the top creators, comedy content remains dominant, highlighting the appetite for humor and entertainment in the digital sphere. However, tech and travel creators are not far behind, with their contributions shaping how audiences consume content related to innovation and exploration.
By broadening its criteria, the Top 100 list ensures that creators from all walks of life and industries are acknowledged. According to Kunal Sawant, Business Head at Goat, GroupM India, “The Top 100 Digital Stars List for 2024 celebrates the diverse and dynamic voices shaping India’s digital landscape.” Sawant emphasizes that this year’s edition is more inclusive, reflecting a data-driven methodology that takes into account the true impact of digital creators.
The Selection Process: A Data-Driven Approach
The curation of the Top 100 Digital Stars is the result of a meticulous multi-step process. Evaluations were based on key metrics like engagement rates, follower counts, reach, impressions, and the creator’s overall influence. Goat’s proprietary scoring algorithm was instrumental in determining the final rankings, ensuring that every creator was judged fairly based on their engagement and content quality.
Ashwin Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer of GroupM South Asia, noted that the third edition presents a carefully curated selection of India’s most influential digital creators. “Our aim is to ensure that all creators have a role in shaping the digital landscape and receive the recognition they deserve.”
Recognizing Influencer Diversity in the Digital Space
The 2024 list underscores the increasing diversity in the digital world. From tech influencers guiding audiences through the latest gadgets to travel creators offering glimpses into far-off destinations, the list represents a wide range of industries. Additionally, the inclusion of creators across different social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook ensures that every niche is covered.
Brian Carvalho, Editor at Forbes India, highlighted the significance of this growing trend: “Now in its third edition, the Forbes India-Goat study recognizes and ranks digital creators who dish out their appealing wares across Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.”
The Future of Digital Influence in India
As the influencer space continues to grow, the 2024 list is a testament to the importance of digital personalities in shaping consumer behavior and trends. From fashionistas like Nancy Tyagi to comedians like Sakshi Keshwani, these creators are not just entertainers but also key figures in the digital economy.
With more brands relying on influencers to create personalized and authentic campaigns, the future of marketing will likely see even greater collaboration between businesses and content creators. India’s vibrant digital landscape provides the perfect backdrop for these influencers to continue evolving and expanding their reach.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Leaders of the Digital Revolution
Forbes India’s Top 100 Digital Stars List for 2024 is more than just a ranking; it is a celebration of the creativity, influence, and dedication of India’s top digital creators. By recognizing these voices, GroupM and Forbes India are shining a spotlight on the future of content creation and digital influence in the country.
As the digital revolution in India shows no signs of slowing down, these influencers will remain at the forefront, leading the way in innovation, storytelling, and brand engagement.