TikTok has transformed how we consume media and entertainment. Changed how we are entertained. It has shaken up decades-old industries and placed the power to make audiences dance, laugh, and sometimes cry, in the hands of at-home creators.
Over the next four weeks, Dazed and TikTok join forces to bring you the brightest of those creators - the voices and faces instrumental in shaping youth culture online today.
Each week, Icons in the Making will select five TikTok creators from four of its many categories - from entertainment to beauty - that you simply need to know.
When it comes to entertainment, at least in its traditional form, there’s usually a clear divide between audience and performer. You can’t step into your television screen and ask your favourite star to drop their skincare routine, for example. But on TikTok, these boundaries are nonexistent. Creators smash down the fourth wall, speaking directly to us with an intimacy and familiarity that you’d normally expect to find on FaceTime with a friend.
What constitutes entertainment on TikTok? There are no hard and fast rules: from A list comedian-level observations to deciphering song lyrics, the beauty of this category lies in its unabashed eccentricity.
Tega Alexander
@dazed #IconsintheMaking 💫 Meet @tegaalexander, Nigerian content creator, dancer and creative transforming the face of entertainment one TikTok at a time. #Dazed x @TikTok UK ♬ original sound - dazed
Tega is a Nigerian content creator, dancer and creative, currently based in London. Since learning how to film and edit his own content, Tega’s career has gone from strength to strength, and he recently hosted the red carpet for the House of Gucci premiere. “My content varies, from fashion to lifestyle to comedy to entertainment. I’m just here to bring good vibes,” he says.
Simply Ni
@dazed #IconsintheMaking 💫 Meet Manchester-based creator @Simply Ni🌱, whose food creations have us drooling over our screens every time he pops up in our FYP. @tiktok_uk x #Dazed ♬ original sound - dazed
Manchester-based creator Ni Kabvina started making videos about food around August last year. Since then, his profile has taken off, and he now boasts over 2 million followers. Much of Ni’s content puts food as focus, and the TikToker cites the Japanese theory of wabi-sabi, which promotes the idea that there’s beauty in imperfections, as a source of inspiration.
David Larbi
@dazed #IconsintheMaking 💫 From lyric analysis and observational humour, to the odd parody video and mindfulness, meet London-based musician and content creator @David Larbi transforming the face of entertainment on @tiktok_uk. #Dazed ♬ original sound - dazed
David Larbi is a musician and content creator from London. He’s racked up over 375,000 followers on TikTok, with his videos deciphering song lyrics a fan favourite. He loves how he can engage with his followers on TikTok. “There’s nothing that means more to me than when my content means something to somebody,” he says.
Simply Sayo
@simply_sayo So happy to be named as one of the ✨ Icons In The Making✨ as part of the @dazed x @TikTok collaboration 😌🍾 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #iconic #IconsInTheMaking ♬ original sound - SimplySayo
Adéṣayọ̀ Tàlàbí – aka Sayo – is a spoken word artist, poet, satirist and, content creator. “My style of content is quite niche,” Sayo says. “I write pieces exploring news, current affairs, culture, and contemporary topics. My content is heavily inspired by culture.” With a rapidly growing fanbase, world-domination looks certain.
Coco Sarel
@dazed #IconsintheMaking 💫 From discussing politics to reality TV, @Sarel Madzebra wants to dabble in anything and everything. Meet the 28-year-old content creator based in Milton Keynes transforming the face of entertainment on @tiktok_uk #Dazed ♬ original sound - dazed
Sarel Madzebra is a 28-year-old content creator based in Milton Keynes. At present, she’s got over 500,000 followers on TikTok, where she posts snappy videos discussing politics, celebrities, and reality TV. Sarel started off working as an actor, but when the pandemic hit, she pivoted to making videos online. “I’ve always been quite a creative person,” she says. “I would describe myself as multidisciplinary. I want to dabble in anything and everything.”
Fashion used to be something exclusive: a glitzy, private world solely for the rich and famous, off limits to anyone not in the inner circle. But now, thanks to TikTok, you no longer need an invite to Paris Fashion Week to peek into the industry.
On TikTok, brands livestream their runway shows, agents scout models straight from their FYPs, and stylish influencers inspire us with their innovative looks. There’s something for everyone on the fashion side of TikTok, whether you’re a model fine-tuning your walk or just looking for some fresh outfit inspo.
MIA WELLS
@wabbs_x Happy to be partnering with @dazed and @TikTok UK to tell you a bit about me as a creator and as a person #iconsinthemaking ♬ original sound - Mia Wells
Mia Wells is a 20-year-old Chinese model based in London. She’s racked up over 340,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares everything from hair tutorials to styling videos. With her love of bold colours and fun patterns, Mia’s content is a feast for the eyes – plus, her bright orange locks are giving us serious hair envy.
LARA ADKINS
@laraadkins Partenered with @dazed & @TikTok UK to make this little round up of my journey so far🫶🏻 #iconsinthemaking ♬ original sound - la🍒
22-year-old Lara Adkins is a content creator with over 544,000 followers on TikTok. Her love of fashion is palpable in every single one of her videos, whether she’s modelling her impressive collection of vintage corsets or dancing around in a pair of chunky boots. She’s a must-follow for anyone who’s into 90s style, with a wardrobe brimming with low-rise denim and crop tops.
LOUIS POWELL
@youngmanpowell Thank you @dazed for giving me the opportunity to talk a little bit more about what I do. @TikTok UK #iconsinthemaking ♬ original sound - Louis Powell
Louis Powell is an actor and model based in London. He joined the app in 2020, and quickly amassed a huge following for his striking fits and distinctive runway walk. Powell’s wardrobe is full of vintage finds from the 70s and 80s, but he often pairs these timeless pieces with his own unique twist, be it dramatic black shades or spiky gelled hair.
VICTOR KUNDA
@victor.kunda So proud to be one of the #iconsinthemaking recognised by @dazed x @TikTok UK ♬ original sound - VICTOR KUNDA
23-year-old Victor Kunda’s TikTok following exploded after he went viral for pretending to smoke a breadstick. Today, he has over half a million followers, and is better known for his fashion and modelling content. Since building up his impressive following, Victor has attended multiple fashion shows and even modelled for brands like Kurt Geiger.
The TikTok beauty community is thriving. From anti-filter trends which celebrate natural looks to satisfying skincare regimens, TikTok creators are making beauty content more fun, positive, and accessible than ever.
There are celeb-mimicking tutorials by professional make-up artists, hair stylists revealing their personal tips, and techs turning nails into miniature works of art. The app is brimming with viral hacks too – like Vaseline lashes or mixing micellar water with shampoo (if you don’t know – get to know).
AMBER PITKIN
@amberpitkin So excited to be partnering with @dazed and @TikTok UK as one of their #iconsinthemaking ♬ original sound - Amberpitkin
Amber Pitkin is a professional make-up artist who has worked across film, TV, and fashion for over nine years. She joined TikTok during lockdown in 2020, creating fun looks to fill the time, and quickly amassed a significant following. At present, she has over 233,000 followers.
CHRIS GRAVE
@chrisgrave Teaming up with @dazed and @TikTok UK to show you guys a little behind the scenes of my content #iconsinthemaking ♬ original sound - Chris Grave
Chris Grave is a make-up artist with over 427,000 followers on TikTok. They’re a master of eyeshadow, with a feed packed full of bold, expertly-blended looks which contrast perfectly with their icy blonde hair. A must-follow for anyone who isn’t afraid to inject a little colour into their make-up routine.
DANIELLE MARCAN
@dazed #IconsintheMaking 💫 From beauty hacks to celebrity transformations, @DANIELLE is an absolute must-follow, if you aren’t following her already 🚀 @tiktok_uk #Dazed ♬ original sound - dazed
Danielle Marcan started posting her favourite make-up looks on Instagram in 2019. Since then, she’s garnered an impressive fanbase. She’s got content on everything from TV-inspired tutorials to skincare routines that’ll make you glow like a glazed donut.
ICONICAKES
@iconicakes Reply to @discountsadiesink she had a BREAKDOWN after this ahahah #hairdye #transformation #diy #rockpaperscissors ♬ original sound - iconicakes
Iconicakes are Gen Z sister duo with an impressive 2.8 million followers on TikTok. Whether you’re watching a vlog of Sara bleaching her hair or Avni sharing her makeup routine, their chilled-out videos will never fail to keep you hooked.
MAY TAHMI
@maytahmi Partnering with @dazed x @TikTok UK to tell you a little about my creative journey - one girl with her eyeliner brush to #iconsinthemaking ♬ original sound - May Akhtar
With handy hacks for how to do liner on hooded eyes and videos about embracing your sideburns, May Akhtar is a must-follow for any brown people who love make-up. Her fun, fresh content is a balm against the boring clean girl aesthetic.
BENJY
@benjy_lookbook Hi Dazed, Benjy here!🙋🏾♂️ I’m so excited to have been spotlighted by @dazed in their #IconsInTheMaking series partnership with @tiktok_uk ♬ original sound - Hi! Benjy here🙋🏾♂️😊
Benjy is a 26-year-old content creator from south London with over 200,00 followers. Since joining TikTok in January 2021, he’s been blessing FYPs with informative, engaging content that advocates for diversity and inclusion and sparks open conversations about topics including racism, homophobia and sexism.
DRAG SYNDROME
@dragsyndromeofficial Justin Bond, King Justin Bond, as #IconsInTheMaking exploring aspirations and creativity with @dazed and @TikTok UK #dragsyndrome #icons #dazed #JustinBond #tiktokuk ♬ original sound - Drag Syndrome
Drag Syndrome is glamourous and groundbreaking in equal parts. They’re a drag collective made up of queens and kings with Down’s syndrome: Horrora Shebang, Justin Bond, Lady Francesca, Nikita Gold, Lady Mercury, and Davina Starr. A formidable force in the drag world, the collective has even worked with Vogue and RuPaul's DragCon.
NAOMI EL
@nayyeeohhhmeee I am so flattered to be featured in the #IconsInTheMaking collaboration with @dazed & @TikTok UK ♬ original sound - naomi el
Naomi Eluwa went viral after making a TikTok video in 2020 detailing her experiences of racism following the murder of George Floyd. Since then, she’s used her TikTok as a platform for raising awareness about innumerable social issues, like mental health and sustainable fashion.
DJ KRYSTAL LAKE
@djkrystallake 🤯 How I made my TikTok blowup and how you can too! ❤️ Much love to you, @dazed and @tiktok_uk for the support. #tiktoktips #blackvoices #foryourpride #iconsinthemaking ♬ original sound - Krystal Lake
London-based Krystal Lake blew up on TikTok over lockdown, and now, she has over half a million followers. Most of her videos are accessible explainers on social justice issues, from why the ‘blue lives matter’ flag is racist to a rundown on what ‘colourism’ means.
PRECIOUS
@preciouspepala here’s how I went from singing in my dads church to loads of people on TikTok... and now I'm releasing my first song🥲 #iconsinthemaking @dazed @TikTok UK #BlackMusic ♬ My Eyes Only - Precious Pepala
Precious is a 17-year-old singer from Sheffield. Her TikTok is brimming with covers of classic songs – her rendition of Radiohead’s “Creep” is particularly beautiful. Her first, original song is set to be released later this month.
MILLY EVANS
@itsmillyevans I want to live in a world where we all have access to the education we deserve. Thank you @dazed for the opportunity to chat about my work and my community! #IconsInTheMaking @TikTok UK ♬ original sound - Milly Evans
Milly Evans is a 22-year-old sex educator and author. Their TikTok is both informative and engaging, with videos that dispel myths about reproductive health and provide the answers that school never did.