Top digital media influencers under 30

5. Media

Jim Waterson

Age: 24
Followers: 4.9k on Twitter.

The first political editor signed by BuzzFeed UK, Jim Waterson previously worked for City AM. Some of his most notable work includes 21 pictures of politicians in wellies staring at food an 25 people who are really confused as to why Grant Shapps follows them on Twitter. 

He’s also known as the guy who fried an egg on the street under the Walkie Talkie skyscraper.

The Gaurdian describes it best, saying that Waterson “has proved himself a master at combining BuzzFeed-style viral lols with the sometimes dry, grey-suited world of Westminster politics.”

6. Music

Jamal Edwards

Age: 23
Followers: 406k YouTube followers and 146k Twitter followers.

Jamal Edwards is owner of SBTV, a YouTube channel and broadcast company. At the age of 15 he received a video camera for Christmas – eight years later Edwards is now worth £8m.

The company, which started off in his bedroom, now employs 12 people. But SBTV, aka Somkey Barz, started gaining recognition by filming performances by rappers and MCs in London’s grime scene. 

It is said that a music video he made for Ed Sheeran received 8m hits.

7. Technology

Marques Brownlee

Age: 20
Following: 1.1m YouTube followers, 119k Twitter followers and 55k Instagram followers.

The founder YouTube channel MKBDH, Marques Brownlee started uploading basic videos from the age of 14. He reviews the latest technology gadgets from smartphones to consoles, filmed either at tech conventions or in his bedroom.

Furthermore, Brownlee knows exactly what he’s talking about and his been dubbed the ‘best tech reviewer on the planet’.

8. Travel

Jack Harries

Age: 20
Following: 3.4m YouTube followers, 1.9m Twitter followers and 816k facebook followers.

Former child actor Jack Harries set up a YouTube channel in 2011 as part of a gap year video project so friends and family could be part of the adventure. Travelling the globe, the short films have included rickshaw runs in India to partying in Ibiza.

The revenue generated from his channel was reportedly double what he previously earned at his retail job at Apple, which enabled him to travel to more countries.

However, when twin brother Finn started featuring in more videos, the number of JacksGap subscribers nearly doubled. Since then, Finn has become co-owner of the channel.

Research was made available by One Productions.

By Shané Schutte

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