For better or for worse, younger people are flocking to social media to get their news.
That’s according to recent data from the Pew Research Center, which found that 37% of Americans ages 18 to 29 learn what’s happening around them through “news influencers” — defined as those with over 100,000 followers who regularly talk about news online. Additional research reveals that younger users are more likely than older users to see breaking news as it’s happening across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
The Pew report also found that a clear majority (63%) of news influencers are men. To bring awareness to the 30% of women who are in the news influencer space, we’ve compiled a list of online voices — both female and nonbinary — which include individuals who lean far left and right, or who objectively report, along with those who have become voices for major humanitarian movements. Some have a journalism background, while others simply have a microphone and an opinion — but either way, they have drawn the attention of tens of thousands of intrigued viewers online.
Strictly Objective
Grace Ajo. (Credit: Empressive Channel YouTube)
The Empressive Channel
When it comes to urban hip-hop and Black celebrity news, “The Empressive Channel” has it covered. While the woman behind the YouTube channel — which has over 1 million subscribers – does not show her face, she is believed to be Grace Ajo, who reportedly started the channel in 2014 by discussing her natural hair journey, per Intellifluence. Aside from sharing celebrity gossip, Empressive creates music documentaries including “The SAD Stories about Black Disney Girls,” which has over 3.5 million views.
@jusnene. (Credit: @jusnene Official TikTok Page)
@Jusnene
For those who like receiving their news in a raw, funny and unfiltered way, @jusnene’s TikTok page is just for you. While the content creator keeps her real name a secret, her popularity is evident in her “like” count, which totals over 13.1 million. Jusnene’s videos, which feature both humorous and serious commentary, touch on celebrity news, current events, politics and even world news. Some popular videos that have gained traction include her reaction to the killing of Mexican YouTuber Miguel “El Jasper” Vivanco in November, and a Pennsylvania Halloween parade depicting Vice President Harris walking in chains.
Left and Right-Leaning Voices
Grace Ajo. (Credit: Empressive Channel YouTube)
The Empressive Channel
When it comes to urban hip-hop and Black celebrity news, “The Empressive Channel” has it covered. While the woman behind the YouTube channel — which has over 1 million subscribers – does not show her face, she is believed to be Grace Ajo, who reportedly started the channel in 2014 by discussing her natural hair journey, per Intellifluence. Aside from sharing celebrity gossip, Empressive creates music documentaries including “The SAD Stories about Black Disney Girls,” which has over 3.5 million views.
@jusnene. (Credit: @jusnene Official TikTok Page)
@Jusnene
For those who like receiving their news in a raw, funny and unfiltered way, @jusnene’s TikTok page is just for you. While the content creator keeps her real name a secret, her popularity is evident in her “like” count, which totals over 13.1 million. Jusnene’s videos, which feature both humorous and serious commentary, touch on celebrity news, current events, politics and even world news. Some popular videos that have gained traction include her reaction to the killing of Mexican YouTuber Miguel “El Jasper” Vivanco in November, and a Pennsylvania Halloween parade depicting Vice President Harris walking in chains.
Research, Explainers, and Expert Insight
Grace Ajo. (Credit: Empressive Channel YouTube)
The Empressive Channel
When it comes to urban hip-hop and Black celebrity news, “The Empressive Channel” has it covered. While the woman behind the YouTube channel — which has over 1 million subscribers – does not show her face, she is believed to be Grace Ajo, who reportedly started the channel in 2014 by discussing her natural hair journey, per Intellifluence. Aside from sharing celebrity gossip, Empressive creates music documentaries including “The SAD Stories about Black Disney Girls,” which has over 3.5 million views.
@jusnene. (Credit: @jusnene Official TikTok Page)
@Jusnene
For those who like receiving their news in a raw, funny and unfiltered way, @jusnene’s TikTok page is just for you. While the content creator keeps her real name a secret, her popularity is evident in her “like” count, which totals over 13.1 million. Jusnene’s videos, which feature both humorous and serious commentary, touch on celebrity news, current events, politics and even world news. Some popular videos that have gained traction include her reaction to the killing of Mexican YouTuber Miguel “El Jasper” Vivanco in November, and a Pennsylvania Halloween parade depicting Vice President Harris walking in chains.
International Conflict
Grace Ajo. (Credit: Empressive Channel YouTube)
The Empressive Channel
When it comes to urban hip-hop and Black celebrity news, “The Empressive Channel” has it covered. While the woman behind the YouTube channel — which has over 1 million subscribers – does not show her face, she is believed to be Grace Ajo, who reportedly started the channel in 2014 by discussing her natural hair journey, per Intellifluence. Aside from sharing celebrity gossip, Empressive creates music documentaries including “The SAD Stories about Black Disney Girls,” which has over 3.5 million views.
@jusnene. (Credit: @jusnene Official TikTok Page)
@Jusnene
For those who like receiving their news in a raw, funny and unfiltered way, @jusnene’s TikTok page is just for you. While the content creator keeps her real name a secret, her popularity is evident in her “like” count, which totals over 13.1 million. Jusnene’s videos, which feature both humorous and serious commentary, touch on celebrity news, current events, politics and even world news. Some popular videos that have gained traction include her reaction to the killing of Mexican YouTuber Miguel “El Jasper” Vivanco in November, and a Pennsylvania Halloween parade depicting Vice President Harris walking in chains.
Celebrity News and Entertainment
Grace Ajo. (Credit: Empressive Channel YouTube)
The Empressive Channel
When it comes to urban hip-hop and Black celebrity news, “The Empressive Channel” has it covered. While the woman behind the YouTube channel — which has over 1 million subscribers – does not show her face, she is believed to be Grace Ajo, who reportedly started the channel in 2014 by discussing her natural hair journey, per Intellifluence. Aside from sharing celebrity gossip, Empressive creates music documentaries including “The SAD Stories about Black Disney Girls,” which has over 3.5 million views.
@jusnene. (Credit: @jusnene Official TikTok Page)
@Jusnene
For those who like receiving their news in a raw, funny and unfiltered way, @jusnene’s TikTok page is just for you. While the content creator keeps her real name a secret, her popularity is evident in her “like” count, which totals over 13.1 million. Jusnene’s videos, which feature both humorous and serious commentary, touch on celebrity news, current events, politics and even world news. Some popular videos that have gained traction include her reaction to the killing of Mexican YouTuber Miguel “El Jasper” Vivanco in November, and a Pennsylvania Halloween parade depicting Vice President Harris walking in chains.