May is Asian American Pacific Islander Month! Social media has a growing grip on Americans and AAPI creators are making big changes and bringing more representation to screens everywhere. Often times in American media, “new trends” are posted that come from Asian or Pacific Islander culture. However, the origins of these trends are just now being credited and AAPI creators are receiving the attention they deserve. Additionally, white creators often have bigger platforms, and credit is not always given to AAPI creators. From fashion to food, beauty to books, AAPI influence has been captivating viewers. Here are eight AAPI creators you should know about.  

1. Drew Afualo: Racking up 8 million followers, TikToker Drew Afualo has risen to fame with her hilarious videos. Her popularity stems from her TikToks advocating for women and combatting toxic masculinity. Best known for calling out the patriarchy and her infectious laugh, Afualo has become one of many AAPI internet legends.  
2. Hina Sabatine: Sabatine is a Japanese TikToker best known for their fashion hauls as well as being a growing LGBTQ icon. Sabatine has gained a lot of their fame through videos poking fun at lesbian stereotypes and helping others feel more comfortable with their sexuality. 
3. Young Yuh: Korean American TikToker Young Yuh is well known for his skincare content and has been a part of many skincare partnerships including Neutrogena and CeraVe. In his own words, “In Asia, men of all ages engaging in beauty routines is very common, but there is a stigma in the USA.” Yuh hopes to encourage other men to share their experience with topics like beauty, so it it doesn’t feel like something to be embarrassed of.  
4. Patrick Ta: Vietnamese-American makeup artist Patrick Ta founded his own beauty brand in 2019. Ta is very open about feeling bullied and out of place, he inspires others to do what they love, regardless of the feedback they may receive. He uses makeup as a way to express himself and create a sense of community for others. 
5. Joanne Lee Molinaro: Korean-American lawyer turned influencer went viral on TikTok making Korean braised potatoes. She now posts veganized and accessible Korean recipes to her millions of followers and her sentimental voiceovers celebrate her parents’ immigrant experiences and heritage. 
6. Milan Mathew: Desi beauty and fashion creator Milan Mathew posts TikToks that show off her cultural makeup and attire. She navigates Desi culture, beauty trends, and South Asian societal norms with her mom that others may not be completely aware of. 
7. Dynah Tuia’ana: Tiktoker, Tuia’ana makes videos showcasing fitness, dancing, and in general, her life in Hawaii and her Pacific Islander culture. She is known for her big smile and videos with the Hawaiian mountains in the background.  
8. Simone Siew: Malaysian Chinese American TikToker Siew does book reviews and recommendations. She explores BIPOC/queer/women authors and helps her audience expand their reading horizons. 

TikTok, being one of the most widely used apps, presents a new wave of diversity and unsung voices to the little screens we carry around all day. Hopefully, this month, as well as every other, AAPI heritage and stories can be shared and welcomed on all social media platforms.