Influencer content creators are setting the tone for our online culture in a big way! From streamers and podcasters to social media influencers, YouTube personalities and TikTok megastars, these movers and shakers are shaping trends across fashion and beauty, lifestyle, health and wellness, music and entertainment, food and travel, fitness and yoga, parenting, pets and more!
Through emotional storytelling, viral challenges or multi-million-dollar brand launches, super-popular entrepreneurial creators — who attract millions of followers on social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter) — range from those who mostly profit from traditional advertising to creators who grow their own brands, companies and services.
Some of the most popular influencers in the U.S., dominating culture in 2026, include MrBeast, Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner and Dwayne Johnson.
Like the most popular influencers — boasting follower counts that reflect the reach and trust they’ve built with millions of Americans across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and emerging short-form platforms — talented creators from New York City and Queens represent a vibrant mix of New Yorkers, with diverse interests and niches, who are shaping our local culture. With thousands of engaged fans and booming audiences, these rising influencers are indeed megastars in their own right!
Meet popular mover and shaker Brandon Hayes, 40 — an up-and-coming creator, entrepreneur and photographer from Jamaica, Queens, who is proud to represent all of NYC.
QNS chatted with Hayes, who currently lives in Briarwood, about his unique content and food “obsession,” as well as his take on local culture.
“As a food-focused content creator, I’m constantly seeking out new, creative and exciting experiences that allow me to tell stories through food. With a background in marketing and advertising, I bring a strategic edge to my content — blending visual storytelling with brand-driven purpose. And I’m passionate about capturing the culture, flavor and energy behind every dish, while helping brands connect with audiences in an authentic way.
Photo credit: Brandon Hayes
“People connect with my content because I highlight the heart of the city — mom-and-pop shops — while also giving unfiltered, honest takes on trending restaurants and viral foods. Nine times out of ten, I knock my reviews out of the park, and that consistency has built real trust with my audience. They know I’m not just showing what looks good; I’m steering them in the right direction when it comes to where to eat, from neighborhood bakeries to the hottest spots in NYC.”
Hayes added: “You can find me all across NYC, with an expanding presence in New Jersey and growing coverage across the U.S., as I continue to explore new food scenes nationwide.
QNS: Who are your followers and what do you talk about?
Brandon Hayes: I’ve built a strong and engaged audience across platforms, with over 200,000 followers on Instagram and over 40,000 on TikTok. While a large portion of my audience is based in Queens, my reach extends across all of NYC. I make it a point to highlight every borough, giving a voice to both well-known spots and hidden gems throughout the city.
I’ve always felt like Queens doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves in the food scene. While it may not be as accessible as Brooklyn or Manhattan, it’s still a true melting pot of cultures, and that’s what drives me.
QNS: How did you first gain a following and what was your inspiration?
BH: I started this journey about seven years ago as a hobby, simply searching for the best coffee and donuts in NYC. What began as a casual passion quickly evolved, as I explored more of the city’s food scene and discovered how much I loved connecting with people and the stories behind their businesses.
Over time, my appreciation for food grew into something deeper—a shared respect for culture, craft and community. I combined that with my passion for photography, using visuals to tell those stories in an authentic way.
As social media shifted toward video, I adapted and leaned into it. That transition allowed my audience to connect, not just with the food, but with me, as the creator. Showing the person behind the camera helped build stronger relationships with my audience and elevated my content to a new level.
QNS: What are your goals for your social media presence?
BH: My goal is to continue highlighting small businesses and sharing their stories on my platform. I want to use my reach to give exposure to businesses that may not have the marketing budget but have something special to offer. Being able to introduce these hidden gems to a wider audience and help them grow is what drives me.
QNS: Tell readers what a day in the life of a popular influencer looks like.
BH: A typical day involves a lot more behind-the-scenes work than people might expect. I spend a good amount of time editing videos, studying trends, analyzing performance and understanding why certain content works and why it doesn’t. There’s also a lot of networking, responding to emails and building relationships with brands and business owners. On top of that, I’m constantly looking for new ways to stay inspired and keep my content fresh and engaging.
QNS: Describe your point of view.
BH: My point of view is rooted in authenticity and community. I focus on highlighting real experiences, whether it’s a mom-and-pop shop or a trending restaurant—and giving honest, unfiltered opinions. I want my audience to trust that when I recommend something, it’s genuinely worth their time and money.
QNS: As influencer culture continues to shape trends, where do you think social media is headed?
BH: Social media is constantly evolving, and it’s hard to predict exactly where it’s going. My goal is to stay adaptable—understanding trends in real time and growing alongside my audience, no matter how the landscape changes.
QNS: How has AI changed your approach to social media?
BH: When used correctly, AI can be a powerful tool. I use it to help with things like creating titles, finding trending hashtags and identifying ways to improve my reach. It’s all about using it to enhance creativity—not replace it.
Hayes told QNS that he proudly supports Queens-based brands and businesses, making it a priority to spotlight the borough through his unique content.
“I’m passionate about uncovering hidden gems—the kind of places people often overlook, right in their own neighborhoods—and bringing them to the forefront. And I love highlighting the wide range of cuisines that make Queens so special.”
Brandon Hayes
IG: NYC_Cheatdayking (note underscore)
TikTok: Nyccheatdayking