Community, connection, conversation: these were the words that content creators linked during the coronavirus lockdown, bringing us videos that informed, entertained and educated. As we sat at home, they either hit the ground and kept us abreast of news or filmed in their own houses to help us find humour in chores such as doing the dishes.
Click here to read our cover story on how social media influencers have evolved during the lockdown.
Abhi and Niyu, @abhiandniyu, 984 K followers: Husband-wife duo Abhiraj Rajadhyaksha and Niyati Mavinkurve have built up a huge following for their videos featuring hot takes on topics like #RejectNEP and the China app ban.
Kobe Eats, @kobe_yn, 2.5 M followers: This one-year-old whips up chocolate chip pancakes and charcuterie boards with a little help from his parents. His signature look? A bright red apron with a matching chef’s hat and a cheeky smile.
Monika Manchanda, @monikamanchanda, 27.8 K followers: At the beginning of the lockdown, Manchanda started #cooktogetherathome. People tell her what ingredients they have and she shares a recipe to make something Insta-worthy out of it.
Pluto Living, @pluto.living, 122 K followers: This ‘talking’ 13-year-old Schnauzer shares tips on how to be responsible to control the spread of coronavirus. His biggest fans are frontline workers from across the world who appreciate his message.
Prapti Elizabeth, @prapti.elizabeth, 107 K followers: With content in Malayalam and Hindi, with a dash of English (and subtitles), she shares her take on current affairs in an ongoing series called ‘Musings with Mrinalini’.
Spardha Malik, @spardhamalik, 18.1 K followers: This digital editor’s #CostumePartyWithS gave people everywhere a chance to dress up for a theme party every weekend. Her latest is a series called #styleSnatched, where she recreates iconic looks by celebrities with pieces from her own wardrobe.
Wan-Ji and Sho-Er, @wantshowasyoung, 619 K followers: Encouraged by their grandson, this octogenarian Taiwanese couple have been styling and modelling the clothes abandoned at their laundromat to pass the time during lockdown.
Shraddha Jain, @aiyyoshraddha, 147 K followers: After shooting to fame as warden Vasu in Amazon Prime Video’s Pushpavalli, this former RJ has been sharing comic content in Tulu and English (where she uses various filters to play different personas).
Thomas Zacharias, @cheftzac, 101 K followers: Popular for his #ChefOnTheRoad series in pre-Covid days, this chef (and partner at The Bombay Canteen) garnered a faithful following for his humorous and informative cook-along videos of regional dishes.
Elsa Mpho Majimbo, @majimb.o, 327 K followers: “My YouTube is low quality and under edited. You should subscribe,” reads this 19-year-old Kenyan’s Instagram bio. Her tongue-in-cheek content is filled with self-deprecatory and observational comedy.
Faye D’Souza, @fayedsouza, 557 K followers: The former TV anchor is in the process of setting up her own media outlet. Using a simple template of black text on a grey background, her posts make for sharing of the day’s news, and frequently go viral.
Anifa Wvuemba, @hanifaofficial, 308 K followers: This Congolese designer was the first to put on a virtual runway during the pandemic, with 3D renderings of her collection showcased on invisible models.