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India is home to between 2.5 to 3.5 million content creators across platforms. However, despite being crowded, a small group of creators stands out — those who stay clear in their messaging, focus on niche expertise, and foster genuine community ties. These creators are drawing brand attention and earning real incomes simply by doing the work they’re best at: creating resonant, high-quality content.
With the influencer marketing space being dominated by inflated metrics, fake followers, and fleeting virality, brands are quietly shifting focus, seeking creators who deliver real value: those who build niche authority, maintain audience trust, and engage deeply with their followers.
HashFame’s Q1 data confirms this change. Creators like Neha Nagar, Apoorva Mukhija, and Sahiba Bali are leading the brand-approach charts — not because they shout the loudest, but because they are consistent, relatable, and strategic in how they connect with people.
The report reveals that each of the top 10 creators shares the same three core strengths: niche authority paired with genuine trust, consistently high engagement with their audience, and strong alignment between content and brand messaging.
Whether it’s Mukhija’s bold Gen Z humour, Bali’s wellness-driven storytelling, or Arvind Kharra’s tech clarity, these creators make content feel native, not forced. Even mid-tier creators like Vicky Pedia and Aashi Adani, who have smaller follower counts, outperform traditional “mega-influencers” in engagement. With Neha Nagar receiving 185 brand interest signals and Aashi Adani earning 40, the data tell us brands are favouring substance over surplus.
Here's an overview of where some of these creators stand.
Neha Nagar (@iamnehanagar)
Brand Interest: 185 • Followers: 2M • Engagement: 1.61%
Neha began her career as a wealth manager at IIFL Securities but found her true calling in simplifying personal finance through relatable, bite-sized content. With a growing audience of two million, she’s built trust by breaking down complex financial topics—budgeting, taxes, and money-saving hacks—in everyday language. Brands like Kotak811, Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCLimited, Airtel India, and L&T Finance are partnering with her to demystify financial products.
Apoorva Mukhija
Apoorva has earned a reputation for her unfiltered Gen Z humour and sharp pop-culture takes. With a jaw-dropping 15.34% engagement, she pulls in 168 brand signals. She’s collaborated with OnePlus, Netflix, Spotify, Google, Hotstar, Amazon, Maybelline, Meta, Nivea, Joy Skin Care, and more. Whether it’s beauty, fashion, or social commentary, her content remains candid and interactive.
Vishnu Kaushal (@thevishnukaushal)
Brand Interest: 103 • Followers: 2.1M • Engagement: 4.35%
Vishnu brings cultural storytelling to life through humor grounded in everyday Indian life. His sharp, relatable content draws brands like Google, Amazon Prime, Blinkit, Bakingo, Airtel India, Licious Foods, and Sprite.
Prajakta Koli (@mostlysane)
Brand Interest: 95 • Followers: 8.7M • Engagement: 4.96%
Prajakta’s content has grown with her audience. She’s part of the Times 100 list and has collaborated with Google, Netflix, Amazon, Philips, Bata, and Venus. Her videos often include challenges or calls to action, making her 8.7 million-strong community feel actively involved.
Arvind Kharra (@techmasterco)
Brand Interest: 77 • Followers: 4.6M • Engagement: 2.15%
Arvind occupies the tech-explainer niche with approachable gadget reviews and tutorials. Brands like Samsung, HP, and Xiaomi frequently work with him.
Parul Gulati (@gulati06)
Brand Interest: 69 • Followers: 1.7M • Engagement: 1.75%
Parul blends lifestyle, entertainment, finance, and self-growth. She’s also the founder of Nish Hair, a D2C brand for extensions, and won ?1 crore on Shark Tank India for 2% equity.
Sahiba Bali (@sahibabali)
Brand Interest: 55 • Followers: 748K • Engagement: 10.36%
Sahiba’s content includes wellness, fashion, and spiritual reflections. Brands like Zomato and Punjab Kings have partnered with her.
Vicky Pedia (@vickypedia_007)
Brand Interest: 52 • Followers: 1M • Engagement: 12.07%
Vicky creates motivational and educational content. His bite-sized storytelling has earned him campaigns with Airtel India and others in self-help and education.
Ravi Gupta (@shudhdesicomic)
Brand Interest: 46 • Followers: 3.2M • Engagement: 8.66%
Ravi delivers comedy centered on family and social themes. Collaborations include boAt, Uber, Zomato, and Samsung India.
Aashi Adani (@aashiadani)
Brand Interest: 40 • Followers: 288K • Engagement: 5.40%
Despite a smaller following, Aashi’s clean, high-trust content has brought her partnerships with Garnier, Lakmé, MAC, Myntra, Amazon, Maybelline, Nykaa, and others.
Why These Creators Stand Out
At the heart of what these 10 creators do lies a powerful formula: niche authority, community trust, meaningful engagement, and content aligned to both their own voice and brand needs. They don’t chase trends—they build real, lasting relationships with their audience.
From Neha’s financial insights to Apoorva’s Gen Z relevance and Parul’s entrepreneurial authenticity, each creator is crafting their own unique space. They are proof that consistent, well-targeted content can outperform flashy, one-off bursts of attention.
According to the BCG report, creators in India currently influence over $350–400 billion in consumer spending, a figure projected to cross $1 trillion by 2030. The direct revenue from the creator economy, pegged at $20–25 billion, is expected to grow fivefold to $100–125 billion by 2030.
In India’s creator economy, the real influencers aren’t always the biggest—they’re the ones who speak with clarity, show commitment to their craft, and keep their audience close. They hold attention, not just views. They foster trust, not just clicks. That’s what brands want now—and they’re backing it.
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