New York, NY — The influential 2025 TIME100 Creators list, recognizing individuals shaping the digital landscape, features prominent social media figures V Spehar, widely known for their “Under the Desk News” segments, and lifestyle influencer Alix Earle.
Their inclusion underscores the increasing power and reach of digital content creators as sources of information and influence in contemporary society.
V Spehar: A Trusted Voice Under the Desk
V Spehar, a 42-year-old who identifies as non-binary, has cultivated a significant online presence under the moniker “Under the Desk News.” With a combined audience of 4.5 million followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Spehar has become a trusted figure for concise, accessible breakdowns of complex topics, ranging from national politics to pop culture.
Spehar’s rise to prominence was notably accelerated by gaining viral attention with their first TikTok video, which provided crucial context and updates during the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. This foundational moment established Spehar’s channel as a rapid and reliable source of information during unfolding events.
Beyond their widely viewed social media segments, Spehar co-hosts the podcast American Fever Dream, offering deeper dives into societal issues. Their journalistic credibility is further bolstered by interviews with high-profile political figures, including former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Spehar has also expanded their reach through a Substack newsletter, amassing a substantial subscriber base exceeding 150,000.
Alix Earle: The “Internet’s Resident It Girl”
Joining Spehar on the prestigious list is Alix Earle, 24, often dubbed the “internet’s resident It Girl.” Earle commands a massive digital following, with nearly 12 million combined followers on TikTok and Instagram. She is widely recognized for the “Alix Earle effect,” a phenomenon where products she features or promotes frequently experience rapid sell-outs, demonstrating her significant economic influence.
Earle’s ascent to widespread fame began in 2022 during her senior year at the University of Miami. Her candid and engaging “Get Ready With Me” videos, which offered glimpses into her daily life and beauty routines, resonated strongly with audiences. Her content spans lifestyle, beauty, and fashion, characterized by an intimate and open approach.
Earle has been notably candid about personal topics, including struggles with acne, discussions around mental health, and experiences with plastic surgery, fostering a strong sense of connection and authenticity with her audience.
The Evolving Landscape of Influence
The recognition of creators like Spehar and Earle by a distinguished publication like TIME underscores a fundamental shift in the media landscape. Social media platforms are no longer solely spaces for personal connection or entertainment; they have evolved into significant vectors for news dissemination and cultural influence.
According to research cited in the context of the list, over half of Americans now report getting some news from social media, a statistic highlighted by organizations like Pew Research. This trend highlights the critical role that individuals like Spehar, who explicitly focus on news breakdowns, and those like Earle, whose candid sharing influences product markets and cultural conversations, play in shaping public perception and daily life.
Their inclusion on the 2025 TIME100 Creators list serves as a formal acknowledgment of their substantial impact and their position at the forefront of the digital age’s evolving communication and influence paradigms.
Spehar and Earle represent different facets of this digital influence – one as a direct, accessible news interpreter and the other as a powerful lifestyle and cultural trendsetter. Both, however, demonstrate the capacity of individual creators to build vast, engaged communities and exert significant sway in their respective domains.
