TECHNOMALIST
The 2026 TIME100 Creators Gala transformed a New York City venue into a real-world crossing of algorithmic paths on July 30. Honoring the news organization’s second annual list of the year’s most influential digital voices, the event gathered prominent personalities from Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and even LinkedIn.
TIME CEO Jessica Sibley addressed the crowd from behind the DJ booth, noting that honorees hailed from more than a dozen countries and spanned categories including science, fashion, technology, sports, and entertainment. She highlighted their combined social following of over one billion and their economic impact through business-building and audience value.
The room was thick with cross-platform mingling. Comedians and content creators like Micky Gordon, Kevin Fredericks, Kat Stickler, Madison Humphrey, and Eric Sedeño chatted with science journalist Cleo Abram and Recess Therapy host Julian Shapiro-Barnum. Sports enthusiasts Jackie Johnston, Katie Feeney, and Morgan Riddle also made the rounds, while celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes and luxury-travel specialist Olivia Ferney joined the conversations. Drinks with on-theme names—the honeydew-and-vodka Algorithm and the hibiscus-infused Main Character Margarita—were passed alongside sushi.
Alix Earle, the influencer and skin-care founder who appeared on the TIME100 Creators cover, posed for photos with guests. Love Island stars Maura Higgins and Serena Page reunited with an embrace, while mental-health advocate Shira Lazar and psychiatrist-turned-creator Judith Joseph caught up in line for the restroom. Kane Parsons, the 21-year-old YouTuber whose film Backrooms became A24’s highest-grossing feature this year, paused for a red-carpet interview with 2025 listee Cyrus Veyssi.
A lighter moment came when 10-year-old fashion designer Max Alexander, the youngest honoree, bypassed the offered caviar bites and, with an editor’s help, secured a mini box of Frosted Flakes from the staff room.
The party was presented by Ally, Waymo, Target, Whalar Group, and The Lighthouse.
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