TikTok launched The Discover List 2025, showcasing 50 “creators to watch” across Educators, Foodies, Icons, Innovators, and Originators.
The list highlights trendsetters who are inspiring audiences globally, sparking trends, inspiring audiences and shaping the future of content creation. It spans the US, New Zealand to South Africa and includes two creators from Australia – Lily Huynh (@biteswithlily) and Aslan Pahari (@aslanpahari), both from Sydney.
“At TikTok we are committed to celebrating our incredible creator community. Today we are excited to unveil The Discover List 2025 – a showcase of 50 creators to watch from across the world,” said Kim Farrell, head of creators at TikTok.
“From the Educators who are inspiring their communities to learn something new, to the Icons who have entertained audiences with their unique point of view, we are proud to be a space where new talent can be discovered and authenticity can truly thrive,” she added.
@tiktok we are so excited to unveil #TheDiscoverList ♬ original sound – TikTok
Huynh takes her followers on an adventure to discover the best food around the world, from local street food to recreating mouthwatering recipes at home, her vibrant content has won the hearts (and appetites) of food lovers everywhere.
Huynh told Mediaweek it was an honour to recognised on the list. “It’s a reflection of the passion and creativity I’ve poured into my content and community, and motivates me to keep growing and making a positive impact as a creator.”
While Foodtok is a saturated space on the platform, she shared that her key to ensuring her content stands out is “bringing food to life through storytelling, captivating visuals, and a genuine passion for exploring different cuisines.”
“Each video is an adventure that inspires my audience to see more of the world and try new flavours.”
Looking to the year ahead, Huynh shared that followers can expect more travel, street food and mouthwatering recipes on her channel. “Bring on the local markets and seafood boils!”
@biteswithlily TOP 5 VIDS OF 2024: Seafood boil recipe & mukbang 🦀 Ingredients: 600g (1 cluster) king crab legs 500g jumbo prawns 500g mussels 400g moreton bay bugs 200g smoked sausage 4 corn cobettes 4 baby red potatoes Seafood broth: 4.5L water 4 bay leaves 1/2 cup (or 75g) old bay seasoning 2 tbsp cajun seasoning 1 onion, sliced 1 lemon, sliced in wedges 6 garlic cloves, pressed Sauce: 500g unsalted butter 1/2 onion, sliced 8 garlic cloves, finely minced 2 tbsp cajun seasoning 2 tbsp old bay seasoning 2 tbsp smoked paprika 2 tbsp lemon pepper 2 tbsp cayenne pepper 1 tbsp garlic powder 1 tbsp onion powder 1/2 tbsp oregano leaves 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 lemon, juiced 1 1/2 cup seafood broth (from previous step, add more if desired) #seafoodboil #recipe #cooking #food #kingcrab #crablegs #australia #mukbang #seafoodboilmukbang ♬ original sound – biteswithlily
Pahari’s engaging educational content is a combination of his passion for history and culture with storytelling. With his deep knowledge of mythology, language, and South Asian traditions, he uses his platform to share thought-provoking insights, debunk myths, and inspire curiosity in his millions of followers worldwide.
For Pahari, being on the list is “incredibly rewarding.” He told Mediaweek: “I started on TikTok in early 2020, and at first, my educational videos didn’t go viral. It took months of research, writing, and sharing my passion before I had my first breakthrough. Seeing how far I’ve come since then is an amazing feeling.”
He revealed that making videos on topics he is genuinely interested have helped with ensuring audience engagement.
“My goal is to share that passion and connect with people who are just as curious. The fact that my videos often go viral shows that subjects like anthropology, history, linguistics, and religion resonate with a lot more people than you’d expect,” he said.
Pahari revealed that people can expect a shift toward regular long-form content in the year ahead. “This is one of the most common requests from my audience, and it’s something I’ve been planning for a while. I’m excited to finally make it happen,” he added.
@aslanpahari Why do countries have multiple names? #history #geography #educational #learn ♬ original sound – ASLAN PAHARI
Simon Bates, head of content for TikTok Australia and New Zealand, said: “We’re delighted to highlight our Discover List honorees as we continue building a unique platform where over one billion people, including 8.5 million Australians, come to be entertained and learn something new.
“Whether they’re starting trends, or redefining what it means to be an Educator, Foodie, Innovator, Icon, and Originator, these creators are the true definition of authentic expression, and we can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Top image: Lily Huynh and Aslan Pahari