Meet Keith Lee: TikToks most influential foodie

Keith Lee, 29, might be one of the most powerful voices in food today. He doesn't often critique Michelin-starred restaurants, and he's not formally trained. But Lee's opinion of a restaurant can change its future.

If you’re on TikTok, you've seen Lee, who's racked up 17.4 million followers. You've heard his trademark "I got it, let’s try it, and rate it 1 to 10." He's used his massive platform, for the most part, to highlight mom-and-pop spots and Black-owned places that could benefit from a boost. Praise from Lee means lines out the door for a place that might really need it.

He was TikTok’s Creator of the Year at the platform's first U.S.-based awards show, and for good reason. Few creators wield the influence he has, and few are able to use it for more good.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage or see more of this year’s Mashable 101 to discover the internet's most exciting voices.