The latest report from HashFame highlights key trends in the creator economy, focusing on authentic brand interest rather than follower counts or engagement hype. The findings are based on data collected through Signal, HashFame’s intelligence layer that tracks high-intent brand approaches in real-time.
In the first quarter, thousands of creators were approached by brands, but only a few consistently drew significant attention. The report ranks the top 10 creators by the number of brand interest signals received, offering insight into how the market values creators based on substance and relevance.
Top 10 Creators by Brand Interest Signals – Q1
|
Rank |
Creator Name |
Instagram Handle |
Brand Interest Signals |
Instagram Followers |
Engagement Rate |
|
1 |
Neha Nagar |
@iamnehanagar |
185 |
2M |
1.61% |
|
2 |
Apoorva Mukhija |
@the.rebel.kid |
168 |
4.4M |
15.34% |
|
3 |
Vishnu Kaushal |
@thevishnukaushal |
103 |
2.1M |
4.35% |
|
4 |
Prajakta Koli |
@mostlysane |
95 |
8.7M |
4.96% |
|
5 |
Arvind Kharra |
@techmasterco |
77 |
4.6M |
2.15% |
|
6 |
Parul Gulati |
@gulati06 |
69 |
1.7M |
1.75% |
|
7 |
Sahiba Bali |
@sahibabali |
55 |
748K |
10.36% |
|
8 |
Vicky Pedia |
@vickypedia_007 |
52 |
1M |
12.07% |
|
9 |
Ravi Gupta |
@shudhdesicomic |
46 |
3.2M |
8.66% |
|
10 |
Aashi Adani |
@aashiadani |
40 |
288K |
5.40% |
Neha Nagar (@iamnehanagar) received the most brand interest signals this quarter, with 185 approaches. Known for creating finance-related content, her appeal lies in presenting financial topics in an accessible manner. Apoorva Mukhija (@the.rebel.kid) followed closely with 168 signals. Her content, which leans on direct and personal expression, is supported by a strong engagement rate of over 15%.
Humour and narrative continued to attract brands, with Vishnu Kaushal (@thevishnukaushal) registering over 100 brand approaches. Prajakta Koli (@mostlysane), a long-time content creator, received 95 signals, reflecting sustained interest in creators with large audiences who continue to evolve. Arvind Kharra (@techmasterco) ranked fifth, with his content in the tech and gadget space attracting brand attention.
Others in the top 10 include Parul Gulati, Sahiba Bali, Vicky Pedia, Ravi Gupta, and Aashi Adani. Each brings a distinct voice and area of focus, showing that brands are prioritising relevance and consistency over follower size alone.
Key Observations:
- The list includes creators with large audiences as well as those with smaller but highly engaged followings.
- Brands are focusing more on audience connection and content quality than on reach alone.
- Niche expertise and consistent engagement are becoming stronger indicators of brand interest.
“This report shows something we’ve been observing closely. Creators are no longer waiting passively for brands to notice them. They are learning how to show up, how to stay relevant, and how to attract the right kind of brand interest. The level of inbound signals we’re seeing tells us that brands are paying more attention to creators who bring both depth and consistency to their presence. If this continues, we’ll see a creator economy that rewards not just visibility but also thoughtfulness and clarity. I believe the next phase of this ecosystem will be shaped by creators and managers who can turn attention into long-term, meaningful partnerships rather than one-off campaigns,” said Anirudh Sridharan, Co-Founder and Head of Product of HashFame.
The report provides a view into brand-creator dynamics shaped by genuine engagement and highlights the shift towards fairer, more transparent relationships in the industry.
