Why don’t the BET Awards have a streamer category?

Leighton Batiste
/
Jun 9, 2025

Streaming is not only dominating entertainment, its Black creators moving the needle. The silver anniversary of the BET Awards are here but the historic network has notably overlooked one of the most dominant cultural forces of this generation: Black streamers. In an era where gaming and live streaming have become pillars of digital entertainment, it’s glaring that the BET Awards still lacks a dedicated category to honor these creators. Black streamers like Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed aren’t just popular — they’re global powerhouses. Kai, who boasts over 17 million Twitch followers, broke records with 658,000+ subscribers during his 2024 "Mafiathon" stream and earned upwards of $8.5 million in a single year. Meanwhile, IShowSpeed commands an audience of over 40 million subscribers on YouTube and took home “Streamer of the Year” honors in 2024.

This isn’t just about fame — it’s about cultural influence. These creators drive trends, launch careers, sell out live events, and shape the very language of Gen Z. Their audiences span continents, yet their roots — and their impact — are deeply Black. Creators like Amira Virgil (XMiraMira), CupAhNoodle, Jazzygums, and more are pushing for representation through gaming mods and digital communities that reflect the diversity of Black life. They prove that the face of streaming is multifaceted, global, and unapologetically Black.

If BET’s goal is to reflect and uplift Black culture, the absence of a streamer category feels increasingly out of step with reality. The platform has an opportunity to not only validate this thriving creative economy but to place these influential voices where they belong — center stage. Streaming isn’t the future. It's now. To remain relevant to younger audiences BET must acknowledge that culture isn’t just being made in studios anymore — it’s being broadcasted live, by creators with millions watching.

Similar posts

View all stories
iShowSpeed Trains with Olympic Legend Ato Boldon for 2028 100m Sprint Dream
Culture

iShowSpeed Trains with Olympic Legend Ato Boldon for 2028 100m Sprint Dream

IShowSpeed is keeping his Olympic dream alive, getting tips from four-time Olympic medalist and former world champion Ato Boldon as he works toward running the 100m sprint at the 2028 Games.

Aug 15, 2025
SZA Named Vans Artistic Director, Launches Multi-Year Partnership with Knu Skool Spotlight
Culture

SZA Named Vans Artistic Director, Launches Multi-Year Partnership with Knu Skool Spotlight

SZA has officially joined Vans as the brand’s Artistic Director, launching a multi-year partnership that blends her artistic vision with the footwear company’s youthful, “Off the Wall” spirit.

Aug 15, 2025
Kendrick & Dave Free Launch New Agency, Project 3 and importance of cultural integrity
Culture

Kendrick & Dave Free Launch New Agency, Project 3 and importance of cultural integrity

Project 3 represents a new creative endeavor aimed at expanding resources for both corporate and independent businesses. At the core of this initiative is Project 3 Agency, a full-service creative company offering content creation, event planning, brand design, creative direction, production services, and strategic consulting.

Aug 5, 2025
DC Isn’t “Back” — It’s Finally Arrived with James Gunn’s Superman
Culture

DC Isn’t “Back” — It’s Finally Arrived with James Gunn’s Superman

Let me get this out of the way: I’m a DC fan. So yes, there’s some bias baked into what you’re about to read. But I promise to keep you, the skeptical, Marvel-loving, or just cautiously optimistic reader, in mind as I explain why James Gunn’s Superman feels like the true beginning of the DCU we've all been waiting for.

Jul 11, 2025
View all stories
Home
CXM
About
Projects