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.
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Leeeeeeet's Gooooo ... Troop and Kiko Blac giving us nothin but heat. Are you an Anime Fan? What's your favorite anime?
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