If you’re learning to code, studying for an IT certification, or just trying to make sense of cybersecurity concepts, chances are you’ve opened YouTube or TikTok for help. Maybe it started as a quick tutorial, but now you’re watching playlists, joining Discord groups, and following creators who make learning tech… actually fun.
Welcome to 2025, where creators are the new professors.
Tech education influencers are reshaping how skills are taught, consumed, and retained. For Gen Z and Millennials, this shift makes sense: they trust relatable voices over static syllabi. And these creators are delivering everything from free crash courses to advanced walkthroughs, all in a style that feels personal, accessible, and up-to-date.
Let’s explore why this trend is booming, and who to follow if you’re serious about leveling up your tech skills.
Why Influencers Are Shaping Tech Education
In a traditional classroom, you might learn from one instructor over 12 weeks. But on platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok, you can learn from hundreds of experts across different disciplines — at your own pace, with zero pressure.
These creators:
- Break down complex topics into digestible formats
- Offer real-world context (like how they use these skills in actual jobs)
- Keep content fresh with rapid updates on trends, tools, and techniques
- Often respond to comments and create communities around shared learning
The result? Learning that’s more conversational, dynamic, and relevant.
Who to Follow: Tech Creators Making a Difference
1. Tech With Tim (YouTube)
A long-time favorite among aspiring developers, Tim covers Python programming, data structures, and real-world project builds. What makes his content great is the clarity and pacing — even tricky topics feel approachable.
2. Kelsey Hightower (LinkedIn + Twitter)
A leading voice in the cloud-native space, Kelsey’s posts and talks often blend Kubernetes insights with broader commentary on tech culture. He’s not just a teacher, but a thinker — and someone worth learning from.
3. Ali Spittel (@aspittel on TikTok + YouTube)
Ali is a software engineer and educator who brings clarity to frontend development. Her TikToks and YouTube videos are visually engaging, often showing step-by-step builds with concise voiceovers.
4. freeCodeCamp (YouTube)
Technically a platform, not an individual, but freeCodeCamp offers marathon tutorials that span everything from web dev to cybersecurity. The depth and production value are ideal for serious learners.
5. Tech With Lucy (TikTok + Instagram)
Lucy’s short-form videos highlight life as a software engineer, study tips for coding interviews, and honest chats about career growth. Think of it as learning and mentorship in under a minute.
What Makes These Influencers So Effective?
Besides their technical knowledge, here’s what sets top creators apart:
- Authenticity: They share what worked (and didn’t) in their own journeys
- Visuals: Their videos are well-edited, clear, and often entertaining
- Consistency: Regular content drops mean you’re always learning
- Community: They foster Discord servers, livestream Q&As, and comment sections that double as study halls
For Educators: What Can We Learn from Them?
At Ascend Education, we believe great teaching can happen anywhere — especially online.
Influencers are showing us that:
- Teaching should be story-driven
- Lessons should be bite-sized and flexible
- Students thrive in casual, peer-driven spaces
Many of our instructors are now incorporating creator-style techniques into their materials: lo-fi intros, animated whiteboarding, and async office hours that mimic influencer engagement.
How to Choose the Right Influencers for You
Not every creator will match your learning style. Here’s how to curate:
- Pick based on your learning goals: Frontend? Cloud? Cyber?
- Check consistency and credibility: Look for creators with real-world experience and regular uploads
- Join their communities: Discords, newsletters, and livestreams can accelerate your growth
Final Thoughts: The Classroom Is Everywhere Now
Tech education in 2025 isn’t confined to institutions. It’s on your feed, in your earbuds, and popping up on your recommended videos. The best part? You get to choose your teachers.
Influencers are more than entertainers — they’re the peer tutors of the internet, the mentors you didn’t know you needed, and a powerful part of your learning toolkit.
So subscribe, follow, hit play… and learn from the creators leading the next wave of IT education.
At Ascend Education, we support every kind of learner — whether you’re following a textbook, a TikToker, or both. Because what matters isn’t where you learn. It’s that you keep going.
