*Pictured: Listmaker* *Younes Zarou* *interviewed by Content Creator* *Mimoza* *at the 2024* *influence.vision* *x Forbes Top Creators List Event.*

The Forbes Top Creators List DACH 2024 is more than just a list – it marks a significant milestone for influencer marketing in the German-speaking region. Forbes has recognized the most outstanding creators in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – innovators, entrepreneurs, and pioneers whose work extends far beyond social media. influence.vision had the honor of partnering with Forbes in the selection process.

But how did this list come to be? And what steps did influence.vision take to contribute to its success? Let’s take a closer look behind the scenes.

The Inspiration: From the USA to the DACH Region

The idea to create a Top Creators List for the German-speaking market had a clear role model: the USA. Forbes had already launched a similar list in the US that made waves internationally. Influencers evolved from social media personalities to true entrepreneurs and brand ambassadors. This evolution deserved recognition and celebration in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland as well.

Thanks to the close relationship influence.vision’s managing directors Florian Bösenkopf and Branko Markovic – both featured in Forbes’ 2019 “30 Under 30” list – had built with Forbes DA, the idea to bring such a list to the DACH region gained momentum.

“Influencer marketing is one of the fastest-growing industries globally,” explains Florian Bösenkopf. “Forbes USA opened the door to greater media recognition for the influencer space. Within our long-standing partnership with Forbes, the idea emerged to combine our strengths to increase visibility in the German-speaking market.”

A Strong Partnership: How influence.vision and Forbes Collaborate

What makes this list special is the close collaboration between influence.vision and Forbes DA. While Forbes leveraged its editorial expertise to curate the list, influence.vision contributed its in-depth market knowledge and network to identify the right creators and gather the necessary data.

Our goal was not only to highlight the biggest names in the scene but also to showcase those creating real value – through innovative business models, sustainable brand partnerships, and entrepreneurial creativity.

“We want to shine a spotlight on creators who use their platforms to drive entrepreneurial impact and spearhead innovative projects,” emphasizes Branko Markovic.

Through this close collaboration, we ensured that the list represents creators from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who stand out not just for their follower counts but for their role as true game-changers in the digital space.

*Pictured:* *influence.vision* *Managing Directors Florian Bösenkopf (left), Austrian singer Hansi Hinterseer (middle), and Branko Markovic (right) at the 2024* *influence.vision* *x Forbes Top Creators List Event.*

The Selection Process: Who Makes It to the Top Creators List?

*Pictured: A selection of listmakers from the 2024* *influence.vision* *x Forbes Top Creators List.*

Creating the Top 40 Creators for the DACH region was no quick task. Over 100 creators were initially identified based on factors such as reach, engagement, audience demographics, and an “Entrepreneurship Score” – a unique Forbes evaluation criterion that focuses on creators' entrepreneurial capabilities and long-term potential.

“It wasn’t just about who has the most followers,” Florian explains. “It was about who builds sustainable partnerships, advances their personal brand, and influences the future development of the market. These are the nuanced qualities of a modern content creator.”

In addition to quantitative metrics, qualitative factors such as creativity, innovation, and the impact on their community were also part of the evaluation.

Another crucial aspect was geographic balance among Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – each country with its own strengths in influencer marketing. While Germany often dominates with big names, Austria and Switzerland stood out with creators demonstrating niche expertise and entrepreneurial creativity.

*Pictured: Listmaker and German rapper* *Shirin David* *at the 2024* *influence.vision* *x Forbes Top Creators List Event.*

Collaboration and Insights: Key Learnings from the Project

A project of this scale was full of fascinating aspects: from setting the evaluation criteria and building a data-driven list to meticulously planning the Forbes x influence.vision Top Creators List event.

Here, influence.vision’s long-standing experience working with content creators played a key role. “Communication and coordination in the influencer industry often require a unique level of sensitivity,” adds Florian Bösenkopf.

One key takeaway from the project was the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion in influencer marketing. While the list already includes a wide variety of creators, we are dedicated to amplifying diverse voices even more in the future.

“The current structure of top creators in the DACH region still doesn’t fully reflect the diversity we aspire to see,” explains Branko Markovic. “In the coming years, we hope to see a broader market landscape, so we can collectively support the diverse potential of this industry.”

Looking Ahead: How influence.vision Continues to Shape Influencer Marketing

The release of the Top Creators List DACH 2024 is just the beginning. Forbes, in partnership with influence.vision, has taken a significant first step in recognizing the most impactful creators in the DACH region. Our vision for the future is to not only celebrate the most successful DACH creators but to foster long-lasting, authentic relationships between creators and brands to build enduring partnerships.

We look forward to continuing to develop the Forbes Top DACH Creators List alongside our partners and Forbes. In the years ahead, we aim to continue this journey, ensuring that the best creators receive the recognition and support they deserve – all in the spirit of sustainability, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative excellence.