Meet the homegrown social media influencers putting Iowa on the map
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Iowa is known for its long-held agricultural traditions and crops grown in the high summer heat. But there is a new crop of homegrown social media influencers from around the state on various platforms who are bringing eyes to Iowa by churning out high-quality content — not butter. Here are some of their stories.
Jackie Akerberg
Known for: Gaining traction online as a vegan Instagram influencer with healthy recipes and author of the "Clean Vegan Cookbook," which was released in early 2022.
Day job: Operations manager, Wealth Consulting Group
Instagram: @jackfruitfulkitchen;more than 67,000 followers
More: Des Moines influencer Jackie Akerberg dishes up viral Instagram success with vegan recipes
Cole Burge
Known for: Being a dad to his daughter Lovelyn and working as an emerging real estate agent based in Ankeny on TikTok and Instagram.
Day job: Real estate agent, Century 21 Signature Real Estate
TikTok: @cole_burge; nearly 160,000 followers; Instagram: @cole_burge_; nearly 29,000 followers
More: How real estate agent Cole Burge is turning teen dad TikTok stardom into dollars
Drew Dau
Known for: Capturing a first-hand look at life in Okoboji and Des Moines with high flying aerial content, featuring videos and photos of the state's biggest vacation destination and its largest city. Framed prints of Dau's work start at $90 while canvases begin at $249 on drewdau.com.
Day job: Drone pilot and aerial photographer, Drew Dau Studio
TikTok: @drew.dau; nearly 3,000 followers; Instagram: @drewdau.photo; nearly 13,000 followers
More: Drone pilot Drew Dau brings birds-eye view of Iowa to the internet on Instagram and TikTok
Myles Finn
Known for: Broadcasting his Indianola High School music lessons, as well as sharing choral warm-ups, and behind-the-scenes looks into his personal life online.
Day job: Choir instructor at Indianola High School
TikTok: @itsmrfinn; 1.1 million followers; Instagram: @itsmrmylesfinnwith more than 81,500 followers
More: Indianola High School choir instructor Myles Finn makes noise with his 1 million TikTok followers
Elli Jennings
Known for: Showcasing dreamy central Iowa homes and snapping back at commenters who make fun of Iowa.
Day job: Real-estate agent, Jennings Real Estate Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Center in Ames
TikTok: @ellijennings; 29,000 followers; Instagram: @ellijenn; more than 10,000 followers
More: How Ames-based real estate agent Elli Jennings became a TikTok billboard for Iowa
Linda Tong
Known for: Unboxing a look at her day job as founder and CEO of Linda Tong Planners, a planner and stationery company. Tong, an Iowa State University alum, is a West Des Moines native.
Day job: Founder and CEO, Linda Tong Planners
TikTok: @lindatongplanners; nearly 250,000 followers; Instagram: @lindatongplanners; more than 16,000 followers
More: Linda Tong is Iowa's own TikTok bullet journaling star behind a six-figure company
Niña Williams
Known for: Sharing her sprawling home on a Waukee-based acreage with sneak peeks at raising four children alongside college sweetheart Nick.
Day job: Full-time lifestyle and home influencer, Niña Williams Blog
TikTok: @ninawilliamsblog; more than 243,000 followers; Instagram: Niña Williams; 252,000 followers; Facebook: Niña Williams Blog; 18,000 followers
Story: Influencer Niña Williams offers inside looks of her HGTV-worthy Waukee home to followers
Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: These social media influencers are making their mark online and in Iowa
