In the digital landscape of 2025, a new generation of stars is capturing hearts and screens across India. Children as young as three are amassing followers in the hundreds of thousands, their daily lives, learnings, and playful banter transformed into viral content. Managed primarily by their parents, these young influencers represent a significant shift in how childhood is documented and consumed.
Meet India's Youngest Digital Stars
The phenomenon is led by several standout child creators. Shivanya 'Sia' Trivedi, aged 5, has garnered 984,000 followers on an account managed by her father, Omprakash Trivedi, in Bengaluru. Omprakash, who harbored dreams of being a singer, recognized his daughter's innate charm and intelligence. He recreates relatable moments from their daily life, insisting he only records what Sia naturally says, never forcing performances.
Other notable names include Shravani Singh (692k followers), managed by her mother Deepali, and Hanaya Jain (563k followers), a 6-year-old who shares her family's lifestyle and travels. Aadhya Sharma (173k followers) wins over audiences with her wit, while Guluna boasts a massive 1.9 million followers through videos with her father, digital creator Asim Kamal.
A particularly unique case is that of AgniV, a 7-year-old TEDx speaker and 'prodigy' with 1 million followers. His parents, Vinoth Sankar and Nishitha G Kotian, who practice 'unschooling,' introduced him to reels as a platform to discuss his learnings and DIY projects. His content, focusing on life and spirituality, stands apart from typical dance videos. His parents maintain a strict balance, only showing him content before posting, shielding him from likes and shares.
The Psychology Behind the Trend
Psychotherapist and life coach Delnna explains the drivers behind this trend. She notes that modern parenting can be isolating, and viral videos provide instant validation through likes and comments. Social media has become the new public scrapbook, replacing private albums and diaries. Children's natural expressiveness makes the camera seem like fun, but a viral hit can quickly turn casual moments into a content strategy.
Parents also see tangible opportunities in brand deals, visibility, and income, believing they are giving their child a head start in an attention-driven economy. For children, influencers are now a normal part of the cultural landscape, making fame feel accessible rather than aspirational.
Potential Impact and Essential Guidelines
Delnna warns that growing up with a constant camera can lead to a heightened awareness of being "seen," potentially altering emotional development. Children may learn to perform rather than simply express, adapt behavior based on external reactions, and associate approval with online attention. This can build confidence for some but create pressure and anxiety for others.
The expert asserts this trend is here to stay but emphasizes the need for mindful boundaries. She offers crucial guidelines for families navigating this space:
- Create truly private time where the child is not watched or recorded, protecting spontaneity and emotional independence.
- Respect the child's mood; the camera must stop if the child is tired or unwilling. Consent matters, even at a young age.
- Do not attach the child's identity to their performance. Ensure they understand they are loved for who they are, not for their view count.
- Protect them from overexposure. Selective sharing is crucial as too much visibility can interfere with a child's sense of self and safety.
- Conduct honest check-ins as the child grows, especially around ages 5 and 7 when they start forming their own identity. Let their interests guide the content.
As we close 2025, the rise of child influencers presents a complex blend of opportunity, talent, and potential risk. The challenge for parents managing these channels lies in balancing the allure of digital fame with the fundamental need for a protected, pressure-free childhood.
