Haliey Welch (Photo via Instagram)
Haliey Welch, better known as “Hawk Tuah Girl”, has come a long way.

The viral star turned podcast host continues to succeed in her unlikely career that no one saw coming.

The social media star is now being flooded with praise after her latest accomplishment.

Welch has been swept into the limelight once again, this time earning a highly coveted spot among TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Creators of the Year.

Since her unexpected rise to fame last June, the Tennessee native has transformed what began as a spontaneous street interview into a full-blown media career. She launched her own podcast and even helped launch a memecoin, even though it almost ended everything she had going for her.

TIME released its annual list of the 100 most influential content creators for 2025, recognising the digital figures who are transforming online entertainment.

Kai Cenat takes the top position, with MrBeast, Khaby Lame, Alix Earle, and Livvy Dunne following close behind.

Other notable names include Charli D’Amelio, Jay Shetty, Pokimane, Joe Rogan, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Haliey Welch, and Hasan Piker.

Social Media Sends Congratulations To Haliey Welch

Haliey Welch (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
“Wow!!! I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this. Every person here backs you 100 percent Hailey, we love you! Congratulations 🥂,” one person said.

“It’s weird because based on the comments, she has a bunch of angry followers yet they still follow her and I feel like if they weren’t here commenting, she would lose money, but basically they’re paying her by commenting,” a second person said of her haters.

“Making moves 🔥,” a third person added.

“Y’all needa lighten up – be mad at something that matters fr. She just out here doin’ her thang. She’s funny and seems like a decent human. Watch her on Whitney Cummings podcast on YouTube she’s real. 🫡 well except for that bitcoin thing or whatever she did. Lol ya done fuggd up with that one but we all make mistakes. Shoot,” a fourth person wrote of Haliey Welch.

“Lots of haters 😭 in the comments. Keep helping the animal shelters and doing your thing!” one final person commented.