Whether you’re just starting out or already running a successful print-on-demand business, staying connected with the right creators can give you the edge you need in 2025. With trends evolving fast and new tools appearing every day, following influencers who consistently share tutorials, niche strategies, and business insights is key to keeping your brand competitive.
In this blog, we’re highlighting 10 of the top POD and merch influencers who are making waves this year. From AI design tips and platform updates to business-building strategies, these creators offer everything you need to take your print-on-demand hustle to the next level.
1. DetourShirts
Juna, the creator behind DetourShirts, has been a staple in the POD scene for over six years. His channel is fully dedicated to the print-on-demand world, offering in-depth videos on design tools, niche research, product creation, and platform updates. He posts regularly – about every three days – ensuring his content is always in tune with the latest trends.
What sets Juna apart is the depth of his content. Most of his videos run over 20 minutes and go deep into strategy and technical execution. Whether you’re exploring new AI tools or looking for fresh t-shirt ideas, his tutorials are packed with actionable advice. His channel has a loyal audience of over 173,000 subscribers who value detailed, trend-aware content.
2. Wholesale Ted
Sarah Crisp, the face of Wholesale Ted, is one of the most recognized voices in the online business space. Her channel covers a wide range of side hustle topics, with a strong emphasis on print-on-demand, especially for beginners. From discovering profitable niches to exploring new tools, Sarah’s videos are rich with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
She posts weekly, and while POD isn’t her only focus, her videos on merch and Etsy strategies are among her most popular. Active on YouTube for over 10 years, Sarah has built one of the largest communities in the e-commerce space, with over 1.36 million subscribers.
3. Ryan Hogue Passive Income
Ryan Hogue is a go-to resource for sellers looking to build passive income through print-on-demand. His channel focuses on e-commerce, with a heavy emphasis on POD strategies, AI tools, and niche trends. He uploads nearly every day, maintaining a fast-paced flow of content designed to help viewers succeed.
One of his most popular weekly segments is the “Top 5 Niches of the Week” series, now running for over 260 weeks. His videos are quick, sharp, and highly actionable, typically around 10 minutes long. With a following of more than 194,000 subscribers, Ryan’s channel is a must-follow for consistent, data-driven insights.
4. Shimmy Morris
Based in London, Shimmy Morris shares his journey and knowledge in the world of POD and e-commerce. His channel is laser-focused on building businesses through print-on-demand, with a strong emphasis on strategy, platform performance, and scaling.
Posting weekly, Shimmy blends tutorials with a community-focused approach. He often responds to comments and questions, making his content especially helpful for beginners and experienced sellers alike. He’s been uploading for 7 years and has built a loyal following of more than 110,000 subscribers.
5. Hustle Ninjas
If you’re looking to mix POD with streetwear and brand-building, Hustle Ninjas is your go-to. The channel is dedicated to apparel design, brand identity, and selling strategies for platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon.
Hustle Ninjas stands out with its high-quality visuals and professional editing. Videos range from short, snappy tutorials to deep dives of over 30 minutes. They also create behind-the-scenes content, showing DTF printing processes and how to craft designs that pop. With over 286,000 subscribers, this channel is perfect for those wanting to build a brand—not just sell shirts.
6. SimplyPOD with Mandy
Mandy’s channel is completely focused on the world of POD, especially for Etsy sellers. With weekly uploads, she shares niche research, design walkthroughs, shop optimization tips, and motivational content for anyone building their store from scratch.
Her content is easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and community-driven. Active for two years, Mandy has positioned herself as a go-to resource for new POD entrepreneurs looking for steady guidance and tested strategies. Her channel has grown to more than 34,000 subscribers thanks to her warm, hands-on approach.
7. Allison Ramirez
Allison is a rising voice in the POD and Etsy space. Based in the U.S., she shares her personal journey, from launching her shop to earning over $100K in just one year. Her videos balance inspirational storytelling with practical tips about design, SEO, and selling on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Printify.
She posts weekly and creates content aimed at beginners who are ready to dive into the business side of creative entrepreneurship. With more than 38,000 subscribers, Allison’s mix of transparency and guidance has helped her quickly build a loyal community.
8. T-shirt Help Desk
Led by Gary Ajené, T-shirt Help Desk is all about helping sellers thrive in the t-shirt business. His content blends design guidance, niche ideas, printing methods, and marketing strategies.
Posting weekly, Gary shares tips on how to make standout designs, use different printing techniques, and understand the technical side of apparel. His audience is highly engaged and continues to grow, with over 286,000 subscribers supporting his content and courses.
9. John Santos
John Santos is a powerhouse in the merch and branding space. As the founder of StreetCrafter, he has spent years helping creators build and scale apparel brands from scratch. His videos go deep into strategy, marketing, product development, and long-term brand positioning.
His content is focused, high-quality, and packed with practical tips on how to grow a clothing brand – not just a POD store. Active for over a decade, John now has a strong community of more than 465,000 subscribers who trust his creative and business insights.
10. Greg Gottfried
Greg Gottfried’s channel is perfect for beginners interested in POD, affiliate marketing, and multiple passive income streams. His tutorials focus on simplicity and clarity, especially for those just getting started with platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
Greg’s videos have a calm, structured style and often include step-by-step masterclasses. He’s been uploading for over 7 years, building a massive audience of more than 788,000 subscribers. If you’re looking to start small but think big, Greg’s content is a great place to begin.
POD & Merch Influencers Comparison Table
| Influencer | Main Focus | Content Style | Upload Frequency | Community Size (May 2025) |
| DetourShirts | Pure POD, trends, and design | In-depth tutorials, tools, design | Almost daily | 173K+ subscribers |
| Wholesale Ted | Side hustles & beginner POD | Business, tools, strategies | Weekly | 1.36M+ subscribers |
| Ryan Hogue | Scalable POD & e-commerce | Niches, tools, tutorials, design | Almost daily | 194K+ subscribers |
| Shimmy Morris | POD platforms & growth strategies | Tutorials, community-driven content | Weekly | 110K+ subscribers |
| Hustle Ninjas | Apparel, branding, streetwear | Visual tutorials, BTS | Weekly | 286K+ subscribers |
| SimplyPOD with Mandy | Creative POD with Etsy | Niche research, motivation | Weekly | 34K+ subscribers |
| Allison Ramirez | Etsy & real POD journey | Storytelling, practical tips | Weekly | 38K+ subscribers |
| T-shirt Help Desk | T-shirt design and marketing | Design tips, printing insights | Weekly | 286K+ subscribers |
| John Santos | POD branding and business building | Strategy, brand growth | Variable | 465K+ subscribers |
| Greg Gottfried | Beginner POD + passive income | Step-by-step masterclasses | Variable | 788K+ subscribers |
The print-on-demand world is fast-moving and full of opportunities. By following these top influencers in 2025, you’ll not only stay on top of the latest trends – you’ll also get the guidance, inspiration, and community support you need to scale your POD journey. Whether you’re building a t-shirt brand, selling on Etsy, or exploring the latest AI design tools, these creators are the ones to watch.
Note: This list is based on publicly available content, community engagement, and relevance to the POD and merch space in 2025. We recognize that there are many other amazing creators contributing valuable insights and content to the industry. This selection is not exhaustive, and we encourage readers to explore and support a wide range of voices in the community.
