{ "dataset": { "datasetId": "minnesota-internet-personalities-v1", "name": "Minnesota Internet Personalities 2026", "description": "An unranked, source-backed, cross-era directory of internet-native public identities with precise Minnesota relationships.", "pageUrl": "https://joshliljenquist.com/minnesota/internet-personalities/", "dataUrl": "https://joshliljenquist.com/data/minnesota-internet-personalities-2026.json", "version": "1.0.0-candidate", "reviewedAt": "2026-09-20", "recordCount": 25, "ordering": "Alphabetical by public person or collective name; not a fame or audience ranking.", "publisher": { "name": "Josh Liljenquist", "organizationId": "https://joshliljenquist.com/#organization", "personId": "https://joshliljenquist.com/#person" } }, "methodology": { "internetIdentityRule": "Public recognition must arise substantially from sustained internet-native publishing, a viral internet-native work, or a creator-led digital identity.", "minnesotaEvidenceRule": "A claim-specific source must support the displayed origin, formative, current-base, professional-base or historical relationship.", "rankingPublished": false, "historicalRecordsAllowed": true, "collectiveIdentityRule": "A creator-led group, duo or organization is represented as an Organization only where public recognition and existing canonical identity belong to that collective." }, "records": [ { "recordId": "mn-internet-abraham-piper", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-abraham-piper", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Abraham Piper", "onlineName": "Abraham Piper", "sortName": "Abraham Piper", "category": "Commentary and short-form video", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok and web publishing", "era": "Blogs to short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2010, "breakthrough": "Built a web-publishing business, then reached a large TikTok audience with concise commentary beginning in 2020.", "knownOnlineFor": "Short-form commentary and earlier web-publishing work.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "current_base", "label": "Minnesota-based", "location": "Minneapolis", "summary": "Independent reporting located Piper and his internet businesses in Minneapolis.", "temporalScope": "Documented in 2021" }, "primarySource": { "title": "How a Twin Cities blogger made millions off clickbait and became Minnesota's TikTok star", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2021-04-26", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/how-a-twin-cities-blogger-made-millions-off-clickbait-and-became-minnesota-s-tiktok-star/600050359", "support": "Documents Piper's Minneapolis base, web-publishing history and TikTok growth." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-adam-young", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-adam-young", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Adam Young", "onlineName": "Owl City", "sortName": "Adam Young", "category": "Online music", "primaryPlatform": "MySpace", "era": "Early social web", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2007, "breakthrough": "Uploaded homemade Owl City recordings to MySpace from Owatonna before “Fireflies” became an international hit.", "knownOnlineFor": "The internet-originated synth-pop project Owl City.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "hometown", "label": "Minnesota hometown", "location": "Owatonna", "summary": "Independent reporting identifies Owatonna as Young's hometown and the place where Owl City began online.", "temporalScope": "Origin and formative career period" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Owl City: Shy, retiring and No 1 everywhere", "publisher": "The Guardian", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2010-01-28", "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jan/28/owl-city-adam-young-fireflies", "support": "Identifies Owatonna as Young's hometown and traces the project's 2007 MySpace start." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "famous-people-from-minnesota-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-that-midwestern-mom", "canonicalEntityId": "that-midwestern-mom", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Amber Estenson", "onlineName": "That Midwestern Mom", "sortName": "That Midwestern Mom", "category": "Food comedy and regional culture", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok and social video", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2021, "breakthrough": "Videos about Midwestern food, hot dish and regional humor reached a large short-form audience.", "knownOnlineFor": "Minnesota food comedy, Jell-O salads and Midwestern cultural commentary.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "current_base", "label": "Minnesota-based", "location": "Frazee", "summary": "Independent reporting profiles Estenson and her creator work from Frazee.", "temporalScope": "Current as documented in 2024" }, "primarySource": { "title": "That Midwestern Mom turns Minnesota hot dish and Jell-O salad into viral video", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2024-08-21", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/that-midwestern-mom-minnesota-hot-dish-recipe-jello-salad-tim-walz/601126677", "support": "Documents Estenson's Frazee base and the online food-and-culture identity." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "famous-people-minnesota-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-andy-george", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-andy-george", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Andy George", "onlineName": "How To Make Everything", "sortName": "Andy George", "category": "Education and maker video", "primaryPlatform": "YouTube", "era": "YouTube", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2015, "breakthrough": "The “How to Make a $1,500 Sandwich” video turned the make-it-from-scratch project into a widely viewed educational channel.", "knownOnlineFor": "Making everyday objects and foods entirely from raw materials.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "raised_in", "label": "Raised in Minnesota", "location": "Minneapolis", "summary": "A creator-industry profile states that George was born and raised in Minneapolis.", "temporalScope": "Origin" }, "primarySource": { "title": "YouTube Millionaires: Andy George Makes Everything From Scratch", "publisher": "Tubefilter", "sourceClass": "CREATOR-INDUSTRY REPORTING", "date": "2019-10-23", "url": "https://www.tubefilter.com/2019/10/23/creators-going-pro-andy-george-how-to-make-everything/", "support": "Profiles the YouTube project, its breakout sandwich video and George's Minneapolis upbringing." }, "secondarySource": { "title": "About the creator", "publisher": "How To Make Everything on Patreon", "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL CREATOR", "date": null, "url": "https://www.patreon.com/HTME/about", "support": "First-party creator identity and project description. The separately listed 2019 Tubefilter interview supports historical chronology and Minneapolis origins; this profile does not establish current residence or professional base." }, "evidenceGrade": "STRONGLY SUPPORTED", "existingSiteMemberships": [] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-cboystv", "canonicalEntityId": "cboystv", "entityType": "Organization", "name": "CboysTV", "onlineName": "CboysTV", "sortName": "CboysTV", "category": "Motorsports entertainment", "primaryPlatform": "YouTube", "era": "YouTube", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2016, "breakthrough": "A group of friends from the Cormorant area turned motorsports and stunt videos into a large YouTube channel.", "knownOnlineFor": "Creator-led motorsports, stunt and outdoor entertainment.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "hometown", "label": "Minnesota hometown", "location": "Cormorant area", "summary": "Independent reporting documents the group and production operation in the Cormorant area of western Minnesota.", "temporalScope": "Origin and documented production base" }, "primarySource": { "title": "With throttles wide open, small-town 'CBoys' achieve YouTube stardom", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2021-01-28", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/with-throttles-wide-open-small-town-cboys-achieve-youtube-stardom/600016309", "support": "Documents the group's Cormorant-area roots, members and YouTube rise." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "famous-people-minnesota-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-connor-franta", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-connor-franta", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Connor Franta", "onlineName": "Connor Franta", "sortName": "Connor Franta", "category": "Vlogging and lifestyle", "primaryPlatform": "YouTube", "era": "YouTube", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2010, "breakthrough": "His high-school video blog grew past one million subscribers by 2013.", "knownOnlineFor": "Personal YouTube videos, books and digital-era lifestyle media.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "raised_in", "label": "Raised in Minnesota", "location": "La Crescent", "summary": "Independent reporting documents Franta's childhood and high-school years in La Crescent.", "temporalScope": "Origin and formative creator period" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Wipe those tears and meet Connor Franta, Minnesota's YouTube superstar", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2015-04-30", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/wipe-those-tears-and-meet-connor-franta-minnesota-s-youtube-superstar/301705331", "support": "Documents Franta's La Crescent childhood, first high-school YouTube upload and subscriber growth." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [], "profileUrl": "/minnesota/profiles/connor-franta/" }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-dadchats", "canonicalEntityId": "dadchats", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Dillon White", "onlineName": "DadChats", "sortName": "DadChats", "category": "Family comedy", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok and Instagram", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": null, "breakthrough": "Parenting observations and family-comedy videos developed into the DadChats public identity.", "knownOnlineFor": "Family comedy and candid parenting videos.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "current_base", "label": "Minnesota-based", "location": "Woodbury", "summary": "Independent reporting identifies White and the DadChats operation with Woodbury.", "temporalScope": "Current as reported in 2026" }, "primarySource": { "title": "DadChats and MomChats turned Woodbury family life into viral comedy", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2026-07-13", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/dillon-white-suzanne-white-dadchats-momchats-influencers-woodbury-minnesota/601867584", "support": "Profiles Dillon White, the DadChats identity, the family's Woodbury base and the account's development." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "minneapolis-twin-cities-creators-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-food-dolls", "canonicalEntityId": "food-dolls", "entityType": "Organization", "name": "Food Dolls", "onlineName": "Food Dolls", "sortName": "Food Dolls", "category": "Food and recipe media", "primaryPlatform": "Facebook, Instagram and web video", "era": "Social video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2015, "breakthrough": "Alia and Radwa Elkaffas began publishing in 2015 and expanded after a viral food video in 2021.", "knownOnlineFor": "Accessible recipe videos and a sister-led food-media brand.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "raised_in", "label": "Raised in Minnesota", "location": "Eden Prairie", "summary": "Independent reporting documents the sisters' Eden Prairie upbringing and Minnesota-based food-media work.", "temporalScope": "Origin and professional base" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Minnesota's Food Dolls make food pretty and delicious", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2025-02-25", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/food-dolls-cookbook-pretty-delicious-minnesota-alia-radwa-elkaffas-midwestern/601227680", "support": "Documents Alia and Radwa Elkaffas, their Eden Prairie upbringing, 2015 start and later viral growth." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "famous-people-minnesota-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-the-braces-guy", "canonicalEntityId": "the-braces-guy", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Grant Collins", "onlineName": "The Braces Guy", "sortName": "The Braces Guy", "category": "Professional education and comedy", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2019, "breakthrough": "Collins began combining orthodontic education and entertainment on TikTok in spring 2019.", "knownOnlineFor": "Orthodontic education and braces-focused entertainment.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "professional_base", "label": "Minnesota professional base", "location": "Rochester", "summary": "The University of Minnesota profile documents Collins's Rochester practice and online creator work.", "temporalScope": "Current as documented in 2023" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Collins brings personality to orthodontia with viral Braces Guy TikTok account", "publisher": "University of Minnesota School of Dentistry", "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION", "date": "2023-01-26", "url": "https://dentistry.umn.edu/news-events/collins-brings-personality-orthodontia-viral-braces-guy-tiktok-account", "support": "Documents the Rochester practice, creator identity and spring 2019 TikTok start." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "famous-people-minnesota-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-haley-kalil", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-haley-kalil", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Haley Kalil", "onlineName": "Haley Baylee", "sortName": "Haley Kalil", "category": "Comedy, fashion and lifestyle", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok and Instagram", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": null, "breakthrough": "Expanded from modeling into a major short-form audience built around fashion, satire and pop-culture comedy.", "knownOnlineFor": "Fashion and lifestyle satire under the Haley Baylee public name.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "born_in", "label": "Born in Minnesota", "location": "Excelsior", "summary": "Independent reporting identifies Excelsior as Kalil's birthplace and describes her Minnesota education.", "temporalScope": "Origin" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Former Miss Minnesota tapped to host Netflix reality series about malls", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2026-03-16", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/former-miss-minnesota-and-ex-wife-of-vikings-vet-matt-kalil-tapped-to-host-netflix-series/601598957", "support": "Identifies Kalil as a social influencer born in Excelsior with deep Minnesota roots." }, "secondarySource": { "title": "Haley Kalil — TIME100 Creators 2025", "publisher": "TIME", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT PROFILE", "date": "2025-07-09", "url": "https://time.com/collections/time100-creators-2025/7299123/haley-kalil/", "support": "Documents her large digital audience, creator work and Minnesota university connection." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "platform-ranking research records" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-jimmy-darts", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-jimmy-darts", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Jimmy Darts", "onlineName": "Jimmy Darts", "sortName": "Jimmy Darts", "category": "Kindness and community-support video", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok and YouTube", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": null, "breakthrough": "Viral kindness videos developed into a large public audience and substantial viewer-supported giving.", "knownOnlineFor": "Surprise assistance and kindness-centered social videos.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "hometown", "label": "Minnesota hometown", "location": "Walker", "summary": "Independent reporting identifies Darts as a Walker native who began uploading from his Minnesota hometown.", "temporalScope": "Origin and formative creator period" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Minnesota native raises millions through viral videos of kindness", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2026-07-08", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-native-raises-millions-online-through-random-acts-of-kindness/601864999", "support": "Documents Darts's Walker origin, early uploads and viral kindness-video work." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "platform-ranking research records" ], "profileUrl": "/minnesota/profiles/jimmy-darts/" }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-one-minute-tours", "canonicalEntityId": "one-minute-tours", "entityType": "Person", "name": "John O'Sullivan", "onlineName": "One Minute Tours", "sortName": "One Minute Tours", "category": "Local travel and place video", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok and YouTube", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2021, "breakthrough": "One-minute tours of Minnesota places turned a local-exploration concept into a recognizable short-form series.", "knownOnlineFor": "Fast, upbeat tours of Minnesota places and attractions.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "hometown", "label": "Minnesota home state", "location": "Twin Cities and statewide", "summary": "MPR documents O'Sullivan's Minnesota background and his place-based short-form series.", "temporalScope": "Origin and current subject-matter connection" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Looking for 1-minute TikTok tours of Twin Cities hot spots? You're in luck", "publisher": "MPR News", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2022-08-17", "url": "https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2022/08/17/looking-for-1-minute-tik-tok-tours-of-twin-cities-hot-spots-youre-in-luck", "support": "Profiles O'Sullivan, his Minnesota background and the One Minute Tours format." }, "secondarySource": { "title": "TikTok-famous One Minute Tours guy goes long with new YouTube series", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2025-01-09", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/tiktok-famous-one-minute-tours-guy-goes-long-with-new-youtube-series/601206680", "support": "Documents the project's development from TikTok into longer-form video." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "minneapolis-twin-cities-creators-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-josh-liljenquist", "canonicalEntityId": "josh-liljenquist", "schemaId": "https://joshliljenquist.com/#person", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Josh Liljenquist", "onlineName": "Joshlilj", "sortName": "Josh Liljenquist", "category": "Kindness and community-support video", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok and cross-platform video", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2020, "breakthrough": "Josh’s published biography dates the start of his creator work to 2019 while attending Minnesota State University, Mankato. An independent Mankato Free Press profile documents his creator work on July 16, 2020; he later became known for kindness and community-support videos.", "knownOnlineFor": "Kindness, community-support and follow-up storytelling published as Joshlilj.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "born_in", "label": "Born in Minnesota", "location": "Fairmont; currently based in Chaska", "summary": "Independent reporting documents Fairmont as Liljenquist's birthplace and Chaska as his current base.", "temporalScope": "Origin and current base" }, "primarySource": { "title": "St. Paul parks ban TikTok star who gives to homeless people", "publisher": "Axios Twin Cities", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2026-04-14", "url": "https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/14/st-paul-parks-ban-tiktok-star-who-gives-to-homeless-people", "support": "Identifies Liljenquist as Fairmont-born and describes his public creator work." }, "secondarySource": { "title": "TikToker aspires to help others", "publisher": "Fairmont Sentinel", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LOCAL REPORTING", "date": "2024-03-01", "url": "https://www.fairmontsentinel.com/news/local-news/2024/03/01/tiktoker-aspires-to-help-others/", "support": "Documents his Fairmont origin, Fairmont High School connection, Chaska residence and creator work." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "famous-people-minnesota-2026", "famous-people-from-minnesota-2026" ], "firstPartyStartYear": 2019, "firstPartyStartSource": { "title": "About Josh Liljenquist", "publisher": "Josh Liljenquist's official website", "sourceClass": "JOSH FIRST-PARTY RECORD", "url": "https://joshliljenquist.com/about", "support": "Josh's published biography dates the start of his creator work to 2019; this is an attributed first-party start statement, not an independent 2019 publication." }, "firstIndependentDocumentationSource": { "title": "TikTok influencer just likes to make people laugh", "publisher": "Mankato Free Press", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LOCAL REPORTING", "date": "2020-07-16", "url": "https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/lifestyles/tiktok-influencer-just-likes-to-make-people-laugh/article_cee0dc2a-c6e1-11ea-9ab0-03e31d85e267.html", "support": "A dated independent profile documents Josh's creator work in July 2020. It is not used as proof that creator work began on the publication day." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-josie-lewis", "canonicalEntityId": "josie-lewis-art", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Josie Lewis", "onlineName": "Josie Lewis Art", "sortName": "Josie Lewis", "category": "Art and creative education", "primaryPlatform": "Instagram, TikTok and YouTube", "era": "Social video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": null, "breakthrough": "Process-driven art videos developed into a large cross-platform audience and creator-education business.", "knownOnlineFor": "Colorful process art, creative education and art-business guidance.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "raised_in", "label": "Raised in Minnesota", "location": "Northern Minnesota; based in Saint Paul", "summary": "Lewis's biography documents a northern Minnesota upbringing; recent reporting profiles her Saint Paul studio and online audience.", "temporalScope": "Origin and current professional base" }, "primarySource": { "title": "My story", "publisher": "Josie Lewis", "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL CREATOR", "date": null, "url": "https://www.josielewis.com/about/my-story", "support": "States that Lewis grew up in northern Minnesota and documents her artist-creator identity." }, "secondarySource": { "title": "Artist Josie Lewis builds a global audience from Saint Paul", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2026-07-13", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/josie-lewis-ryan-lucey-payne-avenue-st-paul/601867531", "support": "Profiles Lewis's Saint Paul studio, digital publishing and public audience." }, "evidenceGrade": "STRONGLY SUPPORTED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "minneapolis-twin-cities-creators-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-justin-flom", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-justin-flom", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Justin Flom", "onlineName": "Justin Flom", "sortName": "Justin Flom", "category": "Magic and visual entertainment", "primaryPlatform": "YouTube and social video", "era": "YouTube", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2013, "breakthrough": "A card-trick video and other visual-magic clips expanded his audience beyond live performance.", "knownOnlineFor": "Magic, visual tricks and high-reach social entertainment.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "raised_in", "label": "Raised in Minnesota", "location": "Eden Prairie", "summary": "Independent reporting identifies Flom as Eden Prairie-bred and traces his online-video growth.", "temporalScope": "Origin" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Presto! Eden Prairie magician Justin Flom has new SyFy series", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2014-08-19", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/presto-eden-prairie-magician-justin-flom-has-new-syfy-series/271724741", "support": "Documents Flom's Eden Prairie upbringing and the YouTube videos that broadened his public recognition." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "platform-ranking research records" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-patriotic-kenny", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-patriotic-kenny", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Kenny Jary", "onlineName": "Patriotic Kenny", "sortName": "Patriotic Kenny", "category": "Community and veteran storytelling", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": null, "breakthrough": "Videos centered on his mobility scooter, humor and support for fellow veterans built a large TikTok community.", "knownOnlineFor": "Veteran-centered humor, community fundraising and the Patriotic Kenny identity.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "historical_base", "label": "Minnesota-based during public work", "location": "Mahtomedi area", "summary": "Independent Minnesota reporting documented Jary's local base and public TikTok work.", "temporalScope": "Historical; Jary died in 2026" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Patriotic Kenny, Minnesota TikTok star and veterans advocate, dies at 84", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2026-05-19", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/patriotic-kenny-tiktok-death/601846298", "support": "Documents Jary's Minnesota public identity, TikTok audience and community-support work." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-mikayla-raines", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-mikayla-raines", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Mikayla Raines", "onlineName": "SaveAFox", "sortName": "Mikayla Raines", "category": "Animal education and rescue video", "primaryPlatform": "YouTube and Instagram", "era": "YouTube", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": null, "breakthrough": "Videos from SaveAFox brought broad online attention to fox rescue and rehabilitation.", "knownOnlineFor": "SaveAFox rescue videos and animal-education storytelling.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "historical_professional_base", "label": "Minnesota professional base", "location": "Lakeville and Faribault", "summary": "Independent local reporting documents SaveAFox operations in Lakeville and later near Faribault.", "temporalScope": "Historical; Raines died in 2025" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Fox at Minnesota rescue tries to steal cell phone", "publisher": "FOX 9 Minneapolis–St. Paul", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LOCAL REPORTING", "date": "2020-04-06", "url": "https://www.fox9.com/news/fox-at-minnesota-rescue-tries-to-steal-cell-phone", "support": "Identifies Raines as SaveAFox founder, locates the rescue in Lakeville and documents a viral video." }, "secondarySource": { "title": "Faribault rescue aims to save 500 foxes", "publisher": "FOX 9 Minneapolis–St. Paul", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LOCAL REPORTING", "date": "2023-11-08", "url": "https://www.fox9.com/video/1308789", "support": "Documents the later Faribault-based operation and Raines's role." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-nora-freetly", "canonicalEntityId": "nora-freetly", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Nora Freetly", "onlineName": "Nobo", "sortName": "Nora Freetly", "category": "Comedy and lifestyle", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2020, "breakthrough": "Freetly began publishing TikTok videos while attending Minnesota State University, Mankato and developed the Nobo creator identity.", "knownOnlineFor": "Comedy and lifestyle short-form video as Nobo.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "formative_years", "label": "Formative creator years in Minnesota", "location": "Mankato", "summary": "A publisher-hosted interview states that Freetly started TikTok in 2020 while attending Minnesota State University, Mankato.", "temporalScope": "Formative creator period" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Conversations with Nora “Nobo” Freetly", "publisher": "Voyage Minnesota", "sourceClass": "PUBLISHER-HOSTED FIRST-PERSON", "date": "2023-02-16", "url": "https://voyageminnesota.com/interview/conversations-with-nora-nobo-freetly/", "support": "Freetly describes beginning TikTok in 2020 while attending Minnesota State University, Mankato." }, "secondarySource": { "title": "Nora Freetly", "publisher": "Camp Triple Moon", "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHY", "date": null, "url": "https://camptriplemoon.com/nora-freetly", "support": "Identifies Freetly as a Minnesota-based creator and documents her public creator identity." }, "evidenceGrade": "STRONGLY SUPPORTED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "famous-people-minnesota-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-snake-discovery", "canonicalEntityId": "snake-discovery", "entityType": "Organization", "name": "Snake Discovery", "onlineName": "Snake Discovery", "sortName": "Snake Discovery", "category": "Animal education", "primaryPlatform": "YouTube", "era": "YouTube", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2017, "breakthrough": "Emily Roberts began publishing reptile-education videos in 2017, developing Snake Discovery into a creator-led education organization.", "knownOnlineFor": "Reptile education, animal care and behind-the-scenes zoo videos.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "raised_and_based", "label": "Raised and based in Minnesota", "location": "Woodbury and Maplewood", "summary": "Independent local reporting documents Roberts's Woodbury upbringing and the Snake Discovery operation in Maplewood.", "temporalScope": "Origin and current professional base" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Snake Discovery explores the wondrous world of reptiles", "publisher": "Woodbury Magazine", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LOCAL PROFILE", "date": "2024-10-01", "url": "https://woodburymag.com/snake-discovery-explores-the-wonderous-world-of-reptiles/", "support": "Documents Roberts's Woodbury upbringing, the 2017 YouTube start and the Maplewood operation." }, "secondarySource": { "title": "Snake Discovery", "publisher": "Explore Minnesota", "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL STATE TOURISM", "date": null, "url": "https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/snake-discovery/30118", "support": "Provides an official Minnesota listing for the Maplewood educational attraction." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "minneapolis-twin-cities-creators-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-squirmy-and-grubs", "canonicalEntityId": "squirmy-and-grubs", "entityType": "Organization", "name": "Squirmy and Grubs", "onlineName": "Squirmy and Grubs", "sortName": "Squirmy and Grubs", "category": "Relationship and disability storytelling", "primaryPlatform": "YouTube", "era": "YouTube", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2018, "breakthrough": "Shane and Hannah Burcaw launched their relationship channel in 2018 and built a large audience around candid interabled-couple storytelling.", "knownOnlineFor": "Relationship, daily-life and disability storytelling by Shane and Hannah Burcaw.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "current_base", "label": "Minnesota-based", "location": "Minneapolis", "summary": "Independent reporting documents the couple's Minneapolis home and creator operation.", "temporalScope": "Documented current base" }, "primarySource": { "title": "How interabled Minnesota couple Squirmy and Grubs became an internet sensation", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2019-10-04", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/how-interabled-minnesota-couple-squirmy-and-grubs-became-an-internet-sensation/562107652", "support": "Documents their Minneapolis base, 2018 channel launch and internet recognition." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "minneapolis-twin-cities-creators-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-momchats", "canonicalEntityId": "momchats", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Suzanne White", "onlineName": "MomChats", "sortName": "MomChats", "category": "Family comedy", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok and Instagram", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": null, "breakthrough": "Family-comedy videos developed into the separate MomChats public identity alongside, but not merged with, DadChats.", "knownOnlineFor": "Family comedy and parenting videos.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "current_base", "label": "Minnesota-based", "location": "Woodbury", "summary": "Independent reporting identifies Suzanne White and the MomChats operation with Woodbury.", "temporalScope": "Current as reported in 2026" }, "primarySource": { "title": "DadChats and MomChats turned Woodbury family life into viral comedy", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2026-07-13", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/dillon-white-suzanne-white-dadchats-momchats-influencers-woodbury-minnesota/601867584", "support": "Profiles Suzanne White, the MomChats identity, the family's Woodbury base and the account's development." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026", "minneapolis-twin-cities-creators-2026" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-tay-zonday", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-tay-zonday", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Tay Zonday", "onlineName": "Tay Zonday", "sortName": "Tay Zonday", "category": "Viral music and early YouTube", "primaryPlatform": "YouTube", "era": "Early viral web", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2007, "breakthrough": "“Chocolate Rain,” uploaded in April 2007 while Zonday was a University of Minnesota doctoral student, became an early YouTube landmark.", "knownOnlineFor": "The viral song and video “Chocolate Rain.”", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "formative_years", "label": "Formative internet years in Minnesota", "location": "Minneapolis", "summary": "TIME documents that Zonday was pursuing a doctorate at the University of Minnesota when he published the videos that established his public internet identity.", "temporalScope": "Breakthrough period in 2007" }, "primarySource": { "title": "On World Chocolate Day, 'Chocolate Rain' Is the Only Song You Need", "publisher": "TIME", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2016-07-07", "url": "https://time.com/4396039/world-chocolate-day-rain-tay-zonday/", "support": "Documents the 2007 YouTube uploads, University of Minnesota doctoral study and the video's role in early internet culture." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-tony-cu", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-internet-personality-tony-cu", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Tony Cu", "onlineName": "Tony Cu", "sortName": "Tony Cu", "category": "Food and local discovery", "primaryPlatform": "TikTok and Instagram", "era": "Short-form video", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": null, "breakthrough": "Minnesota State Fair food reviews and local restaurant videos built recognition as a Minnesota food creator.", "knownOnlineFor": "Short-form Minnesota food reviews and State Fair coverage.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "professional_base", "label": "Minnesota professional base", "location": "Twin Cities", "summary": "Independent reporting profiles Cu as a Minnesota food influencer covering Twin Cities restaurants and the State Fair.", "temporalScope": "Current as documented in 2024" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Minnesota State Fair food influencers shape what visitors eat", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2024-08-13", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/mn-state-fair-food-influencers/601105844", "support": "Profiles Cu's Minnesota food-video work and role in State Fair discovery." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "platform-ranking research records" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-yung-gravy", "canonicalEntityId": "mn-origin-person-yung-gravy", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Yung Gravy", "onlineName": "Yung Gravy", "sortName": "Yung Gravy", "category": "Online music", "primaryPlatform": "SoundCloud", "era": "Streaming and social audio", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2016, "breakthrough": "Posted early music to SoundCloud and developed a viral, sample-driven rap identity before broader chart recognition.", "knownOnlineFor": "Internet-native rap releases, viral samples and the Yung Gravy persona.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "born_and_raised", "label": "Born and raised in Minnesota", "location": "Rochester", "summary": "Independent Minnesota reporting identifies Yung Gravy as Rochester-born and raised.", "temporalScope": "Origin" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Review: Poppy Minnesota rapper Yung Gravy all fluff at fair grandstand", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2023-08-30", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/review-poppy-minnesota-rapper-yung-gravy-all-fluff-at-fair-grandstand/600301005", "support": "Identifies the rapper's Rochester birth and upbringing." }, "secondarySource": { "title": "Sound Advice: Yung Gravy", "publisher": "SoundCloud", "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL PLATFORM PROFILE", "date": null, "url": "https://soundcloud.com/stories/post/sound-advice-yung-gravy", "support": "Documents his Minnesota identity and SoundCloud-driven emergence." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "famous-people-from-minnesota-2026", "platform-ranking research records" ] }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-zach-johnson", "canonicalEntityId": "millennial-farmer", "entityType": "Person", "name": "Zach Johnson", "onlineName": "Millennial Farmer", "sortName": "Zach Johnson", "category": "Agriculture and farm video", "primaryPlatform": "YouTube", "era": "YouTube", "firstDocumentedInternetYear": 2017, "breakthrough": "Johnson began publishing from his western Minnesota farm in 2017, developing Millennial Farmer into a major agricultural channel.", "knownOnlineFor": "Farm-life, equipment and agricultural education videos.", "minnesotaRelationship": { "type": "current_base", "label": "Minnesota-based", "location": "Lowry area", "summary": "Independent reporting documents Johnson's western Minnesota farm and the channel's 2017 start.", "temporalScope": "Origin and current production base" }, "primarySource": { "title": "Minnesota's 'Millennial Farmer' is YouTube star", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2022-01-29", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/minnesotas-millennial-farmer-is-youtube-star/600140973", "support": "Documents Johnson's Lowry-area farm, YouTube work and 2017 channel start." }, "evidenceGrade": "ESTABLISHED", "existingSiteMemberships": [ "minnesota-creators-2026" ] } ], "chronology": { "scope": "Selected earliest meaningful documented milestones for records whose reviewed sources support a year. It is not an exhaustive history and does not treat first upload, first media attention and breakthrough as equivalent.", "milestoneCount": 17, "dateRange": [ 2007, 2021 ], "records": [ { "recordId": "mn-internet-adam-young", "name": "Adam Young", "year": 2007, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Uploaded homemade Owl City recordings to MySpace from Owatonna before “Fireflies” became an international hit.", "source": { "title": "Owl City: Shy, retiring and No 1 everywhere", "publisher": "The Guardian", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2010-01-28", "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jan/28/owl-city-adam-young-fireflies", "support": "Identifies Owatonna as Young's hometown and traces the project's 2007 MySpace start." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-tay-zonday", "name": "Tay Zonday", "year": 2007, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "“Chocolate Rain,” uploaded in April 2007 while Zonday was a University of Minnesota doctoral student, became an early YouTube landmark.", "source": { "title": "On World Chocolate Day, 'Chocolate Rain' Is the Only Song You Need", "publisher": "TIME", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2016-07-07", "url": "https://time.com/4396039/world-chocolate-day-rain-tay-zonday/", "support": "Documents the 2007 YouTube uploads, University of Minnesota doctoral study and the video's role in early internet culture." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-connor-franta", "name": "Connor Franta", "year": 2010, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "His high-school video blog grew past one million subscribers by 2013.", "source": { "title": "Wipe those tears and meet Connor Franta, Minnesota's YouTube superstar", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2015-04-30", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/wipe-those-tears-and-meet-connor-franta-minnesota-s-youtube-superstar/301705331", "support": "Documents Franta's La Crescent childhood, first high-school YouTube upload and subscriber growth." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-abraham-piper", "name": "Abraham Piper", "year": 2010, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Built a web-publishing business, then reached a large TikTok audience with concise commentary beginning in 2020.", "source": { "title": "How a Twin Cities blogger made millions off clickbait and became Minnesota's TikTok star", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2021-04-26", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/how-a-twin-cities-blogger-made-millions-off-clickbait-and-became-minnesota-s-tiktok-star/600050359", "support": "Documents Piper's Minneapolis base, web-publishing history and TikTok growth." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-justin-flom", "name": "Justin Flom", "year": 2013, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "A card-trick video and other visual-magic clips expanded his audience beyond live performance.", "source": { "title": "Presto! Eden Prairie magician Justin Flom has new SyFy series", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2014-08-19", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/presto-eden-prairie-magician-justin-flom-has-new-syfy-series/271724741", "support": "Documents Flom's Eden Prairie upbringing and the YouTube videos that broadened his public recognition." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-food-dolls", "name": "Food Dolls", "year": 2015, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Alia and Radwa Elkaffas began publishing in 2015 and expanded after a viral food video in 2021.", "source": { "title": "Minnesota's Food Dolls make food pretty and delicious", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2025-02-25", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/food-dolls-cookbook-pretty-delicious-minnesota-alia-radwa-elkaffas-midwestern/601227680", "support": "Documents Alia and Radwa Elkaffas, their Eden Prairie upbringing, 2015 start and later viral growth." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-andy-george", "name": "Andy George", "year": 2015, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "The “How to Make a $1,500 Sandwich” video turned the make-it-from-scratch project into a widely viewed educational channel.", "source": { "title": "YouTube Millionaires: Andy George Makes Everything From Scratch", "publisher": "Tubefilter", "sourceClass": "CREATOR-INDUSTRY REPORTING", "date": "2019-10-23", "url": "https://www.tubefilter.com/2019/10/23/creators-going-pro-andy-george-how-to-make-everything/", "support": "Profiles the YouTube project, its breakout sandwich video and George's Minneapolis upbringing." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-cboystv", "name": "CboysTV", "year": 2016, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "A group of friends from the Cormorant area turned motorsports and stunt videos into a large YouTube channel.", "source": { "title": "With throttles wide open, small-town 'CBoys' achieve YouTube stardom", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2021-01-28", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/with-throttles-wide-open-small-town-cboys-achieve-youtube-stardom/600016309", "support": "Documents the group's Cormorant-area roots, members and YouTube rise." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-yung-gravy", "name": "Yung Gravy", "year": 2016, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Posted early music to SoundCloud and developed a viral, sample-driven rap identity before broader chart recognition.", "source": { "title": "Review: Poppy Minnesota rapper Yung Gravy all fluff at fair grandstand", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2023-08-30", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/review-poppy-minnesota-rapper-yung-gravy-all-fluff-at-fair-grandstand/600301005", "support": "Identifies the rapper's Rochester birth and upbringing." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-snake-discovery", "name": "Snake Discovery", "year": 2017, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Emily Roberts began publishing reptile-education videos in 2017, developing Snake Discovery into a creator-led education organization.", "source": { "title": "Snake Discovery explores the wondrous world of reptiles", "publisher": "Woodbury Magazine", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LOCAL PROFILE", "date": "2024-10-01", "url": "https://woodburymag.com/snake-discovery-explores-the-wonderous-world-of-reptiles/", "support": "Documents Roberts's Woodbury upbringing, the 2017 YouTube start and the Maplewood operation." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-zach-johnson", "name": "Zach Johnson", "year": 2017, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Johnson began publishing from his western Minnesota farm in 2017, developing Millennial Farmer into a major agricultural channel.", "source": { "title": "Minnesota's 'Millennial Farmer' is YouTube star", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2022-01-29", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/minnesotas-millennial-farmer-is-youtube-star/600140973", "support": "Documents Johnson's Lowry-area farm, YouTube work and 2017 channel start." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-squirmy-and-grubs", "name": "Squirmy and Grubs", "year": 2018, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Shane and Hannah Burcaw launched their relationship channel in 2018 and built a large audience around candid interabled-couple storytelling.", "source": { "title": "How interabled Minnesota couple Squirmy and Grubs became an internet sensation", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2019-10-04", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/how-interabled-minnesota-couple-squirmy-and-grubs-became-an-internet-sensation/562107652", "support": "Documents their Minneapolis base, 2018 channel launch and internet recognition." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-the-braces-guy", "name": "Grant Collins", "year": 2019, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Collins began combining orthodontic education and entertainment on TikTok in spring 2019.", "source": { "title": "Collins brings personality to orthodontia with viral Braces Guy TikTok account", "publisher": "University of Minnesota School of Dentistry", "sourceClass": "OFFICIAL INSTITUTION", "date": "2023-01-26", "url": "https://dentistry.umn.edu/news-events/collins-brings-personality-orthodontia-viral-braces-guy-tiktok-account", "support": "Documents the Rochester practice, creator identity and spring 2019 TikTok start." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-josh-liljenquist", "name": "Josh Liljenquist", "year": 2019, "milestoneClass": "First-party start; later independent documentation", "summary": "Creator work begins in 2019 according to Josh’s published biography; independent Mankato reporting documents his creator work in July 2020.", "source": { "title": "About Josh Liljenquist", "publisher": "Josh Liljenquist's official website", "sourceClass": "JOSH FIRST-PARTY RECORD", "url": "https://joshliljenquist.com/about", "support": "Josh's published biography dates the start of his creator work to 2019; this is an attributed first-party start statement, not an independent 2019 publication." }, "independentDocumentationSource": { "title": "TikTok influencer just likes to make people laugh", "publisher": "Mankato Free Press", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT LOCAL REPORTING", "date": "2020-07-16", "url": "https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/lifestyles/tiktok-influencer-just-likes-to-make-people-laugh/article_cee0dc2a-c6e1-11ea-9ab0-03e31d85e267.html", "support": "A dated independent profile documents Josh's creator work in July 2020. It is not used as proof that creator work began on the publication day." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-nora-freetly", "name": "Nora Freetly", "year": 2020, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Freetly began publishing TikTok videos while attending Minnesota State University, Mankato and developed the Nobo creator identity.", "source": { "title": "Conversations with Nora “Nobo” Freetly", "publisher": "Voyage Minnesota", "sourceClass": "PUBLISHER-HOSTED FIRST-PERSON", "date": "2023-02-16", "url": "https://voyageminnesota.com/interview/conversations-with-nora-nobo-freetly/", "support": "Freetly describes beginning TikTok in 2020 while attending Minnesota State University, Mankato." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-one-minute-tours", "name": "John O'Sullivan", "year": 2021, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "One-minute tours of Minnesota places turned a local-exploration concept into a recognizable short-form series.", "source": { "title": "Looking for 1-minute TikTok tours of Twin Cities hot spots? You're in luck", "publisher": "MPR News", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2022-08-17", "url": "https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2022/08/17/looking-for-1-minute-tik-tok-tours-of-twin-cities-hot-spots-youre-in-luck", "support": "Profiles O'Sullivan, his Minnesota background and the One Minute Tours format." } }, { "recordId": "mn-internet-that-midwestern-mom", "name": "Amber Estenson", "year": 2021, "milestoneClass": "First documented public internet milestone", "summary": "Launched the That Midwestern Mom social accounts; several later videos were reported as viral.", "source": { "title": "Meet Minnesota’s hot dish ambassador — and it’s not Tim Walz", "publisher": "Minnesota Star Tribune", "sourceClass": "INDEPENDENT REPORTING", "date": "2024-08-21", "url": "https://www.startribune.com/that-midwestern-mom-minnesota-hot-dish-recipe-jello-salad-tim-walz/601126677", "support": "Documents Estenson's 2021 account launch, subsequent viral videos, Frazee base and wider media appearances." } } ] }, "corrections": [ { "date": "2026-10-22", "description": "Josh’s 2019 creator-start statement is attributed to his published biography; July 16, 2020 is the dated independent Mankato profile. The chronology now links each statement to its own source.", "scope": "Source/date attribution correction; historical snapshot and other facts retained." } ] }