With around 2bn monthly active users, Instagram is a massive platform and hugely popular all over the world. With the rise of influencers, people can make a living there (or at least get some free stuff).
We’ve already looked at the most liked posts on Instagram, but which accounts have the most Instagram followers?
Scroll down to discover the top 20 accounts, ranging from soccer players to musicians to brands.
20. Miley Cyrus (211m followers)
First on the list and the 20th most followed Instagram account, we have Miley Cyrus, the child star turned pop giant.
Cyrus has a pretty typical Instagram account. Lots of selfies, shots from photoshoots and of her attending events.
She also uses it to tease new content and announcements, as demonstrated below.
19. Nicki Minaj (222m followers)
Unsurprisingly this list has a lot of musicians, and Nicki Minaj is the next one on the list.Her account is just like you’d expect – lots of pictures from her tours and events, her personal life, and even a few of her fans.
18. Kourtney Kardashian (223m followers)
Next, we have Kourtney Kardashian, our first member of the Kardashian-Jenner family.Her account is filled with selfies, advertisem*nts, promoting her vitamin and supplements brand Lemme, and glimpses into her private life.
17. Jennifer Lopez (248m followers)
Next up is Jennifer Lopez. Another actor and musician on the list, Jenni from the block also puts a fair bit of effort into her Instagram account.With the usual fare of behind-the-scenes photos, music promotion, and videos, JLo also has a range of Story Highlights from events she attends and hashtags she’s created.
16. Virat Kohli (253m followers)
Next, we have the Indian cricketing superstar Virat Kohli. He’s the third-most-followed athlete on our list and the most-followed cricket player on this platform.He uses his account to post about his matches, behind-the-scenes content, and his collaborations with brands.
15. Taylor Swift (265m followers)
Next, we have Taylor Swift, who coincidentally is the second-most influential person on Twitter.
But success on Twitter doesn’t necessarily translate to being boosted to the top of the list on Instagram.
That said, Swift is a far more prolific poster on Instagram than on Twitter, with Story Highlights, shots from performances, and promotions of her latest work and activities (along with the usual selfies and personal life posts).
14. National Geographic (280m followers)
Next, we have another brand on the list — National Geographic, the nature magazine.
With Instagram being a visual platform, National Geographic has taken full advantage by posting up photos from its slew of photographers.
Stunning images and videos from around the world have unsurprisingly been popular with users.
13. Kendall Jenner (292m followers)
Here’s another member of the Kardashian-Jenner family, Kendall Jenner.
Her account mostly features the promotion of her photoshoots and fashion work, selfies, and pictures of her (not very) private life.
12. Justin Bieber (293m followers)
Here’s the Biebs. Being one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, it’s no surprise he made the list – with over 293 million followers.
His account is a bit goofier than those of your average pop stars, including photos of him hanging out with celebrity mates, cartoon versions of himself, and, of course, his April Fools’ pregnancy prank.
11. Nike (300m followers)
Our first brand on the list, Nike, has realized how valuable a big social media presence is. The account is by no means just ticking a box – instead, it’s a masterclass in running a successful account.
It fits and changes with the brand, and there’s a good mix of video and photos.
With a strong theme and high-quality posts, it’s no surprise Nike is one of the few brands to break into the top 20.
10. Khloé Kardashian (310m followers)
Next, we have another member of the Kardashian and Jenner family (and it’s not the last entry on this list).She and her family have found great success on the platform, using it to post about their lives, businesses, and activities.
9. Beyoncé (313m followers)
Next, we have Queen Bey herself.Along with ranking high on the list, her pregnancy announcement was once the most-liked post on Instagram.
Her account itself is mostly made up of shots from her performances and professional work, with a few more personal posts among them.
8. Kim Kardashian (361m followers)
The second-to-last Kardashian or Jenner on the list and, arguably, the most famous.
Her account is similar to those of her family members and features photoshoot content, pictures of her attending events, and little snapshots of her personal life, including old family photos.
7. Ariana Grande (376m followers)
Another musician on the list is global superstar Ariana Grande.
One of the most famous and popular singers on the planet, it’s natural she’d be so popular on Instagram — the third-most-followed woman on the platform.
Her feed is full of pictures of her performing, meeting other celebrities, and your general depictions of living the life of a pop star.
6. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson (386m followers)
Our one and only wrestler in the top 20 is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Star of the WWE and now world-famous actor, he takes the 6th spot.
Not many surprises on his account – there are lots of shots from filming, pictures of him in the gym, and posts about his family.
5. Kylie Jenner (396m followers)
Another Kardashian and Jenner entry. Kylie Jenner once held the top spot for most-liked Instagram post,and she’s still in the Top 20.
Her account itself focuses on her work and personal life, with lots of baby pics and photos with her partner.
4. Selena Gomez (424m followers)
A past regular fixture in the most-liked Instagram posts list is musician and actor Selena Gomez.
Her account is the usual pop star fare of selfies, herself at events, and pictures of her friends, but it also includes a few political posts around subjects like women’s rights.
3. Lionel Messi (476m followers)
Next up, we have soccer player Lionel Messi, forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captain of the Argentinian national football team.
One of the world’s most famous players, his Instagram is full of shots of him playing, a look at his own personal life, and an insight into other events he attends.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (593m followers)
We now reach our most followed human on Instagram: Cristiano Ronaldo. Forward and captain to the Portuguese national team as well as the Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr, he’s one of the best footballers the world has known - and his following is not slowing.When it comes to his feed, there are few surprises. There are lots of family pictures, shots of him playing football, and plenty of images of him generally experiencing the good things in life.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also the first to reach 200 million followers on Instagram.
1. Instagram (649m followers)
Finally, Instagram's official account is way out in front, with over 649m followers.
The feed has a clear purpose – to show off the best and the most interesting people and trends on Instagram. Along with that, they also promote their own IGTV content that they go out and create themselves. Will anyone ever top Instagram for followers?
Well, if an egg can stay at the top of most liked posts on Instagram for a long time, anything is possible.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of social media, particularly Instagram, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to discuss the dynamics of Instagram's user base, influencer culture, and the accounts with the highest followers. My understanding extends beyond the surface, delving into the strategies, content types, and branding that contribute to the success of these Instagram accounts.
Let's explore the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Monthly Active Users (MAU) on Instagram:
- The article begins by highlighting Instagram's massive user base, boasting around 2 billion monthly active users. This figure underscores the platform's global popularity and its significance in the realm of social media.
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Influencer Culture and Monetization:
- The rise of influencers is noted, emphasizing how individuals can turn their Instagram presence into a source of income or receive free products through collaborations. This highlights the platform's impact on digital marketing and the evolution of online influence.
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Top Instagram Accounts by Followers:
- The article presents a list of the top 20 Instagram accounts based on their follower count. The accounts include a diverse range of individuals and brands, such as musicians, actors, athletes, and even corporations.
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Content Types and Themes:
- Each account's content is briefly described, showcasing the variety of content on Instagram, from selfies and behind-the-scenes shots to promotional content and personal glimpses into the account owner's life. Notably, influencers often use their accounts to announce new content or collaborations.
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Influencers from Different Sectors:
- The list includes influencers from various fields, such as music (Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande), sports (Virat Kohli, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo), and entertainment (Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson). This reflects the diverse interests and preferences of Instagram's user base.
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Brand Presence on Instagram:
- Recognizable brands like Nike and National Geographic also make the list, demonstrating the significance of a strong social media presence for brands. The article praises Nike's strategic approach to its Instagram account, noting its adaptability and high-quality content.
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Kardashian-Jenner Family Influence:
- Multiple members of the Kardashian-Jenner family are featured, indicating the family's notable success on Instagram. Their accounts serve as a mix of personal updates, business promotions, and glimpses into their daily lives.
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Cristiano Ronaldo and Instagram Milestones:
- Cristiano Ronaldo is highlighted as the most followed individual on Instagram, achieving the milestone of being the first to reach 200 million followers. This showcases the global appeal of the renowned footballer and the significance of personal branding on Instagram.
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Instagram's Official Account:
- The article concludes with Instagram's official account holding the top spot in terms of followers. The account is recognized for showcasing the best and most interesting content on the platform, emphasizing the role of curation and promotion in maintaining a massive follower count.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of Instagram's top accounts, offering insights into the diverse content, branding strategies, and influencer culture that contribute to the platform's widespread popularity.
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