The World’s Biggest Influencers: Who Has the Most Followers on Instagram?

Which Instagram influencers have the most followers on the platform and why?

Instagram influencers have become a vital part of modern-day marketing strategies for brands across various industries. Whether they’re involved in the mainstream fields of lifestyle, fashion, and tech, or niche interests that cater to very specific audiences, influencers have taken over the social media platform by storm, becoming a go-to for businesses looking to boost their online presence and drive sales. With millions of influencers on Instagram, it's essential to know who has the most followers and how they've managed to achieve this feat. In this article, we'll be diving into the world of influencers and exploring the top 10 most-followed Instagram accounts, discussing what makes them stand out and how they continue to dominate the influencer landscape.

Why do Instagram followers matter?

When it comes to brands, an influencer's follower count holds a lot of weight. Here's why:

First off, a large follower count means a broader reach and more exposure for your brand. Collaborating with influencers who have a significant following allows your brand's message to potentially reach more people. This increased visibility helps raise brand awareness and can lead to higher engagement, both of which are common targets when conducting influencer marketing campaigns.

Moreover, an influencer's follower count gives you an idea of their target audience size. The more followers they have, the more chances of finding a sizable group that aligns with your brand's target market. This ensures that your message reaches the right people — those who are genuinely interested in your brand and more likely to become customers.

Another benefit is the social proof that comes with a large follower count. When an influencer has a substantial following, it indicates that their content resonates with their audience. Collaborating with such influencers boosts your brand's credibility and reputation. People tend to trust brands associated with influencers who have a strong following.

Lastly, when it comes to brand partnerships, influencers with a significant follower count appear more attractive to brands at face value. Their wide reach offers better ROI and can help create brand buzz, drive traffic, and increase sales. Influencers with a large following can serve as effective brand ambassadors, promoting your products or services to their dedicated audiences.

The 10 most-followed Instagram accounts in the world

Let’s jump into looking at the most-followed influencers on Instagram:

10. Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) - 289M

Justin Bieber, born in 1994, is a Canadian superstar who's taken the world by storm. He first garnered attention with his jaw-dropping singing skills on YouTube when he was just a teen, but it didn't take long for him to get signed to a record label and unleash the hit single "Baby" in 2010, catapulting him into the stratosphere of stardom. From there, Bieber has been on a roll, dropping one chart-topping album after another and wowing fans with his experimentation, dabbling in different musical styles from pop to R&B. His magnetic stage presence and heartfelt lyrics have made him a favorite among millions of fans worldwide. Beyond his music, he has also appeared in films and documentaries, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.

9. Khloé Kardashian (@khloekardashian) - 306M

Khloe Kardashian, born in 1984, is a major figure in the American media realm. You might know her from the wild and addictive reality show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," where she went from being the underdog sister to a mega influencer. But Khloe's not just about TV drama – she's also ventured into the beauty, fashion, and fitness worlds, collaborating and launching her own lines and creations. With her killer online presence and content that keeps fans hooked, she's gained a massive following on social media. Khloe's all about being bold, and she's not afraid to share her personal struggles and journey toward self-improvement.

8. Beyoncé (@beyonce) - 308M

Beyoncé, born in 1981, is an absolute legend in the American music scene. We all knew and loved her as the fierce lead singer of Destiny's Child before she catapulted to stardom in a solo capacity. With her mind-blowing vocals and stage presence that's out of this world, Beyoncé has earned her spot as one of the biggest names in the industry. She's always pushing boundaries with her boundary-pushing music videos and performances that leave fans in awe. No genre is off-limits for Queen Bey – she effortlessly dominates pop, R&B, and even hip-hop. And hey, she's not just a music queen – she's also conquered the silver screen with roles in movies like "Dreamgirls." When it comes to pop stars, Beyoncé is a true force to be reckoned with.

7. Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian) - 355M

Alright, let's talk about the queen of the Kardashians herself – Kim Kardashian. This American media superstar knows how to make waves. Born in 1980, she burst onto the scene with the whole Kardashian clan on the reality TV sensation "Keeping Up with the Kardashians." But Kim wasn't content with just being a TV star. From beauty to fashion, she's conquered it all, launching successful businesses left and right – and you better believe she's got a massive Instagram following to show for it. Kim's style is always on point, and she's constantly switching things up, keeping fans and followers on their toes. With her larger-than-life presence and killer collabs, she's got the world hooked on her personal life and everything she touches.

6. Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) - 370M

Ariana Grande is nothing short of a sensation in the modern pop landscape. This star was born in 1993 and started making waves as an actress in Nickelodeon's "Victorious" and "Sam & Cat." But guess what? That was just the beginning. Once fans took note of her unique and powerful voice, Ariana was propelled to pop superstardom. You can't miss her iconic ponytail and distinctive high notes, not to mention lyrics surrounding love, empowerment, and resilience in her music. It's safe to say she's one of the most talented and influential artists of our time.

5. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (@therock) - 379M

Dwayne Johnson, born in 1972, is an American actor, producer, and former professional wrestler. With a charismatic personality and impressive physique, he gained popularity as a professional wrestler in the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). Transitioning into acting, Johnson quickly made a name for himself in Hollywood with his roles in action-packed films. Known for his blend of charm, humor, and physicality, he has become a sought-after actor, starring in blockbuster movies such as the "Fast & Furious" franchise and "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle." Alongside his acting career, Johnson has also ventured into producing and has achieved success in various business ventures.

4. Kylie Jenner (@kyliejenner) - 390M

Kylie Jenner, born in 1997, is one seriously influential American media sensation. She shot to stardom through her appearances on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and has since rocked the business world. The most-followed member of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Kylie is the figure behind Kylie Cosmetics, a makeup brand that's practically worshipped for its must-have products. With her social media game on point, especially on Instagram, she's built a huge following and become the ultimate trendsetter in the beauty realm. Kylie's got that magic touch when it comes to connecting with her fans and creating a buzz around her products. Her entrepreneurial skills and massive online presence have firmly established her as one of the most influential figures in pop culture.

3. Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) - 416M

Enter the most followed woman on Instagram: Selena Gomez. Born in 1992, this American superstar has left her mark on the entertainment scene. You might remember her as the talented Alex Russo from the epic Disney Channel show "Wizards of Waverly Place," but Selena didn't stop at acting. She's got serious vocal talent and has conquered the pop music scene with smash hits and albums that fans can’t get enough of. Speaking of which, Selena knows how to connect with her fans on a deep level. And that’s not all – she's used her influence to shine a light on important causes like mental health awareness. 

2. Lionel Messi (@leomessi) - 462M

Born in 1987, Lionel Messi is an Argentine soccer player who is hailed as one of the absolute best to ever grace the field. His journey to superstardom started when he joined the legendary FC Barcelona youth academy, and he quickly became a key player for both Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Messi has scooped up more individual awards than you can count, including multiple FIFA Ballon d'Or titles – and most recently, he captained the Argentine football team to victory at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. But it's not just about the accolades – Messi's style and creativity have lit a fire in the hearts of countless aspiring footballers worldwide. 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) - 583M

And finally, we land at the most followed person on Instagram: the infamous CR7. Born in 1985, this Portuguese footballing superstar’s journey to greatness started at a young age, and he quickly rose to prominence as one of the most talented players in the game. He has played for top clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, and has also made a significant impact on the Portuguese national team. Known for his incredible athleticism, lightning-fast speed, and jaw-dropping skills, Ronaldo has left fans and opponents in awe with his mesmerizing performances on the field. He's got a killer goal-scoring record and has clinched numerous individual awards throughout his career, including multiple FIFA Ballon d'Or titles. But Ronaldo isn't just a soccer machine – he's also known for his philanthropy and his dedication to making a positive impact off the field. 

How do influencers get more followers?

Instagram influencers successfully gain and maintain followers through a combination of essential factors. They start by creating visually captivating and high-quality content that stands out in users' feeds. By paying attention to aesthetics, composition, and engaging visuals, influencers can quickly grab the attention of potential followers.

However, it's not just about appearances. Authenticity plays a significant role in building a loyal following (especially one without fake followers). Influencers who stay true to themselves and share genuine experiences, opinions, and stories tend to resonate more deeply with their audience. By opening up and connecting on a personal level, influencers establish trust and create lasting connections with their followers.

Consistency is typically key to maintaining follower growth. Regularly posting content and adhering to a consistent schedule helps followers know what to expect and ensures that the influencer remains on their radar. This reliable presence helps to establish a sense of reliability and reliability and keeps followers engaged and eager for more.

Finally, taking advantage of Instagram's features is also essential for influencers. By exploring tools like Instagram Stories, Reels, and Live Videos, they can showcase their content and expertise in a variety of ways, appealing to users who consume a range of different formats on the platform. Utilizing these features allows influencers to connect with their audience in different ways, attract new followers, and increase visibility within the platform.

Conclusion

The world of Instagram is filled with influential personalities who have amassed massive followings. These celebrities have harnessed the power of social media to connect with audiences on a global scale, sharing their passions, creativity, and lifestyles. From reality stars to musicians to athletes, these individuals have captured the attention and admiration of millions. As the platform continues to evolve, we can only expect the rise of new stars and the ever-growing impact of these digital influencers.

Want to partner with influencers who will be right for your brand?
Find the best creators with HypeAuditor Influencer Discovery and its 173.9M+ account database.
Candice is an influencer marketing enthusiast and marketing copywriter at HypeAuditor. When she’s not searching for the perfect music and filters for her Instagram Stories, she can usually be found keeping up with the latest gaming and tech influencers on Twitch and YouTube – or drinking a latte macchiato.
Topics:Types of InfluencersInstagram
June 20, 2023
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Candice is an influencer marketing enthusiast and marketing copywriter at HypeAuditor. When she’s not searching for the perfect music and filters for her Instagram Stories, she can usually be found keeping up with the latest gaming and tech influencers on Twitch and YouTube – or drinking a latte macchiato.
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