From Cristiano Ronaldo to Selena Gomez, two Kardashians and a Jenner, these accounts have the highest number of followers on Instagram in 2024.
With its millions of users, Instagram is perhaps the world’s most influential of all social networks. And for celebrities, it offers a unique platform to connect with their audience through glimpses of their private lives, voicing their opinions on issues, participating in brand endorsem*nts and interacting with their fans across the world.
The app has even helped to create a new kind of celebrity. Instagram influencers have changed the way we scroll, the way we get entertained — even the way brands sell things to us. However, when it comes to the biggest names on Instagram, we see some fairly usual suspects. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo recently became the first human to break the 600 million mark, with Lionel Messi not far behind. Furthermore, Instagram’s own profile amassed half a billion, pop stars continued trading places and yet another Kardashian entered the top ten. Recently, Selena Gomez also made history by becoming the first woman to cross 400 million followers on Instagram. She now has the fourth-most followed account on Instagram, behind Lionel Messi, Cristiano Roland and Instagram’s own account,
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Curious about what the most-followed Instagram accounts are right now? We’ve rounded up the top 20, with a special mention of the most popular accounts in Asia.
Most followed Instagram accounts in the world, as of January 2024
1. Instagram (@instagram). Followers: 667 Million
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Yes, the official handle of Instagram itself comes out tops among the top most-followed accounts on the platform, boasting over 667 million followers at the start of 2024. Of its 7,500-plus posts, the most recent feature a spectrum of the platform’s popular, creative or what it deems attention-worthy creators, such as “casually cute tomboy” Shy (@sl33zyskiz) above, actress Rachel Zegler, Insta-famous mini-pig Pua or Lisa of BLACKPINK herself.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano). Followers: 618 Million
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Cristiano Ronaldo has had a great couple of years. Since making his grand comeback to Manchester United, Ronaldo’s star (and following) have both continued to rise. Having crossed the 600-million mark, Ronaldo has the most followers on Instagram of any human being, alive or dead.
3. Lionel Messi (@leomessi). Followers: 497 Million
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Another entry in football’s G.O.A.T. conversation — especially after leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup —, one of Ronaldo’s biggest rivals in football happens to be one of CR7’s biggest on the ‘Gram, as well. Argentine forward Lionel Messi, who’s known for his penchant for fancy cars, has proven himself quite adept at the social media game.
4. Selena Gomez (@Selenagomez). Followers: 429 Million
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While Selena Gomez has been open about avoiding social media, her account is one of the most popular ones on Instagram. Not only that, but she has also been the fastest climber on the list as of late. She now holds the unique distinction of being the first woman to cross 400 million followers as well as having the most-followed Instagram account for a woman. Her shoots, plandids and candids make excellent content for her feed, while Gomez uses her platform for good, talking openly about mental health and encouraging followers to educate themselves on the importance of mental fitness.
5. Kylie Jenner (@kyliejenner). Followers: 399 Million
Kylie Jenner, who is the brain behind Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Skin, Kylie Swim, Kylie Baby and more, was included in Forbes 30 Under 30 —Hall of Fame, 2022. While Jenner was the first woman to break 300 million followers on Instagram, she has lost the title of being the most-followed woman in the world to Selena Gomez.
6. Dwayne Johnson (@therock). Followers: 395 Million
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In another neck-and-neck battle for Instagram dominance, The People’s Champ and Ariana Grande continue battling it out for the 6th most-followed spot, seemingly changing positions every few weeks or so. Currently, it goes to Hollywood movie star, tequila mogul, future presidential candidate (?) and former WWE champion, better known as The Rock. He has built his ever-increasing following with a candid look into his life and by offering an endless supply of workout and lifestyle motivation.
7. Ariana Grande (@arianagrande). Followers: 380 Million
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Who doesn’t want to follow Ariana Grande? The Grammy-winning singer has had an eventful few years that have kept people paying attention. Grande became the most-followed musician on the platform in 2019, although Selena Gomez now holds that title. With a feed filled with teasers of what’s to come (and the occasional look back at what got her there), she doesn’t appear to be giving up that title any time soon.
8. Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian). Followers: 364 Million
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Despite being one of the most famous faces in the world, Kim has only grown more interesting in her post-Kanye West life, and it’s no surprise to see Kim Kardashian in the top 10. While Keeping Up with the Kardashians may have bid farewell after 20 seasons, Kim continues to stay in the headlines, with no sign of slowing down. And with The Kardashians, a new Kardashian-Jenner show on Hulu, we’ll still be seeing plenty of Kim for a long time to come.
9. Beyoncé (@beyonce). Followers: 319 Million
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Still flawless after all this time, there will only ever be one Beyoncé. The singer-actress-songwriter-producer-dancer-businesswoman-director-and-more changed the way artists release albums forever with Lemonade. Queen Bey has found a way to toe the line between larger-than-life superstardom while still giving us the occasional intimate glimpse into her and her family’s world through social media.
10. Khloé Kardashian (@khloekardashian). Followers: 311 Million
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Khloé takes the 10th spot to become the third Kardashian-Jenner on the list of most-followed Instagram accounts in the world. However, she has to defend her spot from a rapidly climbing Kendall, who has over 294 million followers.
11. Nike (@nike). Followers: 306 million
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Being the second-largest corporate account after Instagram’s in-house account, Nike is a masterclass in running a successful performance. With high-quality posts and a strong theme, the brand overtook former runner-up National Geographic. This has made Nike the world’s eleventh most popular Instagram account, beating celebrities like Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner and Miley Cyrus.
12. Kendall Jenner (@kendalljenner). Followers: 294 million
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The reality TV star and model Kendall Jenner is social media’s most popular model. And that’s not the only nod Jenner received. She’s also the most ‘buzzed about’ model, which means she garnered the highest number of mentions or tags in captions and comments.
Kendall not only has a large fanbase from the show, but she has also landed campaigns forGivenchy and Balmain while becoming the face of Estée Lauder. To her credit, though, Kendall has mastered the art of ad posts that double as posts you genuinely want to double-tap.
13. Justin Bieber (@justinbieber). Followers: 292 million
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It has been almost two decades since Justin Bieber debuted, and fans and followers still flock to him in droves. Bieber, who rose to fame with his 2009 debutEP My World, has no signs of slowing down. Instead, the singer has gone from strength to strength, releasing many studio albums, winning two Grammy awards, 26 Billboard Music Awards, and 23 Teen Choice Awards.
His Instagram feed is a mix of snapshots of him recording music, his married life with Hailey Baldwin Bieber, shoutouts to his native Canada and stream-of-consciousness musings on spirituality. His genuine, self-confident approach to social media is hugely refreshing after his tumultuous teen years.
14. National Geographic (@natgeo). Followers: 283 million
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National Geographic is celebrating a milestone with over 283 million followers on Instagram. Nat Geo’s Instagram’s creative control is mainly in the hands of the contributing photographers who share the rare and incredible sights they encounter daily. The stunning images paired with photographers’ captions bring authenticity to the account. National Geographic has set a bar for visual storytelling that brings the world closer together.
15. Taylor Swift (@taylorswift). Followers: 279 million
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If you doubt Taylor Swift‘s world domination, prepare to shake it off. The international pop star, who’s in the business of breaking records, has cemented that top tier’ gram status with over 279 million followers. However, Swift’s secret may be a blend of adorable cat photos, her sweater selfies, and shots of her super-famous squad.
Swift’s grid has major artistic vibes, with lots of vintage photos. She’s also a master of posting concert shots, campaign photos, and music video promos.
16. Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli). Followers: 266 million
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Not only has Virat Kohli created history by having the most followers on Instagram in Asia, but by virtue of that incredible feat, he is also the first Indian to achieve over 266 million followers on Instagram. He is also the third sportsperson with the most followers on Instagram, only trailing football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. In addition, the cricketer keeps fans up to date on his workout routine, which is a huge draw.
The former captain of the Indian cricket team not only led India to many victories over the years but also built a successful brand with multi-million-dollar endorsem*nt deals.
17. Jennifer Lopez (@jlo). Followers: 253 million
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We’ve said it before, and we’ll repeat it: All hail Queen J Lo! With a career spanning more than two decades, J.Lo is the GOAT. TheJenny from the Block singer has repeatedly proved why she’s a role model to millions, and the 253 million followers on social media are proof. J.Lo often treats her fans with her drool-worthy vacation pictures and gives insights into her wellness routine. We surely can’t get enough of the megastar.
18. Nicki Minaj (@nickiminaj). Followers: 229 million
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Three words: Nicki freakin’ Minaj. The rapper is already a hip-hop icon, but her incredible Instagram achievement only adds to her legendary status.
Minaj has used social media to her advantage throughout her career — especially Instagram. Take the iconic single artwork for her Billboard Hot 100 No. 2 hit “Anaconda,” or the bootylicious cover that instantly became a viral meme on the platform.
19. Kourtney Kardashian Barker (@kourtneykardarsh). Followers: 224 million
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A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian Barker (@kourtneykardash)
When it comes to social media, no family has cultivated a following quite as large as the Kardashians. The Kardashians have amassed over a billion Instagram followers, so it is no wonder that Kourtney ranks in the top 20 of the most-followed Instagram accounts worldwide. The mother of three and oldest Kardashian always looks luxe AF. Kourtney’s feed embodies the “Instagram” lifestyle, complete with pools, mansions, private jets, and Birkins than you’ve seen in your life.
20. Neymar (@neymarjr). Followers: 218 million
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Brazilian footballer Neymar wraps up our list of the most-followed accounts on Instagram. The athlete currently has 218 million followers and has overtaken Miley Cyrus to grab the 20th spot on our list. In 2023, he started playing for the Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal and is reportedly being paid a whopping USD 163.7 million a year.
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Here’s a little peek at five accounts with the most followers on Instagram in Asia right now –
Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli). Followers: 266 Million
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The former Indian cricket captain has the most followers on Instagram in India and Asia. With several fan accounts in his name also boasting a large following, Virat Kohli is able to mobilise his sizeable audience into action when he posts motivational stories that go viral. He generally likes to keep things light and fun on his profile, posting videos and pictures with his actress wife Anushka Sharma, and fellow cricketers and friends.
Lisa (@lalalalisa_m). Followers: 100 Million
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Lisa is Thailand’s most-followed celebrity on Instagram, internationally renowned as the lead rapper and main dancer of K-pop group BLACKPINK. As a K-pop idol, she is at the top of everything — from music to fashion. Lisa is also the face of several luxury lifestyle brands, including Celine and Bulgari. On Instagram, she shares candid moments that are equally attractive, generating likes in millions.
Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra). Followers 90.3 Million
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Priyanka Chopra is a name that needs no introduction. The star of Prime Video’s upcoming spy show Citadel, Chopra is a former Miss World who is known for her iconic Bollywood films as well as international projects like Love Again. With more than 90 million followers, she also holds the unique distinction of being the most followed Indian woman on Instagram.
Shraddha Kapoor (@shraddhakapoor). Followers: 86.1 Million
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With over 86 million followers, Shraddha Kapoor is the third Indian, and second Bollywood actress, on the list of top five most followed Asians on Instagram. The actress, who debuted in 2010 with Teen Patti,was most recently seen in Luv Ranjan’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi). Followers: 84.7 Million
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Wrapping up the list of the most followed Asians on Instagram is India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. He also holds the distinction of being the most followed politician and world leader on the social media platform.
(Featured and hero image: Courtesy Cristiano Ronaldo, Dwayne Johnson and Lionel Messi)
This story first appeared on Prestige Malaysia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
– What is the most followed Instagram account?
Instagram’s official account tops the list with 667 million followers as of January 2024.
– Who has the highest number of followers on Instagram?
While Instagram’s own official account is the most followed account on the social media app, in terms of people, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo who has the highest number of Instagram followers.
– How many followers does Ronaldo have on Instagram?
Currently, Cristiano Ronaldo has 618 million followers on Instagram.
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