Who Has the Most Followers on Instagram in 2025?

Instagram remains one of the most influential platforms in the world, where popularity is measured not only by engagement but also by follower counts. For many users, knowing who has the most followers is more than just trivia, it’s a reflection of who dominates culture, sports, and entertainment on a global scale. As of 2025, the list of top Instagram accounts is led by a mix of athletes, celebrities, and musicians, all of whom use the platform to extend their reach and strengthen their brands.

Top Instagram Accounts with the Most Followers (2025)

Instagram’s leaderboard is always evolving, but certain names consistently dominate the top spots. As of 2025, the most-followed accounts represent a mix of global athletes, pop stars, and entertainment icons. Here are the top 10 profiles leading the pack:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. Lionel Messi
3. Selena Gomez
4. Kylie Jenner
5. Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)
6. Ariana Grande
7. Kim Kardashian
8. Beyoncé
9. Justin Bieber
10. Instagram Official Account

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (cristiano)

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the most-followed individual on Instagram, surpassing the 630 million mark. His profile is a blend of sports highlights, family moments, and luxury lifestyle content, making it appealing to both fans and brands. Ronaldo’s influence goes far beyond football, he is a global icon whose endorsements range from sports apparel to high-end watches. His dominance on Instagram underscores the power of athletes as global influencers in the digital age.

2. Lionel Messi (leomessi)

Close behind Ronaldo is Lionel Messi, with more than 500 million followers. Messi’s Instagram is more understated but equally powerful, featuring glimpses of his football career, personal milestones, and collaborations. Following his move to Inter Miami, his popularity in North and South America grew significantly, boosting his follower count. Messi’s account shows how authenticity and consistency can maintain global appeal.

3. Selena Gomez (selenagomez)

Selena Gomez continues to be one of the most-followed women on Instagram. She uses her platform not only to promote her music and acting projects but also to advocate for mental health awareness and social causes.

4. Kylie Jenner (kyliejenner)

Kylie Jenner combines personal lifestyle content with business promotion. As the face of Kylie Cosmetics, her Instagram doubles as a marketing channel, helping her brand stay at the forefront of beauty trends.

5. Dwayne Johnson (therock)

The Rock balances Hollywood promotions with motivational content. His mix of workout routines, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and family updates has earned him a loyal global audience.

6. Ariana Grande (arianagrande)

Ariana Grande has built one of the strongest fan communities online. Her Instagram often features music updates, personal photos, and snapshots from her tours, keeping her massive fanbase constantly engaged.

7. Kim Kardashian (kimkardashian)

Kim Kardashian remains a dominant figure thanks to her blend of fashion, family life, and business promotions. Her Instagram is a mix of luxury and relatability, making it widely appealing.

8. Beyoncé (beyonce)

Beyoncé’s Instagram presence is carefully curated, often featuring high-quality visuals from performances, campaigns, and personal projects. Her brand power continues to resonate worldwide.

9. Justin Bieber (lilbieber)

Justin Bieber still ranks among the top, with a large fanbase that spans multiple generations. His Instagram provides updates on his music, collaborations, and personal life.

10. Instagram Official Account (instagram)

Interestingly, Instagram’s own official account also ranks in the top 10, showcasing highlights from creators, campaigns, and global initiatives that shape the platform’s culture.

Why Follower Counts Matter on Instagram

Follower counts are often seen as a symbol of influence. They showcase which individuals or brands have the strongest connection with audiences, and they play a significant role in shaping public perception. Having millions of followers can turn a personal profile into a global media channel.

Influence and Popularity

The most-followed people on Instagram are often those who have influence far beyond the platform itself. Athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominate not only in sports but also in global sponsorships, turning their accounts into platforms for lifestyle inspiration and brand promotion. Singers and entertainers, on the other hand, use their followings to launch new projects, promote albums, or connect directly with fans. This combination of reach and authenticity makes follower counts a major currency in today’s digital world.

Business and Brand Power

Follower numbers also translate directly into business opportunities. The bigger the audience, the higher the potential for monetization through sponsored content, product launches, and partnerships. For example, celebrities with over 300 million followers can command some of the highest fees for brand deals. Beyond personal profit, these accounts also influence broader consumer behavior, setting fashion trends, lifestyle standards, and even political conversations.

In short, follower counts are more than just numbers — they are a measure of cultural relevance and market power.

How Follower Rankings Change Over Time

Follower rankings on Instagram are never static. While certain celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have dominated the top spots for years, shifts in culture, sports, and entertainment constantly reshape the leaderboard. New stars emerge, viral moments create sudden spikes in popularity, and global events influence how audiences engage with public figures.

Impact of Global Events

Major sporting tournaments, movie releases, or political events can dramatically affect follower counts. For example, World Cup performances often boost athletes’ Instagram numbers by millions within weeks. Similarly, high-profile concerts, film premieres, or viral advocacy campaigns can catapult entertainers and activists into higher ranks. These events show how quickly Instagram’s influence reflects what is happening in the real world.

Shifts in Social Media Behavior

The way people use Instagram also plays a role in changing rankings. Younger audiences are increasingly dividing their time between Instagram, TikTok, and newer platforms. This shift can slow growth for established accounts while giving rising stars a chance to capture attention. Additionally, trends such as short-form Reels or interactive stories reward creators who adapt quickly, keeping their follower numbers growing steadily.

As the platform evolves, so do the behaviors of users, and accounts that stay relevant through innovation often climb higher in the rankings.

Final Thoughts

The question of “Who has the most followers on Instagram?” is more than just a curiosity — it’s a window into global culture, influence, and digital branding. While Ronaldo and Messi currently lead the way, other celebrities like Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner, and Beyoncé continue to shape trends and maintain massive audiences.

Follower counts may rise and fall, but what remains constant is the power of Instagram as a global stage. For creators, businesses, and influencers, these rankings highlight the importance of building credibility and staying adaptable in a fast-changing digital environment.

In the end, the accounts at the top are those that combine talent, cultural relevance, and authentic engagement, proving that Instagram is not just a platform for sharing photos but a space where global influence is measured and displayed for the world to see.