In 2026, Instagram continues to be one of the most influential social media platforms for individual creators and brands alike. The platform not just hosts the accounts of some of the most popular personalities, but has also shaped the careers of millions and given birth to many celebrities who rose to fame due to their presence on Instagram.
The list of Instagram-made celebrities is endless, but in this blog, we will be talking about 15 accounts with the most followers on Instagram.
Top 15 Accounts with the Most Followers on Instagram
The top 15 Instagram accounts together have more than 5.83 billion followers. Read this list to know which accounts are leading the charts in January 2026.
| Rank | Account Name | Instagram ID | Followers | Country | Genre / Industry | Estimated Revenue (per post) |
| 1 | 698M | United States | Social Media Platform | Not applicable | ||
| 2 | Cristiano Ronaldo | @cristiano | 670M | Portugal | Sports (Football) | ~$3.0–3.5M |
| 3 | Lionel Messi | @leomessi | 511M | Argentina | Sports (Football) | ~$2.5–3.0M |
| 4 | Selena Gomez | @selenagomez | 415M | United States | Music / Entertainment | ~$1.3–2.0M |
| 5 | Kylie Jenner | @kyliejenner | 391M | United States | Beauty / Fashion / Business | ~$1.5–2.5M |
| 6 | Dwayne Johnson | @therock | 390M | United States | Entertainment / Fitness | ~$1.0–1.5M |
| 7 | Ariana Grande | @arianagrande | 372M | United States | Music / Entertainment | ~$1.2–2.0M |
| 8 | Kim Kardashian | @kimkardashian | 353M | United States | Fashion / Beauty / Business | ~$1.5–2.3M |
| 9 | Beyoncé | @beyonce | 308M | United States | Music / Fashion | ~$0.7–1.2M |
| 10 | Khloé Kardashian | @khloekardashian | 300M | United States | Fashion / Lifestyle | ~$0.6–1.0M |
| 11 | Nike | @nike | 298M | United States | Sportswear / Lifestyle Brand | Not applicable |
| 12 | Justin Bieber | @lilbieber | 292M | Canada | Music / Entertainment | ~$1.0–1.5M |
| 13 | Kendall Jenner | @kendalljenner | 284M | United States | Fashion / Modeling | ~$1.0–1.5M |
| 14 | Taylor Swift | @taylorswift | 281M | United States | Music / Entertainment | ~$1.2–2.0M |
| 15 | National Geographic | @natgeo | 275M | United States | Media / Education / Publishing | Not applicable |
Let us now dive into each of these accounts so you know what to expect on their Instagram pages.
Let’s get going!
1. Instagram (698M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Turning daydreams into art
The clear winner when it comes to having the most followers is the host itself: Instagram. This Instagram’s official account has been active since 2012, a year after this platform was launched.
Today, it has close to 700 million followers, roughly 40% of the total number of users on the platform. The account has just one objective, which is to promote Instagram.
This page focuses mostly on platform-based updates and user-generated content. Showing off unique trends, up-and-coming creators, celebrity-endorsed posts, people on Instagram, and the good old memes is their strategy. Along with that, the account also promotes IGTV heavily by posting original content.
Did You Know? Instagram was originally designed as a check-in app called Burbn before the founders stripped it down to focus only on photo sharing.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (670M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Ronaldo’s Twin Announcement Post
Coming to the most followed person on Instagram, we have one of the world’s best football players, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 35-year old Portuguese footballer has close to 670 million followers on the platform.
Talking about his Instagram feed, he has it all!
Family pictures, wins, adverts, sponsored posts, training footage, celebrations, you name it, he’s got it. Cristiano is also the highest-paid athlete on Instagram, and according to Hopper HQ, he charges 3.43 million USD per post. He is well-known for his endorsement deals with brands like Therabody, CR7, KFC, and Nike, in which he promotes their products on Instagram.
Did You Know? Ronaldo holds a Guinness World Record for being the first person to reach 200 million Instagram followers.
3. Lionel Messi (511M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Lionel Messi World Cup celebration post
The next most followed account is of yet another soccer icon, Lionel Messi, the Argentinian national team captain whose influence extends far beyond football, making him one of the most followed athletes on Instagram globally.
His feed has a mix of his professional and family life- football, kids, sneakers, adverts, shots of him on the field, and the events he attends.
His Instagram profile also hints at the fact that he is very woke and knows of pertinent global issues. He usually writes his post captions in Spanish, but also includes English translations, so they could be understood by a wider audience.
This global football icon has high-value partnerships with brands like Adidas and is estimated to earn around USD 2.73 million per sponsored Instagram post
Did you know? That World Cup post is the most liked Instagram post of all time across the entire platform (not just among athletes).
4. Selena Gomez (415M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Engagement announcement to producer Benny Blanco (2025)
Fourth on the list of top accounts, we have one of the most loved American singers, Selena Gomez.
While she isn’t the most frequent poster on Instagram, her feed reflects a mix of music, personal moments, mental health advocacy, women’s rights, and family. There are not many brand deals that can be seen on her account apart from the promotion of her own brand, Rare Beauty.
With 415 million Instagram followers, she is among the most influential celebrities who earn over USD 2 million per sponsored post.
Did You Know? Selena once held the record for the most-liked Instagram photo in history with a simple Coca-Cola campaign image, a testament to how even branded content can connect deeply with fans.
5. Kylie Jenner (391M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Kylie Jenner Stormi birth announcement post
Kylie Kristen Jenner is an American media personality and businesswoman known for building a beauty empire at a young age. She briefly held the record for the most-liked Instagram post in 2018 and has many more posts in the list of the top 20 most-liked posts.
Her Instagram feed blends promotions for Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin with glimpses from her personal life. Her feed is colorful and radiant at first glance, filled with dreamy things like Lambos, private jets, mansions, pools, cosmetics, clothes, and festivities.
With 391 million followers, Kylie is consistently ranked among the highest-earning celebrities on Instagram, with some reports estimating her earnings at well over USD 2 million per sponsored post.
Did You Know? Kylie Jenner became the youngest self-made billionaire (as reported at the time) largely due to the explosive success of Kylie Cosmetics.
6. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (390M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Dwayne Johnson’s wedding announcement with Lauren Hashian
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is the only wrestler to reach the list of the top 15 most followed personalities on Instagram. Over the years, he has charmed people with his charisma and quippy energy, and he has consistently been one of the top earners for sponsored Instagram content.
A former college football player and WWE superstar, Dwayne successfully transitioned into Hollywood and is now one of the industry’s most sought-after actors. His Instagram feed is packed with high-energy workout content, his outings, family photos, endorsements, news updates, and fitness food, making it especially popular among fitness and lifestyle audiences.
Did You Know? Before becoming one of the highest-paid actors in the world, Dwayne Johnson was cut from the Canadian Football League and faced severe financial struggles.
7. Ariana Grande (372M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Ariana Grande’s wedding announcement with Dalton Gomez
Next on the list is a 32-year-old global pop icon, Ariana Grande. With 372 million followers, Ariana has the most followed account among the successful singers of her generation.
Ariana’s Instagram these days is filled with soft, ethereal, almost cinematic aesthetics, especially around her role as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked films. Fans have seen pastel-toned photoshoots, behind-the-scenes glimpses from film sets, and minimalist looks that mark a clear evolution from her earlier pop-star era.
While Ariana largely avoids brand endorsement deals, her own beauty label, r.e.m. beauty, remains a prominent feature on her feed, alongside selective collaborations with luxury fashion and beauty houses.
Did You Know? Ariana is one of the few global pop stars to successfully pause touring and music releases for long periods without losing Instagram engagement.
8. Kim Kardashian (353M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: One of her throwback wedding photographs
From the Kardashian family, we have Kim Kardashian in 8th place. An American businesswoman, media personality, and cultural icon, Kim came to the spotlight after her popular reality show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”
Her Instagram feed regularly features high-fashion editorials, behind-the-scenes looks from major campaigns, law school milestones, festive gatherings, family outings, and brand collaborations. Her lengthy and deep captions often steal the show!
Some of her most popular recent posts include SKIMS campaign launches, collaborations with luxury business ventures, and red-carpet appearances at global events like the Met Gala. Overall, her profile feels less chaotic and more calculated and truly blends luxury, influence, entrepreneurship, and her personal evolution.
Did You Know? Kim is now actively pursuing her legal career after she recently completed her four-year law apprenticeship in May 2025.
9. Beyoncé (308M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Beyoncé’s pregnancy announcement
At number 9, we have the queen herself. Queen Bey. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is not just a global music icon; she’s one of the most strategically influential figures on Instagram.
Her feed shares very little about her personal life and mostly features her editorial-style looks, couture outfits, tour visuals, campaign shoots, and candids that look like they are straight out of a fashion magazine.
On the brand front, Beyoncé has been closely associated with Ivy Park and also has a fashion collaboration with Adidas, and makes approximately $1.9 million per sponsored post.
Did You Know? Beyoncé is one of the few artists whose album releases are studied in business schools, because of how she controls timing, surprise drops, and narrative.
10. Khloé Kardashian (300M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Khloé’s picture with her son Rob Kardashian
At number 10 sits Khloé Kardashian, a digital force who has quietly carved out her own lane in the Kardashian universe. Khloé’s feed feels personal and leans heavily into her real-life moments, like candid family interactions, motherhood highlights, fitness routines, and behind-the-scenes of her daily life.
She also showcases inclusive campaigns of her fashion and lifestyle brand, Good American, but it feels less like an endorsement and more like a continuation of her story. The emphasis on inclusivity and fit mirrors her own evolution, making the brand emotionally credible.
Did You Know? Khloé once publicly revealed she stopped Photoshopping her Instagram photos to promote body positivity and self-acceptance.
11. Nike (298M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Nike’s post honouring Kobe Bryant
At number 11, we have Nike, the most followed brand account on Instagram after Instagram’s own account.
But what makes millions of people follow it?
Nike doesn’t use Instagram to sell its products, they sell beliefs and talks about the immense human potential. This page doesn’t behave like a catalogue, because the real spotlight is on athletes – whether they are global sports icons or some unknown athlete chasing a dream, Nike shares their stories of grit, sweat, and quiet determination.
They also share defining moments from major tournaments and social movements, using bold visuals but shorter captions. It is this restraint that makes Nike stand out and stay visible on Instagram.
Did You Know? Nike was originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964, and its iconic name was inspired by the Greek goddess of victory.
12. Justin Bieber (292M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Engagement announcement with Hailey Baldwin (2018)
It is no surprise that Justin made it to this list. This Canadian singer’s Instagram feed stands out not because it’s polished, but because it’s profoundly personal with a noticeably quieter, more introspective tone.
Followers often see glimpses of his married life with Hailey Bieber, moments of spirituality, low-key selfies, reflective captions, and occasional throwbacks to music and touring.
Justin’s Instagram tells a clear story of transformation. From a young, mischievous teenage boy to a mature, grounded, and self-aware adult, his evolution has played out publicly and authentically on the platform.
Did You Know? Justin Bieber was the first artist in history to have seven songs from a debut album chart simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100.
13. Kendall Jenner (284M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: “Heart hair” mirror selfie
Another one from the Kardashian-Jenner family is the queen herself- Kendall Jenner, whose Instagram presence is notably understated compared to the rest of the clan.
Kendall is among the most followed and influential fashion models, but unlike most celebrities, she keeps restraint when posting on social media. She definitely avoids oversharing and loud personal narratives.
What we see on her feed are high-fashion editorials, Vogue covers, runway moments, luxury campaigns, couture shoots, and some behind-the-scenes glimpses from global fashion weeks.
Did You Know? Kendall Jenner is among the highest-paid runway models in the world, despite walking fewer shows than her peers.
14. Taylor Swift (281M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Engagement announcement to Travis Kelce
Given her popularity among millennials and Gen Z, who form the majority of Instagram’s user base, it’s no surprise that singer Taylor Swift is on this list.
Taylor’s Instagram profile is like a storytelling engine, carefully aligned with her music eras, fan culture, and long-term brand narrative. Her feed carries a strong vintage-meets-editorial aesthetic charm, and she mostly uses Instagram to amplify music launches, tour milestones, and fan moments, rather than sharing personal updates.
Taylor’s Instagram thrives on intentional scarcity. She posts when it matters, disappears when the story needs suspense, and reappears with purpose.
Did You Know? Taylor Swift is one of the very few artists to successfully re-record and re-release her own catalog, setting a precedent for artists reclaiming ownership of their work in the music industry.
15. National Geographic (275M followers)
Most Viewed/Liked Post: Birth of twin baby gorillas
Another brand we have on this list is National Geographic. No business uses its Instagram account as purposefully as Nat Geo.
While most brands chase trends, Nat Geo has stayed remarkably consistent in its purpose to educate, inspire, and provoke curiosity through visuals. The platform’s visual-first nature has also worked out perfectly in their favor.
Nat Geo is backed by a splendid team of photographers and editors who deliver cinematic-quality shots to stop the scroll. Alongside iconic photography, the account also posts carousels, short-form videos, and Reels to add context, depth, and narrative layers to their posts.
Overall, their Instagram page is a visual treat and never fails to amaze visitors.
Did You Know? National Geographic has been publishing visual storytelling for over 135 years, making it one of the oldest global media brands to successfully transition from print to digital without losing editorial credibility.
How to Increase Your Followers on Instagram?
Getting more followers on Instagram is all about understanding how people discover content, why they choose to stay, and what makes them come back for more. When you focus on consistency, clarity, and connection, follower growth becomes a natural outcome.
Here are some ways that can help you get more Instagram followers:
- Focus on curating quality content
- Stick to a clear niche, so people know what you stand for.
- Plan and use hashtags on Instagram related to your niche.
- Engage with other accounts to increase visibility on your content.
- Show your face or maintain a consistent brand voice to build familiarity.
- Pin your strongest posts, so new users can see your best work.
- Respond to comments and messages.
- Use Instagram analytics to monitor your performance
Looking for more inspiration? Here are some of the top 50 social media influencers on Instagram and TikTok whose content strategies are worth studying across industries.
What Can We Learn from Instagram’s Most Followed Profiles
When you look closely at Instagram’s most followed profiles, their growth is rarely accidental. Each one of these accounts focuses on clarity and consistency – they stick to their niche and show up consistently.
This is precisely what we all must do if we want to grow our followers on Instagram. Create content for the audience, not algorithms, and treat engagement like a relationship, not a metric. Whether it’s through storytelling, emotional resonance, or community-building, it is important that you make your followers feel seen, inspired, and included.
You can use tools like SocialPilot to plan your social media calendar and also track Instagram analytics from its dashboard, to see what’s working. Click here to start your free 14-day trial.
