Measuring a celebrity’s fame isn’t an easy task. Figuring out how many people know about a famous person, even if it’s just their name, or how many would recognize them on the street is quite complex. However, the rise of social media has introduced a new way to measure someone’s influence in society –by counting their followers on platforms like Instagram.
It’s important to note that a person’s fame isn’t only determined by their social media followers. But the number of fans who subscribe to their content on various platforms to stay updated about celebrities does give us a rough idea of who holds significant influence in the world.
And in this arena, the undisputed queen is undoubtedly Selena Gomez. For over five years, the singer, actress, producer, and entrepreneur who gained fame through Disney Channel has been the most followed singer by fans on Instagram. She’s also the woman with the most followers globally.
1. Selena Gomez with 427 million
Selena Gomez at the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Michael Kovac/Getty Images.
Selena Gomez rules the social media realm. The singer and actress take the lead among the most followed artists and fourth in the total Instagram accounts. Ahead of her is only the official Instagram profile on its own platform, Cristiano Ronaldo, the most followed individual with 600 million, and Lionel Messi, with 483 million.
2. Ariana Grande with 378 Million
Trae Patton/Getty Images.
Securing the second spot is Ariana Grande. This Florida artist also gained fame when she was a teenager through Nickelodeon. Since then, her music, acting career, and her own line of beauty and makeup products have propelled her to amass a remarkable following of 378 million Instagram fans.
3. Beyoncé with 318 Million
Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR”. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Claiming the bronze in the artists’ category on Instagram is Beyoncé. Hailing from Atlanta, this iconic artist requires no introduction, as her massive following of over 318 million speaks volumes.
4. Justin Bieber with 292 Million
Securing the fourth place overall and leading among male artists is Justin Bieber. The American pop star presently commands an impressive following of 292 million ‘Biebers’ on Instagram.
5. Taylor Swift with 270 Million
Getty Images.
The top five most followed singers on Instagram is rounded off by Taylor Swift. More than 270 million ‘Swifties’ worldwide follow and support their muse on this platform, making her the fifth most followed artist on a global scale.
6. Jennifer Lopez with 250 Million
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck attend the Amazon Studios’ World Premiere of «AIR». Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images.
Next in line after Taylor Swift is Jennifer Lopez. The mastermind behind hits such as «On the Floor,» «Waiting for Tonight,» and «Let’s Get Loud» has garnered an impressive following of over 250 million on Instagram, securing her the sixth position among renowned musical figures in the realm of social media.
7. Nicki Minaj with 225 Million
Nicki Minaj at the World Premiere of «Barbie». Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images.
From one woman to another, the seventh most followed artist globally is rapper Nicki Minaj, who has 225.1 million Instagram followers as of August 2023.
8. Miley Cyrus with 213 Million
Miley Cyrus at Miley New Years Eve Party. Vijat Mohindra/Getty Images.
The eighth position belongs to Miley Cyrus. The artist who once portrayed Hannah Montana and later gave us hits like «Wrecking Ball» and «Malibu» has garnered slightly more than 213 million followers on Instagram.
9. Katy Perry with 204 Million
Katy Perry during the Coronation Concert. Yui Mok/Getty Images.
Katy Perry has nothing less than 204.49 million followers on Instagram. Hits like «Harleys in Hawaii,» «Roar,» and «California Gurls» have solidified her as the ninth artist with one of the most substantial fan bases on Mark Zuckerberg’s social network.
10. Cardi B with 168 Million
Cardi B at Cardi B and Offset Headline Hall of Fame Party 2023. Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images.
Completing the list of the top 10 most followed global artists, where 9 out of 10 are women, is yet another female artist. Straight from New York, rapper, songwriter, and actress Cardi B commands an impressive following of nearly 169 million on this social network.
The 11th spot in this ranking goes to singer and actress Demi Lovato. Thanks to her music and her appearance in the iconic Disney Channel TV movie «Camp Rock» in 2008, she has 157 million followers on Instagram.
Occupying the 12th position in the ranking is Rihanna, the pop diva renowned for her halftime performance at the Super Bowl (and of course of her multiple hit songs). She commands a formidable presence with 152.5 million followers on Instagram.
13. Chris Brown with 143 Million
Chris Brown onstage during the Lovers & Friends music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images.
The second male to appear on this list is Chris Brown, who takes the 13th position. Known for his roles as an R&B singer, songwriter, actor, and dancer, he’s the creative force behind hits like «Under the Influence,» «Loyal,» «Look at Me Now,» and «Wet the Bed.» His presence has accumulated him a substantial following of 143.3 million on Instagram.
14. Drake with 141 Million
Drake performs at Qudos Bank Aren. Getty Images.
Taking the 14th position is Drake. The Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer responsible for songs like «Passionfruit,» «One Dance,» «God’s Plan,» and «Hotline Bling» has managed to captivate 141 million followers on Instagram.
15. Billie Eilish with 110 Million
Billie Eilish at the World Premiere of «Barbie». Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images.
The 15th position belongs to the young artist Billie Eilish. Based in Los Angeles, she’s rocking both the music world with hits like «Bad Guy,» «Happier Than Ever,» and «Ocean Eyes,» as well as the social media sphere, with 110 million Instagram followers.
Lisa, the standout member of the K-Pop group Blackpink, secures the 16th spot, inching closer to 97 million followers on Instagram.
17. Dua Lipa with 88 Million
Dua Lipa at the «Barbie» European Premiere. Joe Maher/Getty Images.
Dua Lipa claims the 17th position. This British-Albanian artist made her debut in the music scene in 2017, and her fame has been steadily growing since then. She has over 88.8 million followers on Instagram.
18. Shakira with 88 Million
Shakira at the Fendi Fall 2023 Couture Collection Runway Show. Swan Gallet/Getty Images.
Sharing a similar follower count with Dua Lipa is the Colombian sensation, Shakira. This widely acclaimed Latin artist has 88.4 million followers on Instagram.
19. Snoop Dogg with 80 Million
Snoop Dogg at E11EVEN. Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images.
Securing the 19th position is producer and rapper Snoop Dogg, who, owing to his significant contributions to the global hip-hop scene, has amassed a massive following of millions worldwide. He’s successfully gathered 80.8 million followers on Instagram.
Landing at the 20th spot in the ranking is a special bonus track. Although primarily renowned for her acting, Zendaya has also dipped her toes into the realm of music. Her global recognition comes from her roles in Disney productions and later in movies like «Dune» and the series «Euphoria.»
In 2012, she released the EP «Made in Japan,» followed by a self-titled album «Zendaya» in 2013 under Hollywood Records. Over time, she collaborated on various singles, including some with artists like Chris Brown. And, of course, she also contributed to the «Euphoria» soundtrack.
At present, Zendaya proudly commands a substantial following of 184 million. Remarkably, if we solely considered her singing career, this count would rank her 10th. However, given that her prominence predominantly stems from her acting prowess, we’ve included her as a bonus track in the 20th spot.
Don’t forget to check out the original article by Carolina Martínez in Spanish for LOS40.
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