There are many indicators to assess the influence of our favorite Latin artists, although the truth is that relying solely on one of them gives us limited information about their reach and significance for their fans. This also poses a dilemma: how do you measure an artist’s success and recognition?
Without getting too philosophical, let’s go over who the singers with the most presence on social media are. In this case, we’ll look at those who have the highest number of followers on Instagram. Additionally, we’ll also review how many streams they have to complement the information. Will any of your favorites be on the list?
JLo is the undisputed queen, as a true trailblazer for Spanish-language music in the United States. The multifaceted diva, who is not only a singer but also an actress, dancer, and businesswoman, catapulted Latin pop in America with her debut album On the 6 (1999). She leads the ranking with 253 million followers on Instagram. In terms of Spotify, she has more than 25 million monthly listeners.
The queen from Barranquilla has been conquering the world and our hearts since the 90s, and to this day, with a career spanning over 30 years, Shakira continues to remain one of the most groundbreaking and explosive artists of the moment.
With her overwhelming talent and the ability to transform any personal experience into art, she holds the second spot in the ranking with 90.6 million Instagram followers. Her monthly streaming plays almost triple those of Jennifer Lopez: over 68 million people listen to her every month.
Undoubtedly, 2023 is Karol G’s year with her successful double release of Mañana Será Bonito and Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season). This is evident in the people who follow the Colombian diva, in addition to the incredible turnout for her first tour in the United States. Over 68 million fans follow the Colombian on Instagram, and she has more than 52 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Camila Cabello captivated us by taking us to «Havana,» and it seems that quite a few of us stayed there with her, as she occupies the third position as the most followed Spanish-speaking artist on Instagram. Her spectacular figure of more than 44.3 million monthly listeners is what the Cuban singer maintains on Spotify.
The Brazilian sensation that is taking funk carioca to another level has also garnered a large number of followers. Anitta is rocking it, no doubt, with a community of more than 65 million users on Instagram and 31.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Our Don Juan doesn’t keep us waiting, and it’s no surprise. The explosive combination of talent, rhythm, and flavor that Maluma brings has positioned him as one of the leaders of the new generation of reggaeton artists in recent years. He’s been a reference first in the Colombian scene and then worldwide. He has amassed 64 million followers on Instagram and 43 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
The new sensation of Latin music has entered the ranks of veterans in the scene. And although most of Lele Pons’ 53.9 million Instagram followers are likely due to the popularity of her videos over the years, the truth is that her latest album, Capitulaciones (2023), with her husband Guaynaa, caused a great sensation. She has almost 3 million monthy listeners on Spotify at the moment.
J Balvin has undoubtedly been one of the figures leading the new wave of reggaeton artists both inside and outside of Colombia, alongside others like Maluma, Karol G, Bad Bunny, and Ozuna, among others.
Despite his music break, from which he is gradually returning with spaced-out hits, he has accumulated 50.9 million followers on Instagram and more than 52 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
One of the founding fathers of reggaeton couldn’t be missing from this list. Daddy Yankee has been a pioneer of the genre, as his 49.8 million Instagram followers attest, securing him the tenth position in the ranking. He’s also one of the leaders in streams, with 51 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Benito marked a before and after in reggaeton thanks to albums like YHLQMDLG (2020) and Un Verano Sin Ti (2022). Works that are already part of pop culture, because as he says in «PASIEMPRE,» he’s the only one who releases an album and all the tracks are hits.
Bad Bunny has garnered a community that loves him, with 46.4 million followers on Instagram. However, he’s the streaming leader alongside Shakira: 66 million listeners dance to the rhythm of his songs and his latest album, «Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana.»
Another of the icons and pioneers in the urban genre. Nicky Jam has earned timeless recognition with more than 44 million Instagram followers, accumulating a community of 25.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
The ultimate trap king continues to sow successes (even if some are about his ex Karol G and her new partner). With more than 38 million followers, Anuel AA dives right into the ranking. His monthly streaming numbers are slightly lower but still impressive, reaching 33 million listeners on Spotify every month.
Another of our urban queens in the scene couldn’t be absent from the ranking. Becky G has carved out a special place in the scene as one of the first American artists to stand out in reggaeton with hits like «Mayores» and «Sin Pijama.» Her 37.8 million fans give her unconditional support on Instagram, and more than 30 million monthly listeners on Spotify follow her worldwide.
The Mexican princess of pop knows how to win the audience’s affection, whether by acting in a hit series or making waves as one of the new genre’s references. Danna Paola has a community of 33 million followers on Instagram. Her monthly streaming numbers are a bit lower but still maintain a solid 9.7 million listeners each month on Spotify.
It’s hard not to succumb to the charisma and talent of Sebastián Yatra, one of the most recognized talents in the Mexican scene. His song «Vagabundo» has become one of the summer anthems, something that his more than 29.3 million Instagram followers already know. On Spotify, he’s close to the same number of listeners: 24.7 million.
Another of the voices that has revolutionized Spanish music in recent years is Colombian artist Camilo. His song «Vida de Rico» has won the affection of 28.2 million Instagram followers and 20 million monthly listeners who tune in to his music.
The talented Spanish diva couldn’t be absent from our list, even though she’s not Latin, but she has greatly contributed to the increasing success of Latin Music.
Rosalía has a brilliant trajectory, capable of revolutionizing and inspiring, as well as creating new paradigms that change the game in the scene. The «motomami» has 27.8 million Instagram followers and is one of the most listened-to Spanish-speaking artists, with more than 26 million listeners each month on Spotify.
The Puerto Rican artist is another reference in the scene who has shaped the genre into what it is today: a nest of hit after hit. Ozuna boasts 23.6 million followers on Instagram, and he’s one of the most listened-to artists on Spotify with 41 million monthly listeners.
The Mexican legend maintains her position and relevance after a successful 40-year career. Perhaps that explains the 21.4 million followers who continue to support her every new step in her journey. Moreover, Thalia now has more than 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Probably one of the decade’s discoveries, the star producer: Bizarrap has reinvented the role of the producer and elevated the urban scene to another level. It’s no wonder that his work is followed and supported by 20-7 million people on Instagram. He boasts an impressive number of more than 40 million listeners on Spotify each month.