from Cristiano Ronaldo to Ariana Grande, the two Kardashians and Jenner, these are the most followed Instagram accounts in the world.
Instagram has come a long way since its launch in 2010. Once a simple photo-sharing app, the ‘Gram has evolved into many things: a way to keep in touch with old friends; a place to start new things; a portfolio for creatives of all kinds to showcase their work; battleground for social justice; shopping and e-commerce platform; gallery of all NFTs. Ultimately, Instagram has become a mirror of what matters to us, reminding us every time we log in of the all-seeing Algorithm.
The app even helped create a new kind of celebrity. Instagram influencers have changed the way we scroll, the way we entertain—even the way brands sell us things. However, when it comes to the biggest names on Instagram, we see some pretty usual suspects. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo recently became the first person to cross the 400 million mark, with Kylie Jenner not far behind. In addition, his own Instagram profile accumulated half a billion, pop stars continued to trade places, and another Kardashian entered the top ten.
For your benefit, we have compiled the 10 most followed Instagram accounts in the world. They are the ones that keep us logging in and coming back for more. And while you’re at it, follow Lifestyle Asia – every view counts, right?
The most-followed Instagram accounts in the world in 2022:
1. Instagram (@instagram)
Followers: 568 million
https://instagram.com/p/CdL4aTWpgu0/embed/captioned/ Instagram has the most-followed account of them all, boasting over 500 million followers. Of its 7,000+ posts, many feature popular, creative or attention-worthy creators, like @sharawangsamulia (above), Insta-famous mini-pig Pua and global superstar model and actress of Squid Game fame, Hoyeon Jung. Even virtual influencers, like imma (@imma.gram) get some shine.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)
Followers: 500 million
https://instagram.com/p/Cdat7bZA5KU/embed/captioned/https://instagram.com/p/Cdat7bZA5KU/embed/captioned/ Just look how happy he is. But you would be, too, if you were Cristiano Ronaldo. And even moreso if you were Cristiano Ronaldo and you became the only human to break 500 million followers on Instagram. To put that into scale, if CR7’s ‘Gram were a country, it would be the third most populated in the world after China and India, and just ahead of the United States. Another day, another goal for Ronaldo.
3. Lionel Messi (@leomessi)
Followers: 376 million
https://instagram.com/p/CdgNxw5sxzK/embed/captioned/ From Ronaldo’s rival on the pitch to Ronaldo’s rival on the ‘Gram. The Argentine footballer has proven himself quite adept at social media as well, chasing Kylie Jenner for the #3 spot.
4. Kylie Jenner (@kyliejenner)
Followers: 372 million
Ari Perilstein / Getty Images
Kylie Jenner recently became the first woman to break 300 million followers on Instagram. However, that probably pales in comparison to being named the youngest “self-made” billionaire in 2019 by Forbes. But Jenner — of Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Skin, Kylie Swim, Kylie Baby and more — continues on. Jenner remains most-followed woman in the world. In conclusion, don’t get too comfy, Ronaldo. The race to 500 million is on.
5. Selena Gomez (@selenagomez)
Followers: 358 million
https://instagram.com/p/Cddc1XCrdoR/embed/captioned/ While Selena Gomez has been open about avoiding social media, she has been the fastest climber on the list as of late. 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.
6. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (@therock)
Followers: 348 million
https://instagram.com/p/CdbpOqPOxPf/embed/captioned/ He’s the People’s Champ; what did you expect? The number six spot goes to Hollywood movie star, tequila mogul, future presidential candidate (?) and former WWE champ, The Rock. He has built his ever-increasing following with a highly motivating feed of life and workout inspiration, plus the occasional tequila shot.
7. Ariana Grande (@arianagrande)
Followers: 340 million
https://instagram.com/p/CbiKNWTFdqa/embed/captioned/ Ariana Grande has given her fans plenty of reason to follow along in recent years. With a feed filled with teasers of what she’s got in the works, plus glimpses into her personal life, there’s plenty more to expect from this star.
8. Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)
Followers: 334 million
https://instagram.com/p/CdHVSWrPgiB/embed/captioned/ Controlling the spotlight in everything she does, it’s no surprise to see Kim Kardashian in the top ten. Although KUWTK finished its culture-shifting run, the premiere of The Kardashians means we’ll still be seeing plenty of Kim on all of our screens.
9. Beyoncé Knowles (@beyonce)
Followers: 283 million
https://instagram.com/p/CbobxsOrH61/embed/captioned/ Hey, Ms. Carter. There will only ever be one Beyoncé. The ultimate multi-hyphenate changed the way artists release music forever with Lemonade, and 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. Khloe Kardashian (@khloekardashian)
Followers: 280 million
https://instagram.com/p/Cdisdp4LpE6/embed/captioned/ Welcome, Khloe. Naturally, it took a Kardashian to finally bump the OG social media star Justin Bieber from his Top 10 spot. And with 249 million followers on the most followed Instagram accounts list — Kendall isn’t far behind.