The Most Followed Stars On Instagram In 2025 (You Won’t Believe #5)

Instagram is more than a photo-sharing app—it’s a global stage where celebrities, athletes, and influencers build brands worth millions. In 2025, the rankings have shifted once again, and some names on the list may surprise you.

If you're looking for the accounts with the biggest audiences (and the most significant influence for partnerships, ads, and product launches), here's who dominates the platform right now.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 670 Million Followers

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the undisputed king of Instagram. With over 670 million followers, he’s not just a soccer legend but a marketing machine.

Why is it so popular? He combines sports updates, family moments, and big sponsorship campaigns with brands like Nike, Clear Shampoo, and his own CR7 fashion line.

Commercial pull: Every post can generate millions in brand value, making him one of the most expensive endorsers in the world.

If you’re following trends in sports or global sponsorship deals, Ronaldo’s account is a must-watch.

Lionel Messi – 535 Million Followers

Messi sits comfortably in second place with 535 million followers. The Inter Miami forward and 2022 World Cup winner uses Instagram to share glimpses of his family, charity work, and partnerships.

Top deals: Adidas, Pepsi, and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton often appear on his feed.

Why fans love him: Messi keeps it authentic and low-key, making his posts feel more personal.

His move to the U.S. increased his commercial visibility in North America, further bolstering his following.

Selena Gomez – 427 Million Followers

Selena Gomez is the most-followed woman on Instagram, with 427 million fans. She’s a singer, actress, and business mogul, thanks to her beauty brand Rare Beauty.

Why she stands out: Her posts strike a balance between personal honesty and professional promotions. Mental health advocacy is also a strong theme on her account.

Commercial advantage: Rare Beauty has become a global hit mainly due to its extensive Instagram reach.

For beauty brands and lifestyle advertisers, Gomez’s account is pure gold.

Kylie Jenner – 393 Million Followers

Kylie Jenner has built her empire on Instagram. With 393 million followers, she uses the platform as a direct sales channel for Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin.

What drives her numbers: High-quality photos, exclusive product launches, and her role in the Kardashian-Jenner family brand.

Business impact: Instagram was the foundation of Kylie’s billion-dollar beauty empire, and she continues to use it as her most powerful marketing tool.

Her ability to turn posts into instant sales makes her one of the most commercially practical stars on the internet.

Virat Kohli – 285 Million Followers

This might surprise you: Virat Kohli, India’s cricket icon, now ranks in the global top five with 285 million followers.

Regional dominance: Cricket is a religion in India, and Kohli is its biggest star. His influence extends across Asia and beyond.

Brand power: He endorses Puma, Myntra, and MRF Tyres, among others.

Why it matters commercially: India is one of the fastest-growing digital markets, and Kohli is its face. Brands looking to tap into India's consumer base use his Instagram presence as a gateway.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – 270 Million Followers

The Rock balances his Hollywood, business, and fitness pursuits on his social media account, which boasts 270 million followers.

Content mix: Workout videos, motivational posts, tequila brand promotions (Teremana), and movie launches.

Commercial highlight: His influence spans entertainment, fitness, and lifestyle markets.

He remains one of the most bankable stars online, thanks to his broad appeal.

Kim Kardashian – 260 Million Followers

Kim Kardashian has stayed relevant for over a decade, now boasting 260 million followers.

Business reach: From SKIMS shapewear to high-profile partnerships with luxury fashion houses, Kim’s account doubles as a billboard.

Why she still dominates: Her ability to shift trends in beauty and lifestyle keeps her highly influential.

She’s proof that Instagram can sustain long-term relevance with the right mix of content and branding.

Ariana Grande – 255 Million Followers

With 255 million followers, Ariana Grande remains one of the most followed pop stars.

Music + beauty: She promotes her music alongside her fragrance and beauty brand, r.e.m. beauty.

Fan appeal: Her loyal fanbase ("Arianators") engages heavily with every post.

Her combination of entertainment and consumer products makes her account a valuable advertising space.

Khloé Kardashian – 240 Million Followers

Khloé Kardashian’s Instagram growth has pushed her into the top 10, with 240 million followers.

Business integration: Her clothing line, Good American, is featured heavily in her posts.

What keeps her popular: Behind-the-scenes family content, fitness routines, and relatable lifestyle updates.

Khloé has successfully transformed her following into a direct sales platform, proving the Kardashian playbook remains effective.

Kendall Jenner – 230 Million Followers

Rounding out the list is Kendall Jenner with 230 million followers.

Focus: High-fashion modelling content for brands like Estée Lauder, Calvin Klein, and luxury labels.

Commercial advantage: Kendall appeals strongly to fashion audiences, making her Instagram prime territory for luxury advertisers.

She’s not as product-driven as Kylie, but her feed caters to a different (and highly profitable) audience segment.

Why These Rankings Matter?

The most-followed Instagram stars aren’t just entertainers—they’re direct marketing channels with massive return on investment potential. Brands partner with them because:

• A single post can reach hundreds of millions of potential customers.
• Their audiences span multiple regions and industries.
• They influence consumer trends in beauty, sports, fashion, and lifestyle.

Key Takeaways For Brands And Influencers

Sports And Beauty Dominate

Ronaldo, Messi, and Kohli show the power of sports, while Gomez and Kylie prove beauty brands thrive on Instagram.

Family-Driven Content Sells

The Kardashian-Jenners family collectively occupies a significant portion of Instagram's top spots.

Regional Stars Can Go Global

Virat Kohli’s rise shows how regional influence in a massive market translates into global rankings.

Authenticity Matters

Stars who blend personal updates with commercial content are most likely to perform better in terms of engagement.

Final Word: Who Should You Follow (Or Work With)?

If you’re a fan, these are the accounts that dominate conversation. If you’re a brand, these are the names driving billions in online sales.

• For global reach: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi
• For beauty and lifestyle: Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner
• For regional growth markets: Virat Kohli
• For entertainment crossover: The Rock, Ariana Grande

The world of Instagram is competitive, but in 2025, these stars hold the crown. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, deals, or the next big collaboration, these are the accounts shaping trends online.