It’s that guilty pleasure. That ‘quick browse’ that turns into half an hour later. That daily (or more) check up on who’s doing what and going where. It’s Instagram. Love it or hate it, the social media platform is increasingly popular and influential, providing everything from entertainment to tasty recipes to full on Influencer careers. But with so many users to follow, how do we choose? And who is the most popular? Here’s a look at the ten most followed Instagram accounts of 2021 according to Statista.
1. Instagram
Followers: 406.44 million
The official handle of Instagram is the most followed account on the platform. Along with the latest updates from Team Instagram, the account posts your classic picturesque Instas of dreamy views as well as showing off the best and the most interesting people and trends on Instagram, including of course the compulsory cute animal posts.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Followers: 315.81million
World-renowned football player Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly makes more money being an influencer on Instagram than he does playing soccer for Juventus. His Instagram page is one of the most profitable in the world and not surprisingly comes in at number two.
3. Dwayne Johnson (The Rock)
Followers: 254.72 million
Star of the WWE and now world famous actor, Dwayne Johnson’s account is as expected, lots of pics of him in the gym, filming and acting, and posts about his family.
4. Ariana Grande
Followers: 252.82 million
The most followed woman on Instagram, Ariana Grande is one of the world’s most famous and popular singers and posts regularly about her pop star life. From pictures of her performing to meeting other celebrities, you can see it all.
5. Kylie jenner
Followers: 249.69 million
Beauty mogul and youngest Kardashian-Jenner sister, Kylie posts about all things beauty, fashion, and luxury. With pictures of her work and personal life, as well as lots of baby pics and photos with her partner, she was the record holder for the most liked picture on the platform. The post showed her holding the tiny hand of her newborn daughter Stormi.
6. Selena Gomez
Followers: 245.49 million
Famous musician Selena Gomez posts about a mix of stuff, including selfies, human rights activism, her beauty brand Rare, beauty and self confidence and her film and music work.
7. Kim Kardashian
Followers: 236.86 million
The most famous of the Kardashian family, Kim posts a variety of content with posts, stories, reels and videos from her glamourous life. She is also highly sponsored, posting several branded content campaigns. She also uses her platform to for her work on prison reform in the United States.
8. Leo Messi
Followers: 233.9 million
Making it to the top ten is another footballer, Lionel Messi. The captain of Barcelona FC and the Argentinian national football team, he is one of the world’s most famous players. His Instagram is filled with pics of him playing football and a peek into his personal life and events he attends, a must follow for any fan.
9. Beyoncé
Followers: 194.12 million
Known by her many fans as Queen Bey, Beyoncé has won an incredible 24 Grammys and is as a musician, actor and entrepreneur. Along with lifestyle and family posts, she also uses her Instagram account to highlight social and political issues like Black Lives Matter and her support for US president and vice-president Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Beyoncé’s pregnancy announcement was once the most liked post on Instagram.
10. Justin Bieber
Followers: 183.78 million
One of the biggest pop stars out there, the Biebs makes tenth place on the list. His Instagram feed shows the Canadian singer-songwriter’s transformation over the years from a teen sensation into deeply spiritual and religious. He posts pics of himself, wife Hailey Baldwin and friends, as well as several of him rehearsing and a few uplifting quotes.
