Instagram has advanced significantly since its initial launch in 2010. The "Gram," which started out as a simple photo-sharing app, has developed into a variety of things, including a platform for shopping and e-commerce, a way to connect with old friends, a place to start new relationships, a portfolio for creatives of all kinds to showcase their work, a battleground for social justice, and a gallery of whatever NFTs are. In the end, Instagram has transformed into a reflection of our values, which the all-seeing Algorithm serves to remind us of each time we log in.
Even a new category of fame has been made possible by the programme. Influencers on Instagram have transformed how we scroll, find entertainment, and even interact with brands. But when it comes to Instagram's greatest names, we see some very typical suspects. For instance, Kylie Jenner just overcame the 400 million milestone, becoming the first human to do so. Cristiano Ronaldo was not far behind. Additionally, Instagram's own profile reached half a billion followers, pop singers kept switching positions, and a new Kardashian entered the top 10.
➽The most-followed Instagram accounts in the world in 2022:
➮Instagram @instagram
Followers: 516M
Yes, with over 500 million followers as of mid-2022, the official Instagram account comes out on top among the most-followed profiles on the network. The most current of its more than 7,000 postings include a variety of the platform's well-known, imaginative, or what it considers attention-worthy artists, including "casually cute tomboy" Shy (@sl33zyskiz) above, actress Rachel Zegler, Insta-famous mini-pig Pua, or Lisa of BLACKPINK herself.
➮Cristiano Ronaldo @cristiano
Followers: 451 million
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a great couple of years. Ronaldo's star (and fan base) have grown since he made his triumphant return to Manchester United. On Instagram, he has the most human followers and is quickly approaching the 500 million milestone.
➮Kylie Jenner @kyliejenner
Followers: 345M
Jenner, who is the brain behind Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Skin, Kylie Swim, Kylie Baby and more, was included in Forbes 30 Under 30 —Hall of Fame, 2022. Jenner is the first woman to break 300 million followers on Instagram. She’s also still the most-followed woman in the world, so don’t get too comfortable, Ronaldo. The race to 500 million is on.
➮Lionel Messi @leomessi
Followers: 335M
One of Ronaldo's biggest adversaries in football also happens to be one of CR7's biggest on Instagram, making him yet another contender for football's G.O.A.T. title. The Argentine forward has shown he is highly skilled at using social media by competing with Kylie Jenner for position #3 for a considerable amount of time.
➮Selena Gomez @selenagomez
Followers: 325M
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.
➮Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson @therock
Followers: 320 million
In another neck-and-neck battle for Instagram dominance, The People’s Champ and Ariana Grande continue battling it out for the 5th most-followed spot, seemingly changing positions every few weeks or so. Currently, it goes to Hollywood movie star, tequila mogul, future presidential candidate (?) and former WWE champion, better known as The Rock. He has built his ever-increasing following with a candid look into his life and by offering an endless supply of workout and lifestyle motivation.
➮Kim Kardashian @kimkardashian
Followers: 316 million
It's not surprising to find Kim Kardashian in the top ten because, despite being one of the most well-known faces in the world, she has only become more interesting after splitting from Kanye West. After 20 seasons, Keeping Up with the Kardashians may have come to an end, but Kim is still making headlines and shows no signs of slowing down. And thanks to The Kardashians, a brand-new Kardashian-Jenner programme on Hulu, we'll continue to see a lot of Kim in the future.
➮Ariana Grande @arianagrande
Followers: 315 million
Who doesn’t want to follow Ariana Grande? The Grammy-winning singer has had an eventful few years that have kept people paying attention. Grande became the most followed musician on the platform in 2019 and continues to be so. With a feed filled with teasers of what’s to come (and the occasional look back at what got her there), she doesn’t appear to be giving up that title any time soon.
➮Beyoncé Knowles @beyonce
Followers: 261 million
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.
➮Khloe Kardashian @khloekardashian
Followers: 249 million
Khloé takes the 10th spot to become the third Kardashian-Jenner on the list of most-followed Instagram accounts in the world. However, she has to defend her spot from a rapidly climbing Kendall, who has over 241 million followers.
