Who has more followers on Instagram? It’s one of the most asked questions on the internet — and for good reason. Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing app anymore; it’s a global platform that defines influence, popularity, and online success. Whether you’re trying to grow your business, become a content creator, or just stay in the loop, knowing who dominates the platform can offer valuable insights. From celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylie Jenner to Nigerian superstars like Davido, follower counts say a lot about reach, relevance, and impact in 2025.
In this article, we’ll explore what it really takes to grow on Instagram. You’ll find out who currently tops the follower charts, why followers matter more than ever, and exactly how you can increase your own following with smart strategies that work right now.
Key Points
- High follower counts on Instagram translate to influence, credibility, and monetisation opportunities. The individuals who have more followers on Instagram—like Davido—often gain brand partnerships, increased visibility, and income streams through their large, engaged audiences.
- Successful Instagram accounts often feature high-quality content, including visually appealing photos and videos, engaging captions, and strategic use of hashtags. These accounts also tend to have strong engagement with their followers, responding to comments and using Instagram Stories and Reels to stay connected.
- Many popular Instagram accounts have built their followings by focusing on specific niches or interests, such as fashion, beauty, travel, or food. Authenticity and consistency are key to building trust and loyalty with followers, who appreciate genuine content that resonates with their own interests and values.
Why Instagram Followers Matter
Having a large following on Instagram can be a game-changer for individuals and businesses alike. But have you ever wondered who has the most followers on Instagram and what secrets they hold? Let’s dive into why Instagram followers matter and how they can impact your online presence:
#1. Business Growth and Opportunities
A large Instagram following can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to expand their online presence. With a broad follower base, you can increase exposure for your brand and products, reaching a larger audience and potentially driving more sales. By studying accounts with a large following, such as those who have the most followers on Instagram, you can gain insights into effective strategies for growing your own audience.
Having a large following on Instagram can also provide valuable insights into customer preferences and behaviour. By analysing the content and engagement patterns of popular accounts, you can identify trends and patterns that can inform your own marketing strategy. This can help you develop targeted campaigns that resonate with your audience and drive real results.
#2. Social Proof and Influence
Accounts with many followers, like those who have the most followers on Instagram, often enjoy a level of social proof that can be beneficial for building credibility and trust. When potential customers see that a brand or individual has a large following, they are more likely to perceive them as trustworthy and authoritative in their field. This can be especially important for businesses looking to establish themselves as industry leaders.
Having a large following on Instagram can also open up opportunities for collaborations and partnerships. Brands and influencers with a large following are often sought after by other businesses looking to tap into their audience and leverage their influence. By building a large and engaged following, you can position yourself for successful partnerships and collaborations that can help drive growth and revenue.
#3. Monetization Potential
The more followers you have on Instagram, the more opportunities you have to monetise your account and make sales. Many Instagram monetisation features, such as branded content ads and shopping tags, require a certain number of followers. By growing your following and reaching these thresholds, you can unlock new revenue streams and start earning money from your Instagram presence.
Accounts with a large following, like those who have the most followers on Instagram, often have more opportunities for sponsored content and collaborations. Brands are willing to pay top dollar to partner with accounts that have a large and engaged audience, making it possible to earn significant revenue through sponsored posts and product placements. By building a large following, you can tap into these opportunities and start earning money from your Instagram account.
#4. Community and Engagement
Instagram followers can become a tight-knit, loyal community very quickly. When you have a large following, you can engage with your audience and build strong relationships with your fans. This can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy, as well as valuable feedback and insights that can help you improve your content and marketing strategy.
A large following on Instagram can also bring in varied viewpoints and perspectives, enriching discussions and opening up collaborative opportunities. By engaging with your audience and encouraging conversation, you can build a community that is passionate about your brand and willing to support you. This can be especially powerful for businesses looking to build a loyal customer base and drive long-term growth.
How to Get More Followers on Instagram
Here are the 17 ideas for getting more followers on Instagram:
#1. Incorporate Reels into your content mix
Instagram Reels offer a great way to increase your reach and attract new followers. With 36% more reach compared to other post types, Reels can help your content go viral and get in front of new audiences. To create effective Reels, focus on unique and trend-driven content that resonates with your target audience. By using Instagram’s Explore page and using relevant hashtags, you can increase your chances of getting discovered by new users. Keep your Reels engaging, informative, and entertaining, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats and styles.
#2. Cross-promote content
Cross-promoting your content on other social media platforms can help you reach a broader audience and drive traffic to your Instagram account. By sharing similar content on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest, you can attract new followers and increase your online presence. When cross-promoting, make sure to tailor your content to each platform’s unique audience and preferences. This will help you maximise your reach and engagement and attract new followers who are interested in your content.
#3. Optimize your Instagram profile
Your Instagram profile is often the first impression users get of your brand, so it’s essential to make it count. Optimise your profile by using a clear and consistent brand identity, including a profile picture, bio, and link to your website. A well-optimised profile will help you attract new followers and increase your credibility on the platform. Make sure to use relevant keywords in your bio and include a call to action to drive traffic to your website or other social media channels.
#4. Partner with creators and influencers
Partnering with creators and influencers can help you reach new audiences and attract new followers. By collaborating with influencers who have a large following in your niche, you can tap into their audience and increase your online presence. When partnering with influencers, make sure to choose accounts that align with your brand values and target audience. This will help you create content that resonates with their followers and attracts new users to your account.
#5. Build your personal brand alongside your business
Building a personal brand alongside your business can help you increase your online presence and attract new followers. By sharing behind-the-scenes content and showcasing your personality, you can build a loyal following and drive traffic to your business account.
A strong personal brand can also help you establish yourself as an expert in your industry, which can attract new followers and increase your credibility. Make sure to keep your personal and business accounts consistent and aligned with your overall brand identity.
#6. Get placements on feature accounts
Getting placements on feature accounts can help you reach new audiences and attract new followers. Feature accounts curate content from various creators and showcase it to their followers, providing a great way to get your content in front of new users. To get placements on feature accounts, use relevant hashtags and engage with the account owners. Make sure to create high-quality content that aligns with the account’s theme and style, and don’t be afraid to reach out to account owners directly to enquire about potential collaborations.
#7. Find hashtags your audience is using
Using relevant hashtags can help you attract new followers and increase your online presence. By researching and using hashtags that your target audience is using, you can increase your visibility and reach new users. Make sure to use a mix of popular and niche hashtags to attract a targeted audience. You can also use tools like Iconosquare or Later to find relevant hashtags and track their performance.
#8. Post at the right times and schedule posts
Posting at the right times can help you increase your engagement and attract new followers. By analysing your audience’s behaviour and scheduling your posts accordingly, you can maximise your reach and visibility. Use Instagram’s built-in analytics to track your audience’s behaviour and adjust your posting schedule accordingly. You can also use social media scheduling tools to automate your posts and save.
#9. Engage with your competitors’ followers
Engaging with your competitors’ followers can help you attract new followers and increase your online presence. By interacting with users who are already interested in your niche, you can build relationships and drive traffic to your account. Make sure to engage authentically and provide value to potential followers. Use comments, likes, and direct messages to build relationships and showcase your expertise.
#10. Collaborate with accounts and creators on campaigns
Collaborating with other accounts and creators on campaigns can help you attract new followers and increase your online presence. By partnering with accounts that align with your brand values and target audience, you can create content that resonates with new users. Make sure to choose collaborations that align with your brand identity and goals. Use campaigns to drive traffic to your account, increase engagement, and attract new followers.
Top 5 Nigerians with the Highest Instagram Followers
Here are the detailed write-ups for each of the top 5 Nigerian Instagram personalities:
#1. Davido
Davido is a Nigerian musician and entrepreneur with an impressive 29.6 million followers on Instagram. He’s known for his hit songs and energetic performances that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Davido’s Instagram feed showcases his music, personal life, and business ventures, giving his followers a glimpse into his life as a global superstar. With his charisma and talent, Davido has become one of the most influential figures in the African music industry. His Instagram presence is a testament to his dedication to connecting with his fans and sharing his art with the world.
#2. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer and songwriter with 18.8 million followers on Instagram. She’s a powerful female presence in the entertainment industry, known for her Afrobeats music and captivating stage presence. Tiwa Savage’s Instagram feed features her music, fashion, and personal life, showcasing her style and talent. As a role model for many young women, Tiwa Savage uses her platform to inspire and empower her followers. Her Instagram presence highlights her passion for music and her commitment to making a positive impact on her community.
#3. Wizkid
Wizkid is a Nigerian musician and singer with 18.1 million followers on Instagram. He’s acclaimed for his contributions to the Afrobeats genre and has collaborated with international artists. Wizkid’s Instagram feed showcases his music, fashion, and personal life, giving his followers a glimpse into his life as a global superstar. With his unique style and sound, Wizkid has become one of the most influential figures in the African music industry. His Instagram presence is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his connection with his fans.
#4. Burna Boy
Burna Boy is a Nigerian singer and songwriter with 17.7 million followers on Instagram. He’s a Grammy-winning artist celebrated for his fusion of Afrobeats and international styles. Burna Boy’s Instagram feed features his music, fashion, and personal life, showcasing his creativity and passion. As a global superstar, Burna Boy uses his platform to share his music and message with the world. His Instagram presence highlights his commitment to his craft and his connection with his fans.
#5. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is a Nigerian actress and producer with 16.4 million followers on Instagram. She’s influential in Nigeria’s film industry and known for her TV comedy show “Jenifa’s Diary”. Funke Akindele’s Instagram feed showcases her acting career, personal life, and business ventures, giving her followers a glimpse into her life. With her humour and talent, Funke Akindele has become a household name in Nigeria. Her Instagram presence is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her connection with her.
Does Instagram Pay for High Followers?
How Much Does Instagram Pay? Influencers with between 1,000 and 10,000 followers earn an average of $1,400/month, while those with over a million followers earn about $15,300/month. A sponsored influencer with ~5000 followers earns approximately $100,000 annually.
What Happens When You Get 100 Followers on Instagram?
This is not a hard task to accomplish, especially if you use hashtags and post high-quality content consistently. Reaching 100 followers on Instagram will give you access to Instagram Insights. There is a limit to how many users you yourself can follow, and Instagram allows you to follow up to 7500 users
What Attracts More Followers on Instagram?
Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, recommends posting two feed posts per week and two stories per day. Brock Johnson — an Instagram growth coach who grew to 400K followers in one year — says posting more frequently is the most surprising way to boost your Instagram following.
Conclusion
The accounts with the most followers on Instagram are often those that have built strong connections with their audience through engaging content, strategic use of hashtags, and authentic interactions. Whether it’s a global superstar, influencer, or brand, success on Instagram requires a deep understanding of the platform and its users. By studying the most followed accounts, we can gain insights into what makes them successful and apply those lessons to our own Instagram strategies.
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- How To Get More Views on Instagram: 12 Proven Strategies in 2024
- How to Hide Your Followers on Instagram: A Guide to Protecting Your Privacy
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