Who’s Gaining the Most Instagram Followers in 2025?

Instagram follower counts are more than just a luxury number. They are electronic dollars that measure influence, momentum, and cultural impact. In 2025, a mix of global icons and emerging digital personalities will experience exponential growth. Here's an analysis of who is winning and why it matters.

Global Mega-Stars Leading the Charge

Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi

Legendary football players is continue to dominate. Ronaldo remains the most-followed person on Instagram, with over 658 million, while Messi trails with 505 million.

Their development is driven by headline-grabbing actions. World Cup highlights, and profoundly personal content that keeps followers emotionally committed.

Selena Gomez, The Rock & Kylie Jenner

These entertainment and lifestyle powerhouses are still at the top of their the game. Wwith each having between 390 and 420 million followers Newspoint. In 2025, Selena had a total of 422 million followers. The Rock and Kylie followed closely behind. Thanks to a compelling mix of personal updates and brand activities.

 

 Rising Stars with Meteoric Growth

Joao Fonseca – Tennis Sensation

The 18-year-old Brazilian tennis phenom is on course to become the sport's fastest player. They have never reached one million Instagram followers. Surpassing Emma Raducanu's record with his ATP breakout and media-savvy presence.

Ilia Topuria – UFC’s New Frontline

After achieving double championship glory. UFC fighter Ilia Topuria rocketed above 10.5 million followers. Adding over 3 million after the victory pulling ahead of famous. MMA stars like Islam Makhachev.

V (Kim Taehyung) – K‑Pop’s Social Media King

BTS's V came in third place on HypeAuditor's Top 1000 list, gaining 1.22 million followers in just 25 days after leaving the military. His total is roughly 68 million. With a remarkable engagement rate (~20%, ~14 million likes each post).

 

Virtual Influencers Making Waves

AI-powered personalities Mia Zelu is breaking through with hyperrealistic, fashion-forward content, such as an AI-generated "courtside at Wimbledon," which has garnered 200K followers and viral attention. Her emotional storytelling and digitally produced experiences are challenging the entire concept of authenticity on Instagram.

 

 A Look at Growth Trends

• Athlete and celebrity accounts continue massive growth after career highlights or major events.
• Virtual influencers highlight a new frontier—AI personas capturing audiences with realism and narrative.
• Micro-influencer data: In February 2025, accounts like cassiesbookss (+70% growth to 1.2 M), paisleejainenelson (+64%), and theblackstoneproject (+53%) show strong upward trends among niche creators

 

Why It Matters

1. Influence = Currency: Follower growth boosts brand value, sponsorship potential, and social impact.
2. Cross-Sector Surge: Athletes, entertainers, fighters, and even AI personalities are all growing, showing no one genre dominates.
3. Digital Evolution: AI influencers are no longer a novelty—they’re a strategic force in content and branding.

 Final Take

In 2025, Instagram's growth charts tell a story of legendary icons cementing legacy (Ronaldo, Messi), breakout stars rising fast (Fonseca, Topuria, V), and cutting-edge virtual influencers entering the arena (Mia Zelu). The platform’s future is both human—and increasingly, digital.