Okay, so it’s safe to say these popular influencers have cracked the code to rule the social media world. Let’s be honest, all credit goes to the mighty platforms like Instagram and TikTok for making these users an overnight celebrity.
Gone are the days when social media was only LIMITED to posting your cute pup photos, tagging your friends in your Facebook status, poking, and commenting on each other’s photos. Even there was a time when only a few people owned a professional account until and unless you were a celebrity or a high-end brand.
Since these top influencers have made strong impressions on social media, every other user is either a micro-influencer or one with millions of followers. Today, these visual platforms, Instagram and TikTok, are the popular ones where dreams are made, a place where these celebs or influencers inspire every other user.
If I look at the shiny side of influencers, then let me tell you they make millions of dollars per year by sharing their unique and branded content with their target audience. So unleashing your inner talent, turning it into cash, and getting overnight fame is not a bad idea, right?
Even many influencers that got fame from TikTok or YouTube have migrated to Instagram and have garnered millions of loyal followers.
Also, with the fierce competition on each platform, every social media influencer opts to post on multiple social media networks at once. Of course, posting content on every platform can be time-consuming, and that’s where a social media scheduler can be your savior.
I know when starting out your influencer journey, things can be pretty challenging initially. Here, I have compiled a long list of top social media influencers ruling the land these days. Take a look and get inspiration from them.
Before we dive in, let’s take a look at the factors that make you a top influencer in the world of social media.
5 Factors That Make You a Top Influencer in 2024
Let’s have a look at the breakdown of those key factors that can actually inspire you to be a top influencer
Total Number of Followers
First and important things, the MIGHTY followers count. I mean, there is a huge reason why these TikTok influencers or Instagram influencers hold the massive power to inspire millions of people.
Selena Gomez profile So, to be counted as the top influencers, you need to have a HUGE fan following or a million-mark club. In fact, all these influencers listed in our list are mega influencers.
Engagement Metrics
Another important factor is the engagement metrics, including likes, comments, and shares. Still, you can even buy fake Instagram followers, but what’s the purpose of having a huge fan following when your post gets only 100 likes or 20 comments?
Along with the followers, engagement metrics do play a wide role when it comes to being a top influencer. High numbers indicate that the audience is not just following but actively interacting with their content.
Brand Status
Let me tell you one thing: brands always prefer to work with influencers who have garnered millions of followers and have a good rate of engagement on their posts. Usually, these high-end brands scrutinize the profiles of influencers and then collaborate with them.
Dior IG profile The same goes for influencers. They look out for well-known brands with good reputations in the market. After all, it’s not just about quantity; quality matters too. That’s where proper brand activations show the benefits.
Post Frequency
For instance, if you are a popular influencer who posts only once or twice a month, there is a good chance your target audience will forget about you or unfollow you. Post consistency is a super important factor in being included in the list of top Instagram influencers.
You can get inspiration from popular celebrities and influencers, who usually post 4 to 5 times weekly and engage with their followers.
Type of Partnership
Okay, so at any point, if you think all types of brand partnerships are created equal, the answer is simply NO!
Every user always looks closely at what kind of work these influencers do with brands. Do they simply wear the brand’s pieces to events, or are they the face of an entire ad campaign? Some influencers even go the extra mile by collaborating on product lines with the brands they love. So, determining the type of partnership is something that’s hard to neglect.
Related Article: TikTok Influencers: Everything You Need to Know in 2024
20+ Top Influencers in the Social Media Galaxy
Little things make us happy, especially when your favorite celebrity or an influencer reserves a cool spot in the long list of celebrities and influencers.
From popular chefs to pop stars and football players, these top influencers are actually dominating social media these days. Here, I have curated a list of 30 top social media influencers ruling the social media. I am sure you will find your favorite influencer in the list too.
Let’s explore the glam and glitter of these best influencers in town!
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Top Influencers on Instagram
Here’s a list of top influencers who have cracked the Instagram algorithm and made a strong impression on the platform.
Khabane Lame
From local factory worker to billionaire Instagram influencer, Khaby Lame’s life changed 360 degrees overnight!
While his iconic hand gestures have won him millions of fans on Instagram, Khabane Lame- today is also known as ‘The King of Duet’. He quickly captured the hearts of millions with his witty humor and relatable scenarios, becoming one of TikTok’s brightest stars. The Italian content creator has garnered over 81 million followers on Instagram.
Honestly, his funny videos can lift up anyone’s mood!
View this post on InstagramCharlie D’Amelio
When we talk about the top influencers on Instagram, Charlie D’Amelio quickly comes to mind. She began her journey by posting videos of herself dancing to popular songs, and today, she is the queen of TikTok.
Charlie’s charm, dance skills, and fire energy made her a social media sensation, and the queen now has 151.4 Million followers on TikTok. She is among the top TikTok influencers.
@charlidamelio #duet with @charli d’amelio this was august 22 and shes already got so much bigger
Cristiano Ronaldo
Every struggling footballer looks up to ONE inspiration – Cristiano Ronaldo!
The reigning champion on the pitch also reigns the supreme off the pitch (social media) with a staggering 609 Million followers.
Aside from posting his practicing Reels and sponsored posts, Ronaldo also engages with his followers and gives his followers a sneak peek of his private life by sharing cute short snaps of his family.
He’s an icon of both sports and social media!
View this post on InstagramZach King
We all know the mighty digital illusionist Zach King!
He is often referred to as the ‘Final Cut King’ for always creating mind-bending videos. Honestly, his content makes him different from the others. Zach is truly a magician and filmmaker who wowed the internet with his creative and magic tricks.
After Vine was discontinued, he transitioned to other platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where his magical content continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide. Today, this digital illusionist has 79.5 Million followers on TikTok.
@zachking Werewolves can’t resist this howl-o-day spooky #pizookie ! 🐺 @bjsrestaurants
Top Influencers Based on Engagement Rates
As said above, being popular doesn’t mean you are BETTER; your engagement rate is also countable.
While researching, I have witnessed celebs and influencers with a massive fan following but low engagement rates. On the other hand, some popular influencers actually have good engagement rates.
Let’s have a look at the top influencers based on engagement rates.
Jisoo
While Jisoo has multiple awards under her credit, she is the most successful K-pop artist in the world. Kim Jisoo is a South Korean sensation and a member of the popular girl group BLACKPINK.
Even though she doesn’t have a massive fan following as compared to the other influencers on Instagram & TikTok, her engaging content and posts have made her one of the most beloved K-pop idols.
The South Korean artist has 76 Million on Instagram, and her engagement rate is higher than average, which is 6.73%
View this post on InstagramLee Min Ho
Lee Min Ho is a South Korean actor and activist who has taken the world by storm with his talent and good looks. He’s known for his roles in hit dramas like ‘Boys Over Flower.’ His engaging posts and cool pictures of his daily life and projects are enough to keep his fans hooked for hours.
The sensational actor has garnered over 34.4 Million followers with a good engagement rate of 6.84%.
View this post on InstagramV
Kim Taehyung – The handsome man in the world has won the hearts of millions of users worldwide with his iconic style and fashion sense. V, the cool member of the global sensation BTS, has a significant presence on social media.
He has managed to get 61.9 Million followers while each post gets a good engagement rate of 22.19%.
View this post on InstagramIce Spice
Ice Spice is a cool rapper and social media influencer. Her real name is Isis Gaston, and she has made a strong impression on the music industry. The rapper has garnered impressive brand partnerships from luxury brands like Vogue.She has around 10 Million Instagram followers with a 23.72% engagement rate.
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Top Food Influencers to Follow
Tantalize your taste buds and explore culinary delights with the top food influencers. They will take you on a mouthwatering journey through the world of flavors. Follow them for your daily dose of deliciousness!
Gordon Ramsay
When it comes to food influencers around the world, you know Gordon Ramsay reserves the top spot on the list. He rose to fame through a British television miniseries, ‘Boiling 1999’, and today he is an exceptional and most influential chef in the world.
He shares his love for food, cooking tips, and mouthwatering dishes on various platforms, making him a must-follow for foodies.
View this post on InstagramJamie Oliver
Got fame from the cooking show ‘The Naked Chef’ (1990), here comes Jamie Oliver, a celebrity chef. He is well-known for his healthy recipes, inspiring audiences with his delicious yet simple recipes and engaging content. He encourages people to enjoy cooking at home.
Jamie has 9.7 Million followers on his Instagram.
View this post on InstagramThe Pasta Queen
As the name suggests, the Pasta Queen is all about pasta. Her captivating content demonstrates the art of making and enjoying various pasta dishes, making her a go-to source for pasta lovers.
Also, she has managed a cool Instagram grid, which will make you follow her instantly. Currently, the Pasta Queen has 2.3 million followers on IG.
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Featured Article: How to Get More Likes on Instagram in 2024 & What Makes Them Necessary
Top Travel Influencers Exploring the World
From stunning vistas to epic adventures, these travel aficionados will teleport you to the most exciting destinations. Here are the top travel influencers in the world.
Tara Milk Tea
You may have seen her cool pastel Instagram filters. Tara Milk Tea is a globetrotter whose visually stunning travel photography captures the essence of each place she visits. Her engaging posts transport you to beautiful locations and can inspire you to travel.
Tara has 1.3 Million followers on Instagram!
View this post on InstagramMatt Karsten
Matt Karsten is a travel blogger and photographer who shares his adventures and tips. His engaging content takes you to incredible destinations around the globe. With his exceptional photography skills and his love for discovering new places, Matt has garnered 136K followers on Instagram.
View this post on InstagramAnnette White
Annette White is an adventurous traveler who loves to share her exciting journeys and insider tips. Her captivating stories and awesome advice are hidden gems for those looking to explore unique and lesser-known destinations.
She has 100K followers on Instagram.
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Top Fashion & Style Influencers Redefining the Trends
Here comes the runway of digital trends, where you will meet the trendsetters who are raising the style and fashion bars every day. Let’s take a look at the cool influencers who are turning fashion into an art form.
Chiara Ferragni
Chiara Ferragni is a fashion icon and entrepreneur known for her impeccable style. Her engaging content reflects the latest trends and showcases her unique fashion sense.
With her cool looks and diverse fashion sense, Chiara has won the hearts of 29.7 Million followers on Instagram.
View this post on InstagramOlivia Palermo
Olivia Palermo, a fashion influencer and entrepreneur, is known for her sophisticated and chic style. Her engaging content clearly reflects her elegance and fashion-forward choices. Olivia has 8.2 Million followers on Instagram today.
View this post on InstagramEmma Hills
Emma Hill is a British fashion icon with a style that’s as real as it gets. Her posts are like fashion BFFs, offering awesome style inspiration for your everyday look. She is known for her versatile and approachable fashion trends.
Today, Emma has over 848K followers on Instagram.
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Top Photography Influencers Capturing the Moments
Let’s look at the lens wizards who can freeze time and capture the beauty in a single frame. These influencers will turn your feed into breathtaking moments.
Jimmy Chin
Jimmy Chin, a renowned adventure photographer, began by sharing his expeditions and breathtaking outdoor shots on Instagram. With his passion and love for photography, he stands as an influential figure with 3.5 Million followers.
Jimmy is also a National Geographic photographer, so yes, the closeup images of animals you see on the NG networks are all officially captured by Jimmy.
View this post on InstagramPaul Nicklen
Next, we have Paul Nicklen. His love for capturing nature’s wonders began with his Instagram account, where he posted his remarkable landscape photography. He has since become a prominent photography influencer, admired for his ability to bring the beauty of nature through his lens.
View this post on InstagramMurad Osmann
Murad Osmann, along with his wife Nataly, gained fame for their unique ‘Follow Me To’ series on Instagram. Those captivating images of Nataly leading Murad to iconic locations worldwide made them social media sensations. They continue to inspire and have cemented their status as top influencers in the travel and photography niches.
Murad has got 3.4 Million followers on Instagram
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Top Beauty Influencers – The Makeup Gurus
Here, we have the top influencers (the ultimate makeup gurus). These beauty influencers are the artists behind the brushes, the creators of stunning looks, and the go-to source for all things glam.
Huda Kattan
When talking about beauty and makeup, Huda Kattan is the name that pops into your mind quickly.
Huda Kattan, aka Huda Beauty, launched her journey as a makeup influencer by creating makeup tutorials on YouTube. Her passion for cosmetics and authentic content quickly gained her a massive following. Today, she’s a beauty mogul with her makeup brand, Huda Beauty, and she has 3.2 Million followers on IG.
View this post on InstagramZoe Sugg
Zoe Sugg, popularly known as Zoella, initiated her journey on YouTube with beauty vlogs. Her engaging charm and relatable beauty advice attracted a large audience.
Zoe has 9.2 Million followers on her Instagram.
View this post on InstagramShaanxo
Shannon Harris, aka Shaanxo, started her beauty career on YouTube, sharing makeup tutorials and product reviews. She has blossomed into a top beauty influencer, appreciated for her down-to-earth personality and valuable beauty tips.
Shaanxo has garnered 1.2 Million followers on Instagram.
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Work With the Top Influencers – 5 Things to Follow
Of course, creating a strong connection with your influencers is highly important for some major reasons. Best of all, a loyal influencer who knows the ins and outs of your brand can work with you for a long period. Here are the top 5 tips to work with the top influencers.
Be Thoughtful
Thoughtfulness is something that goes a long way. When you aim to collaborate with top influencers, give it a thought first if your brand aligns with the specific influencer’s content and values.
A thoughtful approach always ensures that your partnership is not just about promotion but also adds value to their followers’ lives. Remember, the more genuine and considerate your proposal, the higher the chances of forging a meaningful influencer relationship.
Try to Approach via Emails
You probably are taking an old-school email approach, but trust me, it’s one of the most powerful ways to approach top influencers. Most influencers have business email addresses linked in their bios, and it’s a more formal channel for initial contact.
Try creating a compelling email that introduces your brand and objectives and explains how you see them fitting into your marketing strategy.
Organize Your Strategy
A well-organized strategy is essential when partnering with top influencers. Before reaching out, have a clear plan in place. Define your goals, target audience, and the message you want to convey through the influencer.
Approaching influencers with a ready-to-implement strategy shows true professionalism and a clear sense of direction, making them more likely to accept your proposal.
Know the Worth of Influencer
Let me tell you the fun fact here: not all influencers are created equal. Knowing the worth of the influencer you intend to work with is crucial. Analyze their reach, engagement, and the demographics of their followers. This can help you understand if their audience matches your target market.
Share Their Content on Socials
Wondering how you can build a strong connection with an influencer? Well, it often begins with appreciation.
Try to engage in their posts. You can like, comment on, and share their posts to show interest and support. This not only creates a connection but also helps you get noticed. Just a reminder, influencers appreciate brands that actively participate in their online communities.
Be The Next Inspiration!
As we wrap up our list of the top influencers ruling social media, one thing’s for sure: these digital show-stoppers are running the show. From fashion to travel, beauty to photography, they have shown us how to be both creative and real, and they have millions of fan followers and fame.
So, in a world that’s always moving, these top influencers are the ones who keep us entertained, engaged, and ready for the next big thing.
