The Top 30 Social Media Influencers Worldwide

Social media influencers have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels of fame. They have achieved immense power over global audiences. Thanks to social media platforms that have elevated thousands of individuals around the globe to reach millions of people.

These modern-day celebrities are not only trendsetters of fashion, beauty, tech, and lifestyle but also key drivers in shaping societal views. They influence consumer choices and political discourse. Brands leverage influencers and their bigger audience to reach and engage new people and improve their business.

But what makes this phenomenon so unique? Why are the top social media influencers able to influence people more than traditional celebrities? We have been analyzing influencer marketing from years and will answer these questions in detail in the following part of the guide, keep reading fellas!

Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter have become the new entertainment hubs. Influencers have leveraged these platforms to build personal brands and establish strong communities.

From high-profile mega-influencers like Kylie Jenner whose posts can influence stock markets to micro influencers who provide more niche content, top social influencers have completely reshaped marketing and communication.

In the previous times when television dominated the media industry, people had no clue about those celebrities and their personal lives. People could only see them on television, but now social media influencers are more connected to their audience and that is where the difference comes. People can see where and how they live, what they wear, and where they go and it greatly influences people.

What is a Social Media Influencer

Individuals who have established a strong presence on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and other social media platforms. Such individuals or brands grab the attention of social media users by consistently producing content in a specific niche.

With their large and loyal following, influencers can sway the opinions, behaviors, and purchasing decisions of their audience. This thing makes popular social media influencers highly sought after by big brands.

The Rise of Social Media Influencers

The rise of influencers began in the mid 2000s with platforms like MySpace and YouTube. YouTube in particular helped early influencers like PewDiePie who remains one of the platform’s top creators with over 111 million subscribers.

Then another popular platform, Instagram redefined influencer marketing when it launched in 2010. Instagram provides a visually appealing platform for influencers to share their lives and interests.

Today, TikTok is the fastest-growing social media platform. For instance, TikTok star Charli D’Ameio, who started posting in 2019, became the first user to reach 100 million followers on the platform in just over a year. To understand the financial power of the biggest social media influencers, consider these figures.

✦ Influencer marketing is estimated to be worth over $21 billion as of 2023. This number is obviously going to increase as bigger brands continue to increase their spending on influencer collaborations.

✦ Instagram has more than 500,000 active influencers. Among them, only 10,000 have an audience of over 1 million.

✦ Creators on YouTube can earn between $10,000 to $50,000 for a single sponsored video. The charges depend on their audience size and engagement rates. Take the example of MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) earned $54 million in 2021 which made him the platform’s highest earner till that time.

30 Top Social Media Influencers Worldwide

Below is a comprehensive list of the top influencers on social media. It highlights their meteoric rise, their follower count, the money they take for a sponsored post, and what makes them stand out in the influencer market. These social media stars have taken advantage of the platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter to build empires.

1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Instagram: @cristiano

X (Twitter): @Cristiano

The most famous athlete the world has ever seen. The Portuguese soccer star has 814 million followers on social media. He is the most followed personality on Instagram. He is among the top athletes leveraging top social influencer status. 

He has brand collaborations with Nike, Castrol, Herbalife, Clear, and Tag Heuer. Ronaldo is currently playing for a Saudi football club called Al Nassar and his joining gave the club an incredible boost to the social media following.

Cristiano Ronaldo generates an average of $3.23 million per sponsored post which makes him the highest paid influencer. His single post receives millions of interactions with an engagement rate of 1.43%.

2 Lionel Messi

Instagram: @leomessi

The Argentine football great who has won a world cup for the country recently is also very famous on social media. Fans around the globe compare him with Ronaldo with both players backed by millions. He is currently only on two social media platforms but still grabs half a million followers there.

Messi’s brand collaborations include Adidas, Budweiser, Gatorade, Huawei, Pepsi, Lay’s, and Mastercard. He earns around $2.6 million for a single sponsored post on social media handles. He has an engagement rate of 0.73%.

3 Selena Gomez

Instagram: @selenagomez

TikTok: @selenagomez

X (Twitter): @selenagomez

Selena remained the most followed person on Instagram for years until the giants like Cristiano Ronaldo dethroned her. She has rooted as a Disney star and grown as an actress, singer, and advocate for mental health. She is still one of the top social media influencers and the most successful woman.

She has more than 554 million followers on social media with an engagement rate of 1.19%. She earns $2.5 million for one sponsored post. She has collaborations with top brands like Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, Puma, Verizon, Rare Beauty, and Pantene.

Selena has earned a loyal fan base over the years as she constantly remains in touch with her fans. She frequently shares heartfelt content from various stages of her life and is a true inspiration for many.

4 Kylie Jenner

Instagram: @kyliejenner

TikTok: @kyliejenner

X (Twitter): @KylieJenner

With 505 million followers across the social media platform, the American influencer TV star stands amongst the biggest social media influencers. She earns around $2.3 million per sponsored post and has an engagement rate of 0.38%.

Kylie’s cosmetic empire named Kylie Cosmetics, was largely built on the foundation of her massive social media following. She has brand collaborations with Adidas, Calvin Klein, Puma, and Pepsi. She masterfully combines personal lifestyle content with product promotion.

 5 Justin Bieber

Instagram: @justinbieber

TikTok: @justinbieber

X (Twitter): @justinbieber

The famous Canadian singer is greatly followed on social media. He has become an icon for youngsters in both music and fashion. He is a brand ambassador for many top brands such as Adidas, Calvin Klein, T-Mobile, and many other brands.

He has 505 million followers across the social media platforms with an engagement rate of 0.36%. He earns around $1.7 million per sponsored post. 

6 Dwayne Johnson

Instagram: @therock

TikTok: @therock

X (Twitter): @TheRock

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is an American who was a famous wrestler on WWE, some say one of the best the industry has ever seen. He became an actor later on. Johnson’s highly engaging posts often feature behind-the-scenes glimpses into his life, workouts, and business ventures.

He has tied the knot with several brands as their brand ambassador such as Apple, Ford, Under Armour, and Teremana. The Rock has 494 million users with an engagement rate of 0.10%. He charges around $2.3 million for a sponsored post.

7 Ariana Grande

Instagram: @arianagrande

TikTok: @arianagrande

American pop musician and actor with 466 million followers across social media platforms. He is one of the top social media influencers around the globe. She has impressed millions with her unique vocals and gathered an immense following on social media.

She has brand partnerships with brands like Apple, Coach, Givenchy, Guess, Lipsy, MAC, Starbucks, Reebok, r.e.m.beauty, and T-Mobile. She has fans that love to interact with her content as she has a 0.56% engagement rate and earns $2.2 million per sponsored post.

8 Kim Kardashian

Instagram: @kimkardashian

TikTok: @kimkardashian

X (Twitter): @KimKardashian

Known for her personal brand and reality TV stardom, Kim Kardashian has grown her following into a business empire. Now she is one of the most popular social media influencers on the internet. She has brand partnerships with many high-profile brands like Skims, KKW Fragrance, Balenciaga, Shoedazzle, and many more in the list.

She has 447 million followers in total across social platforms with an engagement rate of 0.28% and takes around $2.1 million for a single sponsored post.

9 Taylor Swift

Instagram: @taylorswift

TikTok: @taylorswift

X (Twitter): @taylorswift13

Taylor Swift needs no introduction I guess. She is not only one of the most successful musicians in history but also one of the biggest social media influencers. She has also won a famous Grammy award for her contribution to the music industry.

She is known for directly engaging with her fans and is dubbed “Swifites”. She uses social media platforms to promote her music and give behind-the-scenes looks into her creative process. She is the biggest advocate for causes like LGBTQ+ rights and rights for the artist community.

She has 472 million followers on social media with an engagement rate of 2.78% and earns $1.6 million for one sponsored post. She is a brand ambassador of Apple, AT&T, Capital One, Diet Coke, Elizabeth Arden perfumes, and Walmart.

10 Katy Perry

Instagram: @katyperry

TikTok: @katyperry

X (Twitter): @katyperry

Katy Perry has long been one of the top influencers on social media, particularly on Twitter. She holds the title of the most followed person for several years. Katy Perry is famous for colorful personality, bold statements and social causes.

Katy’s digital presence goes beyond just music. She frequently engages with her fans and shares glimpses into her life as a new mother. As one of the top social media influencers in pop music, her reach continues to be a powerful tool for promoting new music releases.

She has 365 million followers on social media platforms with an engagement rate of 0.06%. She takes around $1.2 million for one post. She is also the brand ambassador of many famous brands such as Calire’s, Coty, Covergirl, Adidas, Dolce&Gabbana Beauty, H&M, Proactiv, and Pepsi.

Top Instagram Beauty Influencers

11 Katrina Kaif

Instagram: @katrinakaif

Facebook: @katrinakaif

Katrina Kaif is one of the leading Bollywood actresses and also a prominent social media star with an immense following. She is known for elegance and versatility. She has extended her influence beyond cinema by launching her beauty brand called Kay Beauty.

Katrina frequently shares glimpses from her daily routine, fitness routine, travel diaries, and movie promotions. As one of the top social influencers in India, Katrina Kaif’s influence has helped her secure major brand endorsements. She partners with Berger Paints, Lino Perros, Etihad Airways, Nykaa, Rado, Reebok, and Xiaomi.

She has above 80 million followers on Instagram and more than 47 million followers on Facebook with a 0.22% engagement rate.

12 Rihanna

Instagram: @badgalriri

Facebook: @Rihanna

Rihanna has solidified her position as one of the top social media influencers not only through her music but also through her entrepreneurial ventures. The launch of Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty propelled her into the business spotlight.

On her social media handles, she shares her glamorous photoshoots, behind-the-scenes looks, and updates on her philanthropic work through the Clara Lionel.

She has more than 310 million followers on social media and an engagement rate of 1.2%. She has brand collaborations with Balmain, Chopard, CoverGirl, Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Manolo Blahnik, Samsung, Stance, and many more.

13 Mari Maria

Instagram: @marimaria

Mari Maria is a Brazilian beauty guru and one of the top social media influencers in the makeup and beauty space. She is known for her bold makeup tutorials and vibrant style. She has attracted millions of followers to her for makeup tips, product reviews, and beauty hacks.

Her social media presence extends across platforms, with Instagram being her primary space for sharing makeup and beauty tips. In addition to this, her YouTube channel offers in-depth tutorials. Being the biggest social media influencer in the beauty community, she also launched her own makeup line, Mari Maria Makeup.

She has brand collaborations with Skincare, Dyson, La Prairie, Nestle NINHO, OX Cosmetics, and Shopee. She has more than 21 million followers only on Instagram with engagement rate of 0.7%. She earns $65,000 per sponsored post.

14 Nikkie de Jager

Instagram: @nikkietutorials

Nikkie de Jager is a popular Dutch makeup artist and among the top social media stars. She gained the attention of millions of followers in 2015 with a video “The Power of Makeup”. Now, Nikkie is one of YouTube’s leading beauty gurus. She made headlines when she came out as transgender in 2020 and continues to be a powerful voice in the beauty community.

She has around 20 million followers on Instagram with an engagement rate of 1.9%. She takes around $50,000 for a single advertisement post.

15 Chiara Ferragni

Instagram: @Chiaraferragni

Chiara Ferragni is one of the top Instagram fashion influencers. She is an Italian blogger and entrepreneur known for her success. She has a huge following list of over 35.6 million followers and collaborating with high quality brands like Louis Vuitton, Pantene and Dior. She earns around 80,000$ per sponsored post with an engagement rate of 1.9%.

In addition to being a famous influencer, Chiara is a business woman launching her own fashion line and a successful footwear line. She is recognized for her blog “The blond salad”. On her blogs, she is famous for fashion lifestyle and entrepreneurial ventures.

16 Aimee song

Instagram: @aimeesong

With over 7 million followers, Aimee Song is a famous lifestyle and fashion influencer with a substantial social media presence. She is known for her style with fashion and everyday unique wear. She collaborated with a wide range of high-end brands like Estee Lauder, Dior, and revolve. Aimee Song earns 40,000$ for sponsoring a post.

Besides her fashion, She is the author of the famous book “Capture Your Style”. The book is about her amazing journey and motivating the audience to take big steps and embrace their individuality. She also wrote about some tips on building a unique brand. She has an engagement rate of 2.4% approximately.

Biggest Social Media Influencers on Different Platforms

17 Addison Rae

Instagram: @addisonre

Addison is one of the biggest TikTok stars with over 88 million followers. She is a famous star with an engaging personality and is known for her dance clips. She had worked hard to become a recognizable figure. She made her career by capitalizing on her social media success. She charges 1 million $ for each sponsored post with an impressive engagement rate of 10.3%.

Addison had made a good connection with her audience. She collaborated with high-end brands like L’Oreal and American Eagle and established herself as a well-known influencer in beauty and fashion. She used her amazing skills to connect with her fans. She is an inspirational influencer.

18 Zach King

Instagram: @zachking

Zach King is an American internet personality known for his magical entertainment visuals and creativity in video editing. Zach King is one of the top social media influencers with over 25 million followers on Instagram. He is one of the innovative influencers who display their creativity in a unique style by storytelling in short videos.

Zach is famous for making videos merging reality with fantasy through which the audience is entertained and engaged. He has an amazing engagement rate of 3.4% and charges 30,000$ per sponsored post. He teamed up with high brands like Coca-cola and Disney. His creative content continues to inspire his audience to be one of the best influencers.

19 Emma Chamberlain

Instagram: @emmachamberlain

Emma is a well-known social media influencer with 12 million Instagram followers. She is known for her personality and vlogs and she has transformed influencer culture with her authentic approach. She has an engagement rate of 5.5% and earns 1, 20,000$ for sponsoring a post.

Emma collaborates with brands like Calvin Klein and Louis Vuitton. She caught the attention of her audience with her vulnerability and humor. She is one of the most famous Influencer of Gen Z with a dedicated following

20 Lele pons

Instagram: @lelepons

Lele Pons is an entertainer and American influencer for her talent in comedy and music. She creatively transformed herself from a social media star to a well-known artist. Besides her comedic talent, she is a talented singer and released several Singles. Her Music album has gained popularity on different platforms.

She has collaborated with brands like Dunkin Donuts and Cover Girl. She is a multi-talented influencer and knows how to engage her audience with entertaining content. She has an engagement rate of 2.5% and earns approximately 90,000$ per post for sponsorship. With her engaging content and talents, she caught the attention of her followers. She is one of the prominent figures in the industry.

21 Gigi Hadid

Instagram: @gigihadid

Gigi Hadid is the sister of Bella Hadid and one of the highest paid models. But despite her fame in the fashion industry, she is also one of the top influencers on social media known for her fashion. She collaborates with luxury brands in the fashion industry like Versace and Maybelline. She has made tremendous achievements in the modeling industry.

Gigi Hadid uses her social media forum to create awareness for mental health and positivity. Her following list shows her dedication towards her audience. She also shares some life glimpses and her travel adventures. She has over 75 Million followers and earns 1,25,000$ per post for sponsorship. She has an engagement rate of 1.5% that showcases her ability to connect with her audience.

22 James Charles

Instagram: @jamescharles

James Charles is the top beauty influencer because of his artistic skills and engaging tutorials. His makeup looks attracted his audience and gained fame. James has redefined standards of beauty by recreating looks with his amazing skills. He often collaborates with high end makeup brands like Morphe and Cover Girl.

James also shares some personal insights on his social media platform. He is an inspirational influencer with the following list of 24 Million. James has an engagement rate of approximately 4.2% and he charges 50,000$ per post on social media. He had massive success in the beauty community.

23 Bella Hadid

Instagram: @bellahadid

As Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid is also one of the highest paid models and is known for his modeling in the fashion industry. She is known for her social media presence. She is featured in high profile campaigns due to her distinctive style and fame. She shares some tips and tricks about her unique fashion and beauty which connects her with the audience.

Bella also collaborates with luxury brands like Fendi and Dior. She also speaks out on social media issues including rights and awareness that create positive change. She earns 75,000$ per sponsored post. And she has an amazing engagement rate of 1.3%. She has a following of over 54 Million on Instagram that showcases her popularity on social media platforms.

24 Marshmello

Instagram: @marshmello

Marshmello is a music producer who is anonymous. He is recognized for his marshmello helmet and he gained fame because of his unique identity in the music industry. He often collaborates with well-known artists like Selena Gomez and Khalid which confirms his identity in musical platforms. Despite the music, he shares some interactive content and features a playful personality.

Marshmello has followers over 80 Million and earns almost 60,000$ per post for sponsoring. He has an engagement rate of 1.5% which shows his connection with the audience. He often shares some glimpses of backstage or behind the scenes of his creative process which develops his closeness to his fans.

25 Camila Cabello

Instagram: @camila_cabello

Camila Cabello is a well-known self-made solo artist and influencer who is a former member of Fifth Harmony. Her Profile features music and relatable content which develops a deep connection with her audience. She often collaborates with big brands like L’Oreal and MasterCard showing her fame across various industries.|

She earns 100,000$ per post for sponsorship with an engagement rate of 4.0% which shows her connection with her followers. With over 67 million followers on Instagram Camila’s personality reflects her passion for music which makes her one of the top social media influencers in the music industry.

26 BTS

Instagram: @bts.bighitofficial

The famous sensation BTS has gained popularity with over 70 Million followers on their Instagram. This K-pop has won the hearts of huge fans globally. Each member of BTS plays a specific role which adds to the band’s extraordinary success. BTS uses their profile to promote positive messages and self-love and use their fame in a positive way which makes them the favorite of their fans.

BTS initiatives such as the “Love Myself” campaign in partnership with UNICEF that highlights their positive role to change the world. BTS earns approximately 1 Million $ for each sponsored post. They frequently collaborate with only high end brands that enhance their reach.

27 Neymar J

Instagram: @neymarjr

Neymar J is a Brazilian soccer superstar who became famous due to her extraordinary skills on the field. He ranked among the athletes with the highest followings. He collaborates with high brands like Red Bull, Puma, and Gillette. Neymar J uses his social media to promote social media initiatives and connect with her fans.

Neymar earns almost 1 Million $ for each sponsored post that shows an engagement rate of 1.7%. He has over 200 Million followers showing his place on social media platforms. Neymar fans like to know about his training routines through his Instagram and other forums. He shares some life glimpses and his routines that inspire his fans.

28 Kourtney Kardashian

Instagram: @kourtneykardash

Kourtney is known for her significant role on the reality series “Keeping Up with Kardashians” and has successfully raised her fame and become a wellness influencer. She has successfully launched a brand named “Poosh” that enhances her influence. The brand focuses on wellness content and lifestyle. She shares tips relating to nutrition and self-care promoting a healthy lifestyle. She is one of the top social media influencers in the wellness niche and followed by millions now.

With over 200 Million followers, Kourtney shares insight related to health, fitness, and parenting. She earns 1 million $ for each sponsored post with an engagement rate of 1.2%. Kourtney is a well-recognized figure on social media platforms showcasing beauty, health, and prioritizing self-care.

29 Kevin Hart

Instagram: @kevinhart4real

Kevin Hart is one of the famous comedians and actors. His charisma and humor have created space on social media making him a significant figure in industry. He is known for his motivational messages and unique content. He became a leading figure in the entertainment industry due to his authentic laughter content.

Kevin has over 200 million followers on Instagram. He earns almost 1 Million dollars per sponsored post that shows an engagement rate of 1.4%. Hart collaborated with a wide range of famous high-end brands like Nike, Hublot, and the National Basketball Association(NBA).

30 Shay Mitchell

Instagram: @shaymitchell

Shay Mitchell is known for her recognized role in “Pretty Little Liars” and made herself a prominent actress in the industry. She shares insights into her personal life as a mother and traveler. She has collaborated with some famous brands American Eagle and Buxom cosmetics. Shay Mitchell is a beloved figure who inspires her fans and followers.

She earns 40,000$ for sponsoring a post with an engagement rate of 2.6%. She has a huge following list of Over 30 million. Shay caught the attention of her audience and always encouraged them to follow their dreams and embrace their journey. She stands at 30th number in our list of top social media influencers.

Conclusion

The world of top social media influencers has reshaped how people consume content, discover products, and engage with brands. The rise of top influencers on social media like Kylie Jenner, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mari Maria illustrates the vast power influencers have in driving trends.

These popular social media influencers have transformed platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok into spaces for innovation, entertainment, and even activism.

The biggest social media influencers have built loyal communities by connecting with audiences on a personal level. They share their passion, skills, and lives in ways that traditional media never allowed.

This authenticity has created a more direct connection between influencers and their followers. Brands recognize this as a powerful tool for reaching customers. Social media stars use their voices to introduce new products, highlight social causes, and set trends that impact millions in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions