As someone who’s always been fascinated by social media and its dazzling stars, I find Instagram’s journey through the years particularly intriguing. In 2018, Instagram was already a powerhouse of influence, a stage where the who’s who of the digital age showcased themselves to millions of fans eagerly tapping and scrolling through perfectly curated feeds.
So who was the shining star on Instagram in 2018? Let’s dive into the world of hashtags, filters, and viral posts to find out who snagged the crown for the most followers that year, and how they compared to other Instagram giants both in the years before and after.
Who Was the Most-Followed Person on Instagram in 2018?
Remember the days when Instagram felt almost like a window into the glitzy side of life? If I could sum up who was at the top of the Instagram ranks in 2018 with one person, it wouldn’t be too surprising. Cristiano Ronaldo was the kingpin with an overwhelming number of followers. The Portuguese football icon managed to capture the hearts of not just football fans, but pretty much anyone who logged onto the app.
In 2018, Ronaldo surpassed singer Selena Gomez to become the most-followed person, reinforcing his brand beyond the soccer field. His posts were a mix of personal glimpses into his life, alongside athletic prowess, creating an engaging narrative that kept his followers hooked. His follower count was well over 144 million by the end of that year. Can you imagine? It’s almost the population of Russia or Brazil at that point!
From 2018 to 2019: The Instagram Shifts
By now, you might be wondering about how things rolled over into 2019. Well, if you think Ronaldo sat comfortably at the top, you’d be spot on. His popularity didn’t wane; in fact, he only strengthened his position by amassing even more followers.
In 2019, Ronaldo remained the top dog, but the landscape of Instagram was changing. With the advent of IGTV and the increasing significance of stories, influencers and celebrities alike were continually reshaping their strategies to engage fans. Kylie Jenner, who was fast climbing up the follower ranks, was also a close contender. Her posts, like those revealing her daughter Stormi, often went viral, showing just how dynamic Instagram had become as a platform.
Who Held the Crown Before 2018?
The curiosity doesn’t stop there, does it? Let’s rewind a bit to 2017. Back then, Selena Gomez was the most-followed individual on Instagram. Her posts often showcased snippets of her life and career, making her relatable to her followers. These personalized posts often resonated with her fans, while also providing inspiration and a sense of connection.
Selena’s reign was notable not just for her follower count, which hovered around 130 million, but for how she captured audience interest with a balance of music, personal posts, and advocacy for mental health. She was a relatable celebrity, a down-to-earth presence amidst the razzle-dazzle, which probably explains why fans were so enthralled.
Top 10 Personalities with the Most Instagram Followers in 2018
The Instagram leaderboard in 2018 wasn’t just about Ronaldo and Gomez; there was a constellation of stars illuminating the social media universe. So, who else made it to the elite tier?
- Cristiano Ronaldo – 144 million+
- Selena Gomez – Close second with around 133 million
- Ariana Grande – With her vocal prowess, she charmed over 120 million
- Kim Kardashian – Ever the social media phenomenon, she maintained a spot with over 111 million followers
- Kylie Jenner – Documenting her life as a young mother added up to 108 million
- Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – His infectious personality earned him about 104 million
- Justin Bieber – The pop sensation was tuned into by approximately 102 million
- Beyoncé – The queen bee herself had around 100 million buzzing around
- Taylor Swift – With an album release, her momentum pushed her to over 98 million
- Neymar – The Brazilian footballer joined the ranks with about 95 million
These figures exemplify the diversity of popularity — from sports icons to singers and reality stars.
The Social Media Giants: Historical Context
The question of who has held the most followers ever on Instagram is a tricky one, as it’s a title that frequently changes hands. Instagram’s very nature is dynamic; trends shift, and so do loyalties.
Throughout its history, stars from various sectors — music, sports, and entertainment — have topped the charts. At different times, names like Selena Gomez, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylie Jenner have been placeholders for Instagram’s appeal, each adding their unique flavor to the top.
Kendall Jenner: How She Stood in 2018
Kendall Jenner, another Kardashian-Jenner, had her moment in the Instagram sun too. As a fashion model, many of her posts highlighted her runway projects, lifestyle, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life.
In 2018, Kendall was clutching onto some impressive numbers herself, hovering around 89 million followers. Unlike her sister Kylie, who focused on lifestyle and makeup, Kendall’s account offered followers a somewhat different Instagram experience, cementing her position as a fashion icon.
The Instagram Power List: Consistent Faces of Popularity
Speaking of top spots, let’s muse on the faces which consistently topped Instagram rankings over time. The notorious list of who’s who on social media regularly combines a mix of talent, lifestyle appeal, and strategic content posting.
This mingling of various disciplines and backgrounds is reflective of what grabs eyeballs. It’s an ecosystem of intrigue, with personalities adept at engaging followers through authentic, albeit carefully curated, expressions of their lives.
Instagram as a Cultural Touchstone
Social media, especially Instagram, has long emerged as more than just a photo-sharing app — it’s a cultural mainstay. From influencing fashion and beauty standards to serving as a platform for social change, its role has been transformative.
In 2018, the debates around Instagram’s impact were just as vibrant as the platform itself. It became a tool of empowerment for some and a source of aspiration for others, as stars leveraged their platforms for broader messaging, beyond promoting brands and lifestyles.
My Personal Musings
Reflecting on all of this, one can’t help but acknowledge how interesting it is to follow these digital titans on their social media journey. How they navigate their posts and maintain relevance is an art of its own. Instagram in 2018 represented not only individual triumphs but also illustrated the depth of engagement these celebrities had with their fans.
Each post is more than just pixels and captions; it’s a moment of connection, an insight into their lives or careers etched in perpetuity on a timeline accessible to the world. These insights allow us, ordinary folk, a peek behind the curtain into lives that are often glamourized by media.
As I sit back and scroll through these feeds, it’s astonishing to witness the influence and connection these platforms forge, making celebrities and fans not so distantly placed after all.
In Conversation: Reflective Rumination
In wrapping up, consider how these personalities leverage their platforms to influence not only what we consume but also how they mold conversations and traverse interests. Instagram in 2018 was not a fluke — it was a clear reflection of where societal interests rested.
As we explore future iterations of this app and how it evolves, one can only wonder who the next superstar to dominate their follower count will be. But if there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s that numbers are but a part of this narrative — the connections and stories are what truly captivate us.
