- Virat Kohli leads the pack with a staggering 274 million followers, making him the most followed Asian on Instagram.
- Bollywood stars Shraddha Kapoor (~94M), Priyanka Chopra (~92.5M), and Alia Bhatt (~86.2M) also dominate the list.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a massive following (~92.4M), making him the most followed Indian politician.
- Actors Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone both have around 80.4M followers, showcasing their wide appeal.
- Influencers and creators like Urvashi Rautela and Jacqueline Fernandez round out the top 10 with ~72.6M and ~71.1M followers respectively.
Virat Kohli commands the with 274 million followers — a number that reflects India’s digital influence landscape perfectly. Two industries drive social media power in the country: Bollywood and cricket have the most followed persons on Instagram in India
Top 10 Most Followed Instagram Accounts in India (2025 Edition)

India’s Instagram landscape shows a clear hierarchy of digital influence. Cricket and Bollywood dominate the rankings, with political figures and singers filling key positions.
1. Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) — 274 million followers Kohli holds multiple records simultaneously. He’s the most-followed Indian celebrity, the most-followed cricketer worldwide, and the most-followed Asian on Instagram. Ranked 16th globally among all Instagram accounts, his content mixes professional cricket highlights with fitness routines and family moments featuring wife Anushka Sharma. This authentic approach to creating Instagram reels maintains his commanding lead over other Indian personalities.
2. Shraddha Kapoor (@shraddhakapoor) — 94.2 million followers Kapoor claims the top spot as India’s most-followed woman. Her account showcases multiple sides — professional film work, playful personal moments, and foodie adventures. The relatability factor drives engagement through genuine follower interactions. Her content includes film promotions, environmental advocacy, and pet moments that create warm audience connections and boost her Instagram views.
3. Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) — 92.5 million followers Chopra’s global ambassador status shows in her impressive follower count. Her Bollywood-to-Hollywood journey captivates worldwide audiences. The Instagram feed offers red carpet glamour, international projects, humanitarian work, and family moments. Her content strategy balances dual identity as both Indian icon and international star, often utilizing social media video to connect with her target audience.
4. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) — 92.4 million followers Modi leads as India’s most-followed politician. His account follows zero people — a unique one-way communication strategy. Content showcases leadership activities, diplomatic meetings, cultural events, and motivational messages. This digital presence demonstrates how political figures can connect directly with citizens through effective Instagram marketing.
5. Alia Bhatt (@aliaabhatt) — 86.2 million followers Bhatt’s following has grown steadily throughout 2025. Her feed balances glamorous photoshoots with behind-the-scenes authenticity. Recent motherhood content adds another dimension, resonating with followers who appreciate both professional achievements and personal milestones. She holds the distinction of being the most followed non-Indian citizen living in India, often leveraging video marketing to engage her audience.
6. Katrina Kaif (@katrinakaif) — 80.4 million followers Kaif combines elegance with accessibility. Content spans fitness routines, glamorous photoshoots, film set glimpses, and Kay Beauty brand promotions. This professional-personal mix maintains high engagement across her massive follower base, with her reels views often reaching impressive numbers.
7. Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) — 80.4 million followers Padukone’s Instagram balances high fashion with advocacy work. Her background as a state-level badminton player occasionally surfaces in content. Posts highlight mental health awareness alongside professional projects and brand collaborations, establishing her as both a style icon and a thought leader in the realm of Instagram best practices.
8. Neha Kakkar (@nehakakkar) — 78.4 million followers Kakkar holds the title of India’s most-followed singer. Her vibrant personality shines through content celebrating her journey from Indian Idol contestant to judge. The feed features chart-topping songs, personal milestones, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her musical process — all delivered with characteristic enthusiasm and often incorporating viral video marketing techniques.
9. Urvashi Rautela (@urvashirautela) — 72.5 million followers Rautela, at 31, is the youngest personality in the top 10. Her Instagram showcases high-fashion looks, glamorous photoshoots, and international ventures. Dedication to maintaining a strong public image and creating engaging Instagram content helped secure this coveted spot among India’s Instagram elite.
10. Jacqueline Fernandez (@jacquelienefernandez) — 71.1 million followers Fernandez, originally from Sri Lanka, rounds out the top 10. Her account features Bollywood projects, modelling shoots, and brand endorsements focused on animal-friendly products. Despite being last on this list, her 70+ million following demonstrates the immense reach all these personalities have built through strategic social media marketing.
Top 5 Most Followed Indian Content Creators in 2025
1. CarryMinati (Ajey Nagar): With over 22.1 million Instagram followers, Ajey Nagar leads India’s space as a digital content creator. His roast videos and gaming content connect with Gen Z and millennial audiences across the country. Key Statistics:
- YouTube subscribers: 45.1 millionInstagram engagement rate: 8%Annual earnings: ₹8-15 crorePrimary content niches: Roasting, gaming, rap music
2. Bhuvan Bam (BB Ki Vines): Bhuvan Bam holds 20.7 million Instagram followers. Starting with YouTube sketch comedy, he now operates multiple revenue streams as a full-stack entertainer. Key Statistics:
- YouTube subscribers: 26.6 millionAnnual earnings: ₹10-20 croreAverage Instagram likes: 500,000Primary content niches: Comedy, music, acting
3. Ashish Chanchlani: Ashish Chanchlani commands 17.2 million Instagram followers. His comedy videos focus on relatable everyday situations that connect with Indian families and college students. Key Statistics:
- YouTube subscribers: 30.7 millionAnnual earnings: ₹7-12 crorePrimary content niche: Comedy sketches
4. Jannat Zubair Rahmani: Jannat Zubair has 50.1 million Instagram followers, representing a successful transition from television to digital platforms. She started as a child actress and built one of India’s largest social media followings. Key Statistics:
- YouTube subscribers: 6.4 millionPrimary content niches: Fashion, beauty, lifestyle
5. Awez Darbar: Choreographer Awez Darbar has 31 million followers. He turned his dance skills into a thriving digital career focused on short-form video content. Key Statistics:
- Engagement rate: 0.53%Average likes: 165,000 per postOppo, Spotify Brand collaborations Primary content niche: Dance and entertainment
Creator Economy Growth Patterns
- Creator Authority Score measurements track likes, comments, video views, and follower growth. Data shows creators with higher engagement see more consistent growth regardless of absolute follower numbers.
- CarryMinati and Bhuvan Bam built dedicated fan communities that generate higher engagement rates and better monetisation opportunities compared to accounts with similar follower counts.
- Top digital creators now earn ₹10-20 crore annually — putting them in the same income bracket as film and television personalities. This income parity shows content creation has become a legitimate, profitable career path in India, driven by successful social media marketing and video production strategies.
- These creators represent a shift in Indian entertainment. Their direct audience approach bypasses traditional gatekeepers, allowing authentic expression and closer follower connections. As 2025 progresses, their growth indicates content creation has established itself as both prestigious and profitable in India’s digital economy.
- The massive followings of India’s Instagram elite create a real-world impact that extends far beyond social media metrics. These digital empires generate economic opportunities, shape cultural trends, and influence how millions of Indians live and work, often through strategic use of Instagram reels and other engaging content formats.
Comparison Table

The data tells a clear story when organised side by side. Here are the key rankings and impact metrics that define India’s Instagram landscape in 2025.
1. Top 10 Most Followed Instagram Accounts in India (2025)
| Rank | Account Name | Handle | Followers (Millions) | Primary Industry | Notable Distinction |
| 1 | Virat Kohli | @virat.kohli | 274.0 | Cricket | Most followed Asian on Instagram |
| 2 | Shraddha Kapoor | @shraddhakapoor | 94.2 | Bollywood | Most followed woman in India |
| 3 | Priyanka Chopra | @priyankachopra | 92.5 | Bollywood | Global ambassador |
| 4 | Narendra Modi | @narendramodi | 92.4 | Politics | Most followed politician in India |
| 5 | Alia Bhatt | @aliaabhatt | 86.2 | Bollywood | Most followed non-Indian citizen living in India |
| 6 | Katrina Kaif | @katrinakaif | 80.4 | Bollywood | Beauty brand owner |
| 7 | Deepika Padukone | @deepikapadukone | 80.4 | Bollywood | Former athlete turned actor |
| 8 | Neha Kakkar | @nehakakkar | 78.4 | Music | Most followed singer in India |
| 9 | Urvashi Rautela | @urvashirautela | 72.5 | Bollywood | Youngest in top 10 |
| 10 | Jacqueline Fernandez | @jacquelienefernandez | 71.1 | Bollywood | Sri Lankan origin |
2. Top 5 Most Followed Indian Content Creators (2025)
| Rank | Creator Name | Followers (Millions) | Primary Content | Annual Earnings (₹ Crore) | Engagement Rate |
| 1 | CarryMinati (Ajey Nagar) | 22.1 | Roasting, Gaming | 8-15 | 8.0% |
| 2 | Bhuvan Bam | 20.7 | Comedy, Music | 10-20 | N/A |
| 3 | Ashish Chanchlani | 17.2 | Comedy Sketches | 7-12 | N/A |
| 4 | Jannat Zubair Rahmani | 50.1 | Fashion, Beauty | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Awez Darbar | 31.0 | Dance | N/A | 0.53% |
3. Key Impact Areas of High Instagram Followers in India
| Impact Category | Key Metrics | Notable Effects |
| Economic Impact | ₹50L-1Cr per sponsored post | Content creation employment, Management agency growth |
| Cultural Influence | 78% youth purchase influence | Behavioral trends, Communication patterns |
| Business Evolution | 73% marketing budget allocation | New business models, Product development |
| Social Mobility | 37% tier-2/3 city representation | Career opportunities, Support ecosystems |
| Psychological Impact | 62% anxiety in creators | Mental health considerations, Social comparison |
Key Insights from the Data:
- Bollywood accounts claim 7 out of 10 top positions
- Women dominate the rankings with strong engagement metrics
- Content creators earn substantial annual income through diversified revenue streams
- Instagram influence creates measurable economic and social change across India

Conclusion
In 2025, India’s Instagram scene is led by Virat Kohli with 274 million followers, highlighting cricket and Bollywood’s massive influence. Interestingly, 7 of the top 10 accounts are held by women, and even political figures like Narendra Modi use Instagram for direct outreach. Influencer posts now drive real product sales, with some earning ₹1 crore per sponsored post. While follower counts rise, creators also face mental health pressures and increased scrutiny. The trend is shifting toward authenticity and niche content, as micro-communities and cross-platform strategies gain popularity across the country. Successful creators are mastering the art of creating Instagram reels and leveraging video marketing strategies to maintain organic growth.
Key Takeaways
India’s Instagram landscape in 2025 reveals fascinating insights about digital influence, cultural power, and economic transformation in the world’s most populous nation.
- Virat Kohli dominates with 274 million followers, making him the most-followed Asian on Instagram and demonstrating cricket’s massive cultural influence in India.
- Bollywood actresses command significant digital presence, with 7 out of 10 top accounts being women, suggesting stronger audience connection than their male counterparts.
- Content creators earn ₹8-20 crore annually, proving digital influence has become as lucrative as traditional entertainment careers through brand partnerships and diversified revenue streams.
- Instagram followership drives real economic impact, with 73% of major brands now allocating significant marketing budgets to influencer collaborations over traditional advertising.
- Social media creates new pathways to success, with 37% of rising influencers coming from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, democratizing fame and opportunity beyond metropolitan centers.
The convergence of traditional celebrity culture with digital-native content creation has fundamentally reshaped how influence operates in India, creating billion-dollar economies around personal brands while transforming everything from consumer behaviour to political engagement.
FAQs
Virat Kohli leads with 274 million followers, making him India’s most-followed Instagram user.
Top influencers earn ₹8–20 crore annually through brand deals and sponsored content.
78% of teens have bought products endorsed by Instagram celebrities they follow
73% of big brands now spend over 25% of their budget on influencer marketing.
Yes, creators with 1M+ followers report 62% higher anxiety and pressure to perform.
Women hold 7 of the top 10 spots, showing strong engagement and fan loyalty.
They account for 37% of new influencers, rising fast with relatable content.
Brands now prioritise authenticity and niche content over just follower count.
Cricket, Bollywood, and relatable lifestyle content lead in engagement.
It’s shifting from just photo sharing to a business, culture, and influence hub.
