Top 10 Highest Followers on Instagram in India (2025)

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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

CarryMinati’s content addresses trending topics with sharp social commentary. His distinctly Indian perspective makes complex issues relatable to millions of followers. Major brands like Oppo partner with him for marketing campaigns targeting young consumers, often utilizing his expertise in creating Instagram reels for maximum impact.

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

Bhuvan plays multiple characters in his sketches, each with unique personalities that resonate with his audience. His “Titu Mama” character became a household name among Indian youth. He built his brand independently without relying on collaborations, showing strong creative control and mastery of the Instagram algorithm.

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

His content covers family dynamics, college life, and social situations through exaggerated expressions and physical comedy. His acting background helps create polished sketches that match professional production quality, often resulting in high watch time and engagement.

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

Her content strategy targets young women through fashion, beauty tips, and lifestyle posts. She demonstrates how traditional media experience can amplify social media success when combined with strategic content planning and effective video marketing strategies.

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

Awez creates dynamic dance videos that showcase choreography skills. His collaborations with Bollywood celebrities expand his reach beyond dance enthusiasts to mainstream entertainment audiences, often leveraging branded content opportunities.

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.

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