Highest Followers on Twitter: Top 10 Most Followed Accounts in 2025

Overview

In 2025, Twitter (now rebranded as X) continues to be a global powerhouse for influence, news, and celebrity presence. The platform’s most followed accounts are not just popular — they’re digital empires shaping conversations worldwide. From tech tycoons and music icons to world leaders and athletes, these profiles attract millions with every tweet. Their influence extends far beyond the platform, impacting politics, entertainment, and business. With follower counts crossing the 100-million mark, these top 10 accounts define what it means to have true digital dominance. Let’s explore who’s leading the race on X this year.

The Titans of Twitter: Unveiling the Top 10

These are the accounts that have captivated millions and built massive online empires. Their tweets can spark conversations, influence trends, and reach audiences far and wide.

Notes

Note 1: Elon Musk is one of the richest people globally, and although his wealth is tied to stocks, he often sells shares to liquidate funds.

Note 2: Narendra Modi is the only public servant in the list and does not earn through endorsements or businesses.

Deep Dive into the Top 10 Accounts

Let’s break down each of these influential accounts individually:

1. Elon Musk – 170M+ Followers

• CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and owner of X (formerly Twitter)
  
• Tweets range from:
  
  • Business and space updates
    
  • Memes and jokes
    
  • Personal and tech predictions
    
• Known for influencing stock markets, crypto, and trending discussions with a single tweet.

2. Barack Obama – 135M+ Followers

• Former President of the United States (2009–2017)
  
• Tweets focus on:
  
  • Inspirational content
    
  • Social justice & climate issues
    
  • Political advocacy
    
• One of the most respected voices globally often shares tributes and global awareness posts.

3. Justin Bieber – 113M+ Followers

• Canadian pop star with a global fanbase called “Beliebers”
  
• Known for:
  
  • Sharing life updates, music releases
    
  • Collaborations and fashion projects
    
  • Mental health advocacy
    
• Retains a strong social media presence despite taking multiple breaks from fame.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) – 111M+ Followers

• One of the world’s greatest footballers
  
• Tweets feature:
  
  • Match day photos & stats
    
  • Personal fitness and training clips
    
  • Product promotions (e.g., Nike, CR7)
    
• Highly active across all social platforms; one of the most followed athletes in history.

5. Rihanna – 108M+ Followers

• Award-winning singer, actress, and owner of Fenty Beauty
  
• Shares:
  
  • Music and fashion launches
    
  • Business milestones
    
  • Personal moments
    
• Has built a billion-dollar empire, with Twitter as a major promotional tool.

6. Taylor Swift – 98M+ Followers

• American singer-songwriter known for:
  
  • Albums like Midnights, Folklore, 1989
    
  • Direct fan interactions on Twitter
    
• Tweets include:
  
  • Tour announcements
    
  • Lyrics, fan art, behind-the-scenes
    
• Her fans, “Swifties,” are extremely active online, boosting engagement.

7. Narendra Modi – 97M+ Followers

• Prime Minister of India since 2014
  
• Uses Twitter for:
  
  • Government policies and announcements
    
  • Wishes during festivals and achievements
    
  • International diplomacy updates
    
• The most followed Indian personality on Twitter.

8. Katy Perry – 96M+ Followers

• Known for hits like “Firework,” “Roar,” and “Dark Horse”
  
• Tweets include:
  
  • Music promos and album teasers
    
  • Fashion and quirky thoughts
    
• Known for her colourful style both online and offline.

9. Lady Gaga – 82M+ Followers

Grammy-winning singer, actress, and fashion icon

Popular for:

• Music releases and exclusive behind-the-scenes content
  
• Advocacy posts for mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and social causes
  
• Glamorous photos and performance updates
  
• Engaging with fans through personal and inspirational tweets

10. Donald Trump – 87M+ Followers

• Former US President (2016–2020)
  
• Known for:
  
  • Controversial tweets
    
  • Political commentary
    
  • Strong base of followers
    
• His account has faced suspensions, but still garners high engagement when active.

Want to grow as a content creator or launch your next big idea?
Get step-by-step strategies proven by top digital creators and influencers – download the Boss Wallah App now.

Factors Contributing to High Follower Counts

Several factors contribute to why these individuals and entities have amassed such huge followings on social media.

• Celebrity Status: Many on the list are globally recognised figures in entertainment, sports, or politics. Their existing fame naturally draws people to follow their online presence.
  
• Consistent Engagement: Regularly posting interesting, informative, or entertaining content keeps followers engaged and attracts new ones.
  
• Authenticity: People often follow accounts that feel genuine and relatable, offering a glimpse into the personality behind the public figure or brand.
  
• Influence: These accounts often have the power to influence public opinion and trends, making their tweets highly anticipated.
  
• Strategic Use of Twitter: Utilising relevant hashtags, engaging in conversations, and sharing timely updates can significantly boost visibility and increase Twitter followers.

WATCH | Course on Becoming a Digital Content Creator

The Impact of a Large Twitter Following

Having a large number of followers on Twitter (now X) can have significant impacts:

• Reach and Influence: Their messages can reach millions of people instantly, making their opinions and endorsements highly influential.
  
• Brand Building: For individuals and organisations, a large following enhances their brand visibility and credibility.
  
• Traffic Generation: Tweets can drive significant traffic to websites, blogs, and other online platforms.
  
• Monetisation Opportunities: Influencers with large followings can leverage their audience for sponsored content and other monetisation strategies.

TIP: Engaging with your followers by responding to comments and participating in relevant conversations can foster a stronger community and encourage more people to follow your account.

Comparing 2023 and 2025

While the top names often remain consistent, the exact order and follower count fluctuate over time. Here’s a hypothetical comparison table:

Chart Suggestion: A line chart showing the growth in follower counts for the top 5 accounts from 2023 to 2025 would visually illustrate their continued popularity.

Pro Tip

You won’t believe who’s in the top 10 most-followed Instagram accounts this year – Click here to check the updated 2025 list

How to Earn Money from Twitter (now X)

Beyond just gaining a large follower count, many individuals and businesses use X to generate income. Here’s how you can potentially earn money from Twitter:

1. Ads Revenue Sharing:

• X has a program that allows eligible creators to earn a share of the revenue from ads placed in replies to their posts.
  
• Eligibility Requirements (as of 2025):
  
  • Be an X Premium subscriber (the paid subscription, formerly Twitter Blue) or a Verified Organisation.
    
  • Have at least 500 Twitter followers.
    
  • Have accumulated at least 5 million organic impressions (views) on your posts within the last three months.
    
  • Have a Stripe account for payouts.

2. Creator Subscriptions (formerly Super Follows):

• If you have a dedicated audience, you can offer exclusive content to paying subscribers for a monthly fee. This could include special tweets, exclusive Spaces (live audio conversations), or behind-the-scenes content.
  
• You set the subscription price and keep a significant percentage of the revenue.

3. Ticketed Spaces:

• Host live audio events (Spaces) on X and charge people a ticket price to join. This is great for workshops, Q&A sessions, or exclusive discussions where you share expertise.

4. Affiliate Marketing:

• Promote products or services from other companies using unique affiliate links. When your followers click your link and make a purchase, you earn a commission.
  
• This is highly effective if you focus on products relevant to your niche and audience. Remember to always disclose that it’s an #ad or an affiliate link.

5. Sponsored Tweets/Brand Deals:

• Once you’ve built a significant and engaged audience, brands may pay you directly to create tweets promoting their products or services. This is a common way for social media influencers to earn.

TIP: Create a media kit that showcases your audience demographics, engagement rates, and previous successful campaigns to present to potential brands.

6. Selling Your Own Products or Services:

• Use your X presence to drive traffic to your own online store, e-commerce site, or service offerings.
  
• You can sell digital products (eBooks, courses, templates), physical merchandise, or offer consulting services.
  
• Example: A fitness coach with a large following might tweet about workout tips and then link to their paid online coaching program.

7. Tips:

• X has a “Tip Jar” feature that allows your followers to send you direct monetary tips if they appreciate your content. You can link various payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App to your profile.

NOTE: The rapid pace of technological change means these trends can evolve quickly. Staying adaptable and experimenting with new features will be key for future growth on X.

The Future of Twitter (X) and Follower Dynamics

The landscape of social media is constantly evolving, and X is no exception. What does the future hold for the highest followers on Twitter, and how do people engage with the platform?

• Increased Focus on Niche Communities: While mega-influencers will always exist, X might see a rise in smaller, highly engaged niche communities. Accounts that cater to very specific interests could gain significant influence within their particular areas, even without a massive overall follower count.
  
• Integration of AI and New Features: X continues to experiment with AI-powered features for content discovery, moderation, and personalised feeds. This could change how content goes viral and how easily new accounts gain traction. Expect more sophisticated tools for creators to manage their audience and content.
  
• Video and Live Content Dominance: While text is X’s bread and butter, the platform is increasingly pushing video and live audio (Spaces). Accounts that effectively leverage these formats are likely to see accelerated growth and deeper engagement.
  
• The Creator Economy’s Growth: X’s continued investment in monetisation tools like Ad Revenue Sharing and Creator Subscriptions signals a strong future for individual creators earning directly from their content. This could empower more people to turn their X presence into a viable income stream.
  
• Challenges and Competition: X will continue to face competition from other platforms and the challenge of balancing free speech with content moderation. These factors could influence user growth and, consequently, Twitter’s popularity.

Pro Tip

Want to work from anywhere in 2025? Discover the best freelance jobs for beginners, the skills you need, and where to find real work — Click here

Key Takeaways

• Elon Musk currently holds the title of the account with the highest followers on Twitter (now X) in 2025.
  
• The top 10 list is dominated by celebrities, political figures, and global influencers.
  
• Having a massive social media following provides significant reach, influence, and opportunities for brand building and monetisation.
  
• Consistent engagement and authentic content are key to attracting and retaining a large audience.
  
• The landscape of the most followed accounts is dynamic, with follower counts constantly evolving.
  
• X offers multiple ways for creators to earn money from Twitter, including ad revenue sharing, subscriptions, and affiliate marketing.
  
• The future of X will likely see a greater emphasis on niche communities, AI integration, video content, and the growth of the creator economy.

Learn more about social media skills here to unlock new growth opportunities

Want to turn content creation into a serious career?
Explore Boss Wallah, where 500+ practical courses by successful creators and entrepreneurs offer step-by-step guides on how to grow your audience, earn online, and build a personal brand. Courses are available in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and English, so you can learn in your own language. Discover proven strategies, content ideas, monetisation tips, and growth systems that actually work. Start buildling your dream career now — download the Boss Wallah App

Conclusion

The top 10 most followed accounts on Twitter in 2025 represent the pinnacle of online influence. These individuals and their massive audiences demonstrate the power of social media in shaping conversations, trends, and even opinions worldwide. For those aspiring to leverage the platform, understanding the strategies behind gaining a substantial follower count and exploring the various monetisation options X provides can open up exciting opportunities in the creator economy. Keeping an eye on these accounts provides valuable insights into the ever-evolving digital landscape and its future trajectory.

Explore more blogs to learn more about Digital skills

FAQs