Top 20 Social Media Influencers in 2024
As 2024 winds down, the world of social media influencers stands more dynamic and influential than ever, setting the stage for the next wave of creators to make their mark.
With over 5.1 billion active social media users globally, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have transformed from digital hangouts into powerful platforms that shape trends, build brand awareness, and generate revenue for influential creators who connect authentically with their audiences.
This year, influencer marketing has cemented its status as an essential industry with over $19 billion in value. This is driven by top influencers, including celebrities and emerging micro-influencers who use their platforms to create authentic content that not only impacts their followers but inspires action.
In this article, we'll go over the top 20 influencers in 2024 and their impact on the ever-evolving social media landscape. From global celebrities commanding millions of followers to niche-focused influencers cultivating deeply engaged communities, these creators are redefining how brands connect with consumers in meaningful ways.
What is a Social Media Influencer?
A social media influencer is an individual who has built a reputation and a following on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, X, or YouTube, allowing them to influence the opinions and purchasing decisions of their audience.
These influencers wield significant authority, often due to their expertise, charisma, or personal experiences, and are frequently sought after by brands looking to leverage their influence in marketing campaigns.
The evolution of influencers began in the early 2000s with bloggers and YouTubers who initially carved out niche spaces for themselves. Fast forward to today, and we have a diverse array of influencers, from micro-influencers with intimate follower counts to mega-celebrities dominating the social media landscape.
These days, influencers have a unique ability to drive trends and cultural conversations, often acting as spokespeople for brands and advocates for various social causes.
As the digital world continues to evolve, the role of social media influencers has only expanded, making them a vital component of any modern marketing strategy.
What Are the Different Types of Influencers?
Influencer marketing is not a one-size-fits-all concept; instead, it encompasses a wide variety of content creators, each with a different reach and influence. Understanding these categories can help brands and aspiring influencers navigate this complex terrain effectively.
Types of Influencers:
- Nano-Influencers (1K-10K followers):
Nano-influencers have a small yet loyal audience, often focused on specific niches. Their intimate connections with their followers lead to higher engagement rates, making them valuable partners for brands looking to reach targeted demographics. - Micro-Influencers (10K-100K followers):
Known for their strong connections with followers, micro-influencers typically see higher engagement rates than larger influencers. Their authenticity and relatability allow them to influence purchasing decisions significantly, making them sought after by brands for partnerships. - Macro-Influencers (100K-1M followers):
With a broader reach, macro-influencers often collaborate with major brands and can drive significant traffic and sales. They have substantial audiences and can create impactful marketing campaigns that resonate with a wide demographic. - Mega/Celebrity Influencers (1M+ followers):
These high-profile influencers boast massive followings, including well-known celebrities. They often dominate mainstream social media conversations, making them attractive to brands with substantial marketing budgets. However, their vast reach can sometimes come at the cost of lower engagement rates compared to smaller influencers.
Platform Variations:
Influencers are not limited to one platform; many cross multiple channels to expand their reach. For example, some creators may dominate on TikTok, while others focus their efforts on Instagram or YouTube. Understanding where their audience engages the most is crucial for influencers to maximize their impact.
The 20 Most Popular Influencers in 2024
In this section, we will showcase the top 50 social media influencers of 2024, highlighting their primary platforms, content focus, and overall impact. This list represents a mix of various niches and backgrounds, demonstrating the diverse landscape of influencer marketing today.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Handle: @cristiano
Primary Platforms: Instagram, X (formerly Twitter)
Niche/Content Focus: Sports (Soccer)
Impact: Cristiano Ronaldo is the most-followed individual on social media, with over 733 million followers across platforms, leveraging his global appeal as a football icon to secure high-profile brand endorsements like Nike, Binance, and Tag Heuer. Ronaldo's ability to seamlessly combine sports, lifestyle, and brand partnerships has solidified his position as one of the most influential figures in modern sports and digital culture.
2. Selena Gomez
Handle: @selenagomez
Primary Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, X
Niche/Content Focus: Music and Lifestyle
Impact: Selena Gomez is a multifaceted global icon, seamlessly blending her careers in music, acting, and entrepreneurship to inspire and engage her massive following of over 554 million. As the founder of Rare Beauty, she has championed the importance of mental health awareness through her products and initiatives like the Rare Impact Fund, which aims to increase access to mental health resources.
3. MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson)
Handle: @mrbeast
Primary Platforms: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X
Niche/Content Focus: Entertainment and Philanthropy
Impact: Known for his philanthropic content, extravagant challenges, and innovative brand collaborations, MrBeast has amassed over 300 million subscribers on YouTube and over 500 million across his other social media channels. He has revolutionized influencer marketing by combining entertainment with large-scale charitable initiatives, making him one of the most influential content creators globally.
4. Lionel Messi
Handle: @leomessi
Primary Platform: Instagram
Niche/Content Focus: Sports (Football)
Impact: Lionel Messi is a global sports icon and one of the greatest football players of all time, inspiring millions with his performances for Argentina and Inter Miami in the MLS. Through his social media presence, he connects with fans worldwide while collaborating with major brands like Adidas, Pepsi, and Mastercard, further amplifying his influence beyond the field.
5. Kylie Jenner
Handle: @kyliejenner
Primary Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, X
Niche/Content Focus: Beauty and Lifestyle
Impact: Kylie Jenner is a powerhouse entrepreneur and social media mogul, known for building a billion-dollar beauty empire with Kylie Cosmetics and influencing trends in fashion and beauty. Her massive online following allows her to seamlessly promote her brand and connect with fans, solidifying her status as a leader in the influencer space.
6. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson
Handle: @therock
Primary Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, X
Niche/Content Focus: Entertainment and Fitness
Impact: Transitioning from WWE to acting, Johnson shares motivational content, fitness tips, and promotional material for his projects on all his social media profiles. As a trusted brand ambassador for companies like Under Armour and Ford, he seamlessly blends entertainment and business, solidifying his influence across industries.
7. Ariana Grande
Handle: @arianagrande
Primary Platforms: Instagram, TikTok
Niche/Content Focus: Music and Beauty
Impact: The globally celebrated pop singer and actress engages fans on her Instagram and TikTok with music releases, beauty ventures, and behind-the-scenes videos. With a massive social media following, Ariana Grande not only connects with fans through her music and personal life but also successfully promotes her beauty brand, r.e.m. beauty, and collaborations with top global brands.
8. Kim Kardashian
Handle: @kimkardashian
Primary Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, X
Niche/Content Focus: Beauty and Lifestyle
Impact: A reality TV star turned global entrepreneur, Kim Kardashian has built a powerful personal brand that extends beyond entertainment into the realms of beauty, fashion, and social advocacy. She promotes her highly successful beauty line, KKW Beauty, and her inclusive shapewear brand, SKIMS, to her massive audience, redefining modern marketing and setting trends in the industry.
9. Justin Bieber
Handle: @justinbieber
Primary Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, X
Niche/Content Focus: Music
Impact: The Canadian singer maintains a strong social media presence, sharing music and personal updates. As one of the first artists to rise to fame through digital platforms, he continues to leverage his influence to promote his music and advocate for causes close to his heart, such as mental health awareness. His collaborations with iconic brands like Adidas and Calvin Klein further showcase his crossover appeal, cementing his status as both a cultural icon and a driving force in music and social media.
10. Taylor Swift
Handle: @taylorswift
Primary Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, X
Niche/Content Focus: Music
Impact: The Grammy-winning artist is renowned for her ability to connect deeply with her audience through heartfelt lyrics and storytelling, creating a loyal fanbase across generations. Her use of social media to announce surprise album drops, share behind-the-scenes moments, and engage with fan theories has made her a master of digital engagement, further solidifying her cultural and artistic impact.
11. Katy Perry
Handle: @katyperry
Primary Platforms: Instagram, TikTok, X
Niche/Content Focus: Music
Impact: Katy Perry is a globally recognized singer-songwriter and pop icon known for her powerful vocals, vibrant personality, and chart-topping hits. She engages her massive social media following by sharing her music, behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative process, and moments from her personal life, including her journey as a mother.
12. Khabane Lame
Handle: @khaby.lame
Primary Platforms: TikTok, Instagram
Niche/Content Focus: Comedy and Life Hacks
Impact: Khabane Lame has become a global phenomenon for his relatable, wordless comedy that humorously simplifies overly complicated life hacks, resonating with audiences across language barriers. As one of the most-followed creators on TikTok, he has redefined what it means to be an influencer, showcasing the power of non-verbal communication and universal humor. His ability to connect with millions through his unique style has led to partnerships with major brands and appearances at global events
13. Charli D’Amelio
Handle: @charlidamelio
Primary Platforms: TikTok, Instagram
Niche/Content Focus: Dance and Lifestyle
Impact: Charli D’Amelio skyrocketed to fame as one of TikTok’s earliest breakout stars, captivating audiences with her engaging dance videos and relatable personality. Leveraging her massive platform, she has expanded her influence through collaborations with top brands, launching her own merchandise line, and branching into other ventures such as acting and reality TV with The D’Amelio Show.
14. Addison Rae
Handle: @addisonraee
Primary Platforms: TikTok, Instagram
Niche/Content Focus: Dance and Lifestyle
Impact: Addison Rae rose to prominence on TikTok and has ventured into music and acting, broadening her influence. Building on her success, she has ventured into music with her debut single, Obsessed, and acting with her role in the Netflix film He’s All That, demonstrating her versatility as a performer. Addison has also established herself as a brand ambassador for major companies like American Eagle and launched her own beauty line, ITEM Beauty.
15. James Charles
Handle: @jamescharles
Primary Platforms: YouTube, Instagram
Niche/Content Focus: Beauty and Makeup
Impact: James Charles revolutionized the beauty industry as one of the first male beauty influencers to achieve global fame, captivating millions with his makeup tutorials, product reviews, and creative transformations. He became CoverGirl's first male ambassador, breaking barriers and paving the way for greater inclusivity in the beauty community. Known for his bold and innovative makeup looks, James has collaborated with top beauty brands and celebrities, further cementing his status as a trailblazer.
16. Huda Kattan
Handle: @hudabeauty
Primary Platforms: Instagram, YouTube
Niche/Content Focus: Beauty and Entrepreneurship
Impact: Huda Kattan has redefined beauty entrepreneurship by building Huda Beauty into a globally recognized cosmetics brand, renowned for its innovation and inclusivity. Through her social media platforms, she connects directly with her audience, sharing expert tutorials, beauty hacks, and personal insights that have cultivated a loyal following. Her ability to blend authenticity with business savvy has made her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and a driving force in shaping modern beauty standards.
17. Nikkie de Jager (NikkieTutorials)
Handle: @nikkietutorials
Primary Platforms: YouTube, Instagram
Niche/Content Focus: Beauty and Makeup
Impact: Beyond her skills and artistry as a makeup artist, Nikkie is a powerful advocate for inclusivity and representation in the beauty community. Her public coming out as transgender in 2020 was a landmark moment, sparking widespread conversations about acceptance and visibility. Through her collaborations with major beauty brands and her own innovative product launches, she continues to shape the industry while empowering her audience to embrace their individuality.
18. Zach King
Handle: @zachking
Primary Platforms: TikTok, Instagram
Niche/Content Focus: Visual Effects and Storytelling
Impact: Zach King is a master of visual storytelling, enchanting audiences with his mind-bending video edits that blur the lines between reality and illusion. His signature "magic" videos, which often showcase clever transitions and creative visual effects, have made him one of the most-followed creators on TikTok and Instagram. With collaborations with major brands like Disney and Sony, Zach continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in short-form content, setting new standards for digital innovation.
19. PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg)
Handle: @pewdiepie
Primary Platforms: YouTube, Instagram
Niche/Content Focus: Gaming and Commentary
Impact: Renowned for his gaming commentary, witty humor, and candid personal vlogs, PewDiePie became the first individual creator to surpass 100 million subscribers on YouTube, a milestone that solidified his legacy as a digital pioneer. Beyond gaming, PewDiePie’s ability to adapt his content to changing trends has kept him relevant, while his transparency about mental health and personal growth has resonated with audiences.
20. Lilly Singh
Handle: @lilly
Primary Platforms: YouTube, Instagram
Niche/Content Focus: Comedy and Lifestyle
Impact: Lilly Singh is a YouTuber who rose to fame with her relatable comedy sketches and vibrant personality, earning her a global fanbase. Transitioning from digital content to traditional media, she made history as the first woman of South Asian descent to host a late-night television show, A Little Late with Lilly Singh. Beyond entertainment, Lilly uses her platform to advocate for diversity, mental health awareness, and gender equality, inspiring her audience to embrace authenticity and resilience.
How to Become an Influencer in 10 Steps
Becoming a successful social media influencer is no small feat, but with the right strategy, anyone can carve out a niche in this dynamic field. Here are actionable steps to guide aspiring influencers in their journey, inspired by the successes of the top influencers listed above.
1. Choose a Niche
Selecting a niche is the foundation of building a successful presence as an influencer. Your niche should reflect your passions and expertise, whether it’s fitness, makeup, travel, or fashion, allowing you to connect authentically with your target audience.
By focusing on a specific area, such as becoming a beauty influencer or targeting fitness enthusiasts, you establish brand awareness and make it easier for potential followers and marketers to recognize your unique value.
Micro influencers and nano influencers often thrive by carving out niche spaces, enabling them to build deep connections with their audience and attract marketing campaigns tailored to their interests.
2. Develop Authentic Content
Authenticity is a key factor in influencer marketing, as audiences value content creators who genuinely represent their interests and personalities.
Share personal stories, insights, and experiences that resonate with your followers, whether it’s through makeup tutorials, fitness tips, or travel adventures.
TikTok and Instagram influencers like Charli D’Amelio or Selena Gomez have succeeded by consistently offering relatable and unique content that highlights their individuality.
Remember, authenticity not only increases engagement rates but also helps build trust, making your audience more likely to follow your journey and support your collaborations with brands.
3. Consistent Posting
Consistency in posting is crucial for maintaining visibility and growing your follower count.
Whether you’re sharing lifestyle content on Instagram or producing long-form videos on YouTube, a regular posting schedule keeps your audience engaged and strengthens your presence on social media platforms.
Top influencers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Taylor Swift have mastered this strategy, keeping their followers consistently updated with engaging content.
Use tools to schedule posts and plan campaigns. This will ensure steady growth while catering to your audience’s preferences and peak activity times.
4. Use Multiple Platforms
Expanding your reach across multiple platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, can significantly boost your influence.
Each platform offers unique opportunities for content creators to engage with different audience segments—Instagram for visuals, TikTok for trends, and YouTube for longer-form content.
Travel influencers and fashion influencers, for example, can showcase dynamic content on Instagram and TikTok while using YouTube for in-depth storytelling, maximizing their impact and influence.
By diversifying your platforms, you can reach a wider target audience and adapt your style to fit each platform’s strengths.
5. Collaborate with Other Influencers
Collaborations are a proven method for boosting brand awareness and follower count. By teaming up with other influencers, particularly within your niche, you can tap into new audiences and build credibility.
Micro influencers and nano influencers often gain traction by collaborating with similar-sized creators, while celebrities and macro influencers may collaborate with high-profile peers for larger campaigns.
Partnerships with influencers who share your values and goals can amplify your reach, whether you’re focused on lifestyle, beauty, or fitness content.
6. Engage with Your Audience
Engaging directly with your followers builds loyalty and fosters a sense of community.
Responding to comments, hosting live Q&A sessions, or collaborating with followers on challenges helps deepen your connection and improve your engagement rates.
This strategy is especially important for nano influencers and micro influencers, whose appeal often lies in their accessibility and relatability.
By nurturing this relationship, you strengthen your reputation as an influential creator and keep your audience invested in your journey.
7. Leverage Analytics
Data-driven decisions are essential in influencer marketing, helping you understand your audience and optimize your content.
Use analytics tools on platforms like Instagram and YouTube to track engagement rates, follower demographics, and the performance of specific posts.
Whether you’re a beauty influencer measuring the impact of a makeup tutorial or a travel influencer analyzing photo engagement, understanding your data helps you refine your strategy.
Regularly reviewing your metrics ensures you stay aligned with your target audience’s preferences and attract valuable partnerships.
8. Be Open to Brand Partnerships
Brand partnerships are a cornerstone of an influencer’s success, offering opportunities to collaborate with brands that align with your niche and values.
Beauty influencers might partner with makeup and skincare brands, while fitness influencers could work with athletic wear companies like Nike.
To maintain trust with your audience, focus on authentic partnerships that genuinely resonate with your content. Whether you’re a brand ambassador for a major label or promoting smaller campaigns, aligning with the right brands will ultimately enhance your credibility and influence.
9. Keep Learning and Adapting
The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and successful influencers remain adaptable to change.
Stay informed about emerging platforms like TikTok or trends like sustainable fashion to keep your content relevant and engaging.
Influential creators like Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande continue to evolve by embracing new technologies and styles, demonstrating the importance of staying ahead of the curve.
Investing in new skills, such as videography or editing, ensures your content remains fresh and competitive in an increasingly saturated market.
10. Stay True to Your Values
Authenticity is the backbone of long-term success in influencer marketing.
Whether you’re a makeup guru, lifestyle creator, or fitness enthusiast, staying true to your values helps you maintain trust with your followers.
Avoid promoting products or campaigns that don’t align with your niche or personal beliefs, as this can undermine your credibility.
Influencers like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez have maintained their loyal fanbases by prioritizing integrity and using their platforms to champion causes they genuinely care about, inspiring trust and admiration from their audience.
By following these steps and embracing their unique voice, aspiring influencers can navigate the competitive landscape of social media and create impactful connections with their audience.
Remember, the journey to becoming a successful influencer is not without its challenges, but with dedication and passion, it's achievable!
Take Your Brand to New Heights with Fourthwall!
If you’re an aspiring content creator looking to become a top influencer, Fourthwall provides all the tools you need to elevate your brand and monetize your content effectively. Here’s how Fourthwall can help you reach influencer status:
- Customizable Website: Create a professional, branded website that showcases your content and acts as the hub for your online presence. Includes custom domains and intuitive design tools to match your unique style.
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- Video Monetization: Sell exclusive video content directly from your site. Retain ownership, set your pricing, and connect with your audience through premium access to tutorials, guides, or exclusive entertainment.
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- Global Payment Solutions: Support for multiple payment methods, including Apple Pay, PayPal, credit cards, and cryptocurrency, to cater to a global audience.
- Personalized Fan Engagement: Create meaningful connections with your audience through personalized fan experiences, such as video shoutouts, Q&A sessions, or custom messages.
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- Analytics Tools: Access advanced analytics to track performance, understand audience preferences, and optimize your content and product offerings for better engagement and revenue growth.
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With Fourthwall, you’ll have everything you need to grow your audience, monetize your content, and take your brand to the next level—all in one powerful, user-friendly platform. Sign up with Fourthwall and start building your path to influencer success today!