In a world where a double-tap is the ultimate form of approval, a new currency of ‘likes’ has emerged. And as a result of this, branded Instagram posts have become a common feature on the profiles of the biggest celebrities in the world.
These celebrities could be anyone from actors to athletes and even influencers, who aren’t just breaking the internet but also the bank with every new upload. Brands recognise the importance they hold among their army of followers and the kind of reach they are able to have on the platform, and pay for promotional content to be featured on their profiles. And while we scroll endlessly through their timelines, they’re raking in more cash than one can fathom.
HopperHQ.com’s annual Instagram Rich List has become a global marker of online influence. For 2023, their data revealed just how much certain users charge for a single post on Instagram and YouTube, which can be well over $2m in some celebrity cases. So, grab your virtual popcorn as we dive into the roster of the highest-earning celebs on Instagram!
Celebrities who charge the most for a single Instagram post, ranked
Cristiano Ronaldo
Just when you thought hat-tricks were reserved for the football pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo took the title for the highest paid celebrity on Instagram for the third time in a row. With a bank account that gets a $3 million top-up with every new post, Ronaldo’s Instagram following is nearing the 600 million mark, the highest any person has on the platform. Is there anything us mere mortals can beat him at?
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi might be known for his expert kicks, but his Instagram game can almost give anyone but his on field rival, a run for their money. Snagging the second spot by charging over $2.5 million per post, Messi proves that his reputation extends beyond the green turf. With almost half a billion followers, he’s whooshing past defenders and dollar signs alike.
Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner and Dwayne Johnson
While Ronaldo and Messi fight it out virtually, the red carpet is rolled out for the dazzling trio of Selena Gomez, Kylie Jenner and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, all sharing the third place for Instagram’s highest paid celebrities. Gomez, with her 426 million followers, earns a whopping $2.5 million per post. Meanwhile, Jenner’s posts are worth $2.4 million each. As for The Rock, his posts fetch a heavyweight $2.3 million.
Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian
These pop culture icons know how to keep their audiences engaged, no matter the platform. Ariana’s dulcet tones translate to a sweet $2.2 million per post, while Kim K makes $2.1 million per post. As for Queen B, her posts pull in $1.9 million.
Justin Bieber and Khloe Kardashian
The Instagram Rich List isn’t just a list; it’s a symphony of glamour, fame, and dollars that’s hard to resist. The Kardashian clan continues to flaunt their empire, with Khloe Kardashian bagging $1.8 million per post. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber is not just strumming our heartstrings but also raking in a cool $1.7 million for every post.
Kendall Jenner and Taylor Swift
Given that Kendall Jenner holds the title for the highest-paid model, it only makes sense that she holds a spot in this Instagram rich list. After all, her fortune rakes up another $1.8 million per Instagram post. Next on the list is Taylor Swift, the queen of storytelling through music, who is also casting her spell on the social media scene, with each post fetching $1.6 million.
Jennifer Lopez and Nicki Minaj
The ever iconic JLo charges a cool $1.5 million per post. While Minaj raps… sorry, racks up a handsome $1.3 million for the same.
Virat Kohli
The only Indian to make it to the top 15 is none other than the former Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Virat Kohli. The skipper knows how to turn his millions into investments that will turn over a fortune—be it restaurants to sporting teams and athleisure clothing. With over 255 million followers, he’s notching up $1.4 million per post.
The Bottom Line
In the ever-evolving realm of Instagram, where likes are cash and followers are the new fandom, these celebs have cracked the code to digital prosperity. From the football pitch to the recording studio, and from the catwalk to the red carpet, they’ve seamlessly integrated their star power with personal branding. As the Instagram Rich List unveils its impressive roster, we’re reminded that in this age of screens, selfies, and scrolling, these celebrities are more than just influential – they’re the monarchs of the virtual kingdoms, reigning supreme and richer than ever before.
