Instagram, with its visual appeal and massive user base, has become a fertile ground for celebrities to connect with their fans and showcase their personalities beyond the red carpet or stage.
In recent years, several celebrities have leveraged the platform to go viral, capturing the attention of millions of users worldwide. And as a result of going viral, many of them were able to increase the amount of Instagram followers they have, while also becoming more popular in the process.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore some notable celebrities who have gone viral on Instagram, the content that made them famous, and the strategies they used to achieve viral status.
1. Will Smith (@willsmith)
Followers: 59M
Will Smith, the renowned actor, and entertainer, has taken Instagram by storm with his entertaining and relatable content. His viral moments often revolve around comedic skits, motivational talks, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his life. One of his most memorable viral moments was the “In My Feelings” challenge in 2018, where he danced on top of a bridge in Budapest. The video received millions of views and sparked a global trend.
Viral Strategy: Will Smith combines humor, authenticity, and a genuine connection with his audience. He consistently shares content that reflects his personality and resonates with fans of all ages.
2. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (@therock)
Followers: 292M
Dwayne Johnson, aka “The Rock,” has transitioned from wrestling stardom to Hollywood fame and social media dominance. His Instagram is a mix of motivational messages, workout routines, and personal anecdotes. His viral moments often involve heartwarming interactions with fans or inspiring stories about his journey to success.
Viral Strategy: The Rock’s authenticity and positive outlook on life are his key assets. He engages with his audience, shares personal stories, and encourages people to work hard and stay dedicated.
3. Chrissy Teigen (@chrissyteigen)
Followers: 38M
Chrissy Teigen, model, author, and TV personality, has won over Instagram users with her candid and humorous posts. Her witty comments, relatable parenting moments, and unfiltered honesty about her life have endeared her to many. Some of her viral moments include hilarious cooking fails and her playful banter with husband John Legend.
Viral Strategy: Chrissy Teigen’s willingness to share both the glamorous and chaotic aspects of her life makes her incredibly relatable. She capitalizes on humor and authenticity to engage her followers.
4. Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real)
Followers: 108M
Kevin Hart, the comedian and actor, is a master of comedy on Instagram. His videos often feature comedic skits, funny family moments, and motivational talks. One of his viral moments was the #HustleHart challenge, where he encouraged people to share their fitness journeys.
Viral Strategy: Kevin Hart leverages his comedic talent and relatability to engage his audience. He encourages them to participate in challenges and embraces the power of humor.
5. Selena Gomez (@selenagomez)
Followers: 292M
Selena Gomez, a singer, actress, and producer, is one of the most followed celebrities on Instagram. While her content isn’t always humorous or light-hearted, she has gone viral with heartfelt and personal posts. For instance, her post about her kidney transplant surgery garnered widespread attention and support.
Viral Strategy: Selena Gomez uses her platform to raise awareness about important issues and share vulnerable moments from her life. Her authenticity and openness resonate with her fans.
6. Kylie Jenner (@kyliejenner)
Followers: 292M
Kylie Jenner, a member of the Kardashian-Jenner family, is known for her beauty empire and glamorous lifestyle. She has gone viral with her makeup tutorials, product launches, and stunning photoshoots. Her announcement of her daughter’s birth in 2018 became one of the most-liked posts on Instagram.
Viral Strategy: Kylie Jenner leverages her fame and beauty expertise to create content that appeals to her target audience. She uses Instagram as a marketing tool for her cosmetic brand.
7. Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee)
Followers: 10M
Gary Vaynerchuk, a serial entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, has built a massive following on Instagram with his inspirational content. He shares business insights, personal anecdotes, and advice on entrepreneurship. His “DailyVee” series, which documents his daily life, has been particularly popular. As highlighted through many of his content posts, is making sure you are always posting at peak times on Instagram and across various social media platforms.
Viral Strategy: Gary Vaynerchuk provides valuable content that educates and motivates his followers. His consistency and passion for entrepreneurship resonate with aspiring businesspeople.
8. Cardi B (@iamcardib)
Followers: 97M
Cardi B, the Grammy-winning rapper and actress, has used Instagram to connect with fans and share her vibrant personality. Her candid videos, hilarious rants, and unfiltered commentary on various topics have made her a viral sensation.
Viral Strategy: Cardi B’s authenticity, humor, and fearlessness in addressing controversial topics make her content relatable and shareable.
9. Keanu Reeves (@keanureevesofficiall)
Followers: 11M
Keanu Reeves, the beloved actor known for “The Matrix” and “John Wick” series, gained Instagram fame through his genuine and down-to-earth posts. He often shares fan encounters, personal photos, and messages of gratitude.
Viral Strategy: Keanu Reeves’ humility and appreciation for his fans make him endearing. His authentic engagement with followers creates a strong bond.
10. Ariana Grande (@arianagrande)
Followers: 277M
Ariana Grande, the pop superstar, utilizes Instagram to connect with her fans through snippets of her music, glimpses of her life, and heartfelt messages. Her posts often go viral when they feature her music releases or personal milestones.
Viral Strategy: Ariana Grande leverages her talent and personal connection with fans to create content that resonates with her massive following.
In conclusion, these celebrities have mastered the art of going viral on Instagram by leveraging their unique talents, authenticity, and connection with their audience. Whether through humor, inspiration, personal anecdotes, or candid moments, these celebrities have harnessed the power of Instagram to connect with millions of fans worldwide. Their success serves as a testament to the platform’s ability to foster genuine connections and reach a global audience.
