Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms in Italy, with millions of users across the country. As influencers and celebrities build their follower counts, many Italians look to see who has amassed the largest Instagram audience in the nation.
In this article, we will look at the top 10 most followed Instagram accounts in Italy as of October 2023. By examining their follower numbers, engagement, and content, we can get a better sense of who wields influence in Italian social media today.
Methodology
To determine the top 10 most followed Instagram accounts in Italy, we analyzed public follower counts for prominent Italian celebrities, influencers, athletes, musicians, and public figures. Only accounts specifically targeted towards an Italian audience were considered.
Follower counts change on a daily basis as users gain and lose followers. The totals listed in this article are current as of October 2, 2023. Only publicly accessible follower counts were used.
The top 10 accounts with the highest number of followers were then ranked to create the definitive list of the most followed Instagrammers in Italy today.
10. Valentina Ferragni – 3.8 million followers
Kicking off the top 10 is Valentina Ferragni, the younger sister of Italian fashion influencer Chiara Ferragni. Valentina is a fashion designer and social media influencer in her own right, known for her glamorous style and travel photos. She leverages her sister’s fame while also establishing her own aesthetic and brand. With 3.8 million followers, Valentina has built a sizable audience eager to keep up with her stylish adventures.
9. Gianluca Vacchi – 5.2 million followers
In ninth place is Gianluca Vacchi, an Italian millionaire entrepreneur and socialite. Vacchi earned his Instagram fame through his over-the-top lifestyle full of lavish parties, exotic vacations, fast cars and opulent homes. His account provides a glimpse into the excessive world of the ultra-rich. With 5.2 million followers, many Italians cannot seem to get enough of Vacchi’s luxe antics.
8. Elisabetta Canalis – 5.3 million followers
Actress and TV host Elisabetta Canalis takes the eighth spot with 5.3 million followers. Canalis rose to fame as a Velina on Striscia la Notizia in the early 2000s. She has since established herself as an actress, model, and Instagram star. Canalis delights her many followers with gorgeous bikini photos, slices of life as a mom, and her enduring beauty and poise.
7. Mario Balotelli – 5.5 million followers
Italian striker Mario Balotelli lands in seventh place with a following of 5.5 million. Balotelli represents Italy in football/soccer and currently plays for the Swiss club FC Sion. He uses his Instagram account to connect with fans, share updates about his matches and training, and provide sponsored content. His wild antics both on and off the field also contribute to his high follower count.
6. Francesco Totti – 6.1 million followers
Legendary A.S. Roma captain Francesco Totti takes sixth place with 6.1 million Instagram followers. Totti spent his entire career with Roma, leading them to their third Serie A title. Since retiring, he has used Instagram to engage with his loyal fanbase. He gives followers a glimpse into his family life while also promoting his various business projects. As a revered footballer, Totti retains a strong following in retirement.
5. Fedez – 13 million followers
Rapper Fedez claims the fifth spot with an impressive 13 million Instagram followers. Fedez first gained recognition through his music career as part of the hip hop duo Machete Empire. He has since expanded into a judge role on X-Factor Italia and married prominent influencer Chiara Ferragni. Fedez treats fans to behind-the-scenes looks at his music and TV projects, cute family moments, and stylish outfits.
4. Gianluca Vacchi – 16 million followers
Interestingly, Gianluca Vacchi actually has two Instagram accounts in the top 10, with his second profile @gianlucavacchi garnering 16 million followers. This account provides much of the same excessive, party-focused lifestyle content as his other page. The double-dip allows Vacchi to expand his reach and capitalize on his opulent persona.
3. Khaby Lame – 79.6 million followers
In third place is social media sensation Khaby Lame with an impressive 79.6 million followers. Khaby Lame grew his account during the pandemic by creating short, funny reaction videos to absurd life hacks and other content. While he was born in Senegal, Khaby Lame lives in Italy and films his clever content there. His comedic chops have exploded his follower count over the past two years.
2. Chiara Ferragni – 27.7 million followers
Claiming the second spot is none other than Italy’s queen bee of influence, Chiara Ferragni. As a digital entrepreneur and fashion blogger, Ferragni has set trends and shaped the influencer space in Italy for over a decade. She gives her 27.7 million followers an intimate look into her jetsetting life of high fashion and luxury with husband Fedez and their two children. Ferragni remains a cultural force in Italy.
1. Juventus – 51.6 million followers
The most followed account on all of Italian Instagram is none other than the football club Juventus! With a towering 51.6 million followers, Juventus has built an enormous audience on Instagram. The account provides behind-the-scenes access to the club’s players, coaches, matches, and championships. Football reigns supreme in Italian social media, helping fuel Juventus to the top spot for Instagram followers.
Key Takeaways
Analyzing the top 10 most followed Instagram accounts in Italy provides some fascinating insights:
- Football dominates, with Juventus, Balotelli, and Totti all making the top 10.
- Influencers command attention, with stars like Chiara Ferragni and Khaby Lame earning tens of millions of followers.
- Wealth is intriguing, as seen by Gianluca Vacchi’s two accounts in the top 10 due to his excessive displays of opulence.
- A mix of occupations make the top 10, including athletes, musicians, actors, influencers, entrepreneurs, and public figures.
- Long-standing fame helps, as icons like Totti retain followers years after retiring from football.
Instagram remains a powerful platform in Italy, and these 10 accounts have each found a way to build an audience of millions. While their content may vary, each provides Italian users with entertainment, intrigue, and insight into Italian culture and identity. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see if these accounts can retain their high followings, or if a new contender emerges to take the top spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most followed person on Instagram in Italy?
With 51.6 million followers, the football club Juventus has the most followed Instagram account in Italy. In terms of individual people, Chiara Ferragni comes first with 27.7 million followers.
Who is the most followed Italian on Instagram?
Chiara Ferragni is the most followed Italian person on Instagram with 27.7 million followers. She beats out other popular Italians like Valentina Ferragni, Gianluca Vacchi, and Mario Balotelli.
Is Ronaldo the most followed on Instagram in Italy?
No, Ronaldo is not the most followed person on Instagram in Italy. Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has 52.4 million Instagram followers globally but this is not entirely made up of Italians. The Juventus team account has a higher following in Italy specifically.
Who is the most followed Italian celebrity on Instagram?
Once again, Chiara Ferragni tops this list as well as the most followed Italian celebrity on Instagram. Her 27.7 million followers put her ahead of other major Italian celebrities on Instagram.
Who was the first Italian influencer on Instagram?
Chiara Ferragni is considered the first major Italian influencer on Instagram. She launched her blog The Blonde Salad in 2009 and was an early adopter of Instagram for sharing fashion content and sponsored posts. Her success paved the way for other Italian influencers.
Conclusion
Determining the top 10 most followed Instagram accounts in Italy provides a snapshot into the major figures driving Italian pop culture, fashion, sports, music, and more. While Instagram followings are always evolving, currently a mix of footballers, influencers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities make up the top 10.
Chiara Ferragni leads the pack as the quintessential Italian influencer, while Juventus demonstrates the power of football in Italian social media. Other notable personalities like Khaby Lame, Gianluca Vacchi, and Mario Balotelli rule over their own niches and fanbases.
Moving forward, it will be interesting to see the rise of new accounts aiming to increase their followers and crack the top 10 most followed on Instagram in Italy. The social media landscape is constantly shifting, but for now these mega-accounts remain the definitive Instagram influencers within Italy.