Social media, especially Instagram, has revolutionized the modeling industry. When browsing Instagram, you don’t have to search long before you come across these Instagram models. With an emphasis on high-quality visual content, Instagram is the perfect platform for models to showcase their talent.
The popularity of fashion and beauty content on the channel has encouraged Instagram models to use their feed to build their portfolios and share perfectly composed images that showcase their personalities and creative style.
Instagram has become an informal forum for talent agents to search for new models.
What’s the big deal about Instagram?
Instagram isn’t just the camera app it once was when it launched in 2010. Today it is one of the most popular social media platforms out there.
With more than 1 billion monthly active users – more than 500 million of whom use the platform daily – Instagram is more than a photo-sharing platform and a window into what is happening right now.
Marketing on Instagram is the answer for social media enthusiasts looking for ways to make money and even get free content. Whether it’s posting pretty pictures or promoting products or branding campaigns, this photo-sharing platform is an answer to how you can make money.
Who is an Instagram model?
An Instagram model is a person who has gained popularity through headshots, poses, and other creative fashion shows on the Instagram platform.
These models use the photo and video sharing platform to showcase their work, define the personality behind the well-staged images, and build a portfolio with remarkable global reach.
Most Instagram models have social media marketing skills and work with brands and modeling agencies. Many companies use the huge social media followers of Instagram models to market products like cosmetics, fitness equipment, fashion products, and even gambling platforms.
How much does Instagram pay per post?
How much money you can make with Instagram depends on the influencer, their engagement, and the uniqueness of their Instagram content and audience.
While some brands pay between $ 5 and $10 per thousand followers, others offer $ 100 per 100 followers.
According to USA Today, an influencer with 10,000 to 50,000 active fans can make a few thousand per post. Instagram influencers with up to 1 million followers can see $10,000 per post. You can ask for $100,000 or more if you have up to 1 million followers on Instagram.
Best Instagram models that can follow you back
Let’s take a long look at the top Instagram models that you can subscribe to as their followers; as well as the number of their current followers.
Most of these Instagram models are experts and tutors in various spheres in life and have gained the trust and attention of so many followers worldwide.
At the top of this list is the Kardashian sister’s favorite; Kendall Jenner. In addition to her fame as part of the Kardashian clan, Kendall has also made a name for herself in the modeling industry.
She was only 14 when she signed up with the Wilhelmina Models modeling agency and has participated in campaigns for some of the world’s most famous brands, including Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Dolce & Gabbana, and many more.
Followers: 199 million
When Gigi Hadid was just two years old, she got her first modeling opportunity as a model for Baby Guess clothing.
During her modeling career, she became famous through Instagram and has become one of the most popular Instagram models in the world.
Followers: 71.2 million
Cara began her modeling career in 2002 when she was only 10 years old. Since then, she has built successful music, acting, and modeling career, working with brands such as Burberry and Vogue.
The beautiful British woman was named “Model of the Year” at the British Fashion Awards in 2012 and 2014.
Followers: 43.5 million
The 34-year-old model is known in the Instagram modeling industry and on other social media platforms such as Twitter for her assignable posts and funny comments.
Chrissy has been featured in global editorial magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan. She’s also incredibly down to earth and interacts with her followers regularly, making her one of the best Instagram models to follow.
Followers: 35.9 million
Bella Hadid is the younger of the Hadid sisters, but she certainly hasn’t been overshadowed by her older sister’s fame.
She is often used in various brands’ Instagram influencer marketing and has worked on numerous campaigns on her Instagram platform, including with the likes of Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors.
Followers: 47.3 million
6. Emily Ratajkowski – @emrata
Emily Ratajkowski is one of the world’s most popular Instagram models. Her modeling career soared when she was one of the models in Robin Thicke’s music video “Blurred Lines” in 2013.
Over the past five years, she has worked with dozens of brands as part of her Instagram influencer program and walked the runway for many fashions and makeup brands at Fashion Week around the world.
Followers: 28.5 million
According to Heightline, Instagram influencer Sommer Ray is making more than $ 26,000 per post on Instagram at just 23 years old.
She is now the face (and body!) Many Instagram influencer campaigns have an amazing Instagram follower of over 25 million!
Followers: 26.8 million
Hailey Baldwin, now called Hailey Bieber – is one of the most influential models in the world; both on Instagram and on the catwalk. It’s safe to say that she fully embraces her runway life.
At the age of just 23, Hailey has already achieved many incredible achievements in her modeling career, working with the likes of Pretty Little Thing and Teen Vogue and Vogue magazine.
Followers: 38.8 million
9. Gisele Bundchen – @gisele
Gisele Bundchen is one of the oldest models in this article, but at 39, she’s still had an impressive career, both on Instagram and otherwise.
She rose to fame in 1998 after working with Alexander McQueen on a very successful campaign; long before Instagram agencies even existed! Today she still works with various brands and has gained almost 16 million Instagram followers on the photo-sharing platform.
Followers: 18.1 million
The South African model was ranked 8th in the Forbes Best Earners of 2016. Candice gained this fame and fortune through a variety of catwalk models, brand sponsorship, and Instagram influencer marketing.
As one of the top Instagram models of 2020, it’s incredibly easy to search influencers on Instagram and find Candice’s profile.
Followers: 16.2 million
Miranda Kerr is an Australian model who first rose to fame when she became Australia’s first Victoria’s Secret model in 2007.
Since then, she has led many branding campaigns and walked countless catwalks for brands around the world.
Followers: 12.9 million
12. Doutzen Kroes – @doutzen
Doutzen is a Dutch model best known as Victoria’s Secret Angel. She was a brand ambassador for Miu Miu and L’Oréal. Most recently, she was active in helping the Elephant Crisi Fund to end the use of elephant ivory.
Followers: 7 million
Barbara is another model with millions of followers who follow every campaign she works on. By filming with the likes of Victoria’s Secret and H&M, Barbara has built a very successful modeling career.
Followers: 17 million
Adriana Lima is Victoria’s Secret’s longest-running model and has appeared in countless shows for her. Her influencer demographics say she is the second-highest-paid model as of 2014.
Followers: 13.6 million
Ashley Graham is a plus-size model who appeared on the cover of many global magazines such as Glamor, Elle, and Vogue.
On her Instagram profile, she also regularly shows pictures of the various campaigns she has worked on to show that plus-size models are just as beautiful.
Followers: 14.9 million
Karlie Kloss is one of the top 30 models of the 2000s and has worked with numerous brands on global campaigns.
The supermodel turned coding advocate has a huge presence on social media and is in high demand with advertisers. She has already concluded lucrative deals with Swarovski, Adidas, and Estee Lauder, among others.
Followers: 9.8 million
Jordyn started her modeling career in 2015 after an agent discovered her account on Instagram. Her highlight is modeling for clothing brand Khloe Kardashians, Good American, and has worked on clothing lines for Boohoo.com and PrettyLittleThing.
Followers: 12.1 million
Jen Selter has always had a deep passion for fitness and health. As if being a sensational fitness model wasn’t enough, she also works as the creative director for a sports jewelry brand, is a co-owner of a health shake company, and has founded several brands that make sugar-free protein bars.
With over 12 million followers, she is one of the hottest and most successful Instagram models of all time.
Followers: 12.5 million
This stunning 23-year-old’s claim on Instagram began when she documented her fitness journey during her first pregnancy. Now the proud mother of two is happy to share her constantly evolving athletic goals and eating habits with fans. She also serves as a dedicated fitness mentor.
Followers: 13.4 million
Dutch model Cindy is one of the youngest Instagram models on this list at just 21 years old. She is incredibly popular on her YouTube channel and receives hundreds of thousands of likes on every Instagram post.
Followers: 6.7 million
Liu was the first Chinese model to walk in Victoria’s Secret fashion show. She was also the first Chinese model to make the front cover of American Vogue and has worked with a number of renowned brands.
Followers: 5.4 million
Sierra is an OG Instagram model, unlike many others on this list who first rose to fame on the catwalks and catwalks. She used Instagram very successfully to build her platform and gained millions of followers and brand deals.
Followers: 4.2 million
Lucky Blue Smith is the first male model to be on this list, with nearly 3 million Instagram followers. At just 21, Lucky has worked with brands such as Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, and GAP.
Followers: 2.7 million
Mathilde is another model on this list who became famous thanks to Instagram. Today, Mathilde works with many brands and founded the swimwear brand Khassani with her twin sister (a model).
Followers: 10.3 million
Jessica Stein actually started her Instagram career by simply being a blogger. She has since had a very successful career, often sharing pictures of her family as well as the various campaigns she’s working on.
Followers: 2.1 million
Natasha Oakley also first became known as a blogger, but has since built her portfolio and is now working on numerous branding campaigns on Instagram.
She also founded the popular swimwear brand Monday Swimwear.
Followers: 2.6 million
Pia Mühlenbeck was training to be a lawyer when she came across the Instagram platform and has since been known as a very successful Instagram model.
Followers: 2 million
Francisco Lachowski is a male model from France and is known on Instagram for his outdoor and lifestyle photos and campaigns.
Followers: 1.6 million
Jon Kortajarena is a Spanish actor and model and features a number of his brand collaborations on his Instagram profile. When he was just 18 years old, he became the face of Just Cavalli for one of Roberto Cavalli’s campaigns.
Followers: 3.1 million
30. Camila Morrone – @camilamorrone
Camila has over 2.1 million Instagram followers and has appeared in a number of films as part of her acting career. She also uses her Instagram platform to share unique brand collaborations that she has worked on.
Followers: 2.7 million
Rocky Barnes started out as a blogger and now mostly uses her Instagram profile to promote her latest fashion and beauty looks.
She first rose to fame in 2013 when she starred in a Justin Bieber music video and has been using her platform to create fashion-based content ever since.
Followers: 1.9 million
Pamela Alexandra is a travel blogger who is now sharing various Instagram model-worthy shots on her profile.
Followers: 5.4 million
Devin is another highly desirable Instagram model who is particularly following in her mother’s footsteps as a model.
She is known for sharing her enviable bikini photos on her Instagram and understandably she is the co-founder of Monday Swimwear.
Followers: 1.3 million
This Instagram model is only 20 years old but has built an Instagram profile that has 1.2 million followers. The Austrian Youtuber and Instagrammer shares pictures of her artistic recordings, lifestyle picks, and fashion pieces.
Followers: 1.3 million
35. Jenah Yamamoto – @gypsyone
Jenah has earned her impressive Instagram followers through her wanderlust-worthy travel blog. She still shares travel-related images on her Instagram and incorporates brand collaborations with swimwear brands into her feed.
Followers: 805k
Mimi Elashiry uses her Instagram profile to share inspiring tips on nutrition, healthy eating, and exercise.
Followers: 1.1 million
Liz Turner started her career as an Instagram model but has since worked with a number of renowned and popular brands, helping promote their clothes and makeup.
On Instagram, she speaks openly about her well-educated background, her struggles with mental health, and how she keeps fit and active.
Followers: 1 million
Cindy Mello is an Instagram model who now works with world-famous Instagram and model agencies such as Ford Models.
Followers: 1.2 million
Ashley Sky is both an Instagram model and a Youtuber who works on various video campaigns with a number of brands.
She has also walked the catwalk multiple times thanks to her fame spotted through Instagram.
Followers: 554k
Gabi is a plus-size Instagram model; you should follow Gabi because she is incredibly motivating and inspiring and is not afraid of breaking the social “norm”.
She is also the co-founder of a plus-size brand and launches collections with a range of swimwear and lingerie brands.
Followers: 868k
Arame is a Senegalese model who currently lives in Los Angeles. Her Instagram offers a mix of high fashion looks with bold colors. She has worked with brands like Savage x Fenty and you may have seen her in Beyoncé’s film Black is King.
Followers: 25.2k
Audreyana has signed with many different modeling talent agencies, including NEXT Models in Miami, Freedom Models in LA, and an agency in New Zealand.
Her Instagram profile is full of makeup and beauty pics and videos for campaigns she worked on with the likes of Colourpop.
Followers: 655k
Instagram and Tumblr played a huge role in starting Alexis’ career at the age of 15. She has since developed her own line of activewear and has appeared in several music videos, including Ed Sheera, South of the Border clip.
Followers: 14.1 million
This Norwegian beauty has signed with modeling agencies in both New York and Paris. Frida’s Instagram boasts pictures from campaigns that she’s worked on with Victoria Secret and Michael Kors.
Followers: 841k
45. Nyome Nicholas – Williams – @curvynyome
Nyome is an Instagram model who has embraced body positivity throughout her work. In 2020, she campaigned on Instagram to change its censorship guidelines after removing revealing photos.
She is clearly leading the way for a new generation of Instagram models who can express themselves freely.
Followers: 79.9k
Another male model on this list, Rain Dove has worked on a number of fashion, film, and activism campaigns and is definitely using his platform forever.
Followers: 442k
Demi Rose began building her online presence through MySpace before moving to Instagram and eventually starting her career as an Instagram model and DJ. She was interested in modeling at a young age and is now living her dream.
Followers: 18.5 million
Lameka Fox is an American model who was first scouted on Instagram via IMG Models’ #WLYG (We Love Your Genes) campaign. She has participated in catwalk shows for Tommy Hilfiger and Valentino.
Followers: 222k
Alina is an Instagram model and an activist who works with charity The Heart Fund to help millions of people. She also works with teeth whitening brands as well as bikini and swimwear brands.
Followers: 476k
A newcomer to the block but an incredibly influential Instagram model nonetheless, Raven Lyn was a Sports Illustrated rookie from 2018.
Her Instagram profile features raunchy pictures of her sharing her latest looks and collaborations.
Followers: 341k
The 29-year-old Australian model now lives in LA and rose to fame when she won Girlfriend magazine’s 2006 “Model Search”.
Sarah isn’t shy about showing off her enviable figure on her Instagram and works regularly with various brands on her latest campaigns.
Followers: 226k
How do I grow my Instagram followers?
To grow your Instagram followers, implement these best practices into your overall strategy:
- Clearly define your niche. What kind of account are you? Whether it’s fashion, lifestyle, travel, food, music, gaming or anything else, it needs to be clear in your profile and in the content you post.
- Post consistently. Consistent posting means consistent audience interaction with your content and more opportunities for you to gain followers.
- Publish quality content. Work on posting high quality photos and invest time in your stories, videos and content descriptions. Your audience will take note of your account if your content is useful or important and looks good. Instagram-worthy pop-up events can help you out if you need inspiration.
- Interact with your audience. Make sure to reply to comments and messages from followers and potential followers.
- Promote your account. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and other social media platforms are great places to promote and grow your Instagram account.
- Show yourself to a larger audience. Getting featured on a bigger account will showcase your content to a lot more people and can open up some great growth opportunities for you. There are many feature accounts out there that your content could use if you tagged it.
- Follow relevant accounts. By following relevant accounts in your industry or niche, you can learn more about what content they post and who their followers are. This can help you refine your content and find similar audiences.
Conclusion
Instagram has fundamentally changed the way the modeling industry works. It’s incredibly fascinating to see that most of the models on this list actually found their modeling careers thanks to Instagram.
It’s safe to say that it is a platform that every model and “would-be” model should use.
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