BTS star V, also known as Kim Taehyung, has reportedly become the third most influential celebrity on Instagram, trailing only football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
V’s Ascent to Instagram Stardom
Following his return from military service and the resumption of solo and group activities, BTS member V has seen an explosive rise in his Instagram presence. His posts now rack up millions of views and likes within minutes, leading to a dramatic increase in engagement.
According to influencer analytics platform HypeAuditor, V has surpassed major global names like Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, and Billie Eilish to secure his spot among the top three most impactful celebrities worldwide. He stands as the only K-pop artist to achieve such a high ranking, sharing the digital stage with two of the biggest names in sports.
Global Reach and Unmatched Engagement
V’s influence extends globally. He is the sole Asian celebrity to reach this impressive ranking. Regionally, he holds the third spot in the US and Brazil, and tops the charts in the UK, showcasing his immense appeal across diverse audiences.
His recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week caused a frenzy, with thousands flocking to catch a glimpse of the Celine global ambassador. Upon his military discharge, V instantly became the most Googled celebrity of the day, with virtually every item he wore selling out almost immediately.
As of early July, Taehyung boasts over 68 million Instagram followers, with more than 12.4 million from the US alone, marking the largest American fanbase for any K-pop act to date. This demonstrates his powerful hold on the Western market.
Dominating the Digital Metrics
While his total follower count ranks around 75th globally, V’s engagement rate is what truly sets him apart. Data from SocialBook, an influencer marketing platform, shows his engagement rate over the past 60 days at an astounding 20.6%, the highest among celebrities worldwide.
This remarkable engagement is even more impressive considering his Instagram comment section is restricted. Despite this, his posts consistently average over 14 million likes each, a figure that many A-list celebrities struggle to achieve.
Other K-pop stars also made the influential list, with BTS bandmate Jimin at No. 4 in the music category, followed by BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Beyoncé, and Jennie. However, V’s follower count jumped by 1.22 million in just 25 days post-discharge, making it the fastest growth rate among K-pop idols.
- V is the 3rd most influential celebrity on Instagram, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
- He outranks major global music stars like Selena Gomez and Billie Eilish.
- His engagement rate (20.6%) is the highest among celebrities worldwide.
- He is the only Asian celebrity to reach this high a ranking on HypeAuditor’s list.
V’s current activities continue to draw massive attention, as seen during his recent trip to Paris, which sparked global trending topics and further solidified his status as a digital powerhouse.
