Which athletes are most followed on social media in 2024?
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- February 29, 2024
- 5:48 pm
Social media has transformed how athletes build their brands and connect with fans. In 2024, the most popular athletes have massive followings across platforms like Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. But who are the most followed athletes on social media today?
As social media continues to grow, athletes with the largest followings significantly influence trends and culture. While superstars in sports like basketball, soccer and tennis tend to dominate, crossover stars from other areas also boast impressive numbers.
LeBron James remains one of the most followed male athletes on social media in 2024. The Los Angeles Lakers forward has over 75 million Instagram followers and nearly 50 million on Twitter. Considered one of the greatest basketball players ever, LeBron's stats off the court are just as stunning. His posts generate massive engagement, and he uses his platforms to promote his other business ventures.
Joining LeBron is Lionel Messi, who is also among the most popular athletes on social media. The Argentine soccer legend has over 350 million followers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Messi plays for Paris Saint-Germain, which further expands his global reach. His Instagram alone attracts over 278 million fans who react to his skills highlights and family photos.
While male sports stars dominate overall numbers, several female athletes boast impressive followings. Gymnast Simone Biles is one of the most followed female athletes on social media, with over 3.6 million Instagram followers and 1.7 million on Twitter. Her public support for mental health has resonated widely. Tennis icon Serena Williams also has over 14 million followers across platforms. Her posts focus on family, fashion and her business ventures beyond tennis.
When looking at individual platforms, Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo reigns supreme on Instagram with over 530 million followers - the most of anyone in the world. He is renowned for his posts showcasing his training, endorsements and family. For TikTok, American boxer Ryan Garcia has the most followers, with over 9 million. His behind-the-scenes boxing videos and collaborations with other creators entice viewers.
Seeing the personal sides of top athletes humanizes their excellence and allows fans to relate to them on deeper levels. Social media provides direct access to sports heroes. As sports business expert Joe Favorito notes,
"Before, athletes were unreachable. Now, you can communicate with them by sending a tweet or Instagram message."
Some experts estimate that the top athletes have over a billion collective followers when accounting for all of their social media profiles. These massive fanbases allow sports stars to earn huge sponsorship deals and influence wider trends. Brands want access to athletes' engaged audiences across different demographics and interests.
"Athletes have an outsized impact on social media. Between their competitive exploits and personal lives, fans feel connected to their journeys. Top athletes don't just post content - they build communities."
While early adopters like LeBron James set the standard for athlete influencers, new stars like gymnast Olivia Dunne are maximizing opportunities on emerging platforms. She has over 3 million TikTok followers, earning her the title of highest-paid college athlete ever. Other rising athletes will follow her blueprint for social media success.
As social platforms and fan interaction evolve, athletes with the largest followings will remain major influencers in sports and culture. The records they break offline only expand their reach and deepen their impact online.
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