X, formerly Twitter, remains a global hub for real-time conversations, with its most followed accounts shaping trends and narratives in 2025. From Elon Musk’s 190.1 million followers to Lady Gaga’s 81.8 million, these accounts—spanning tech, politics, sports, and entertainment—command massive influence. Drawing on data from Wikipedia, Forbes India, and posts on X, this article explores the top 10 most followed accounts, their content, and why they dominate, with tips for fans to engage with their posts.
1. Elon Musk, USA (190.1 Million Followers)
Elon Musk (@elonmusk), with 190.1 million followers, leads as X’s most followed account, per the provided list, though some sources note up to 223.6 million by August 2025. As X’s owner since 2022, Musk’s posts on Tesla, SpaceX, and AI, like his August 4, 2025, Grok post, drive engagement. His controversial takes and memes, generating 1.2 billion views in 2024, amplify his reach, per NBC News. Follow @elonmusk for tech updates, and check X for his latest Dogecoin quips.
2. Barack Obama, USA (131.7 Million Followers)
Former U.S. President Barack Obama (@BarackObama) holds second place with 131.7 million followers, per the list, or 130.3 million per Indian Express. His posts blend personal insights, like his July 29, 2025, tribute to Ryne Sandberg, with Obama Foundation updates. His 2008 campaign pioneered social media, earning 80% engagement rates, per Epidemic Sound. Follow him for political commentary, and visit obama.org for philanthropy insights.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal (112.1 Million Followers)
Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano), with 112.1 million followers (115.6 million per Forbes India), is the top athlete on X. His June 10, 2025, Portugal Day post reflects his global appeal. Mixing personal updates, training clips, and sponsorships, Ronaldo’s feed mirrors his Instagram dominance (second-most followed). Follow @Cristiano for football insights, and check his posts during major tournaments like the UEFA Champions League.
4. Justin Bieber, Canada (110.5 Million Followers)
Justin Bieber (@justinbieber), with 110.5 million followers, ranks fourth, though Epidemic Sound notes 108.8 million. His July 2025 return after a three-year hiatus, promoting Swag, boosted engagement. His journey from YouTube star to global icon resonates with fans, per Forbes India. Follow for music updates, and use X’s #Bieber hashtag for fan discussions.
5. Rihanna, Barbados (108.1 Million Followers)
Rihanna (@rihanna), with 108.1 million followers (107.7 million per Indian Express), is X’s most followed woman. Her August 4, 2025, Fenty Beauty post for India highlights her business focus. Blending music, fashion, and personal snaps, she maintains authenticity, per The Knowledge Academy. Follow @rihanna for Fenty updates, and explore her YouTube for music videos.
6. Katy Perry, USA (106.2 Million Followers)
Katy Perry (@katyperry), with 106.2 million followers, was the first to hit 100 million in 2017, per Variety. Her June 27, 2025, “Quokka” post reflects her upbeat style. Known for hits like Firework and her American Idol role, Perry’s feed mixes tour promotions and personal moments, earning an ACSI score of 78 for engagement. Follow for concert updates, and check her X for tour dates.
7. Narendra Modi, India (100.1 Million Followers)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi), with 100.1 million followers (108.9 million per Forbes India), is the top Asian on X. His July 9, 2025, Namibia speech post showcases diplomacy. Active since 2009, Modi’s mix of English and Gujarati posts engages India’s 24.1 million X users, per The Global Statistics. Follow for policy updates, and visit pmindia.gov.in for official statements.
8. Taylor Swift, USA (95.2 Million Followers)
Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13), with 95.2 million followers (93.6 million per Indian Express), commands a loyal fanbase. Her May 30, 2025, post for You Belong With Me went viral, reflecting her cultural weight, per Epidemic Sound. With minimal posts, her authenticity drives engagement. Follow for album drops, and join #Swiftie on X for fan interactions.
9. Donald Trump, USA (87.7 Million Followers)
Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump), with 87.7 million followers (108 million per Indian Express), ranks ninth. Reinstated in 2022 after a ban, his January 22, 2025, anniversary post shows personal flair. Known for unfiltered takes, Trump’s posts spark debate, per Forbes India. Follow for political updates, and check X for real-time reactions, but verify claims via Reuters.
10. Lady Gaga, USA (81.8 Million Followers)
Lady Gaga (@ladygaga), with 81.8 million followers, completes the list, per Indian Express. Her February 4, 2025, Grammy post highlights her music and advocacy via Born This Way Foundation. Her Oscar-winning A Star Is Born role adds prestige, per The Knowledge Academy. Follow for creative updates, and explore hauslabs.com for her beauty line.
Why These Accounts Lead
These accounts, with 81.8–190.1 million followers, dominate due to global fame, engagement, and platform longevity. Musk’s X ownership and controversial posts, per NBC News, drive his lead, while Obama and Modi leverage political influence. Celebrities like Rihanna and Swift, with 80% female fanbases on X, per The Global Statistics, thrive on authenticity. The top 10, joined pre-2010 (except Ronaldo), benefit from early adoption, per Epidemic Sound. Challenges include bot crackdowns (Bieber lost 200K followers) and declining U.S. users (104 million, down 5.3%), per The Global Statistics.
Key Drivers of Follower Counts
- Influence: Musk and Trump shape news cycles, per Indian Express.
- Content Mix: Ronaldo and Rihanna blend personal and promotional posts.
- Cultural Impact: Swift’s fanbase and Perry’s milestone amplify reach.
- Platform Dynamics: X’s 586 million users in 2025, per The Global Statistics, favor established stars.
- Engagement: Obama’s 80% engagement rate sets a benchmark, per Epidemic Sound.
Tips for Social Media Enthusiasts
- Follow Strategically: Track @elonmusk for tech trends or @taylorswift13 for music news.
- Engage Actively: Join #CR7 or #Swiftie discussions on X for community insights.
- Verify Posts: Cross-check Trump’s claims with sources like Reuters.
- Explore Bios: Visit Rihanna’s Fenty site or Modi’s PMO page for deeper context.
- Monitor Trends: Use X’s trending tab to catch real-time posts from these accounts.
Conclusion
In 2025, X’s top 10 most followed accounts—Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Cristiano Ronaldo, and others—reflect the platform’s role as a cultural and political powerhouse. With 81.8–190.1 million followers, they shape global discourse, per Forbes India. From Musk’s tech vision to Swift’s music empire, their diverse content captivates 586 million users. Fans can engage via X hashtags, verify information, and explore official sites to stay connected to these influential voices.
