Twitter is a social media platform that has a vast number of users, and many of them have a substantial following. The platform is popular among celebrities and politicians, and many of them have millions of followers. In the early days of Twitter, it was referred to as a microblogging site. However, it has now evolved into a platform where people can connect with authentic celebrities and express themselves. One way to identify a verified celebrity on Twitter is by the presence of a verified badge on their account.
We have compiled a list of the top 20 most followed Twitter accounts in 2023. The ranking is based on the number of followers each account has. These accounts are held by some of the most influential people on the platform, including celebrities, politicians, and influential figures from various industries. The ranking is a reflection of the reach and influence these individuals have on the platform, and it is a testament to the power of social media in connecting people worldwide.
List of most followed Twitter accounts (Updated Feb. 2023)
Here’s a list of the top 20 most followed Twitter accounts in the world:
1. Barack Obama | 133.3 Million Followers
As of February 2023, former President of the United States, Barack Obama holds the title of the most followed person on Twitter with an impressive 133.3 million followers, an increase of 200,000 followers since December 2022. His Twitter handle, @BarackObama, is a must-follow for those looking to stay informed and engaged with his ongoing political and social commentary.
Known for his eloquence and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, it’s no surprise that President Obama’s Twitter following has grown steadily since he first joined the platform in 2007. In fact, as of 2021, he had around 120 million followers, and by December 2022, it was 133.3 million followers. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow @BarackObama for a glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential leaders of our time.
The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama is the most followed Twitter person in 2023. Former president of the United States, Barack Obama has an outstanding 133.3 million followers on the platform as of today. His Twitter handle is @BarackObama. You can follow him by clicking @BarackObama.
2. Elon Musk | 127.7 Million Followers
Elon Musk holds the second spot on the list of most followed people on Twitter with an impressive 127.7 million followers as of February 2023, an increase of 4.8 million followers since December 2022. His Twitter handle, @elonmusk, is a must-follow for those looking to stay informed about his companies, such as Tesla and SpaceX, and his thoughts on technology and innovation.
Musk has been in the news frequently in recent years, thanks to his business acumen and ambitious projects. His takeover of Twitter in late 2022, and the subsequent increase in the platform’s popularity, has also contributed to the growth in his follower count. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow @elonmusk for a glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential figures in technology today.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Musk recently took over Twitter and bought the social media platform for $44 Billion. Since then, the platform and the new owner have been in news quite often. Hence, the rise in social following because of his popularity. His username is @elonmusk on Twitter.
3. Justin Bieber | 113.5 Million Followers
The third on the list of the most followed people on Twitter is none other than the famous singer, Justin Bieber. As of February 2023, Justin Bieber has 113.5 million followers on Twitter. That’s a slight drop from our December 19th, 2023 update of 113.7 million. Elon Musk replaced Justin Bieber becoming the second most followed personality on Twitter.
Justin Bieber used to have 114.1 million followers on Twitter back on August 1, 2022, however, it seems most followers are lost after a crackdown on Twitter’s bot accounts by Elon Musk. Justin also faced a slight drop in his followers by 200K as he recently sold rights to his music in a $200m deal.
You can follow Justin Bieber’s Twitter handle @justinbieber.
4. Katy Perry | 108.7 Million Followers
Famous singer, Katy Perry who used to have the world’s most-followed Twitter account is now fourth on the list of top Twitter accounts. In early 2022, she had 108.9 million followers, making her the third most followed Twitter account, however, from 108.8 million in November 2022 to 108.7 million in December 2022, Perrry as of today has a following of 108.7 million on Twitter. Her Twitter handle is @katyperry.
5. Rihanna | 107.8 Million Followers
Rihanna is enjoying 107.8 million followers on Twitter as of today, February 2023, making her the fifth largest Twitter account. Previously, the singer had 107.4 million followers in December 2022, and in August 2022, her follower count was 106.9 million. She’s from Barbados 🇧🇧. You can follow her on Twitter @rihanna.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo | 107.4 Million Followers
Cristiano Ronaldo now has 107.4 million followers as of February 2023. Previously, he had 106.1 million followers back in December 2022, which is 1 million more than the previous count of 105.1 million.
Cristiano rules the hearts of people, especially after his recent multi-million dollar Arab football club deal. The 37-year-old, award-winning Portuguese footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo is sixth most followed Twitter personality. His followers rapidly increased after his Arab football deal, making him the most expensive footballer in history. You can find him on Twitter @Cristiano.
7. Taylor Swift | 92.3 Million Followers
Taylor Swift currently has 92.3 million followers and is the seventh on the list of accounts with most followers on Twitter. She previously had 92.1 million in December 2022.
Back in August 2022, the star singer had 90.7 million followers. However, her follower count isn’t increasing as compared to other highest followed Twitter accounts. Her username on Twitter is @taylorswift13. You can follow her for album releases and updates on her life.
8. Donald Trump | 87.6 Million Followers
On number eight, we have billionaire, business tycoon, showman, actor (he appeared in Home Alone), and former President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
Currently, Trump Twitter follower count is 87.6 million as of Feb 2023, a slight drop from 87.8 million count back in December 2022.
Donald J. Trump’s account was banned back in 2021 and was reinstated by new owner of Twitter, Elon Musk after facing 2 years ban.
The previous Twitter administration banned Trump for tweets against their policies. However, the decision seemed more political than just an administrative one. After taking over Twitter, Elon Musk, the new Chief Twitt, had a poll on his Twitter profile, where, millions of people voted in favor of Trump, resulting in reinstating Trump’s Twitter account.
Trump, however, has declined Elon Musk’s offer to come back to Twitter and prefers his own Truth Social platform. You can still follow him @realDonaldTrump.
9. Narendra Modi | 86.2 Million
Another controversial political leader is sitting at number ninth on the list of highest followers on Twitter with 86.1 million followers as of Feb. 2023. Currently, there are only three politicians among top 20 popular Twitter accounts and he is Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India.
Modi has faced several controversies the most recent one is a documentary made by BBC UK on his role in 2002 riots in Gujrat, India. The Indian Govt. has reacted back and has thus banned BBC UK in India as a response. Followers history:
- August 2022: 81.2 million
- November 2022: 84.5 million
- December 2022: 85.1 million
- January 2023: 86.1 million
- February 2023: 86.1 million
You can find him on Twitter @narendramodi.
Ariana Grande | 85.2 million [Deleted Dec. 2021]
We’d like to mention another famous singer, Ariana Grande here, who deleted her Twitter account in December 2021 and had 85.2 million followers, making her number tenth on the list of top Twitter followers. Since the account doesn’t exist anymore, we can’t add her in rankings, and hence just a mention.
10. Lady Gaga | 84.9 Million Followers
Our Twitter followers ranking isn’t complete without Lady Gaga, sitting at number tenth with 84.9 million followers as of February 2023.
- November 2022: 85.1 million
- December 2022: 85.1 million
- January 2023: 85.1 million
- February 2023: 84.9 million
In December 2022, we moved her down to tenth position after no follower count change and promoted Narendra Modi to ninth on this criteria. However, her follower count dropped to 84.9 million as of Feb. 2023. You can follow, Lady Gaga on Twitter @ladygaga.
11. YouTube | 78.5 Million Followers
The largest video content platform, YouTube’s, one of the top Twitter brand, is also on Twitter. YouTube is at eleventh on the list of top Twitter followers. The follower count has increased half a million since December 2022’s 78 million. Currently, YouTube has 78.5 million followers on Twitter as of Feb. 2023.
- November 2022: 77.7 million
- December 2022: 78 million
- January 2023: 78.2 million
- February 2023: 78.5 million
You can follow them @YouTube.
12. Ellen DeGeneres | 76.7 Million
Ellen DeGeneres, the host of the popular ‘The Ellen Show,’ remains on the list of the top followed Twitter accounts. However, her number of followers declined since April 2022. She had 77.4 million followers on Twitter in August 2022, and 77 million in November 2022.
- August 2022: 77.4 million
- November 2022: 77 million
- December 2022: 76.9 million
- January 2023: 76.9 million
- February 2023: 76.7 million
Her account has seen a significant drop in followers and is currently on twelfth with 76.7 million followers on Twitter as of Feb. 2023.
The account has also changed its username from @TheEllenShow to @EllenDeGeneres on January 1st, 2023. Here’s what she tweeted:
You can find her @EllenDeGeneres.
13. Kim Kardashian | 74.9 Million Followers
Update: Kim Kardashian has 74.9 million as of Feb 2023 (were 74.4 million followers on December 19th, 2022).
Almost everyone is aware of the famous TV celebs, the Kardashian family. If you don’t, she’s Kim Kardashian, former wife (divorced in 2022) of singer, Kanye West, who recently got his Twitter account back after Elon Musk’s takeover. Kim Kardashian is at number 13 on the most followed Twitter accounts in 2023 list with 74.2 million followers on Twitter. The TV personality runs brands and takes millions in advertisements on her social media. You can find her @KimKardashian on Twitter.
14. NASA | 70.3 Million Followers
Update: NASA has 70.3 million as of Feb. 2023 (previously 68.5 million followers on December 19th, 2022).
NASA isn’t a name that needs any introduction. They’re in children’s books. The organization responsible for the moon landing to sending James Webb Telescope into Space stands at the 14th spot on the most followed Twitter accounts list. With 66.9 million followers (November 2022) on Twitter, they share news, exciting pictures, and Space related information. You can find them @NASA on Twitter.
15. Selena Gomez | 66.5 Million Followers
Update Feb. 2023: 66.5 million followers now.
Update December 2022: 66.4 million followers (No change in no of followers this month).
Once known as the girlfriend of Justin Bieber, the famous singer, Selena Gomez, takes the 15th spot with a follower count of 66.4 million followers on Twitter (November 2022). You can find her @selenagomez on Twitter.
16. Twitter | 65.3 Million Followers
Update Feb. 2023: 65.3 million followers now.
Update December 2022: Twitter sees a drop in followers with 64.9 million as of December 19th, 2022.
Twitter, the brand, the most exciting social media platform, is at number 16 with a follower count of 65.3 million followers on Twitter (November 2022) and counting. Their tweets are witty, fun, and meme material. You can find them @Twitter on Twitter. Go follow them.
17. CNN Breaking News | 64.1 Million Followers
Update: Feb. 2023: 64.1 million followers now (no change yet).
Update December 2022: CNN Breaking News had 64.1 million followers as of December 19th, 2022.
CNN Breaking News Twitter account has got a following of 64 million followers on Twitter (November 2022). Sitting at the 17th spot, the brand account belongs to @CNN, the parent news organization, which is also one of the most followed Twitter. You can find them @cnnbrk on Twitter.
18. Justin Timberlake | 62.6 Million Followers
Update Feb. 2023: Justin Timberlake has 62.6 million followers now.
Update Dec. 2023: Justin Timberlake had 62.7 million followers as of December 19th, 2022.
Another singer takes the 18th spot on the list of most followed Twitter accounts 2023. Justin Timberlake, a Canadian musician, is also one of the most followed Twitter people. He’s loved across borders, with 62.8 million followers on Twitter (November 2022). You can find him @jtimberlake on Twitter.
19. Bill Gates | 61.8 Million Followers
Update Feb. 2023: Bill Gates’s current follower count is 61.8 million followers now.
Update Dec. 2022: Bill Gates’s follower count was 61.4 million on December 19th, 2022.
Business magnate, billionaire, philanthropist, and computer programmer, everyone knows him by his name, Bill Gates. Co-founder of Microsoft and creator of Windows, Bill Gates had 61.1 million followers on Twitter (November 2022). Bill Gates shares his philanthropic work with the world along with his future vision and his takes on global health issues on his Twitter account. You can find him @BillGates.
20. CNN | 61 Million Followers
Update Feb. 2023: CNN holds 61 million followers on Twitter.
Update Dec. 2022: As of December 19th, 2022, CNN holds 60.8 million followers on Twitter.
The American news channel, CNN is sitting in the 20th position with 60.5 million followers on Twitter (as of November 2022). The channel covers the latest news from American politics to international politics and other aspects. This is the second account, in the top 20 most followed Twitter accounts that belong to CNN. You can find them @CNN.
These were the top 20 most followed Twitter accounts in history till today, 2023. We’ll keep this list posted with the latest rankings. If there’s an account that’s worth mentioning, do share it with us in the comments below. If you’re an avid Twitter user, and interested in more pieces like this one, you can find me @abdugeek on Twitter.
We’ve answered some popular Twitter F.A.Qs about the most followed accounts:
Who is the No 1 on Twitter in the world?
Former U.S. President Barack Obama (@BarackObama) is the most-followed person on Twitter with over 133.5 million followers.
Who has the largest Twitter following in 2022?
Former President of the U.S., Barack Obama, has the largest Twitter following in 2022.
Who has the highest follower on Twitter?
Former President of the United States, Barack Obama has the highest number of followers on Twitter.
Who has 100m followers on Twitter?
Only 6 Twitter accounts have 100m followers or more on Twitter.
1. Barack Obama
2. Elon Musk
3. Justin Bieber
4. Katy Perry
5. Rihanna
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
What is the biggest tweet of all time?
There’s no official list for this, however, American actor, Chadwick Boseman’s account’s tweet, announcing his death from cancer, is said to be the most-liked or biggest tweet with over 7 million likes as of November 2022.
Who has the most liked Tweet?
Late American actor, Chadwick Boseman’s death announcement tweet has the most likes, with over 7 million likes as of November 2022.
Who was the first person to get 1 million Twitter followers?
U.S. actor, Ashton Kutcher, in April 2009, became the first person to ever cross a million followers on Twitter.
How many followers Elon Musk has on Twitter?
Elon Musk currently has 127.3 million followers on Twitter (and growing rapidly).
Who has the most followers on Twitter?
It’s Barack Obama, with 133.5 million followers on Twitter.
Who’s the most followed person on Twitter?
Barack Obama is currently the most followed person on Twitter, with a follower count of 133.5 million.
List of 20 most followed Twitter accounts in 2023
| Rank | Twitter Account | Account Owner | Follower Count (M) | Industry (Occupation) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | @BarackObama | Barack Obama | 133.3 M | 44th President of the United States | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 2 | @elonmusk | Elon Musk | 127.7 M | Business magnate, Owner of Twitter | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 3 | @justinbieber | Justin Bieber | 113.5 M | Musician | 🇨🇦 Canada |
| 4 | @katyperry | Katy Perry | 108.7 M | Musician | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 5 | @rihanna | Rihanna | 107.8 M | Musician | 🇧🇧 Barbados |
| 6 | @Cristiano | Cristiano Ronaldo | 107.4 M | Football player | 🇵🇹 Portugal |
| 7 | @taylorswift13 | Taylor Swift | 92.3 M | Musician | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 8 | @realDonaldTrump | Donald Trump | 87.6 M | 45th President of the United States | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 9 | @narendramodi | Narendra Modi | 86.2 M | Prime Minister of India | 🇮🇳 India |
| 10 | @ladygaga | Lady Gaga | 84.9 M | Musician/ actress | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 11 | @YouTube | YouTube | 78.5 M | Online video-sharing platform | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 12 | @EllenDeGeneres | Ellen DeGeneres | 76.7 M | Comedian and television host | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 13 | @KimKardashian | Kim Kardashian | 74.9 M | Television personality | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 14 | @NASA | NASA | 70.3 M | Space agency | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 15 | @selenagomez | Selena Gomez | 66.5 M | Musician and actress | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 16 | 65.3 M | Social media platform | 🇺🇸 United States | ||
| 17 | @cnnbrk | CNN Breaking News | 64.1 M | News channel | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 18 | @jtimberlake | Justin Timberlake | 62.6 M | Musician and actor | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 19 | @BillGates | Bill Gates | 61.8 M | Businessman and philanthropist | 🇺🇸 United States |
| 20 | @CNN | CNN | 61 M | News channel | 🇺🇸 United States |
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Update Feb. 2023: The list has been updated on February 3rd, 2023.
