If Instagram were a high school yearbook, Selena Gomezโs superlative would be most popular. Obviously, Taylor Swiftโs would be most likely to write a No. 1 song about you if you cross her.
Despite taking an extended break from social media this year, the โRevivalโ singer is sitting comfortably on top of the Instagram heap with more followers โ 103 million to be exact โ than any other celebrity in the game. She is also responsible for seven out of the 10 most popular celebrity videos in 2016, according to the BBC.
Other famous types topping the list are Swift, Ariana Grande, Beyoncรฉ and Kim Kardashian, while soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is the most popular Instagrammer among celebrity men.
Gomezโs social media domination is especially impressive considering the pop star retreated from the spotlight in late August during a particular stressful time in her career. In October, she reportedly checked into a rehab facility to deal with mental health issues stemming from her recent lupus diagnosis.
During this time, Gomez didnโt even use her phone, an experience she describes as โthe most refreshing, calming, rejuvenating feeling.โ
โI recently took 90 days off. During that time I did not have my cellphone,โ she told Thrive Global in a recent interview. โNow I rarely pick up my phone, and only limited people have access to me.โ
Gomez returned to the photo-sharing app last week with a touching tribute to her fans whoโve supported her through the โhardest yet most rewardingโ year.
โIโve finally fought the fight of not โbeing enough.โ I have only wanted to reflect the love you guys have given me for years and show how important it is to take care of YOU,โ she captioned a black-and-white photo of Gomez with her fans. โBy grace through faith. Kindness always wins. I love you guys. God bless.โ
Bow down everybody ....