- Many of Instagram's most-followed celebrities got their start on reality TV.
- While the Kardashian clan reigns supreme in Instagram follower count, stars of "Jersey Shore," Laguna Beach," "Queer Eye," "Love Island," "RuPaul's Drag Race," and "The Bachelor" have established themselves as mega influencers.
- Mega influencers, the elite personalities who boast over one million followers on social media, often make a minimum of $10,000 per sponsored post.
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While many of Instagram's most-followed accounts belong to Hollywood fixtures — singers, actors, designers, and professional athletes — some of the most influential social media presences are those of reality TV stars. While cast members of "The Hills," "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," and "Jersey Shore" paved the way for reality stars' transitions to becoming social media personalities, shows like "The Bachelor" and "RuPaul's Drag Race" are now providing the newest crop of influencers.
Over the last two decades, reality TV has emerged as a platform to launch lucrative social media careers. Here are 40 mega influencers — social media personalities who boast over one million followers — who got their starts on reality TV.
Kylie Jenner: 166 million followers
A decade before she emerged as a makeup mogul and one of Instagram's top ten influencers, Kylie Jenner was known as the tiniest cast member on "Keeping Up With The Kardashians."
The youngest of the Kardashian clan was just ten years old when she first appeared on the reality show during its premiere season in 2007. She went on to appear in episodes of "Kourtney and Khloe take Miami" and "Kourtney and Khloe Take The Hamptons."
In 2017, Jenner starred in an 8-part reality series called "Life of Kylie" that documented her burgeoning cosmetics business and adventures with her former best friend, Jordyn Woods.
While her Instagram photos primarily feature new products from Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin (and several viral posts of her 2-year-old daughter, Stormi) Jenner has previously shared sponsored posts for SugarBear Hair, FitTea, and Adidas.
In 2019, Hopper HQ — the company behind an automatic scheduling tool for Instagram – issued a report estimating that Jenner makes $1.2 million per sponsored post.
Kim Kardashian West: 162 million followers
Kim Kardashian West, who is widely considered to be one of the original social media influencers, first rose to prominence after starring in "Keeping Up With The Kardashians."
After skyrocketing to stardom within one season of the show's run, she competed on season seven of "Dancing with the Stars," placing 11th with partner Mark Ballas. Kardashian went on to star in KUWTK spinoff shows "Kourtney and Kim Take Miami" and "Kourtney and Kim Take New York." She also appeared in episodes of "Khloe & Lamar," "Kourtney and Khloe Take The Hamptons," and "I am Cait."
In the twelve and half years since her reality TV debut, Kardashian has built an empire, launching several successful brands and emerging as one of the most-followed people on social media. Her Instagram, which averages 2 million likes per post, features photos of her four children, poolside photoshoots, and Kardashian family throwbacks.
In the past, she has shared sponsored posts for Function of Beauty, Sugar Bear Hair, Flat Tummy Co, and Olay, among other brands.
In a 2019 lawsuit against fast-fashion brand Missguided, Kardashian revealed that she typically makes $300,000 to $500,000 per Instagram post.
Kendall Jenner: 124 million followers
Kendall Jenner, like her younger sister, grew up on reality TV. Before her days as a runway model and the face of several Calvin Klein campaigns, Jenner was known as the second-youngest cast member of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians."
Jenner, who was just 12 years old when the show began airing in 2007, also appeared in episodes of "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami," "Kourtney and Kim Take New York," "Khloe & Lamar," and "I am Cait."
In 2009, she launched her career as a model, signing with Wilhemina Models. She later signed with Society Management and went on to walk in shows for Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Balmain, and Dolce & Gabbana, among others.
When Jenner isn't posting her tropical vacations on Instagram, she's sharing sponsored posts for Calvin Klein, Formawell Beauty, and Proactiv.
A 2019 list of influencer wealth compiled by Buzz Bingo estimated that the model earns $611,000 per paid Instagram post.
Khloe Kardashian: 106 million followers
Khloe Kardashian, who was 23 years old when she made her reality TV debut in 2007, made a name for herself as the honest, irreverent sister on "Keeping Up With The Kardashians." Her whirlwind romance and subsequent marriage to Lamar Odom in 2009 scored her the series' first televised wedding.
Kardashian went on to star in the spinoff shows "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami," "Khloe & Lamar," and "Khloe and Kourtney Take the Hamptons." She also hosted "Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian," a reality show in which contestants underwent fitness makeovers. In 2016, she launched her denim line Good American.
Kardashian, like her sisters, has also become one of the most-followed people on Instagram. Her account features photos of her daughter True and several promotional posts for "Good American." While she doesn't frequently post sponsored content, she has shared posts for Febreze, Amazon, and Flat Tummy Co in the past.
Kourtney Kardashian: 88.1 million followers
Long before she was famous for Instagram content, interior design prowess, and providing her sister with much-needed perspective, Kourtney Kardashian was a newcomer to reality TV. In 2005, the eldest Kardashian sister appeared the E! show "Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive," in which privileged children of celebrities were put to work on a cattle ranch.
She later rose to prominence after starring in "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," as well as several spinoff shows: "Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami," "Kourtney and Kim Take New York," "Kourtney and Kim Take Miami," and "Kourtney and Khloe Take The Hamptons," among others.
Since her reality TV debut in 2007, Kardashian has written a book with her sisters, released a clothing line, and launched a lifestyle website called Poosh.
Naturally, she has become one of the most-followed people on Instagram (although notably tailing her sisters in followers). While she primarily shares photos of her children and teases content from her website, she has posted sponsored content for Calvin Klein, Vital Proteins, and Fashion Nova.
Kris Jenner: 32.6 million followers
Kris Jenner had been a fixture in Hollywood social circles for decades before making her reality TV debut on "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" in 2007. However, her "momager" antics and compelling TV presence propelled the entire family to stardom.
Since her first appearance on the show, Jenner has written an autobiography, hosted a daytime talk show, published a cookbook, and continued to manage the careers of her children.
Like her daughters, she has cultivated an immense Instagram following. When she's not promoting her children's' business ventures, Jenner is posting photos of her grandchildren and clips from upcoming "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" episodes.
Snooki: 13.2 million followers
Nicole Polizzi, who is known by her adoring public as "Snooki," skyrocketed to stardom after appearing on MTV's "Jersey Shore" from 2009 to 2012. After winning over audiences with her bizarre charm and boundless energy in the show's first season, she was often described as the series' breakout cast member.
After the show's conclusion in 2012, Polizzi and her "Jersey Shore" costar Jenni Farley, known to her fans as JWOWW, appeared in a spinoff show called "Snooki & Jwoww" for four seasons.
In 2013, Polizzi competed on season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars," placing 8th with partner Sasha Farber. She went on to star in the 2016 FYI show "Nicole & Jionni's Shore Flip" with husband Jionni LaValle and appeared in the eighth season of "The New Celebrity Apprentice."
Along with her original "Jersey Shore" costars, Polizzi returned to MTV for the sequel series "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" in 2018.
In addition to her many reality TV appearances, Polizzi has written five books, launched an apparel line, and hosted the "Naturally Nicole" podcast.
Polizzi has also become the most-followed "Jersey Shore" cast member on Instagram. She frequently uses her account to share photos of her three children and to promote products from her clothing line.
JWOWW: 7.4 million followers
Jenni Farley rose to prominence as "JWOWW," the feisty Seaside Heights housemate on MTV's "Jersey Shore." After the series' conclusion in 2012, Farley starred in the "Jersey Shore" spinoff show "Snooki & Jwoww" with fellow cast member Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi.
In 2014, Farley appeared on season three of WE TV's "Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars" with then-boyfriend Roger Matthews. The following year, she competed on season seven of Food Network's "Worst Cooks in America," ultimately winning the competition.
Farley went on to star in a YouTube documentary series called "Jenni & Roger: Domesticated" with Matthews, her then-husband, and their two children.
In 2018, she returned to MTV with her original castmates for the "Jersey Shore" spinoff series "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation."
In the 11 years since first appearing on reality TV, Farley has developed large Instagram following. She frequently posts photos of her castmates and her family — as well as sponsored content for 310 Nutrition, FabFitFun, and Fashion Nova.
Lauren Conrad: 6.1 million followers
Lauren Conrad made her reality TV debut as a high school senior when she starred in MTV's "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County" in 2004. The show, which became an overnight success, ran for three seasons, and Conrad went on to star in the wildly popular "Laguna Beach" spinoff "The Hills." Conrad left "The Hills" after five seasons and was replaced by her high school nemesis Kristin Cavallari, much to the audience's disappointment.
Since first appearing on MTV, she's launched clothing lines, appeared on magazine covers, written three novels, and opened an online store called The Little Market.
As one of the first reality stars to leverage her widespread recognition into a career beyond the cameras, Conrad has emerged as a prominent social media influencer. Her immaculately curated Instagram — which features photos of her two sons, products from The Little Market, and many of her signature hairstyles — draws in hundreds of thousands of likes per post.
Chelsea Houska DeBoer: 5.7 million followers
Chelsea DeBoer (née Houska) appeared on season two of MTV's hit show "16 and Pregnant" which chronicled the final trimester of her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter Aubree in 2010. The new mom went on to star in "Teen Mom 2" for nine seasons. The show chronicled her journey to obtain her GED, a bitter custody battle with Aubree's father, her marriage to Cole DeBoer, and the birth of her second and third children.
Like many of her MTV costars, DeBoer has developed a large social media following (although she leads her "Teen Mom" contemporaries in Instagram followers). She frequently posts photos of her children and husband — as well as sponsored content for Profile By Sanford and DIFF Eyewear.
Porsha Williams: 5.3 million followers
While Porsha Williams made her reality TV debut on We TV's "Platinum Weddings," she rose to prominence in 2013 after appearing on season five of Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta."
Since first appearing on the show, she's released a debut single, competed on "The New Celebrity Apprentice," co-hosted Fox's "Dish Nation, and launched a line of hair extensions.
Williams has also cultivated a massive Instagram following. She primarily uses her account to share photos of her daughter, promote her new line of bed linens, and tease upcoming episodes of "Dish Nation."
Jonathan Van Ness: 4.9 million followers
Jonathan Van Ness gained some recognition for his work on Funny or Die's web series "Gay of Thrones," the hairdresser rose to prominence after starring on Netflix's 2018 "Queer Eye" reboot, serving as the show's grooming expert.
Since appearing on the Netflix show, Van Ness has published a memoir, continued to host the "Getting Curious" podcast, and made a cameo in Taylor Swift's "You Need To Calm Down" music video with his "Queer Eye" costars.
Van Ness has also developed a massive Instagram following — the largest of any "Queer Eye" expert. He uses his platform following to voice his political views (he endorsed Elizabeth Warren before she dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination) promote his podcast, and post sponsored content from BIOSSANCE, Pop-Tarts, and thredUP.
Antoni Porowski: 4.3 million followers
While Antoni Porowski scored small roles in movies and scripted TV shows before starring in Netflix's "Queer Eye" reboot, he didn't rise to prominence until he served as the series' food and wine expert.
Since the reboot premiered in 2018, Porowski has published a cookbook, won an Emmy award, opened a restaurant, and made a cameo in Taylor Swift's "You Need To Calm Down" music video with his "Queer Eye" costars.
He's also racked up millions of Instagram followers, posting sponsored content for Hanes, Country Crock, Whole Foods, and Excedrin, among other brands.
Maci Bookout McKinney: 4.2 million followers
Maci Bookout McKinney first received public attention after appearing on season one of MTV's "16 and Pregnant" in 2009. The show, which chronicled the final trimester of her pregnancy and the birth of her son Bentley — as well as her deteriorating relationship with then-boyfriend Ryan Edwards — became an instant success.
McKinney starred in the show's spinoff series "Teen Mom" for four seasons and returned to MTV for the re-branded "Teen Mom OG."
Since captivating audiences with her story of young motherhood, her subsequent pregnancies and marriage, and her journey to co-parent with Edwards, McKinney has developed a massive social media following.
On Instagram, she shares photos of her famous family, content from her fellow "Teen Mom" cast members, and the occasional sponsored FabFitFun post.
DJ Pauly D: 4.1 million followers
Paul DelVecchio Jr., known as DJ Pauly D to a generation of MTV watchers, achieved celebrity status after starring on "Jersey Shore" from 2009 to 2012. The DJ from Providence, Rhode Island was the first of the Seaside Heights roommates to score a spinoff show, starring in "The Pauly D Project" in 2012. The show followed DelVecchio as he embarked on a national tour and pursued a career in music.
While DelVecchio's music career took off, he continued to pursue a career in reality TV, appearing on "Famously Single" and "Marriage Bootcamp: Reality Stars 11" with Aubrey O'Day.
In 2018, DelVecchio returned to MTV with his "Jersey Shore" castmates for the sequel series "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation."
The following year, he starred in the MTV reality dating series "A Double Shot at Love" with his "Jersey Shore" costar Vinny Guandagnino.
DelVecchio also has a devoted following on Instagram, where he promotes his upcoming gigs, teases upcoming "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" episodes, and advertises his tour merch.
Kristin Cavallari: 3.9 million followers
Kristin Cavallari began her career as a public figure by appearing on MTV's "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County." She starred in the show for two seasons and eventually joined the cast of the "Laguna" spinoff "The Hills" for seasons five and six.
Cavallari did not speak fondly of her early days in entertainment, arguing in several interviews that people under the age of 18 should not be permitted to appear on reality TV.
The Orange County native went on to guest star in scripted shows like "Veronica Mars," "CSI: NY," and "The League." She also appeared on season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars," placing 10th with partner Mark Ballas.
In 2018, "Very Cavallari," a reality show featuring Cavallari and her employees as they launched the flagship store of her lifestyle brand Uncommon James, premiered on E!. The show was renewed for second and third seasons.
In addition to developing a robust social media following for her new company, Cavallari has cultivated a massive personal Instagram following. She frequently promotes her jewelry and home goods lines, shares vacation photos, and posts about the farm animals living on her property in Nashville, Tennessee.
Molly-Mae Hague: 3.8 million followers
Molly-Mae Hague, was crowned runner up of ITV2's "Love Island UK" after 53 days in the villa coupled up with partner Tommy Fury.
The pair stayed together after the show wrapped, and Hague has gone on to devote her time to social media influencing. Her YouTube channel, which boasts 690,000 subscribers features daily vlogs, makeup tutorials, and shopping haul try-on videos.
Her largest social media following, however, in on Instagram, where Hague frequently posts sponsored content for PrettyLittleThing and Glossybox UK.
Tan France: 3.6 million followers
Tanveer Wasim France had established himself in the fashion world long before appearing on Netflix's "Queer Eye" in 2018, but the designer rose to prominence after serving as the show's fashion expert.
Since appearing on the show, France has published a memoir, performed on "Lip Sync Battle," guest-starred on Netflix's "Big Mouth," appeared in Taylor Swift's "You Need To Calm Down" video with his "Queer Eye" costars, and hosted Netflix's new show "Next In Fashion."
France also maintains a strong social media presence, boasting 3.6 million followers on Instagram. He frequently shares photos of his "Queer Eye" costars and occasionally posts sponsored content for Express and EyeBuyDirect.
Vinny Guandagnino: 3.5 million followers
Vinny Guadagnino made a name for himself in entertainment after starring on MTV's "Jersey Shore" from 2009 to 2012.
After making his reality TV debut, Guadagnino went on to host a talk show called "The Show with Vinny," appear in the scripted comedy series "The Hard Times of RJ Burger," and publish a cookbook.
In 2016, he starred in The Cooking Channel's "Vinny & Ma Eat America," a reality show in which the mother-son duo travel across the country to experience cuisine other than their traditional Italian fare.
Guadagnino returned to MTV in 2018 for "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" with his original castmates. The following year, he appeared alongside Paul DelVecchio Jr. – better known as DJ Pauly D – in the reality dating show "A Double Shot at Love." He also completed a month-long residency as a "Chippendales" guest host at the Rio Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas.
In the 11 years since his meteoric rise to fame, Guadagnino has developed a loyal fan following, as evidenced by his 3.5 million Instagram followers. He often shares "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation" teasers and sponsored content for Chipotle.
Nene Leaks: 3.4 million followers
While Linnethia Monique — known as "Nene" — Leakes had launched a promising acting career before making her reality TV debut, she rose to prominence after appearing on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" in 2008.
Since first appearing on the show, Leakes has landed roles in scripted series like "Glee" and "The New Normal." She has also appeared on "The Celebrity Apprentice 4" and season 18 of "Dancing with the Stars," placing seventh with partner Tony Dovolani.
Leakes has also cultivated one of the largest Instagram followings of any of her Bravo contemporaries. She frequently uses the platform to tease upcoming "Housewives" episodes, post photos with her castmates, and share updates on her family.
Brody Jenner: 3.2 million followers
Brody Jenner, while known to many as the former stepbrother to the Kardashians, made his Hollywood debut on reality shows unrelated to "Keeping Up With The Kardashians."
In 2005, Jenner starred in Fox's "The Princes of Malibu," along with his brother Brandon Jenner and friend Spencer Pratt. He went on to star in five seasons of MTV's "The Hills" and even scored his own spinoff show called "Bromance," in which Jenner sought out a new best friend.
In 2019, Jenner appeared in MTV's "Hills" reboot with original cast members Audrina Patridge, Whitney Port, Heidi Montag, and Spencer Pratt.
Since his rise to reality TV stardom, Jenner has become a DJ and accrued millions of followers on Instagram. His posts frequently feature his beloved dogs and promote his upcoming gigs.
Kim Zolciak-Biermann: 3.1 million followers
Kim Zolciak-Biermann made her reality TV debut on Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" in 2008. She went on to star in the series' first spinoff show called "Don't Be Tardy" with husband Kroy Biermann and her six children.
Since first appearing on the show, Zolciak-Biermann has released a single, appeared on "Dancing with the Stars" and launched a skincare line.
The reality star has also maintained a strong social media presence, boasting over 3 million followers on Instagram. She frequently shares photos of her family, promotes her daughters' business ventures, and posts sponsored content for FabFitFun.
Tommy Fury: 3.0 million followers
Tommy Fury, a professional boxer and the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, rose to international fame after appearing on season five of ITV2's "Love Island UK." He and Molly-Mae Hague, who had been coupled up since day five in the villa were crowned the season's runners up on day 58.
Since appearing on the show, the couple has remained together and cultivated massive social media followings. Fury's Instagram posts are primarily sponsored content (specifically, boohooMan) but include the occasional photo with Hague.
Amber Gill: 2.9 million followers
Amber Gill, a beauty therapist from Newcastle, was crowned the winner of ITV2's "Love Island UK" season five after 58 days in the villa. She and her fellow winner Greg O'Shea broke up weeks after the show wrapped — and Gill later referred to herself as the show's "first solo winner" in a TikTok video.
Since filming the show, Gill has become one of the show's most-followed contestants on Instagram, and she posts sponsored content for British Airways, Samsung, and SportFX Cosmetics.
Karamo Brown: 2.7 million followers
Karamo Brown made his reality TV debut in 2004 on MTV's "The Real World: Philadelphia" before becoming the culture expert on Netflix's "Queer Eye" in 2018.
Since starring in "Queer Eye," Brown has gone on to publish a memoir and a children's book, compete on season 28 of "Dancing with the Stars," launch a skincare line, and appear with his fellow "Queer Eye" experts in Taylor Swift's "You Need To Calm Down" music video.
He has also cultivated a large audience on social media. Brown's Instagram, which boasts 2.7 million followers, is largely comprised of memes, photos with his "Queer Eye" costars, and clips from his "Dancing with the Stars" performances.
Hannah Brown: 2.7 million followers
While Hannah Brown did not win Colton Underwood's final rose on season 23 of "The Bachelor," she captivated the show's 8 million-person audience and eventually scored the role of Bachelorette.
After getting engaged to Jed Wyatt on the "Bachelorette" season finale — and then breaking off the engagement weeks later — Brown developed a fiercely loyal following.
At the insistence of ABC fans, she appeared on season 28 of "Dancing with the Stars," bringing home the mirrorball trophy with partner Alan Bersten.
Brown has surpassed her Bachelor Nation peers, becoming the most-followed "Bachelor" contestant on Instagram. When she's not sharing mirrorball photos or filming cryptic Instagram stories with her runner-up Tyler Cameron, shes posting sponsored content from Home Chef and Winc Wine Club.
Lisa Vanderpump: 2.4 million followers
Lisa Vanderpump made her Bravo debut in the network's 2010 premiere of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." An audience favorite, she starred on the show for nine seasons and was featured in the "Housewives" spinoff show "Vanderpump Rules."
Since first appearing on Bravo, she has competed on season 13 of "Dancing with the Stars," written a book, released a home goods line, launched a pet accessories line, and served as Editor-In-Chief of Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine.
Like her "Housewives" costars, Vanderpump has also developed a massive Instagram following. She frequently posts photos of her dogs, promos for "Vanderpump Rules," and the occasional sponsored content for FabFitFun.
Joelle "JoJo" Fletcher: 2.2 million followers
Joelle Fletcher, known to her ABC fans as JoJo, appeared on season 20 of "The Bachelor," ultimately getting rejected by Ben Higgins in the season finale — after Higgins infamously told his final two contestants that he loved them both.
The following spring, Fletcher starred in season 12 of "The Bachelorette," offering her final rose to Jordan Rodgers, a former football player and estranged brother of Green Bay Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Since leaving the show with her finacé, Fletcher has launched a clothing line, appeared in the Kin web series "Engaged with JoJo and Jordan," and co-hosted the CNBC show "Cash Pad."
When she's not sharing photos of her beloved dog Jackson or her upgraded engagement ring, she's posting sponsored content from brands like Secret Deodorant and Orbit Gum.
Tyler Cameron: 2.2 million followers
Tyler Cameron won the hearts of Bachelor Nation after getting rejected by Hannah Brown on the season 15 finale of "The Bachelorette."
Since leaving the show without the final rose in 2019, Cameron went on to become the most-followed "Bachelorette" contestant on Instagram, guest star on ABC's "Single Parents," and seemingly reunite with Brown. He also signed on to host "Barkitecture," a luxury doghouse building show streaming on Quibi.
Recently, Cameron has posted sponsored content for Smirnoff and Head and Shoulders.
Bianca Del Rio: 2.1 million followers
Bianca Del Rio, the drag personality of Roy Haylock, was crowned the winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race" season six, ultimately beating out Adore Delano and Courtney Act for the $100,000 prize in 2014.
Since appearing on "Drag Race," Del Rio has starred in an independent film, written several standup comedy shows, starred in a West End musical, and toured internationally. She's also become the most-followed "Drag Race" contestant on Instagram, boasting over 2 million followers.
Del Rio's account primarily features photos with fellow drag performers, occasional make-up free selfies, and photos of dogs.
Colton Underwood: 2 million followers
Colton Underwood, a retired football player and former boyfriend to Olympian gymnast Aly Raisman, made his reality TV debut on season 14 of "The Bachelorette." While Becca Kufrin sent him home without a rose after hometown dates, Underwood went on to participate in season five of "Bachelor in Paradise," stirring up constant relationship drama with fellow contestant Tia Booth.
After a failed stint on "Paradise," Underwood starred in season 23 of "The Bachelor." What began as a cookie-cutter season, however, took a turn for the dramatic when the 26-year-old jumped over a fence and fled production after his front-runner, Cassie Randolph, left the show. The two eventually reconciled in the season finale.
Since appearing on reality TV, Underwood has continued to promote his charity called Colton's Legacy, written a memoir, and become one of the "Bachelor" franchise's biggest Instagram stars.
When he's not posting about his charity work or Randolph, he's sharing sponsored content for brands like Smirnoff and Morningstar Farms.
Adore Delano: 2 million followers
Adore Delano, the drag persona of season seven "American Idol" contestant Daniel Noriega, appeared on season six of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2014. Delano made it to the final three before losing the title to Bianca Del Rio. She returned for season two of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars," but shocked viewers by deciding to leave the competition after receiving harsh criticism from the judges.
Since appearing on the show, Delano has released two albums and appeared on season four of MTV's "Ex On The Beach."
Delano has also accrued millions of social media followers since entering the public eye. Her Instagram features clips from "Ex On The Beach," promotional materials for her upcoming tour, and occasional photos of her daily makeup looks.
Kaitlyn Bristowe: 1.8 million followers
Kaitlyn Bristow appeared on the 19th season of "The Bachelor" in 2015, making it to the final three before Bachelor Chris Soules sent her home without his final rose. The following spring, Bristowe starred in the 11th season of "The Bachelorette," ultimately getting engaged to Shawn Booth in the season finale.
In the five years since appearing on the show, Bristowe has amassed 1.8 million Instagram followers, hosted a podcast, developed her own wine label, launched a scrunchie line, and starred in a music video with current boyfriend Jason Tartick.
As the former dance instructor's social media following continues to grow, she has scored partnerships with REVOLVE, McDonald's, Vital Proteins, BOTOX, and Furbo, among other brands.
Kim Chi: 1.8 million followers
Kim Chi, the drag persona of performer Sang-Young Sin, appeared on season eight of "RuPaul's Drag Race." She won the first challenge of the season and was ultimately crowned runner up to Bob the Drag Queen.
Since appearing on the show, Chi has released Kim Chi emojis, partnered with Sugarpill Cosmetics, toured internationally with VH1 and World of Wonder's "Werq The World" tour, and launched her own cosmetics brand.
Chi has also become one of the show's most-followed contestants on Instagram. She frequently uses the platform to show off her various looks and promote her brand, KimChi Chic Beauty, to her 1.8 million followers.
Trixie Mattel: 1.8 million followers
Trixie Mattel, the drag persona of Brian Michael Firkus, rose to prominence after placing sixth on "RuPaul's Drag Race" season seven. She eventually returned to the sequel series "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" in 2018, ultimately winning season three.
Since appearing on the show, Mattel has gone on to release two albums, star in a documentary, release a comedy special, and tour internationally. She has also launched several ventures with fellow "Drag Race" contestant Katya Zamolodchikova; the two have co-hosted a comedy web series called "UNHhhh," co-starred in Viceland's "The Trixie and Katya Show," and recently debuted their Netflix YouTube channel series "I Like to Watch." The two have also written a book to be released in 2020.
Mattel also boasts a massive Instagram following. She primarily uses her account to promote upcoming gigs, release tour merch, and tease her upcoming book with Zamolodchikova.
Katya Zamolodchikova: 1.8 million followers
After auditioning for the show four times, drag performer Katya Zamolodchikova (also known as Brian Joseph McCook) was chosen to appear on season seven of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2015. Her elimination proved controversial among "Drag Race" fans, who voted her Miss Congeniality in the season seven reunion episode. The following year, she appeared on season two of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars," placing second to Alaska.
Since appearing on the show, Zamolodchikova has co-hosted a web series called "UNHhhh" with "Drag Race" costar Trixie Mattel, starred in a Viceland show called "The Trixie and Katya Show," co-hosted the "Whimsically Volatile" podcast, and debuted a show on the Netflix YouTube Channel in which she and Mattel react to selected Netflix series.
Zamolodchikova has also cultivated a large following on Instagram, where she posts her iconic looks, flexes her dark humor, and promotes her newest ventures.
Cassie Randolph: 1.7 million followers
Cassie Randolph made waves in Bachelor Nation when season 23 bachelor Colton Underwood jumped over a fence and fled production after Randolph's decision to leave the show. The two later reconciled and have been dating since the "Bachelor" season finale in 2019.
Since appearing on the show, the speech-language pathology student has collaborated on a clothing line with Amuse Society and amassed more Instagram followers than the majority of "Bachelor" contestants.
When she's not posting about her foster kittens or romantic vacations with Underwood, Randolph is promoting her partnerships with brands like bioClarity and ICONIC London, and DKNY.
Violet Chachki: 1.7 million followers
Violet Chachki, also known as Paul Jason Dardo, rose to prominence after winning season seven of "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2015. Despite unsuccessfully auditioning for the show in season six, she wowed "Drag Race" judges with her design sense and ultimately took home the $100,000 prize.
Chachki's vintage glamour look gave rise to a number of opportunities after appearing on the show, from starring in a lingerie ad campaign to walking for Moschino in Milan fashion week. She also attended the Met Gala in 2019 wearing a glove-shaped Moschino dress in accordance with the "Camp" theme.
In addition to her fashion and music career, Chachki has developed a massive Instagram following. She frequently posts selfies of her latest looks and promotions for upcoming shows.
Alaska: 1.7 million followers
Alaska (whose real name is Justin Honard) is best known as the runner up on season five of "RuPaul's Drag Race." The drag performer, who previously auditioned for every season of the show before being cast, won two challenges before ultimately losing to Jinkx Monsoon.
After appearing on the show, Alaska continued to perform, became an American Apparel spokesmodel, released an album, placed sixth on VH1's "Scared Famous," and won season two of "Ru Paul's Drag Race All Stars."
She currently hosts the "Race Chaser" podcast with fellow "Drag Race" alum William Belli and will be appearing in the "socially distanced" Digital Dragfest 2020 in late March.
Alaska has also built a strong Instagram following. Her posts feature appearances at awards shows, promotions for upcoming gigs, and the occasional travel selfie.
Audrina Patridge: 1.7 million followers
Audrina Patridge rose to prominence after appearing on MTV's "The Hills" with Whitney Port, Lo Bosworth, and "Laguna Beach" alums Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag.
In 2010, four years after her reality TV debut, Patridge appeared on season 11 of "Dancing with the Stars," placing seventh with partner Tony Dovolani.
She went on to design a swimwear line, host NBC's travel show "1st Look," and star in "The Hills: New Beginnings," a 2019 reboot of the original MTV show.
14 years after her MTV debut, Patridge boasts a massive Instagram following. She frequently shares beach views, moments with her three-year-old daughter Kirra Max, and vacation photos with her 1.7 million followers.
Thanks to her robust social media following, she's scored brand partnerships with FabFitFun, JUVÉDERM, South Beach Diet.
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