If you search for the most popular names on Instagram, you will come across Hollywood stars like Dwayne Johnson and athletes like Christiano Ronaldo; however, a new crop of followers is fast gaining momentum now – reality TV stars.
Big names like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner are best known for being reality TV stars. However, they’re also making millions through Instagram and have paved the way for other reality TV stars including some who never found fame on television.
Let’s have a look at some of the most popular reality stars turned influencers:
50 Reality TV Stars Big on Social Media
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Now let’s get up close and personal with these reality TV stars turned social media influencers.
1. Amanda Stanton
Fans of the hit show The Bachelor might remember Amanda as a contestant on the 20th season of The Bachelor. However, she is best known for winning the third season of Bachelor in Paradise. She also appeared in the following season of the show but decided to quit in week 4.
She now produces YouTube videos that typically revolve around her two daughters, Charlie and Kinsley, and their life in California. The TV star is known for making sponsored posts and has worked with a bunch of top brands including ThredUp, Sperry, Herbal Essences, and Rocksbox.
2. Kylie Jenner
Kylie needs no introduction. At 23, she’s one of the most popular faces in the world with more than 191 million Instagram followers. She first gained fame at the age of 10 when she appeared on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, the show that has given birth to several TV stars and social media influencers.
However, unlike a lot of other stars on this show, Kylie isn’t only known for being popular on social media. She’s a bonafide star with a successful modeling career that involves working for major brands like Pepsi and Adidas.
She has also worked with some fast-growing brands like FitTea and SugarBear Hair; however, now she mostly posts about her own brands Kylie Skin and Kylie Cosmetics, and is rumored to charge close to a million per post.
3. Kim Kardashian
Love her or hate her, you can’t really ignore her.
The most popular Kardashian knows how to stay in the news. With over 185 million followers, Kim is one of the most popular names on Instagram. She charges about 1 million per post and seems to work with all kinds of brands including small companies.
Best remembered for being a part of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kim has also appeared on some other reality shows including Dancing with the Stars, which she failed to win.
4. Jade Roper
Roper might not be the most popular TV star turned influencer but she definitely deserves a spot here as she’s quite good at what she does.
She appeared on the 19th season of The Bachelor and found fame after marrying Bachelorette-alum Tanner Tolbert on Bachelor in Paradise. She’s one of the few Bachelor contestants to have married on the show and still be in a happy marriage.
Jade has worked with several brands including Lord&Taylor and Nutrisystem. She also co-hosts a podcast and posts pictures of her daughter on social media.
5. Teresa Giudice
The original Real Housewives of NJ star is now only a social media star but is also a best-selling author, competitive bodybuilder, and restaurateur. Some might also remember her from Donald Trump’s The Celebrity Apprentice 5.
She has more than 2 million Instagram followers who enjoy her posts on fitness, relationships, and lifestyle. She’s quite active on the platform and posts almost every other day.
Giudice typically works with fitness brands such as FlatTummy. Despite the huge reach, she’s said to be affordable and easy to work with.
6. Kendall Jenner
You can’t really make a reality show stars turned influencers list and not mention the elder Jenner sister.
She tasted fame at 12 when she appeared on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. It didn’t take her too long to carve her own niche and now she’s one of the most sought-after models.
Kendall got to work with Calvin Klein pretty early in her career and even got to star in her own KUWTK spin-off with her sister. She typically worked with big names like Chanel, Formawell Beauty, and Proactiv.
According to reports, Kendall makes over $600,000 per post.
7. Ashley Iaconetti
Ashley isn’t just a television personality and social media star, she’s also a journalist. The gorgeous girl attracted mainstream attention when she appeared on the 19th season of The Bachelor.
She was quite loved by the viewers, which is why she also appeared in seasons 2 and 3 of Bachelor in Paradise. She also appeared on the first season of The Bachelor Winter Games, which she won.
Working with her can be quite beneficial for brands as she contributes to big names like Cosmopolitan and is a correspondent for ClevverTV and Access Hollywood. She also co-hosts several podcasts and has worked with a bunch of big names like Head & Shoulders, MTV, and Olay.
8. Lauren Bushnell
One of the most popular stars of the hit TV show, The Bachelor, Bushnell won the 20th season of the hit show and also appeared on the show Ben & Lauren: Happily After? with her then-fiance.
She’s now a social media star and manages her own blow, Sparkle in Her Eye, and clothing line, Bellevue The Label.
You will find a bunch of sponsored posts on her social media handle that’s full of photos of her family.
9. Khloe Kardashian
Just like Kim, nobody truly knows why Khloe is famous but you can’t really deny her popularity as she has more than 120 million Instagram followers who are eager to know more about her life.
She was at one time the most popular Kardashian – when she got married on TV – and is best known for being honest. Khloe has appeared on several programs and hosted a not-so-popular show “Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian,” which revolved around fitness makeovers.
She doesn’t make as many sponsored posts as others in her family but has worked with brands like Good American, Amazon, and Flat TummyCo.
10. Becca Tilley
Another The Bachelor star turned Instagram influencer. Becca appeared on both seasons 19 and 20 of the hit show but couldn’t make it big on television. She now hosts her own podcast and posts interesting videos on YouTube and Instagram.
She works with all kinds of brands but most of her content is geared towards travel and lifestyle. Some of the names she has partnered with include Walmart and Jergens.
11. Natalie Anderson
Natalie is best known for winning the Survivor: San Juan del Sur. She appeared on the show with her twin sister, Nadiya Anderson, who was eliminated in the first week.
Still remembered for her Survivor journey, Natalie has several other accomplishments to her credit. She’s a CrossFit coach with a full-time office job. However, she’s also very active on social media and works with a variety of brands.
12. Sarah Lacina
It will be wrong to call Sarah a reality show star as she’s more than just a television personality. A professionally trained MMA fighter, Sarah is a police officer who enjoys posting on social media.
She doesn’t post a lot of sponsored content and you will find several references to Survivor on her page. Nonetheless, she mainly works with fitness brands and appears to be a big supporter of CopsRus.
13. Maddie Poppe
Fans of American Idol might remember Maddie as she won the 16th season of the hit reality show. Still trying to make a world in the world of singing, Maddie seems to be quite popular on social media and has more than 400,000 followers.
In addition to singing videos, you will find her making sponsored posts for brands like SmileDirect. The young starlet loves to travel and share travel-related posts.
14. Kourtney Kardashian
Another Kardashian on the list!
Kourtney owes her fame to Keeping Up With the Kardashian but that’s not all she has appeared on. The controversial star was also seen in spin-off shows and is now a published author and the owner of a clothing line and lifestyle website.
Unlike her sisters, she usually posts content from her own site. You will also find pictures of her family and kids on the platform but she does post sponsored content every now and then and has worked with brands like Vital Proteins, Fashion Nova, and Calvin Klein.
15. Snooki
With more than 13.6 million followers, Snooki is a powerful social media influencer who started her career as a reality TV contestant.
She charmed audiences with a stint on the hit show Jersey Shore before becoming a social media influencer and best-selling author.
Her boundless energy and charm helped her connect with her audiences and took her to international fame. Such was her popularity that the channel made her a lead member of a spin-off show called Snooki & Jwoww.
Snooki has appeared on several other reality shows including Dancing with the Stars and Nicole & Jionni’s Shore Flip”.
You will find her promoting a variety of products including health drinks and apparel.
16. Tan France
You can’t use one word to describe Tan France. The social media star has nearly 4 million Instagram followers who enjoy his posts on entertainment, fashion, politics, and more.
He’s a well-known fashion designer who has appeared on multiple reality and television shows including Queer Eye, Next in Fashion, and Dressing Funny.
Our Queer Eye star spent years in the fashion industry before appearing on TV. He has worked with some well-known brands like EyeBuyDirect and Express and is known for offering detailed posts.
17. Keith Carlos
Keith created history when he became the first man to win America’s Next Top Model. Today, he’s a world-known model and a powerful social media influencer with more than 1 million Instagram followers.
Keith’s social media profile is unique, he seems to be in love with videos and rarely posts photos. You’ll see him promote all kinds of companies including Honda and Calvin Kelin.
18. Audrina Patridge
Patridge started her career as a reality star and soon moved her attention to movies and bigger TV shows, however, she could never make it big.
With more than 1.4 million Insta followers, she’s a big name on social media and works with a number of brands.
Despite a lack of success in movies, she still often appears in small roles on television and in commercials.
19. Heidi Montag
Montag’s Instagram is pretty interesting. She started her career as a reality star on the TV show, The Hills but failed to make it big after several unsuccessful attempts.
Her Instagram bio reads: “Jesus lover. Wife. Gunner’s mom. Actress. Singer. Lover. Explorer. Entrepreneur. Chef. And lover of life! 💕SNAPCHAT: HeidiMontag”
The former reality star often collaborates with makeup and beauty brands and is followed by close to a million people. Most of her posts are about her husband and son, which makes her a good option for brands looking to work with mothers.
20. Farrah Abraham
Abraham has appeared on a number of reality shows including Teen Mom, which brought her a lot of criticism due to her actions that followed after the show ended.
She has appeared on a number of television shows and movies and is also a published author. In addition to this, she likes to join hands with brands that wish to reach her 2 million followers.
Unlike other celebs, Abraham typically posts videos including sponsored and well-scripted content.
21. JWOWW
Jenni Farley, more popularly known as JWOWW, became popular as the feisty and cool Seaside Heights housemate on the hit show “Jersey Shore”.
She continued to appear on other reality shows after the series ended in 2012. She’s now a well-known social media personality and has appeared in a YouTube documentary called “Jenni & Roger: Domesticated” with her family.
She works with a variety of brands including Fashion Nova, 310 Nutrition, and FabFitFun. Despite a huge following of 7.5 million, she’s said to be quite affordable to work with.
22. Bobby Flay
The world does not recognize Flay as a reality star despite having worked with a number of brands and appearing on several cooking-related shows.
Best known for doing magic in the kitchen, Flay is a well-recognized chef who also works with brands that wish to reach his 1.5 million followers through Instagram.
His feed is full of food-related content including recipes, tips, and sponsored content.
23. Chelsea Houska DeBoer
Chelsea DeBoer is known for a lot of things including her memorable appearances on MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom 2”.
Her story is very well documented and she often appears on podcasts and shows talking about her custody battle and relationship issues.
You will find a variety of posts on her Instagram feed including pictures of her daughter and husband. She works with several brands including DIFF Eyewear and Profile by Stanford.
24. Porsha Williams
Williams is a star with more than 5 million followers who follow her every move and enjoy being highly engaged. The star debuted on “Platinum Weddings” and went on to star in Bravo’s popular show “Real Housewives of Atlanta”.
She’s been working on extending her reach and was in the news for launching a line of hair extensions. She uses social media to promote her products and family, but can also be seen posting branded content.
25. Alaska
Justin Honard, best known as Alaska, enjoys more than 1.7 million Instagram followers. Best known for being the runner-up on “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, Alaska is considered a community icon and one of the most popular faces on television.
She has several reality shows and an album to her credit. Her Instagram posts include a lot of selfies, some brand mentions, and travel photos.
26. Violet Chachki
Paul Jason Dardo, more popularly known as Violet, won the seventh season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2015 and went on to walk the ramp for some popular brands.
Her glamorous looks became quite popular and she got the chance to appear on a bunch of hit shows.
She uses social media to promote her TV shows and appearances but the star can also be seen working with fashion designers and fashion brands.
27. Eddie Jackson
Known for his good looks, fitness, and career as a chef, Jackson is a former football cornerback who has several books to his credit.
He caught fame after beating 11 of his fellow finalists on Food Network Star. You will see him work with several brands. Followed by more than 51,000 users, Jackson is quite active on Instagram and seems to enjoy staying in touch with his followers.
28. Duff Goldman
Duff Goldman is a television personality and celebrity chef who started his career with Food Network’s Ace of Cakes.
He’s pretty active on television and has appeared on a number of shows including Duff Till Dawn, Double Dare, and Dessert Games.
Known for being fun and friendly, Goldman appears to be doing well on Instagram with more than 590,000 followers.
29. June “Mama June” Shannon
Here’s a social media star who isn’t afraid of using her fame to help brands and make money online.
She caught the eye of the public when she starred in the controversial and dark show, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. Despite the nature of the show, Mama June caught the attention of viewers and later went on to star in her own reality TV show that covered her weight loss journey.
She works with a bunch of agencies and brands and enjoys sharing her life with her 275,000 followers on Instagram.
30. Jon Gosselin
Gosselin might not be the most popular reality star turned social media influencer but he deserves to be on the list due to his unique and tempting story. He became popular when he and his wife had sextuplets.
Their story caught the fancy of producers and the couple soon landed their own reality show. Things, however, fell apart when Jon got caught cheating on his wife, which resulted in an ugly legal battle.
He still attends events and uses social media to keep his followers updated about his life.
31. Golnesa ‘GG’ Gharachedaghi
The Shahs of Sunset Mama is a social media star with more than 800,000 followers on Instagram. She’s quite active on the platform and is best known for founding her own cannabis wellness brand, Wusah.
You will find several motivational and sponsored posts on her profile. She works with a variety of brands and is known for being easy to work with.
32. Caroline Manzo
Manzo’s Instagram bio very neatly defines who she is: a wife, a mother, a grandmother… and a social media influencer.
Best known for being a part of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Manzo went on to star in her own spin-off called Manzo’d with Children.
Her Instagram seems to be dedicated to her family; however, you will find several sponsored posts on her page.
33. Ty Pennington
Pennington is a popular reality show star turned social media influencer. However, unlike other stars on this list, Pennington isn’t known for being a contestant but a host. In addition to this, he’s also an author, carpenter, artist, actor, model, and philanthropist.
His profile is quite colorful and since he has followed various career paths, he seems to be a good fit for different brands.
34. Nene Leaks
Unlike most reality stars on this list, Leaks was already a well-known face when she appeared on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” in 2008.
Post her stint, she has appeared in some popular scripted series including The New Normal and Glee. In addition to this, she was also seen on “The Celebrity Apprentice 4″ and “Dancing with the Stars,” with Tony Dovolani.
Her Instagram following is pretty huge at 3.6 million. She keeps her followers updated through regular posts and also works with different brands.
35. Jillian Michaels
Jillian’s 1.3 million followers enjoy her motivational and positive posts on fitness, weight loss, and life.
Michaels got famous when she appeared on NBC’s The Biggest Loser and later went on to star in her own TV series named Just Jillian.
She typically works with health and fitness brands and often interacts with her fans through Instagram.
36. Tim Gunn
According to Wikipedia, Gunn is an American fashion consultant, television personality, actor, voice actor, and author. However, if you look at his Instagram you will realize that he’s also a well-recognized social media influencer.
He became popular for appearing in reality programs like Project Runway where he mentored different designers.
You will find a lot of fashion-related posts on his Instagram, which he also uses to promote his appearances and the work of his friends.
37. Chris Harrison
Harrison isn’t a reality show contestant but he’s one of the most popular names linked to reality shows.
He has hosted all seasons of ABC’s dating show The Bachelor since 2002, including several seasons of its spin-offs The Bachelorette, Bachelor Pad, Bachelor in Paradise, and Bachelor in Paradise: After Paradise.
In addition to this, he is also known for the syndicated version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. He uses Instagram to keep his 1.2 million followers about his life and promote the work of his friends. However, you’ll also find some sponsored posts on his page.
38. Holly Madison
Madison got popular when she appeared on E!’s reality show The Girls Next Door, which helped her win her own series named Holly’s World.
The beautiful model and actress is now a published author and a well-recognized social media personality. You will find a lot of colorful photos on her Instagram feed, including sponsored posts.
39. Phil Keoghan
Keoghan is a New Zealand media personality, popular for hosting The Amazing Race on CBS. He’s also the host and creator of No Opportunity Wasted, an internationally acclaimed show that has been produced all around the world.
He’s got more than 37,000 followers who actively follow his posts and stay engaged. The reality show host has worked with several known brands and enjoys a good reputation on social media.
40. Ramona Singer
Ramona Singer is a millionaire reality show star turned social media influencer with a net worth of more than $18 million.
The Real Housewives of New York City star has been a regular since season one, but that’s not her only claim to fame. She runs multiple businesses and has more than 825,000 Instagram followers.
The star works with different brands and regularly makes sponsored posts.
41. Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness is a podcaster, hairdresser, social media influencer, and television personality best known for being the grooming expert on the hit Netflix show Queer Eye. In addition to this, he has also appeared on Gay of Thrones, a parody web series.
The fashionista makes a lot of fun posts and can also be seen promoting brands on his social media handle.
42. Shannon Beador
The Real Housewives of Orange County mum is quite a star on Instagram with more than 1.2 million followers.
With a net worth of more than $20 million, Beador is one of the richest Real Housewives stars. She likes to be active on social media and often shares posts about her shows, friends, and family.
43. Bear Grylls
Bear Grylls needs no introduction, best known for hosting adventure reality shows on television, he’s also a well-known social media personality with an international following.
The British star is quite popular in the US and has been a part of several TV shows. On his social media page, you will find several sponsored posts.
He works with a variety of brands and is also known as a motivational speaker.
44. Dorinda Medley
Medley’s reality show journey is quite exciting. She first appeared on Real Housewives of New York City as a “friend of,” but soon got promoted to the role of a full-time cast member.
The reality show star is friends with other popular names and often shares stories with her friends and family members. In addition to this, you will also find some sponsored posts on her page.
45. Willie Robertson
Robertson got fame when he appeared on A&E’s reality series Duck Dynasty. He’s the CEO of Duck Commander and spends a lot of his time promoting his business.
The man works with different brands and often comes up with interesting giveaways. Despite a huge following of more than 450,000 users, he’s said to be easy and affordable to work with.
46. Cesar Millan
César Felipe Millán Favela is a reality show star but unlike other names on this list, he’s not an actor or model but a dog trainer with more than 25 years of experience.
He got popular when he appeared in the Emmy-nominated series Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, which has aired in over 80 countries.
His Instagram is quite fun and informative, which he uses to impart knowledge and connect with his followers.
47. Zak Bagans
Bagans Instagram bio does a good job of introducing him:
“Host/ EP Travel Channel’s #1 rated series @GhostAdventures… come visit my @TheHauntedMuseum in downtown Las Vegas”.
The reality show host is best known for being a part of Ghost Adventures. His popularity has helped him garner over 796,000 followers on Instagram.
You will find a variety of posts on his social media handle including some brand mentions.
48. Mike Rowe
Michael Gregory Rowe, a former opera singer, is best known for being a television host.
He’s got a bunch of popular shows to his credit including Discovery’s Dirty Jobs and Somebody’s Gotta Do It.
The reality TV star uses social media to share his opinion on world events and can also be seen promoting his appearances.
49. Tiffany “New York” Pollard
Pollard is a television personality who is best remembered for being a part of the 17th season of Celebrity Big Brother. In addition to this, she has appeared on several scripted and unscripted shows including Flavor of Love, Celebrity Ex on the Beach, and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Many of Pollard’s videos and images have developed into memes and GIFs, which many say is her claim to fame.
She’s not just a successful TV star but is also quite popular among social media users with more than 843,000 Instagram followers.
You will find a lot of branded posts on her page. Some of the names she has worked with include Fashion Nova and Christian Allen.
50. Brooke Hogan
The daughter of a world-famous wrestler, Hulk Hogan, and television personality Linda Hogan, Brooke Hogan has been able to carve her own identity and is a reality television star.
She has appeared on several shows including Hogan Knows Best, Wild ‘n Out, America’s Prom Queen, and Brooke Knows Best.
Most of her posts on Instagram are dedicated to her life; however, she does work with brands including local startups.
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