November was a reminder that Instagram growth is still driven by moments: political, cultural, and platform-scale. The month’s fastest-rising U.S. accounts reflect a rare convergence of election momentum, franchise television, and mainstream creator dominance.
NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani led the rankings after adding 6.2 million followers in a single month, surpassing even MrBeast’s growth despite operating from a far smaller base. At the same time, Netflix’s “Stranger Things” Season 5 finale triggered a sharp surge in followers across multiple cast and fan accounts, underscoring the continued power of tentpole entertainment to drive social acceleration.
Athletes, politicians, platforms, and lifestyle creators rounded out the top 15, highlighting how Instagram’s growth engine now spans far beyond traditional influencer categories.
Jonathan is a South African content creator, photographer and videographer with 25 years of experience in journalism and print media design. He is interested in new developments in AI content creation and covers a broad spectrum of topics within the creator economy.
November was a reminder that Instagram growth is still driven by moments: political, cultural, and platform-scale. The month’s fastest-rising U.S. accounts reflect a rare convergence of election momentum, franchise television, and mainstream creator dominance.
NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani led the rankings after adding 6.2 million followers in a single month, surpassing even MrBeast’s growth despite operating from a far smaller base. At the same time, Netflix’s “Stranger Things” Season 5 finale triggered a sharp surge in followers across multiple cast and fan accounts, underscoring the continued power of tentpole entertainment to drive social acceleration.
Athletes, politicians, platforms, and lifestyle creators rounded out the top 15, highlighting how Instagram’s growth engine now spans far beyond traditional influencer categories.
#1. Zohran Kwame Mamdani | @zohrankmamdani
Gained: +6.2M followers
November total: 11M followers
Won NYC’s mayoral election, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor with a platform centered on rent freezes and free public transit.
#2. MrBeast | @mrbeast
Gained: +2.2M followers
November total: 81.5M followers
YouTuber and entrepreneur known for large-scale challenge videos, philanthropy, and businesses like Feastables and MrBeast Burger.
#3. Noah Schnapp | @noahschnapp
Gained: +1.5M followers
November total: 22.7M followers
American actor best known for playing Will Byers in “Stranger Things”, which returned for its fifth season finale on November 26.
#4. Instagram | @instagram
Gained: +1.5M followers
November total: 697.6M followers
The platform’s official account showcasing new features and highlighting creator content.
#5. Sadie Sink | @sadiesink_
Gained: +1.3M followers
November total: 26.2M followers
American actress best known for playing Max Mayfield in “Stranger Things”.
#6. Jordan Howlett | @jordan_the_stallion8
Gained: +1M followers
November total: 15.8M followers
Popular TikTok creator known for food reviews, viral storytelling, and lifestyle content.
#7. President Donald J. Trump | @realdonaldtrump
Gained: +982K followers
November total: 39.2M followers
45th and 47th President of the United States.
#8. Joe | Djo Keery Updates | @djokeerydaily
Gained: +842K followers
November total: 1.3M followers
Fan account dedicated to actor and musician Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington in “Stranger Things”.
#9. Krystiana | @krystianatiana
Gained: +692K followers
November total: 6M followers
Family and lifestyle content creator documenting life as a wife and mother of six.
#10. ReelShort | @reelshortapp
Gained: +580K followers
November total: 8.6M followers
Short-form video streaming app specializing in vertical entertainment designed for mobile viewing.
#11. Netflix US | @netflix
Gained: +538K followers
November total: 39.1M followers
American subscription streaming service promoting its original series and films, including the “Stranger Things” finale.
#12. Anne Hathaway | @annehathaway
Gained: +500K followers
November total: 39.4M followers
Award-winning actress with upcoming films including “Mother Mary,” “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” and “The Odyssey.”
#13. Cameron “Natureboy” Skattebo | @sk4ttp4ck
Gained: +489K followers
November total: 662K followers
Professional American football running back for the New York Giants.
#14. Cara Buono | @carabuono
Gained: +477K followers
November total: 1.7M followers
American actress best known as Karen Wheeler in “Stranger Things” and for roles in “Mad Men” and “The Sopranos.”
#15. Allison Bracken & Nicholas Bracken | @rollingwithophelia
Gained: +455K followers
November total: 1.6M followers
Couple travel and lifestyle creators documenting simple living and life on the road in a converted school bus.
The ‘Stranger Things’ Effect
Four accounts rode the Season 5 finale on November 26:
Data from HypeAuditor, November 2025
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