Showcasing their jaw-dropping physiques and perfect smiles the popularity of fitness influencers has soared.
It appears these ultra fit, uber positive social media stars are everywhere we look on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, encouraging us to look just like them.
But a new study has revealed that just 50 are collectively influencing over 700 million people across the globe.
The research by NFS Supplements has highlighted the world’s most influential fitness personalities, who are changing the industry’s landscape.
Read on to find out who the dominant personalities on the list are and what kind of content they create.
The new research by NFS Supplements has highlighted the world’s most influential fitness personalities, who are changing the industry’s landscape
The brand tracked fitness influencers digital impacts across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube up to November 2023, compiling a data-driven list of the top 50 fitness influencers based on a blend of follower count and global search volumes.
The top 50 fitness influencers amass 707.9 million followers, with 3.8 million global searches.
Almost half of the list, 23 out of 50, are from the USA, and Instagram dominates with 51% (359.4 million), followed by TikTok at 23.93% (169.4M), and YouTube at 25.29% (179M).
Women are leading the way heading into 2024, with seven in the top 10 and 26 in the top 50, boasting 410.4 million followers (58%) and 2.26 million global searches.
Male fitness influencers have fewer at 3 in the top 10 and 24 in the top 50, with a combined following of 297.6 million (42%).
At the top of the list ranked by weighted score, with 12 million followers on TikTok, 1.8 million on YouTube, 25.1 million on Instagram and 291k global searches, is Sommer Ray.
The 27 year old former youth competitive bodybuilder turned fitness sensation, boasts a combined following of 38.9 million, putting her over 10 million ahead of the influencer in second place.
She’s from the US and as well as posting workout videos, she’s also a model and the founder of her own beauty company, IMARAIS Beauty.
At the top of the list ranked by weighted score, with 12 million followers on TikTok, 1.8 million on YouTube, 25.1 million on Instagram and 291k global searches, is Sommer Ray
Sommer commands the fourth highest global search volume of 291K, showcasing a massive online presence
Sommer commands the fourth highest global search volume of 291K, showcasing a massive online presence.
On top of this, she’s also a personal trainer on FitPlan, an app that allows you to lift weights alongside your favorite influencers.
In second place with a combined following of 27.1 million, most of which coming from TkTok and Youtube, is Chris Bumstead.
Known by fans as CBum, he’s a Canadian IFBB Pro League professional bodybuilder who posts insights to his workouts.
In third place is Australia-based fitness personality Chloe Ting, who’s best known for her YouTube workout videos.
Her ‘Two Week Shred Challenge’ went viral on TikTok in 2020, as many people were taking the opportunity to get fit within their homes.
Some of her other popular workouts include challenges like ‘Abs in Two Weeks’ and ’10-minute workouts.’
The 36-year-old from Brunei has 24.9 million subscribers on YouTube, and 2.6 million on Instagram – her combined following is 28.2 million.
In second place with a combined following of 27.1 million, most of which coming from TkTok and Youtube, is Chris Bumstead
Chloe Ting has 24.9 million subscribers on YouTube, and 2.6 million on Instagram – her combined following is 28.2 million
Sofie Dossi is the third most followed woman in fitness and Thibaud Delapart is the most followed male
David Michigan is a celebrity fitness trainer who helps followers to lose weight, burn fat and gain muscle – he’s the third most followed male fitness influencer
For follower counts, the top three women are Sommer Ray (38.9m), Chloe Ting (28.2m) and Sofie Dossi (25.6m).
The top three men based on following alone are Thibaud Delapart (27.9m), Chris Bumstead (27.1m) and David Michigan (19.3m).
Thibaud Delapart, the most followed male fitness influencer, goes by Tibo InShape – he’s a French Youtuber and bodybuilder.
The study shows that while he holds the 19th position for global search volume, his dominance in the male charts is evident, propelled by his substantial follower base.
Meanwhile, David Michigan is a celebrity fitness trainer who helps followers to lose weight, burn fat and gain muscle.
He combines training programs with hypnosis sessions to help individuals reach their fitness goals.
Sofie Dossi, the third most followed woman in fitness, is a contortionist and aerialist who rose to fame on America’s Got Talent.
She’s followed by 25.6 million people who tune in to see her ‘bendy girl’ flexibile stunts and workouts.