Who is the most followed star on Weibo?
In this day and age where social media is voraciously consumed every second, it is not a big secret that sharing platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook are some of the hottest apps we log on to daily to share some bits and pieces of our lives, stay connected with friends and be updated with our favourite bloggers and celebrities. In China, there’s the microblogging website Weibo. Is it any surprise then that celebrities are some of the most followed accounts online?
For the curious reader, here are the top ten Weibo accounts to keep your eye on if you are an avid follower of the Chinese entertainment industry.
1. Xie Na (123,778,128 followers)
Nabbing the top spot is TV host and presenter Xie Na who is famous for co-hosting the popular variety show Happy Camp. Last year, the new mother to twins also received two Guinness World Record titles for being the first person to accumulate 100 million followers on Weibo as well as having the most followers on Weibo. At the time this article is written, the TV presenter has around 123.8 million followers and counting.
2. He Jiong (111,602,450 followers)
He Jiong is another alumna of the popular variety show Happy Camp which incidentally boasts the Guinness World Record title of having the most followers on Weibo for a variety show. It’s no surprise then that both co-hosts have earned the top two spots on the most followed list. The multi hyphenated star also has several films and TV work under his belt, not to mention having released several albums as a singer. He is truly a force to be reckoned with!
3. Yang Mi (103,832,756 followers)
Actress Yang Mi needs no further introduction, having been named one of the Four Dan Actresses by Chinese media more than once. With a following of 103.8 million, the actress gained much attention with her roles in dramas such as Chinese Paladin 3 and Palace. The 2017 hit Three Lives Three Worlds Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms further gained her much attention from fans and viewers all over.
Rounding up the elite 100 million followers group is Angelababy with 100.3 million. The actress had risen to immense popularity through her various dramas, movies and variety show appearance in Keep Running. She also appeared in English language movies such as Independence Day: Resurgence since her debut in 2003. The actress recently landed on the cover of US Vogue magazine, in the company of an impressive group of multi-talented women in celebration of global talent.
Top five is actor Chen Kun who just needs a few million more to join the 100 million miler club. With 94.2 million followers, The Rise of Phoenixes star rose to acclaim with his debut in the film The National Anthem. Later on, the actor dipped his toes into the international film set with his work in Balzac et La Petite Tailleuse Chinoise that premiered in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. In his subsequent works, the actor has often been lauded for his performances and is now one of China’s most sought after stars.
One of the original Four Dan Actresses, the fresh faced Zhao Wei or Vicki Zhao is still a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry with 86.4 million followers even after more than 20 years in the business. The actress first broke through the industry with her performance as “little swallow” in the acclaimed series My Fair Princess which enjoyed great success across Asia. With numerous successful films, dramas and accolades in her cap, the actress made her directorial debut in 2013 with the film So Young which was a success in the box office.
Number seven on the list with 84.8 million followers is actress Zhao Liying whose breakthrough performance in the drama Legend of Lu Zhen put her in the radar of audiences. The drama was a hit domestically and across North Asia, putting Zhao Liying’s name on the map. Other notable works of the actress include Boss and Me, Journey of Flower, Princess Agents and The Story of Minglan among others.
Fresh off the success of TV drama All is Well is actress Yao Chen who counts 81.6 million followers on Weibo. Aside from her work as an actress, Yao Chen is also a philanthropist, visiting refugees all over the world for her with UNHCR and as UNHCR goodwill ambassador.
Another sought-after actor, Deng Chao rose to fame for his acting talent that won him nominations and multiple awards. The actor is also known for his role in Keep Running, China’s version of the popular Korean program Running Man, a reality TV style show that has guests and MCs performing various challenges to win the race. Sadly, he announced his departure from the show this year.
Last on the top ten with 76.6 million followers is actress Ruby Lin. Very much like Zhao Wei in number 6, it was the series My Fair Princess that put Ruby’s name on the map after its great success across Asia. After various other projects in the industry, Ruby set up her own production company Ruby Lin Studio in 2009. In 2016, the actress-producer married her partner, the popular actor Wallace Huo.
Did your favourite stars make the list?
