Virat Kohli is not just a cricketing legend; he is also one of the most influential figures on social media. With an ever-growing fan base and immense brand value, Kohli has carved out a space as one of the highest-paid athletes on Instagram. His earnings from the platform are staggering, making him one of the richest Indian influencers. In this article, we take a deep dive into how much Virat Kohli earns from Instagram, what contributes to his massive earnings, and how he leverages his social media presence.
Virat Kohli’s Instagram Earnings: Breaking Down the Numbers
Virat Kohli’s Instagram account is a powerhouse of engagement and branding opportunities. According to Hopper HQ’s Instagram Rich List, Kohli earns around $1.38 to $1.60 million (approximately ₹11.45 to ₹14 crore) per sponsored post on Instagram. This makes him the highest-paid Indian celebrity on the platform and the only Indian in the top 20 globally.
For context, globally renowned footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi top the list, earning $3.23 million (₹26.75 crore) and $2.56 million (₹21.49 crore) per post, respectively. While Kohli’s earnings are lower than these footballing superstars, his numbers still make him a dominant figure in the world of digital endorsements.
Why Do Brands Pay Virat Kohli So Much on Instagram?
Several factors contribute to Virat Kohli’s ability to command such a high price for his Instagram posts. Let’s take a look at why brands are willing to pay such enormous sums for his endorsements:
1. Massive Follower Base
Kohli boasts a following of over 270 million on Instagram as of March 2025, making him one of the most-followed athletes globally. This extensive reach ensures that any brand associated with him receives worldwide visibility.
2. High Engagement Rate
Having a large number of followers isn’t enough; engagement matters. Kohli’s posts consistently receive millions of likes and thousands of comments, which ensures that his content is not just seen but actively interacted with by fans.
3. Strong Personal Brand
Kohli has positioned himself as a fitness icon, fashion influencer, and family man in addition to being a cricket superstar. His diverse appeal makes him an attractive face for various industries, including sports apparel, nutrition, electronics, and lifestyle brands.
4. Authenticity & Relatability
Unlike many celebrities who rely heavily on sponsored content, Kohli maintains a balance between brand promotions and personal updates. His Instagram feed features glimpses of his workouts, time with family, and cricketing moments, which makes his endorsements feel more genuine.
Comparison with Other Indian Celebrities
Kohli’s Instagram earnings outshine those of other Indian celebrities, including Bollywood stars and fellow athletes. The second-highest-paid Indian on Instagram is Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who ranks 29th globally and charges approximately ₹4.4 crore ($532,000) per sponsored post. Other Bollywood actors like Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan also have significant followings but don’t command fees as high as Kohli.
Brands That Have Partnered with Virat Kohli on Instagram
Over the years, Kohli has collaborated with numerous leading brands that align with his persona. Some of the biggest names that have associated with him on Instagram include:
- Puma – As part of a long-term deal, Kohli promotes Puma’s sportswear and footwear collections.
- Audi India – Kohli has been the face of Audi in India, showcasing luxury cars in various promotional posts.
- MRF Tyres – One of his biggest endorsement deals, MRF has been sponsoring Kohli for years, and he frequently features their products on Instagram.
- Himalaya Men – A skincare and grooming brand that leverages Kohli’s clean and active lifestyle for marketing.
- Wrogn – His own fashion brand, Kohli frequently promotes Wrogn through his posts.
- Boost & Blue Tribe Foods – Associated with his image as a fitness enthusiast.
How Does Kohli Use Instagram Beyond Endorsements?
While brand promotions form a crucial part of Kohli’s Instagram presence, his profile is not solely focused on sponsorships. He uses the platform for several other purposes:
1. Connecting with Fans
Kohli regularly shares insights into his personal and professional life, allowing fans to feel closer to him. Whether it’s training updates, match-day emotions, or moments with family, his posts provide a glimpse into his world.
2. Promoting His Own Ventures
Apart from collaborating with established brands, Kohli uses Instagram to promote his own ventures, such as One8 Commune (his restaurant chain) and Wrogn (his clothing brand).
3. Spreading Social Awareness
Kohli has also used Instagram to raise awareness about important social issues, including mental health, environmental conservation, and charitable initiatives.
How Kohli’s Instagram Earnings Compare to His Cricket Salary
Interestingly, Virat Kohli’s earnings from Instagram rival his cricket salary. As of 2024, Kohli is under a BCCI central contract (A+ category), which earns him around ₹7 crore annually. This means that a single Instagram post earns him more than his annual salary from BCCI!
Additionally, Kohli makes money from IPL, where he plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and earns around ₹15 crore per season. However, even this amount is less than what he makes through just two sponsored Instagram posts.
The Future of Kohli’s Instagram Earnings
With social media continuing to grow, Kohli’s Instagram earnings are expected to rise further. His influence is not limited to cricket fans alone but extends to global audiences interested in sports, fitness, and lifestyle. As new brands seek partnerships with digital influencers, Kohli’s income from Instagram is only set to increase.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s Instagram earnings highlight his power as both a cricketer and a social media influencer. With each post fetching him over ₹11 crore, he has leveraged his online presence to become one of the world’s top-earning athletes on social media. His blend of authenticity, engagement, and brand appeal makes him an ideal choice for companies looking for a global ambassador. As Instagram continues to dominate digital marketing, Kohli’s social media empire is expected to grow even further, solidifying his status as India’s highest-paid online celebrity.
With millions of followers and unparalleled influence, Kohli’s Instagram earnings are a testament to the evolving world of digital endorsements and the lucrative opportunities they present to modern-day sports icons.