In today’s digital age, social media influencers are quickly becoming some of the highest-paid individuals in India. With the rise of platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, influencers are not only gaining massive followings but are also reaping in huge earnings—sometimes even surpassing Bollywood stars. These influencers make money through brand endorsements, collaborations, YouTube ad revenue, sponsored content, and their own businesses.
Let’s dive into the top 5 Indian influencers who earn more than some of the most famous Bollywood stars.
1. Virat Kohli – The Cricket Star Turned Influencer
While Virat Kohli is first and foremost a cricket superstar, he has also established himself as an incredibly influential figure on social media. His Instagram account boasts millions of followers, and he has countless brand endorsements with major companies like Puma, Audi, Myntra, and Tissot. Kohli’s social media earnings are substantial, making him one of the highest-paid influencers in India. His brand collaborations alone can earn him up to ₹15-20 crores annually.
Income Sources:
Brand endorsements
Social media promotions
Sponsored posts
Estimated Earnings:
₹250-300 crores annually
2. Riyaz Aly – The TikTok Star Who Dominated Social Media
One of India’s most popular TikTok influencers, Riyaz Aly rose to fame through his lip-syncing videos, and his massive fan following has translated into millions of rupees. Even though TikTok was banned in India, Riyaz’s popularity remained intact as he expanded his presence across Instagram and YouTube. He has collaborated with top brands like Bata, Myntra, and Coca-Cola, earning significant money from these partnerships.
Income Sources:
TikTok and Instagram collaborations
Brand deals
Sponsored content
Estimated Earnings:
₹25-30 crores annually
3. Amit Bhadana – The King of YouTube Comedy
Amit Bhadana is India’s most subscribed YouTuber, with over 200 million subscribers on his channel. Known for his comedy sketches and relatable content, Bhadana has successfully monetized his channel through Google AdSense, brand partnerships, and YouTube Premium revenue. His reach and influence have allowed him to partner with international brands like Netflix, Oppo, and Bajaj, making him one of the highest-paid influencers in the country.
Income Sources:
YouTube revenue
Brand endorsements
Sponsored videos
Estimated Earnings:
₹20-30 crores annually
4. Emraan Hashmi (Instagram) – The Bollywood Star with a Huge Digital Following
Though Emraan Hashmi is a well-established Bollywood actor, his earnings from social media have significantly contributed to his overall wealth. With a steadily growing Instagram presence, Emraan has partnered with major brands like Gionee and Patanjali. As an influencer, he not only promotes brands but also promotes lifestyle, fashion, and health-related products, generating high revenue.
Income Sources:
Sponsored Instagram posts
Brand collaborations
Paid promotions
Estimated Earnings:
₹15-20 crores annually
5. Bhuvan Bam – YouTube’s Highest-Paid Content Creator
Bhuvan Bam, the creator behind the viral YouTube channel BB Ki Vines, has skyrocketed to fame with his hilarious sketches and relatable content. As one of the top YouTubers in India, Bhuvan makes money from ads, YouTube Premium, and a plethora of sponsorships from top brands like Pepsi, Google, and Amazon. His digital earnings far exceed those of many Bollywood stars.
Income Sources:
YouTube ad revenue
Sponsored content
Brand collaborations
Estimated Earnings:
₹20-25 crores annually
Conclusion:
The digital landscape has reshaped the way we think about fame and income. These influencers have leveraged social media to amass huge followings and have turned their platforms into lucrative businesses. While Bollywood stars are still household names, the rise of digital influencers has allowed these individuals to break traditional norms, generating earnings that sometimes surpass even the biggest names in Indian cinema.
