In May 2025 Funke Akindele was likely to be the most followed Nollywood actress on Instagram, followed by Regina Daniels, Ini Edo and Mercy Johnson-Okojie. These actresses, along with other popular stars like Genevieve Nnaji, Mercy Aigbe, and Jackie Appiah, emerged to be the most followed Nollywood actresses on Instagram.
Below are full details of the top 10 most followed Nollywood actresses on Instagram in May 2025.
1. Funke Akindele – 16.4 Million Followers
In an ever-demanding industry, seeing one of the most committed women in the Nigerian entertainment world topping our list is hardly surprising.
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Funke Akindele Bello is a multifaceted talent, effortlessly surpassing her competitors with her original, jaw-dropping performances.
This Yoruba businesswoman and filmmaker won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Jenifa’s Diary, a TV series she wrote and co-produced. Jenifa’s Diary received critical acclaim, and since 2009, Akindele’s relentless pursuit of glory has only accelerated. She attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Lagos and the University of Lagos.
2. Regina Daniels – 15.2 Million Followers
Daniels, a beautiful and young actress and mother of two, started her acting journey at the age of seven. She relocated to Asaba, the capital of Delta State, after her parents’ separation. She was born in Lagos in the year 2000.
Regina Nneamaka Daniels, simply known as Regina Daniels, is a Nollywood film actress and model. Born into an acting family—her mother, Rita Daniels, is also an actress, film producer, and model—Regina obtained a degree from Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State. Her selected filmography includes Love and Trust, City Girl, The Plea, and My First Love. With 15.2 million Instagram followers, her social media appeal shows no signs of fading anytime soon.
3. Mercy Johnson Okojie – 14.7 Million Followers
One of the most vibrant actresses on the list, the name Mercy Johnson is synonymous with memorable characters spanning over two decades. Along with Genevieve Nnaji, Johnson is also a film director.
Mercy Johnson started her primary education in Calabar, Cross River State, and attended Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Port Harcourt.
Born in Lagos State with ancestral roots in Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria, Johnson served as a special adviser to Governor Yahaya Bello on entertainment, arts, and culture. In 2011, she married Prince Odianosen Okojie. She recently relocated to the U.K. with her family. Johnson ranks third on this list with over 14.7 million followers.
4. Ini Edo – 14.2 Million Followers
Ini Edo is a Nigerian actress and philanthropist. Since her acting debut, Edo has appeared in more than 200 Nollywood films.
She earned a Diploma in Theatre Arts from the University of Uyo, her hometown in Akwa Ibom State, and later obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Calabar. Edo was married once and separated from her husband after six years of marriage. She had her first child through surrogacy. With over 14.2 million Instagram followers, Edo secures the fourth spot on our list.
5. Mercy Aigbe Adeoti – 11.6 Million Followers
The fifth entry on our list is the talented Yoruba actress Mercy Aigbe, also known as Hajiya Meena (since 2023). Her unique sense of fashion and her predominantly Yoruba-language movies have earned her a massive cult following over the years.
Born in 1978 in Benin, Edo State, she is the second child in a family of five. She attended St. Francis Primary School and Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School in Lagos State. Mercy Aigbe graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in Theatre Arts.
Aigbe launched a massive campaign against domestic violence after separating from her second husband in 2017. She converted to Islam upon her third marriage to Kazim Adeoti. Despite the topsy-turvy ride in Aigbe’s life, she continues to thrive with 11.6 million Instagram followers.
6. Jackie Appiah – 11 Million Followers
The first Ghanaian actress on our list, this evergreen actress is often referred to by fans as “a national treasure that needs protection at all costs.” Appiah was born in 1983 in Toronto, Canada, and relocated to Ghana with her mother during her childhood.
Appiah has appeared in numerous Ghanaian and Nigerian movies over the past 20 years. Some of her Nollywood films include My Last Wedding, Black Soul, and Bitter Blessing.
She was married to Peter Agyemang, with whom she shares a son; the union lasted only three years. Aside from acting and modeling, Appiah’s charitable works have gained her critical acclaim and cemented her status as one of the most influential actresses of our time. With over 11 million Instagram followers, she’s undoubtedly one of the most followed actresses.
7. Genevieve Nnaji – 8.3 Million Followers
This beautiful and talented Nollywood actress was the first-ever recipient of the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress. In 2011, she was honored with the title of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Nnaji attended Methodist Girls College and later obtained her bachelor’s degree in Creative Arts from the University of Lagos. She began auditioning and acting from an early age, making her mark as one of the few Nollywood child actresses. Apart from her acting credits, Nnaji is also a film director.
Like Dominic above, Nnaji is an indigene of Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State but grew up in Lagos State. Despite her affluent status, it is widely known that she rose from a very humble background. As of this writing, Nnaji is still single. Her 8.3 million Instagram followers place her at seventh on our list.
8. Annie Idibia – 8 Million Followers
Annie Macaulay, born in Ibadan, is an indigene of Eket Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State. She relocated to Lagos State after her parents’ divorce. Annie Idibia holds a degree in Computer Science from Lagos State University and another degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos.
Annie Idibia is a talented TV presenter, actress, and model who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 2009 at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
Before their separation, Macaulay was married to 2face Idibia, with whom she has two children. Annie’s marital struggles and subsequent separation from her partner, singer 2face Idibia, didn’t hinder her progress—a fact proven by her 8 million followers on Instagram, making her the eighth most followed actress on our list.
9. Rita Dominic-Anosike – 7.6 Million Followers
Rita Dominic, a Nollywood actress nearing veteran status, has spent almost three decades in the industry. She is a multiple award-winning actress, film producer, and television personality, among other roles. Born on July 12, 1975, Dominic is an indigene of Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. The industry holds Dominic in high regard, often listing her among the best-paid actresses in Nollywood. Currently, Dominic is a GLO ambassador, co-founder of the Audrey Silva Company, and CEO of Rita Dominic Productions. She holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt.
Dominic married Daily Times publisher Fidelis Anosike in 2022. She made her Nollywood debut with the movie Children of Terror in 1998 and has since appeared in over 100 movies, with her latest role in the 2025 film Baby Farm.
10. Yvonne Nelson – 7.4 Million Followers
Yvonne Nelson is a force to be reckoned with—a Ghanaian actress, film producer, author, model, and entrepreneur. Born in Accra in 1985, she first attended St. Martin De Porres School in her hometown. She obtained a degree in Human Resource Management from Zenith University College and pursued further education, acquiring a master’s degree in International Relations.
Nelson, proudly raised by a single mother, never shies away from highlighting the trials and difficulties of being a single parent. Although a Ghanaian actress, she has appeared in numerous Nollywood movies and remains one of the most sought-after celebrities in Nigeria, with 7.4 million followers on Instagram.
