Fastest Growing Australian Influencers in 2026

The data speaks for itself. According to Statista, nearly 80% of Australians are active social media users. That's up from just 58% in 2015. Australian social media influencers  play a powerful role in shaping awareness and purchase decisions. By partnering with influencers, brands can expand their reach, connect with new audiences beyond their existing followers, and tap into the trust and engaged communities creators have built. Even better, working with nano and micro-influencers allows brands to drive meaningful engagement while maximizing marketing budgets.

Many creators and influencers, including celebrities, have large followings. But how do you know which influencer is right for your strategy? Brands can tap into their most impactful relationships to find key metrics and creator attributes to determine which influencers are the best fit. These metrics include: 

• Followers: While a creator with millions of followers has a large reach, this isn’t necessarily always best for your brand. Brands should take this into account but also look at nano and micro-influencers, who tend to garner more meaningful engagement with their community than mega-influencers. 
• Brand Partnerships: Brands should evaluate an influencer’s past partnerships, considering both the content created and the credibility of the brands they’ve worked with.‍
• Engagement: It’s helpful to see how engaged a creator’s audience is. Brands should look at likes, shares, reposts and comments. ‍
• Brand Authenticity: Does a partnership feel organic? Assess the creator’s tone, voice and audience demographics to ensure natural alignment with your brand.‍
• Audience Perception: Use social listening tools to review what users say about a creator and sentiment analysis to look at how they feel about a particular creator.

While many Australian brands partner with global influencers, there are significant advantages to working with local creators. Homegrown talent often resonates more deeply with regional audiences, resulting in campaigns that drive stronger engagement and more meaningful connections.

Australia’s influencer marketing industry continues to grow, creating substantial opportunities for brands that invest in local partnerships. Brands that prioritize authentic relationships with Australian influencers are better positioned to tap into highly engaged communities and culturally relevant conversations.

Local influencers, particularly nano and micro-creators, frequently generate strong engagement, as social platforms tend to prioritize content that is geographically and culturally relevant to users. This makes local partnerships a powerful way to increase visibility and impact.

With these advantages in mind, it’s important for brands to stay informed about the leading creators shaping Australia’s social environment. Below, we highlight the top Australian influencers across lifestyle, fashion, beauty, skincare, wellness, family and travel.

1. @yumika_thorne_ 

• Followers: 138K 
• Creator Type: Family, Lifestyle
• Growth Rate: 1,590% 

Yumika is a family and lifestyle blogger. Her account showcases style inspiration for the whole family, with a bright, colorful, captivating feed. Yumika’s experienced the most growth, at a staggering 1,590%, of all Australian creators we analyzed. 

2. @louiburke

• Followers: 89.2K
• Creator Type: Lifestyle
• Growth Rate: 955% 

Loui Burke’s Instagram feed is full of lifestyle tips from how to keep flowers fresh longer to table-setting tips to skin and hair routines. His feel is a wonderful balance of entertaining tips, fashion and more; with a consistent look and feel throughout the entire feed. 

3. @shivvanity 

• Followers: 91.6K
• Creator Type: Skincare & Beauty 
• Growth Rate: 912% 

Shivani’s Instagram features the latest and greatest beauty products. Her feed features an array of impressive product flatlays, while her Reels content shows the look and feel of beauty products, a great way for audiences to get a sense of the tactile experience of a product.

4. @mayaakaate

• Followers: 56K
• Creator Type: Lifestyle
• Growth Rate: 830%

Maya shares hair tutorials, fashion inspiration and more in her beautifully cohesive feed. Full of neutrals with minimal pops of color, Maya is the perfect creator for anyone interested in ‘that girl’ aesthetic content. 

5. @byemmaleah 

• Followers: 125K
• Creator Type:  Skincare & Beauty 
• Growth Rate: 679%

Emilia’s Instagram focuses on lifestyle content with a big emphasis on beauty and skincare. Her feed is perfect for anyone looking for tutorials or tips to store and organize their products.

6. @jadeevice 

• Followers: 120K
• Creator Type: Lifestyle
• Growth Rate: 572%

Jade is known for her TikTok content but also has a strong presence on Instagram. Her feed mostly features Reel trends, including dance challenges, product testing and more.

7. @chanelmcclarty

• Followers: 39.6K
• Creator Type: Fashion
• Growth Rate: 518%

Australian fashion influencer, Chanel’s Instagram feed is full of luxury inspiration. She shares outfit ideas, her favorite luxury brand advertisements and of course, fashion inspiration. 

8. @arin.things 

• Followers: 32K 
• Creator Type: Beauty, Wellness, Lifestyle
• Growth Rate: 473% 

Australian beauty influencer Arin, is a beauty creator who focuses on everything from her weekly hair routine, to her favorite makeup products and heaps of skincare reviews. In the past year, her feed has transitioned from clean, simple product shots to more posts and Reels that feature her. 

 9. @roxsolway 

• Followers: 30.6K
• Creator Type: Family
• Growth Rate: 255% 

Rox is a family and lifestyle influencer who focuses on raising her children through conscious and connected parenting. Her feed features family shots and plenty of advice and wisdom for parents. Rox’s Instagram is a great example of content that uses a variety of fonts and filters, yet still looks cohesive at a glance. 

10. @andydavie 

• Followers: 62.6K
• Creator Type: Lifestyle
• Growth Rate: 238% 

Andy is a lifestyle influencer that features a blend of product endorsements and outfit inspirations. His feed is further enriched by his adventures around Australia swimming, biking and more set against the beautiful backdrop of the Gold Coast.

11. @champagnesilvoisplait_ 

• Followers: 59.2K 
• Creator Type: Fashion
• Growth Rate: 215%

Rachael brings fashion to life on Instagram, effortlessly curating diverse outfits. Not only does she display innovative ways to style clothing, but she also gives a glimpse into her personal styling sessions with clients. It's the ideal feed for both professional stylists and those keen on reinventing their existing wardrobe with fresh twists.

12. @alanahchannon 

• Followers: 8.9K
• Creator Type: Lifestyle
• Growth Rate: 215% 

Alanah’s Instagram feed is colorful, fun and appeals to a variety of ages. Far from being pigeonholed, her feed is a delightful medley of, food photos, personal style content, festival highlights and so much more.

13. @janetnimundele

• Followers: 27.3K
• Creator Type: Fashion
• Growth Rate: 163% 

Janet is a model and creator with a refreshingly colorful feed, sharing outfit inspiration with a host of street-style snaps. Her feed is a great source for users interested in styling suits and dresses who aren’t afraid of color. 

14. @alixmacrae 

• Followers: 27.6K
• Creator Type: Travel
• Growth Rate: 162%

Australian travel influencer, Alix’s feed is full of bright, sunny traveling inspiration. Whether her adventures take her to Queensland, Melbourne or outside of Australia, you can expect a stunning array of beach content and ocean views.

15. @mackenziemcintyre 

• Followers: 53.9K
• Creator Type: Lifestyle
• Growth Rate: 156% 

MacKenzie’s a popular TikTok creator with a significant following on Instagram as well. His content features funny Reels, selfies and glimpses of his adventures, from festivals to Ironman challenges and more. 

It can be challenging to find the right creators to partner with. To help brands in their search for the best influencers, Dash Social's Creator Management feature now includes an Instagram Creator Discovery tool to help you build impactful, mutually beneficial partnerships. Brands can surface influencers by factors like followers, industry, interests, geographical location and more. Enabling your team to easily find the best creators for its unique social strategy without an extensive manual search. Yes, even top Australian influencers. By tapping into creators’ ultra-engaged communities, brands can increase their reach, generate brand awareness and more. 

While working with local micro and nano influencers are powerful marketing strategies for brands, recognizing the most followed Instagram personalities is equally important. Being aware of the influencer landscape enables teams to discover the types of big celebrities and mega-creators that resonate with users the most. These insights can help inform your own content, brand ambassador collaborations, creative partnerships and more.

These are the top Australian Instagram influencers:

1. @annecurtissmith 

• Followers: 21.2 million

Anne Curtis-Smith is an Australian-Filipino actress, television host and cultural icon whose influence stretches far beyond the screen. With a massive global following, she blends star power and authenticity by sharing lifestyle, fashion, travel and personal moments while engaging fans with her dynamic creative voice. A versatile entertainer and entrepreneur, Anne has captivated audiences through her award-winning work in film and TV, her long-running hosting roles, and her presence as a leading digital creator.

2. @tammyhembrow

• Followers: 16.7 million 

Tammy Hembrow is an Australian fitness model, entrepreneur and global social media powerhouse whose authentic approach to health, lifestyle and motherhood has inspired millions online. She first gained widespread attention by documenting her fitness journey and post-pregnancy transformation, quickly turning her personal story into a thriving influencer career. Today, Tammy shares content spanning fitness, family life and lifestyle while building her own wellness and apparel ventures, making her one of Australia’s most influential digital creators.

3. @davidwarner31 

• Followers: 10.4 million

David Warner is one of Australia’s most followed sports figures, known around the world as a former international cricketer and explosive opening batter for the Australian team. Beyond the pitch, he shares vibrant content about family life, his cricket journey, travel and lifestyle that resonates with a massive global audience. His Instagram presence continues to extend his influence well past his playing career, making him a valuable partner for brands aiming to connect with sports fans and lifestyle communities alike.

4. @danielricciardo 

• Followers: 9.9 million 

Daniel Ricciardo is a globally recognized Australian racing driver and one of the most charismatic personalities in motorsport. Known for his infectious smile and fearless on-track style, Ricciardo shares behind-the-scenes moments from Formula 1, travel, lifestyle and personal passions that resonate with fans worldwide. His dynamic content and authentic voice make him a standout creator for brands seeking authentic engagement with sports, automotive and lifestyle audiences.

5. @robertirwinphotography 

• Followers: 9.4 million 

Since winning Dancing With the Stars, where he became the youngest contestant ever to take the title and only the second Australian to do so, Robert Irwin has more than doubled his social media following, amplifying his reach as a creator and conservation voice. The Australian conservationist, wildlife photographer and TV personality shares breathtaking photos and videos from Australia Zoo, animal encounters, and his broader wildlife work, continuing the mission of his late father, Steve Irwin, while engaging millions with authentic, adventure-driven content.

6. @phoebejtonkin 

• Followers: 8.1 million 

Phoebe Tonkin is an Australian actress and global style influencer best known for her roles in H₂O: Just Add Water, The Vampire Diaries and The Originals. On Instagram, Phoebe blends fashion, travel, personal moments and creative storytelling, making her a go-to voice for brands in lifestyle, beauty, fashion and entertainment. Her authenticity and wide-ranging appeal help her connect with audiences across markets, elevating her presence beyond acting into digital influence.

7. @bindisueirwin

• Followers: 6 million 

Bindi Sue Irwin is an Australian conservationist, TV personality and wildlife advocate carrying on her family’s legacy. Her Instagram showcases heartfelt moments with animals, family life and behind-the-scenes glimpses from her conservation work, making her a powerful voice for animal welfare, eco-tourism and mission-driven brand partnerships.

8. @savannah.clark  

• Followers: 3.3 million 

Savannah Clarke is an Australian singer and dancer who’s taken the social world by storm with her dynamic performances and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative life. Her Instagram blends music, dance, personal moments and style content, making her a compelling partner for lifestyle, entertainment and youth-focused brands.

9. @chloe_t 

• Followers: 2.3 million

Chloe Ting is an Australian fitness creator and entrepreneur known for her highly engaging workout programs and motivational content. On Instagram, she shares exercise routines, lifestyle inspiration and wellness tips that resonate with a global audience, making her a go-to partner for fitness, health and lifestyle brands.

10. @itsjackson 

• Followers: 2.4 million 

Jackson O’Doherty is an Australian content creator and YouTuber known for his humorous, relatable videos and engaging personality. On Instagram, he shares clips from his YouTube content, behind-the-scenes moments and lifestyle posts that connect with a young, entertainment-focused audience. Making him a strong fit for brands targeting Gen Z and lifestyle communities.

After you select the best influencers to work with, it’s time to reach out and pitch your brand, campaign and partnership to an influencer. Here are three tips to use when initiating contact with an influencer: 

1. Know The Creator

Creators can tell if a brand isn’t familiar with their content. When searching for creators to work with, you’ll already be familiar with things like their audience demographics, engagement rates and overall brand identity. Creators want to partner with brands their audience will trust, they’ll use and who resonate with their overall brand identity. Showing your familiarity with their content and how your brand relates to it will help produce a strong pitch.

2. Prepare Your Pitch

Now that you’re familiar with the creator’s content, prepare and finalize your pitch. A pitch should include: 

• Who your brand is and what your campaign is about. 
• Past, relevant influencer campaign highlights.
• Compensation and any other budget details.
• Timelines. 
• Desired goals and KPIs. 
• Workflow and process. 

What’s more, be sure you reach out on the correct channel. Often, an influencer’s management contact is found in their bio. If not, reach out to creators on their most active channels. If they’re primarily a TikTok creator, don’t reach out via Instagram and vice versa.  

3. Communicate and Collaborate

When you pitch an offer to creators, be sure to outline the workflow and process, including any communication expectations. Establishing communication expectations, like when you expect to hear from them and how often your team will reach out, will prevent both parties from being disappointed and will help keep the project on track. 

This will also inform how you collaborate. When you partner with creators, you’re tapping into their network of engaged followers and their social skillset. Share your ideas, feedback and see what you can learn from the influencer experts. 

Who has the most followers in Australia? 

Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) is the most followed Australian on Instagram, with 58.8 million followers. The most followed Instagram account is Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano), with 671 million followers.

What are the best platforms for Australian influencer campaigns?

TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook are the top platforms for Australian influencer marketing. TikTok and Instagram drive awareness, while YouTube and Facebook deliver depth and conversions.

Platform strengths:

• TikTok: Best for trend-led, short-form awareness campaigns, especially with Gen Z.
• Instagram: Strong for lifestyle, beauty and shoppable content, particularly with millennials.
• YouTube: Ideal for reviews, tutorials and long-form content that builds trust.
• Facebook: Effective for broad reach, older demographics and driving traffic.

How to match platforms to goals:

• Awareness: TikTok + Instagram Reels.
• Consideration: YouTube + Instagram Stories/carousels.
• Conversions: Facebook + Instagram shopping + YouTube CTAs.

How do I find influencers in Australia? 

Marketers can find Australian influencers by using tools like Dash Social's Creator Discovery tool, monitoring social media for up-and-coming influencers, and tapping into audience demographics to see which accounts resonate with your target audience.