Australia’s most liked photos of 2014

THE list of the top Australian Instagrammers has been revealed — and you might be surprised to learn which non-celebrities bumped out some household names.

Australia’s most liked photos of 2014

IT IS the coolest of all social media, and the medium of choice for celebrities to share their most intimate, glamorous and silly moments with their fans.

News.com.au can exclusively reveal the top pics posted by Australians on Instagram in 2014, according to the number of likes they have received.

And you might be surprised to see exactly who has made the list, with some influential non-celebrities outclassing Aussie household names.

So, counting from 9 to 1, here are the top nine pics posted by Aussies on Instagram this year:

9. Kylie Minogue: 706,000 likes

The global pop phenomenon returned to her Aussie roots this year, appearing on the local version of reality TV juggernaut The Voice and hitting number one at home with her 12th studio album Kiss Me Once. Look out for the “Singing Budgie” when she returns to Ramsay St next year as part of a special celebration of 30 years of the soap that launched her career, Neighbours.

Why follow Kylie: She loves to share her favourite outfits, and isn’t afraid of a daggy throwback post to her earlier career.

8. Rebel Wilson: 715,000 likes

The Aussie funnywoman has forged a stellar career in the US, with star turns comedy mega-hits Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect. While her sitcom vehicle Super Fun Night was short-lived, she is still a sought-after talent for big-screen comedies. She made the top nine despite only joining the platform two months ago.

Why follow Rebel: She’s a celeb who’s not afraid to make fun of herself.

7. Gary Pepper: 1 million likes

Nicole Warne is the brains and beauty behind fashion blog Gary Pepper, which has outclassed other household names to make it into the top nine. Recently named blogger of the year at the Elle Australia Style Awards, she counts premium brands Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, L’Oreal Luxe, Westfield and Lancome among her clients. With her photographer boyfriend Luke Bolt, the Sydney-based style queen is known as a fashion innovator.

Why follow Gary Pepper: Expect gorgeous shots of Nicole Warne’s world travels, and be the first to see her colourful vintage-inspired looks.

6. Hugh Jackman: 1.2 million likes

An avid Instagrammer, the Wolverine star has used his account to cement his reputation as Hollywood’s nice guy. Jackman regularly posts pictures of himself pumping iron in the gym, hanging out with his beloved pooch and travelling the world.

Why follow Hugh: He’s not afraid of a selfie with a celebrity. This year alone, he’s posted pics of him cuddling up to Yoko Ono, Tony Abbott, Neil Patrick Harris, Bruno Mars, Michelle Williams, Jimmy Fallon, Idina Menzel and Kylie Minogue.

5. Jessica Stein: 1.4 million likes

Jessica Stein is a Sydney-based travel and personal style blogger behind the site Tuula, described as “a personal diary of wanderlust and an overflowing wardrobe”. The quintessential Aussie beach gal, Stein is another well-travelled, well-heeled woman of style who has a stronger Instagram following that Australia’s most famous. Stein uses her Instagram to show off her enviable jetsetting lifestyle, always with her Chanel boy bag and Cartier love bracelet in tow.

Why follow Jessica Stein: While you’re stuck at your desk, her Instagram profile allows you to live the glamorous life vicariously.

4. Lorde: 1.8 million likes

OK, so she’s not technically an Australian, but Instagram data counts her as such, so we’ll claim her. The Kiwi anti-pop star, who boasts a US No. 1 single and Grammy for Royals, keeps a close relationship with her fans through her Instagram. Real name Ella Yelich-O’Connor, Lorde keeps her followers updated with the music that inspires her and snippets of lyrics from her hit songs.

Why follow Lorde: Well, she’s besties with Taylor Swift, with whom she recently enjoyed a cooking class.

3. 5 Seconds of Summer: 2.9 million likes

This has been a banner year for the pop-punk rockers from western Sydney with Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin going from YouTube sensations to performing at the American Music Awards. Their debut worldwide single, She Looks So Perfect, topped the charts in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the UK.

Why follow 5SOS: The lads love to connect with their rabid fanbase through regular personal videos.

2. Miranda Kerr: 5.3 million likes

Saucy supermodel Miranda Kerr made her name as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, but is now one of the world’s most sought-after names for photo shoots and endorsements. She has her own brand of organic skincare products and has published her own self-help book, not to mention having a son to English actor Orlando Bloom.

Why follow Miranda: From sexy photo shoots to inspirational messages, it doesn’t get much more glamorous than this.

1. Iggy Azalea: 5.7 million likes

Topping the list is the star who hails from Mullumbimby, looks like Clueless-era Alicia Silverstone and raps like Nicki Minaj. This bundle of contradictions has blown up worldwide this year thanks to her catchy track Fancy, which went to No. 1 in the US. She hit No. 2 the same week as a featured artist on Ariana Grande’s single Problem, a feat matched only by The Beatles.

Why follow Iggy: As the pop world’s It Girl, her Instagram is filled with her fashion picks, fun memes and pics of her beloved dogs.

And, hey, if all of these stars are a little too glamorous and make you feel bad about your life choices, you can always follow our Instagram instead, @newscomau.