Selena Gomez Admits Feeling ‘Awkward’ About Being Instagram’s Most-Followed Woman

Selena Gomez, the globally recognized actress, singer, and entrepreneur, recently opened up about her complicated relationship with social media. Despite holding the title of Instagram’s most-followed woman with more than 417 million followers, Gomez admitted that the attention often makes her feel “awkward” and that she doesn’t fully understand the fascination.

The revelation came during her appearance on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang” podcast, where the discussion shifted from cooking TikToks to Gomez’s enormous online presence. What emerged was a candid conversation that revealed both her humility and her desire to use platforms like Instagram for meaningful connections rather than vanity metrics.

Selena Gomez and the Instagram Crown

When it comes to numbers, Selena Gomez’s Instagram following is staggering. With over 417 million fans, she sits comfortably as the most-followed woman in the world on the platform. For perspective, this number surpasses the population of the United States.

Yet Gomez has consistently maintained that her follower count doesn’t define her identity. In fact, she admitted on the podcast that the sheer magnitude of it often makes her uncomfortable.

“I get so, like, awkward about that. Because it doesn’t — I don’t understand it sometimes. It’s just a very interesting thing,” Gomez shared.

Her honesty underscores a broader truth about celebrity culture today: even those at the very top of social media can feel overwhelmed by its impact.

Her Surprising Relationship with TikTok

While Instagram remains her biggest platform, Gomez confessed she doesn’t actively use TikTok despite enjoying content from the app.

She admitted to Poehler that her favorite videos are TikToks of people cooking, saying she finds them both educational and entertaining. But when asked if she spends time on the app herself, she laughed and explained that she doesn’t actually use it.

The admission reveals a paradox: the star who commands hundreds of millions of fans on one platform isn’t necessarily interested in exploring all corners of digital culture. It speaks to Gomez’s deliberate approach to social media balance — something she has struggled with in the past.

A Love-Hate Relationship with Social Media

Selena Gomez has been transparent for years about her complicated feelings toward social media.

Back in 2017, she told Vogue that becoming the most-followed person on Instagram initially left her feeling addicted and consumed by the app. She even deleted Instagram from her phone at times and took months-long breaks to protect her mental health.

“It had become so consuming to me,” she admitted at the time. “I always end up feeling like s–t when I look at Instagram.”

Her comments reflect the difficult balance many people face: appreciating social media’s ability to connect people while also recognizing the mental strain it can cause.

Using Instagram as a Tool for Connection

Despite her discomfort with the sheer scale of her following, Gomez emphasized that she still views Instagram as a positive resource.

She explained that her goal is to use it to stay connected to her fans and her community, not simply as a platform for attention.

“I think it’s important for that element for me to have a connection with just my community. I’m not sure I’ll always be that way forever, but I think right now it’s been a great resource for me to connect with people,” she said.

This practical yet heartfelt approach reflects her broader values. Whether she’s sharing personal updates, promoting new music, or using her platform for advocacy, Gomez treats Instagram as a bridge between herself and her global fanbase.

Martin Short Praises Gomez’s Grace

Interestingly, Gomez’s co-star from Only Murders in the Building, Martin Short, also appeared on the same podcast episode and praised her ability to manage the pressures of fame.

He marveled at how she remains grounded despite her massive following.

“It’s amazing. I’ve never seen her overrun by it all, collapsing from the pressure of it all,” Short said.

His comments highlight a key aspect of Gomez’s persona: her ability to carry herself with grace and composure, even under the spotlight of millions.

The Bigger Picture: Social Media and Celebrity Culture

Selena Gomez’s reflections come at a time when the relationship between celebrities and social media is under greater scrutiny than ever. Stars are not just entertainers; they are also content creators, influencers, and public figures whose every post can spark headlines.

Yet Gomez’s candid remarks remind us that behind the numbers are human beings navigating their own emotions. For her, being the most-followed woman on Instagram is less about bragging rights and more about questioning why such immense attention exists in the first place.

From “Wizards” to Global Icon

Part of the fascination with Gomez stems from her journey. She grew up in the spotlight, rising to fame on Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” before transitioning into a music career, film roles, and most recently, her acclaimed performance in “Only Murders in the Building.”

Her evolution from child star to global artist has made her a relatable figure for many, while her candidness about struggles — from health battles to social media — has only deepened her connection with fans.

Why Gomez Resonates with Millions

Selena Gomez’s enduring popularity isn’t just about her projects. It’s about her authenticity.

Fans often describe her as approachable and genuine, qualities that are rare in an era of curated perfection. Even when she admits to feeling “awkward” about her social media following, that humility makes her even more relatable.

In a digital landscape that often rewards flash over substance, Gomez stands out as a celebrity who is willing to be vulnerable, honest, and occasionally imperfect.

Looking Ahead: Social Media on Her Terms

Although Gomez has expressed uncertainty about whether she’ll always maintain her current level of openness, she remains committed to sharing glimpses of her life for now.

She enjoys showing fans where she is, what she’s enjoying, and the things she’s passionate about. At the same time, she leaves the door open to pulling back if it becomes too much.

This flexible mindset allows her to stay in control of her narrative, something many celebrities struggle to manage.

Conclusion: Awkward, But Authentic

Selena Gomez may be the most-followed woman on Instagram, but she wears the crown lightly. Her recent podcast conversation revealed the duality of her relationship with social media: gratitude for its ability to connect, but discomfort with the overwhelming scale of her fame.

In admitting she feels “awkward” about her massive following, Gomez gave fans another reason to admire her — not for her numbers, but for her humanity.

As she continues her career in music, acting, and producing, one thing is certain: whether online or off, Selena Gomez will remain one of the most influential and relatable stars of her generation.