Taylor Swift Makes Instagram Explode With These Photographs

Taylor Swift blew up her Instagram account with several photos over the past week, helping the pop star reach 60 million followers before 2015. That’s nearly 5 million more followers than the next most-followed artist, Time reported Friday.

Swift captured the moment she reached the newest height for an individual by snapping an image of her Instagram profile page. Taylor commented on the achievement, as well.

“Well would you look at that. Thanks for the 50 million followers situation guys! Merry Christmas indeed.”

Swift reached the milestone due in part to her willingness to share her life with her followers. Earlier this week, Taylor and boyfriend Calvin Harris spent some time building a snowman with her younger brother Austin Swift. The photo caption simply stated that Swift was “really proud of ourselves over here.”

Another photo Taylor shared may be her most popular one yet, earning her 2.2 million likes for the Instagram post. Dressed as an elf, Swift wrote a caption for the photo as a play on Drake’s “Hotline Bling” song, telling followers, “You used to call me on my elf phone.”

Along the way, Taylor hasn’t forgotten about the people who’ve made her the top Instagram account. Paying tribute to her fans is commonplace for Swift, who also posted a photo this week of her visit to a cancer-ridden fan, snapping a few photos for her Instagram account of the “Swiftie” member.

This year is the biggest yet for Taylor Swift. Although she launched her multi-million selling album 1989 in 2014, the hits kept coming this year from the year-old compilation. It also spawned a massively successful tour that ended in North America earlier this year and helped raise Taylor’s net worth by more than $100 million, according to one estimate.

The total singles Swift has released from the album is at six now that Taylor released “Out Of The Woods” from the compilation. The video for “Out Of The Woods,” which was shot in November, is scheduled to be released this week during a New Year’s Eve show.

The hits translated to wins across several platforms. The video for “Bad Blood” – which showcased several television and music stars – enjoyed the most success, earning Taylor the Best Video award at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards ceremony. Taylor shared the success with her squad, giving her fellow actresses replica VMA Moonman trophies. The video also spawned several spoofs, including a recent one by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler during their hosting gig for Saturday Night Live.

Swift’s influence extended beyond the music industry. The “Blank Space” singer also produced a documentary as a behind-the-scenes look at filming the video, and Taylor earned an Emmy for the effort. Swift thought the win was a prank at the time, but she later confirmed that she had earned the unexpected Emmy.

Taylor has even been pulled into the political process thanks to her success this year. The “Shake It Off” singer was featured in comments made by a politician recently, as well as a campaign ad describing her enormous following and wealth.

Taylor easily bested the second most-followed profile on Instagram. Kim Kardashian West, who has roughly 55.5 million followers, was in the top position on the Instagram list until September when Swift overtook the model and actress.

Kardashian raised her profile by posting revealing photos of herself, including one baring her breasts and butt to debunk pregnancy rumors. Kim often shares her thoughts and feelings on her account, but she also uses the account to promote her new website and app.

What do you think about Taylor Swift making Instagram explode with her cute Christmas photographs? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Photo by Evan Agostini/AP]