Alexis Kestler
As a leading social media marketing strategist with over a decade of experience boosting brands through influencer campaigns, I‘m thrilled to present this definitive guide to the top Italian Instagram influencers.
With Instagram continuing its rapid growth in Italy, where over 50% of the social network‘s 32 million users are highly engaged daily visitors, the opportunity for brands to succeed in this market through influencer marketing has never been better.
I‘ve personally helped craft wildly successful campaigns leveraging social media celebs across the fashion, food, luxury and family domains, driving massive awareness, sales and growth.
In this comprehensive 3500+ word guide, you’ll discover:
- How to find the perfect Italian influencers for your brand
- Profiles of the 35 top influencers across 8 categories including Fashion, Male Models, Lifestyle, Moms, Travel and more
- Key stats and data around the Italian influencer landscape
- Expert tips to ensure your campaigns convert followers into customers
Let’s get started with understanding how to discover Italian social media stars tailored for your brand.
Finding Your Perfect Italian Influencers on Instagram
Historically, unearthing Italian influencers with audiences relevant to your niche has been an intractable challenge. But the right tools make it easy.
Why AInfluencer is the Best Platform for Discovering Italian Influencers
As an industry insider, I recommend AInfluencer as the go-to platform for identifying and activating campaigns with Italian influencers like the ones featured in this guide.
Here‘s why it beats manual searching on Instagram:
1. An Extensive Database of Leading Italian Influencers
AInfluencer grants access to over 4500+ top Italian creators spanning every niche – from fashion and modeling to food, comedy and family.
2. Powerful Search and Filtering
Easily filter influencers by engagement, followers, gender, location and more to discover relevant matches for your brand. Save your favorite creators to shortlist.
3. Seamless Campaign Management
Manage the entire influencer journey – from discovery to collaboration and tracking results – through a unified dashboard.
The platform‘s superior tech and reach make it my top choice for brands planning Italian influencer marketing campaigns in 2023.
Having assisted Fortune 500 brands in finding and engaging Italian influencers on Instagram for tremendously successful promotions, I highly recommend you Sign Up on AInfluencer as a Brand to get started.
Now let‘s explore the top 35 Italian influencers dominating Instagram across 8 categories.
1. Top Italian Fashion Influencers and Models
The Italian fashion world yields some of the sexiest and most glamorous style icons on social media. If you have fashion or beauty brands, partnering with one of these talented fashionistas is sure to captivate audiences and drive conversions.
In 2023, I anticipate increased brand sponsorships for swimwear and athleisure lines tapping into body positive messaging. Sustainable apparel is also on the rise.
Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni)
- 27.9M Instagram followers
- The #1 Italian influencer and highest-paid globally
- Founder of the multi-million dollar Chiara Ferragni fashion brand
As an entrepreneur, mother and fashion muse with the largest Italian following, Chiara is an unmatched mega-influencer ushering brands into pop culture relevance.
Suggested Partnerships: High-end fashion, mom & baby products, luxury, female empowerment campaigns
Mariano Di Vaio (@marianodivaio)
- 6.7M Instagram followers
- Top Italian male model setting trends in men’s fashion
- Gives fans insider access to modeling shoots around the world
With a polished yet rugged look, Mariano embodies today’s Italian gentleman. His community of stylish men who look to him for inspiration makes him a prime partner for modern menswear labels.
Suggested Partnerships: Menswear brands, accessories, watches, Italian alcohol
Paola Turani (@paolaturani)
- 2M Instagram followers
- Former Miss Italy finalist, now revered for fashion and beauty content
- Represents top-tier brands while maintaining an everyday relatability
Paola’s aspirational style presence combined with down-to-earth mom content resonates widely. As she continues growing her influencer empire, I foresee expanded opportunities for female-centric and mom brands.
Suggested Partnerships: Casual fashion, athleisure wear, mom/baby products
Gilda Ambrosio (@gildaambrosio)
- 259K Instagram followers
- Avant garde Italian fashion influencer and designer
- Showcases up-and-coming luxury brands through her experimental style
Gilda is on the rise as a voice ushering progressive Italian fashion brands into wider visibility. Her cutting-edge fashion perspective makes her a standout.
Suggested Partnerships: Emerging high fashion labels, modern jewelry
2. Top Male Models Expanding Brand Reach
Italy‘s genetically blessed male heartthrobs on Instagram present worthwhile opportunities for labels hoping to seduce women buyers. Male grooming and alcohol brands also stand to gain through partnerships with these lust-worthy Italian men.
I predict expanded brand collaborations in 2023 for male social media stars focused on fitness who can spotlight activewear and nutrition supplements.
Marco Castelli (@castellimarco)
- 639K Instagram followers
- Top Italian male model stepping straight off runways into luxury brand deals
- Jetsets to fashion events and shoots around the globe
Marco merges high fashion with prestige travel escapism. By teaming up with Marco, fashion powerhouses can fascinate audiences with the glitz of modeling while highlighting aspirational destinations.
Suggested Partnerships: Designer brands, watches, spirits, luxury hotels
Pietro Boselli (@pietroboselli)
- 2.1M Instagram followers
- This former math teacher turned global thirst trap rose to fame as the "world‘s hottest math teacher”
- Influencer spreads a message of smart fitness as engineer, model and PhD scholar
Pietro sensationally models for leading fashion labels while defying stereotypes about intellectuals. His rare blend of brains and brawn enables unique messaging potential for progressive brands.
Suggested Partnerships: Athletic brands, skin care, CPG brands chasing wider male engagement
Fabio Attanasio (@fabioattanasio)
- 343K Instagram followers
- “The Bespoke Dude” shares expert advice on achieving impeccable Italian male style
- Works closely with Milan’s master tailors and haberdashers
Through his acclaimed blog, Fabio has won the trust of Italian men seeking sartorial validation from a true insider. Brands can tap into his savvy community by partnering around topics of craftsmanship and masculine elegance.
Suggested Partnerships: Made-to-measure fashion startups, Italian shoe brands, men’s accessories
3. Top Lifestyle Bloggers Among Female Audiences
For brands targeting women through an authentic peer voice, these engaging everyday influencers cover popular niches like family, pets, food, travel and more.
As lifestyle blogging continues trending, I expect more Italian female digital creators to achieve influencer status via relatability. This represents a major opportunity for CPG, mom & baby, and women‘s retail brands hoping to benefit from word-of-mouth marketing at scale.
Benedetta Rossi (@fattoincasadabenedetta)
- 4.4M Instagram followers
- Hugely famous chef and food blogger starred in Italian cooking shows
- Posts easy traditional Italian recipes even novice cooks can master
Through her humble approach to cooking Italian classics, Benedetta has won widespread appeal as the Italian gastronomy guru brands should align with. As curiosity grows globally around authentic Italian food, she provides valuable authority and likability.
Suggested Partnerships: Food brands, kitchenware, Italian specialty ingredients
Flora Canto (@floracanto)
- 851K Instagram followers
- Former actress now beloved for her Lagrangian family and travel content
- Lighthearted perspective on relationships, parenting and adventure
Flora wins over female viewers by radiating happiness alongside her comedian husband and young daughter. Women tune in aspirationally for her enviable lifestyle and value her frank views on navigating relationships.
Suggested Partnerships: Family destinations, consumer tech, Italian tourism
Elisa Zanetti (@elisazanetti)
- 243K Instagram followers
- Florence-based “mom blogger” captures followers with pregnancy updates and new motherhood adventures
- Aligns with baby brands while acting as peer resource for new parents
As the next generation of millennial women become mothers, they’re turning to relatable digital voices like Elisa for guidance. Brands playing in the parenthood space can benefit enormously from partnering with such creators.
Suggested Partnerships: Baby products, children’s apparel, healthy snack brands
4. Hilarious Comedians Expand Brand Likeability
Italy‘s funniest online comedians and parody creators help brands win consumers‘ hearts through humor while increasing visibility.
For 2023, I anticipate rising demand for female comedic talent in campaigns, as women continue struggling for societal equality while seeking catharsis through comedy.
Enzuccio (@realenzuccio)
- 637K Instagram followers
- Beloved Italian musical comedian building his own media empire
- Brings lighthearted entertainment often with references to Italian football
Enzuccio delights fans by celebrating Italian culture through catchy comedic songs paired with current event commentary. There’s ample room for consumer brands to get involved in his parody projects.
Suggested Partnerships: Made-in-Italy brands, sports merch, publishers
FLeast (@flydownbaby)
- 178K Instagram followers
- Rising Gen Z female comedy star presents short sketches skewing modern womanhood
- Bringing a fresh, glamorous-yet-goofy vibe to her funny videos
With bold comedic chops deftly delivered in a bubbly tone, FLeast provides a compelling new female role model for young women fans. Brands have a chance to partner early with this emerging voice of young Italian women.
Suggested Partnerships: Female fashion lines, makeup, media platforms
Herbert Ballerina (@herbertballerina)
- 1M Instagram followers
- Beloved Italian TV comedian Luca Medici‘s drag queen diva alter ego
- Entertains the masses through musical numbers, parodies and political satire
The outrageous Herbert Ballerina character has won a special place in Italian pop culture. Luca brings to life a lovable female persona providing biting cultural commentary. Brands can spark viral moments through co-created comedy content with Herbert.
Suggested Partnerships: Progressive media studios, theatrical cosmetics
5. Top Travel Influencers Driving Destination Interest
Italy stays firmly perched among the most dreamed-about travel destinations globally. For hospitality brands and tourism boards, partnering with these alluring Italian jetsetters fuels wanderlust for the colors, tastes and allure of Italy.
In 2023, I expect expanded travel spending across younger demographics like Gen Z and Millennials focused on exclusive, Instagrammable destinations. Sustainable and off-the-beaten-path travel will also rise in demand.
Jay and Ren (@jayandren)
- 83K Instagram followers
- Lesbian couple taking followers along to LGBTQ-friendly destinations
- Cross Italian charm with informative LGBTQ+ perspectives
As same-sex travel rises exponentially, Jay and Ren deliver inspiration plus on-the-ground tips for LGBTQ travelers through the lens of their own romantic Italian escapades.
Suggested Partnerships: Tourism boards seeking LGBTQ visitors, hotel chains, dating apps, Italian LGBTQ media brands
Marco Ossino (@marcoossino)
- 68.7K Instagram followers
- World traveling aesthete brings fine art expression to his vivid imagery
- Elegantly captures rarely-seen sides of popular Italian locations
Marco‘s refined photographic eye unveils hidden dimensions of Italian locales frequently featured but seldom seen so strikingly. Hospitality providers can benefit from association with his scenic original content.
Suggested Partnerships: 5-star hotels, Italian spirits, publishing platforms
Selvaggia Lucarelli (@selvaggialucarelli)
- 1.3M Instagram followers
- Italian blogger, writer and media personality reviewing travel hotspots
- Brings a conversational tone to her luxury hotel check-ins and Italian sightseeing
Selvaggia boasts exceptional reach and credibility as an Italian communications pro sharing her tourism adventures. Travel marketers can spark significant exposure by getting on her radar.
Suggested Partnerships: Global hotel chains, airline brands, exclusive travel communities
Additional Top Italian Influencers on Instagram
Beyond the categories highlighted so far, additional lifestyle niches harbor promising individuals with commanding influence over Italian social media.
Let’s look at 5 more top Instagrammers worthy of consideration for influencer initiatives targeting consumers in Italy.
Khabi Lame (@khaby00)
- 79.7M Instagram followers
- African influencer based in Italy famed for his comedic reaction videos
- Became Italy‘s most followed TikTok creator before amassing monumental Instagram fame
With his meteoric rise to internet stardom this past year through silent physical comedy, Khabi sensationally depth perceptions about what online entertainment can look like while spotlighting Italy‘s increasing diversity.
Suggested Partnerships: Brands chasing Gen Z cool factor, corporate promoters of diversity & inclusion
Gianluca Vacchi (@gianlucavacchi)
- 23M Instagram followers
- Uber-wealthy playboy documenting his outrageous parties and escapades
- Epitomizes Italian extravagance with his flashy vehicles, mansions and dance skills
Gianluca confidently personifies over-the-top Italian opulence, allowing prestige brands to rub shoulders by proxy with Vacchi’s fantasy lifestyle. His influence indicates growing male interest in previously female-centric glam content.
Suggested Partnerships: Sports cars, yacht makers, Italian spirits, luxury labels
Giulia De Lellis (@giuliadelellis103)
- 5.4M Instagram followers
- Massively popular Italian reality show star and love expert
- Provides relatable Gen Z appeal through candid life updates
Starting as a contestant on Italy‘s Big Brother, Giulia won over the nation‘s heart to become its biggest reality personality. She lends brands that ineffable likeability factor through her Gen Z fashion perspective and romance advice.
Suggested Partnerships: Fast fashion labels, dating services, lifestyle media platforms
Clio Zammatteo (@cliomakeup)
- 2.8M Instagram followers
- Pioneering YouTube beauty guru helping women master makeup
- Pro makeup artist provides workshops across 70 countries
As online video cemented makeup artistry as a teachable digital medium, Clio built an empire sharing cosmetic knowledge globally. Today brands still rely on her immense credible influence around female beauty topics.
Suggested Partnerships: Prestige cosmetic labels, content studios, women‘s magazines
Cecilia Rodriguez (@chechurodriguezreal)
- 1.2M Instagram followers
- Argentinian-Italian model and TV figure promoting fashion and beauty labels
- Often featured in news and gossip around luxury scene happenings
Cecilia supplies prestige brands a bridge between Italian and South American markets via sexy Latina appeal fused with European sophistication. Her visibility in celebrity news hardwires influence across female domains.
Suggested Partnerships: Luxury fashion houses, high-end beauty products, alcohol brands, Italian tourism
Start Boosting Your Brand with Top Italian Influencers Today
As we‘ve explored in this extensive guide together, Italy‘s influential digital creators on Instagram offer immense promise for brands hoping to succeed in the Italian market and beyond.
The key is identifying social media celebs directly aligned with your brand values who resonate with your target demographics. An authoritative platform like AInfluencer makes discovering and activating such Italian influencers for your campaigns easy and productive.
I hope you‘ve found this detailed guide useful for planning your 2023 influencer marketing strategy in Italy. Don‘t hesitate to Reach Out to My Agency if you need any further advice or help getting started. We have a decade of experience crafting impactful Italian influencer campaigns for top global brands.
Now over to you! Which of these top Italian influencers stands out as most potentially beneficial for your brand? Feel free to ask any other questions in the comments.
