Instagram has become one of the top places people go to share photos, videos, and moments from their lives. But it‘s not just about the posts themselves – the comments play a huge role in creating engagement and buzz. In 2024 so far, some Instagram posts have gone insanely viral, generating millions and millions of comments. What secrets do these ultra-commented posts reveal about creating a smash hit on Instagram? As an avid Instagrammer myself, I was curious to dig deeper into the posts and trends behind the most commented content this year.
Here are the top 5 most commented Instagram posts of 2024 so far, along with my analysis on what made them so successful.
Contents
- #1: Alexandros Kopsialis – 43 Million Comments
- #2: Bizarrap and Paulo Londra – 23 Million Comments
- #3: XXXTentacion – 11.1 Million Comments
- #4: Andrea Stramaccioni – 9.8 Million Comments
- #5: Sidhu Moose Wala – 4.8 Million Comments
- What Makes the Most Commented Instagram Posts Go Viral?
- The Takeaway: Comments Bring Engagement and Community
#1: Alexandros Kopsialis – 43 Million Comments
In November 2020, Greek social media influencer Alexandros Kopsialis posted a giveaway promotion sponsored by La Vie En Rose Greece. The prizes included a brand new car, PlayStation 5, and iPhone 12. To enter, fans simply had to comment on the post. The incentive worked – his post exploded to 43 million comments!
Giveaways are hugely effective at driving comments. According to Instagram data, posts with a call-to-action asking followers to comment generate over 2x more comments on average. By tying comments to coveted prizes like tech gadgets and cars, Alexandros created the perfect commenting storm. His post reveals how giveaways can help brands, influencers, and regular users gain huge engagement.
#2: Bizarrap and Paulo Londra – 23 Million Comments
In April 2022, Argentinian music producer Bizarrap made a post with rapper Paulo Londra announcing a surprise if they could reach 23 million comments. They succeeded, releasing an eagerly awaited collaboration track called “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 23.”
This post scored comments by building excitement and intrigue. The comment goal got fans invested in the surprise reveal, while the countdown added urgency. When the track dropped, it gained over 5 million YouTube views in a single day. The comment challenge proved an ingenious marketing strategy. According to Marketing Charts, posts by music artists see above-average commenting rates, as fans discuss lyrics, music, and more.
#3: XXXTentacion – 11.1 Million Comments
Rapper XXXTentacion’s May 2018 post of an upside down photo with “LOVE IS WAR” flooded with comments after his shocking death in June. Fans flocked to the post to express RIP messages, heartbreak, and tributes.
The tragic passing of a celebrity often leads fans to share emotional reactions on their social media. Commenting helps us process loss as a community. A study in the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media found that comments on a deceased celeb‘s page follow stages of grief, with highest engagement immediately after death. XXXTentacion‘s high profile status led to an immense outpouring of comments.
#4: Andrea Stramaccioni – 9.8 Million Comments
When Italian soccer manager Andrea Stramaccioni joined Instagram in August 2019, his first (and so far only) post “Welcome to my official account” instantly went viral. Soccer fans worldwide commented excited greetings.
For celebs and public figures, a first post carries event-like significance, driving eager fans to comment and interact. According to Trackalytics, average Instagram comment rates are 2-3x higher on first-ever posts versus typical posts. Joining social media is a major moment for public figures, so first posts tend to see spikes in engagement. Andrea’s Instagram debut post illustrates this launching momentum.
#5: Sidhu Moose Wala – 4.8 Million Comments
In April 2021, Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala promised to release a new teaser if his post reached 5 million comments. It hit the goal within a day, and the teaser gained 1 million views in 12 hours.
Like Bizarrap’s example, comment challenges build excitement around upcoming releases. Sidhu gave fans an incentive to actively participate. The sense of community from achieving the comment goal together made the release feel like a shared victory.
Beyond the top 5, comment-based viral posts abound in 2024. For example, a post from BTS’s Jimin holding an adorable donut pool floatie has amassed over 2.1 million comments to date from adoring K-pop fans.
What Makes the Most Commented Instagram Posts Go Viral?
Looking at these and other ultra-commented posts reveals key factors driving virality:
- Prizes and giveaways: Tying comments to giveaways, contests, and freebies is wildly effective.
- Surprise reveals: Building intrigue and suspense around comment goals engages fans.
- Calls to action: Direct ask for comments increases engagement.
- Trending topics: Comments spike around hot topics like new music.
- Tributes: Comments allow emotional processing around losses.
- Milestones: Debut posts from celebs see above-average engagement.
- Fandoms: Posts from artists, actors, and celebs draw loyal fan comments.
The Takeaway: Comments Bring Engagement and Community
While Instagram is known for pretty pictures, the real action happens in the comments. Clever commenting campaigns – combining psychology, incentives, and creativity – are driving some of 2024’s most viral posts so far.
For brands and creators, comments present a huge engagement opportunity. Beyond just racking up likes, comments help foster community and allow deeper interaction with your audience. The brands seeing social media success are finding creative ways to spark two-way conversation.
At the end of the day, Instagram is about bringing people together. That sense of community is created one comment at a time.
