Who are the social media superstars of NZ sport?

Athletes are turning more and more to social media to engage with fans. This gives the public a glimpse into the life of their sports heroes, their families and hobbies.

While it can backfire, when used well, an athlete can grow their fan base and global popularity and pulling power.

Some international athletes have racked up millions of social media followers, and sportspeople from New Zealand are doing the same.

So who are the most high-profile of New Zealand's myriad of athletes with the most followers on Instagram?

1. Israel Adesanya - 7.7 million

Fresh from reclaiming his UFC middleweight championship belt, Adesanya leads the pack for Instagram followers and it's not even close. As one of the world's most popular mixed martial arts fighters, the Last Stylebender has amassed nearly 8 million followers on Instagram. Adesayna is very active on the site, often posting promos and creative edits of himself in action.

2. Kane Williamson - 2.1 million

The greatest batsman in New Zealand history, Kane Williamson, has solid social media numbers which mirror his incredible career stats. No doubt buoyed by a strong Indian following due to his IPL fame, Williamson sits in second spot. His posts include playing the ukulele, plenty of cricket, and his dog Sandy.

3. Dan Carter - 1 million

The All Blacks legend was always a popular figure during his playing days and that has continued after hanging up the boots. DC has rubbed shoulders with some big names as seen from the posts with Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Fox and Prince Harry that he has shared with his followers.

4. Trent Boult - 891,000

Similarly to his Black Caps team-mate, Trent Boult has a strong following from the Indian subcontinent thanks to his appearances in the Indian Premier League. The left arm seamer can often be seen on the sea either having a fish, surf or jetski when not terrorising batsmen on the pitch.

5. Steven Adams - 552,000

Our biggest basketball export both literally and figuratively, Adams is a cult figure on and off the court. With more than half a million followers, the Memphis Grizzly is loved by American audiences, with his most recent post featuring him starring in an ad for March Madness.

6. Dan Hooker - 457,000

Another star out of the City Kick Boxing family, Dan Hooker has carved out a respectable career in the octagon with 22 professional wins. The Hangman's posts range from training shots, tattoo art to him and his young daughter.

7. Shaun Johnson - 307,000

Having recently returned home from Cronulla, the Warriors prodigal son is playing some of the best football of his career. He's one half of a sporting power couple with Silver Fern Kayla Johnson (Cullen).

8. Lydia Ko - 260,000

The world's number one female golfer has accumulated more than $12 million in prize money during her career. Her feed is flooded with shots of her on the course and celebrating numerous championship wins.

9. Zoi Sadowski-Synnott - 146,000

The youngest athlete on the list, 22-year-old Zoi Sadowski-Synnott will no doubt add to her followers as her very promising career progresses.

10. Scott Dixon - 145,000

Rounding out the top 10 is the country's most successful motorsport athlete, six-time Indycar champion Scott Dixon.

Putting on a global lens, our athletes have some way to go to compete on Instagram with the biggest stars on the planet.

The most followed athletes in the world

• Cristiano Ronaldo - 574million
• Lionel Messi - 454million
• Virat Kohli - 245 million
• Neymar - 206 million
• LeBron James - 149 million

- RNZ