Most followers on Instagram for a pig

The most followers on Instagram for a pig is 1.1 million and was achieved by merlinthepig (USA) in Sacramento, California, USA, as of 23 February 2026.

Merlin is a Mini Vietnamese Pot-bellied pig. He was adopted by his owner Mina Alali in March 2022, a dream come true for a long-time animal lover.

Mina began training with Merlin when he was just 3 months old, using customizable voice-recorded buttons which enabled him to communicate his wants and needs. Mina has documented her life with Merlin, her training techniques, and Merlin’s lovable, sassy personality with their followers online.

Mina had already been sharing her life online with her various other animals, including her trained bearded dragon, Mochi, before adding Merlin to the mix.

Merlin, however, stole people’s hearts from day one, and his Instagram account grew by the hundred thousands within the first two months of its creation.

Now, at 4 years old, Merlin has over 30 buttons in the house that he uses regularly, sparking conversation online about just how intelligent, emotional, and human-like pigs can be when given the time, patience, and positive reinforcement. He currently has a loyal, loving community of followers who look forward to what Merlin has to do, or say, next!