When it comes to global fame, Ed Sheeran and Dua Lipa are two of the biggest names to come out of the UK. Both are chart-topping artists. Both have huge fan bases. Both have changed the sound of pop music in their own way. But if we look at something a bit more modern—like Instagram followers—you’ll notice an interesting shift. And funnily enough, that shift has a lot in common with what we’re seeing with UK YouTubers who became entrepreneurs.
Let’s Settle the Instagram Question First
Instagram has become more than just a photo-sharing app. It’s a stage. A personal magazine. A tool for business. A place where numbers matter—especially when you’re famous. As of June 2025:
Dua’s lead is pretty big—almost double Ed’s. That might seem surprising, considering Ed has been in the music world longer. But this tells us something important about the way fans interact with stars today.
It’s Not Just About Music Anymore
Ed Sheeran posts occasionally. His style on Instagram is laid-back. You’ll get a few photos from his tour, a snap with a friend, maybe a video of him singing live. It’s simple. It’s real. But it’s not constant.
Now look at Dua Lipa. Her page is a full-on fashion diary. One day, she’s at the Grammys. Next, she’s modelling in Paris. Her posts feel like a curated mix of high fashion, pop culture, and just the right splash of real-life charm. Her presence is sleek and regular. People check in to see what she’s wearing, who she’s with, or where in the world she is now.
The difference between the two isn’t just about talent. It’s about how they’ve chosen to connect with fans. And this is where things start to match up with the rise of UK YouTubers who’ve made it big, outside of YouTube.
From YouTube to Business: The British Way
Let’s take a little turn. Have you noticed how many British YouTubers have gone from recording videos in their bedrooms to running companies, launching brands, and appearing on TV?
The connection here is clear. Like Dua Lipa, these creators know the value of staying visible, being consistent, and building something bigger than just content.
Here are a few UK YouTubers who became entrepreneurs and how they did it:
Joe Sugg
Once known for his pranks and impressions on YouTube, Joe now works in TV and has written graphic novels. He even appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and ended up launching a production company. What started as jokes online turned into a creative business.
Zoella (Zoe Sugg)
Joe’s sister, Zoe, was once the queen of YouTube beauty vlogs in the UK. But she didn’t stop at makeup videos. She created a lifestyle brand, launched a series of books, and worked with big companies on product lines. Her bath and body range in Superdrug was a hit with her fanbase.
KSI
Now here’s a perfect match for the Dua Lipa model of staying present and using social media well. KSI started out with FIFA commentary and funny videos. Today, he’s a rapper, a boxer, and the co-owner of Prime, a drinks company he launched with Logan Paul. That business alone has turned into a global sensation. KSI’s Instagram is full of music, fight promos, and brand plugs—and it works.
Alfie Deyes
Another face from the early YouTube scene. While not as active now, Alfie managed to turn his online success into books and business partnerships. He understood early on that the YouTube fame train doesn’t last forever unless you build something off the platform.
Patricia Bright
Patricia started with beauty videos but soon found her niche in finance and lifestyle. She launched a second channel about money management, has worked with several brands, and even did speaking gigs on business and self-growth. She’s proof that knowing your audience pays off.
What Does This Have to Do with Ed and Dua?
Well, everything. The way these YouTubers turned into business owners mirrors how Dua Lipa used her platform. She didn’t just sing. She built a brand. She shows up online consistently. Her content is polished. She wears the right clothes, works with the right brands, and makes sure people are watching.
Ed Sheeran, meanwhile, sticks to what he loves—his guitar, his studio, and his songs. He’s not trying to sell you skincare or hint at a clothing line. And that’s totally okay. But in a numbers game—especially one like Instagram—being active and branded gives you a massive edge.
The same goes for YouTubers. Those who just kept making videos often faded into the background. But those who used their popularity to build brands—like KSI and Zoella—are still very much in the public eye. Not just as creators, but as entrepreneurs.
A Little Thought to Wrap Things Up
If Ed Sheeran ever wanted to boost his follower count, he could. He’s got the fame. He’s got the love of fans all over the world. But he’s chosen a quieter route. That’s what makes Ed… well, Ed.
Dua Lipa, on the other hand, treats her social media like a business. And it’s paying off. Just like it did for all those UK YouTubers who built careers outside the platform.
So the next time you see someone with a big follower count, don’t just think of it as a number. It might be the result of a smart strategy. Just like it was for UK YouTubers who became entrepreneurs.
Final Thoughts
Ed Sheeran might not have as many Instagram followers as Dua Lipa. But he’s still one of the most respected artists in the world. Dua Lipa, on the other hand, has shown what happens when music and media mix in just the right way.
And tucked in between their stories is a lesson from YouTube: content creators who treat their platforms like businesses—whether they sing, vlog, or post memes—often find new ways to grow.
Whether it’s Dua Lipa’s 89 million fans or KSI’s million-dollar drinks company, one thing’s for sure: the UK is full of people who know how to build something big from the ground up.
And honestly? That’s pretty cool.