Revealed: The 10 Most Instagrammed Rivers in the World
Long or short, urban or rural, rivers are one of the most captivating landscapes that bind locations across the globe.
With stunning views and breathtaking beauty, they provide viewers with a moment of reflection or the chance to photograph the scene to share with their loved ones.
Social media is a great way for others to experience a river’s majestic sight, with Instagram the go-to for uploading picturesque, aesthetically pleasing images of these natural spectacles.
To find out which river gains the most attention online, we analysed Instagram data to discover the most Instagrammed rivers. The analysis revealed the ten most Instagrammed rivers based on the number of Instagram posts, uncovering the most popular, photogenic rivers worldwide.
Now, call us biased, but we're not surprised that the Danube, Nile and Seine are on here, considering that some of our most popular river cruises sail along these picturesque waterways.
The Top 10 most Instagrammed rivers
River Thames
Perhaps surprisingly, the world's most Instagrammed river resides in the UK. According to the findings, the River Thames is the most Instagrammed river, accumulating an impressive 1.6 million Instagram posts.
The London-based river is the longest in England and is among the most famous landmarks in the UK, with visitors commonly snapping a shot of the notable British attraction. The river is favoured for its natural beauty but is also the only river in Europe with a national trail along its entire length. Whether it’s a sightseeing boat ride or a wholesome stroll along its banks, the River Thames is worth a visit.
Hudson River
Next up, and quite a stretch from the UK, is the Hudson River. Situated in the US and primarily flowing through New York, this river was revealed as the second most Instagrammed in the world, with 1.4 million Instagram posts.
The river's popular location and well-known sights, including the George Washington Bridge, make it a must-see tourist attraction.
Colorado River
According to our findings, the third most Instagrammed river is the Colorado River, based in the US. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, this famous river is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and natural landscape.
It’s no surprise this river lands a spot in the top three as it flows through the world-renowned Grand Canyon. This could be why it has been featured in 700,000 Instagram posts, solidifying its position as one of the most picturesque rivers in the world.
Mississippi River
In fourth place is the Mississippi River, which has 600,000 posts on the social media platform. The lengthy river stretches across the United States and Canada, ending in the Gulf of Mexico.
Its size, role as a commercial waterway, and fame from Mark Twain's books - The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - make it a popular attraction.
Columbia River
The findings reveal that the Columbia River is the fifth most Instagrammed river in the world. With over 400,000 Instagram posts, the Canadian waterway is appreciated for its stunning surroundings and sizeable salmon runs.
The river is impressive not only for its scenic views but also for its status as the largest river flowing into the Pacific Ocean from North America.
Danube River
In sixth place is the Danube River. The European river flows through notable countries, including Germany, Austria, and Croatia, securing its status as Europe's second-longest river. The cross-continent waterway is recognised for its size and aesthetic, with the prominent river featured in 400,000 Instagram posts.
Soak up all the European cultured river offers with our The Blue Danube River Cruise, which takes you on a journey across mediaeval cities and picture-perfect towns.
River Nile
According to the findings, the River Nile is the seventh most Instagrammed river. The African river is a popular tourist attraction, recognised for its role and ever-presence across African history. The famous river is featured in 400,000 Instagram posts, echoing its status as a prominent landmark.
Explore the majestic river with our Wonders of the Nile: Cairo to Aswan river cruise and discover mighty monuments, intriguing history, and extraordinary artistic masterpieces.
Chicago River
Landing in eighth place, the Chicago River has racked up 358,500 posts on Instagram. The Chicago-based river is widely considered an engineering marvel and is a beauty spot in its own right too! Flowing past iconic sites such as the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building, it’s perfect for photographs blending the beauty of nature with the innovation of humankind!
Seine River
The ninth most Instagrammed river is the Seine River. This prominent French river flows through Paris, snaking its way through the city's most notable landmarks. With over 300,000 Instagram posts featuring the Seine, it's safe to say the river has become a French landmark and attraction in its own right.
Discover the European city’s beauty with our Paris & Seine Discovery cruise, immersing yourself in the rich culture and enchanting feel of Paris.
Murray River
Securing a spot in the ten most Instagrammed rivers in the world is the Murray River. Flowing through New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, it’s Australia's longest river and is known for its fascinating wildlife.
Murray River is featured in 300,000 Instagram posts, with spectators appreciating its majestic landscape and natural beauty.
To conclude…
Overall, social media channels like Instagram are a great way to share experiences and invite others to witness the wonderful, scenic views of the world.
Rivers are abundant worldwide, rich in history, and possess breathtaking landscapes that are a must-see. Thanks to the power of social media, the beauty of rivers is witnessed in every corner of the globe. Trips to these destinations and exploring river cruises allow everyone to take in the breathtaking essence of these notable rivers.
Learn more about our river cruise destinations here and plan your next unforgettable journey.
Methodology
Riviera Travel created a seed list of over 80 worldwide rivers sourced from publications including The Times, and Wanderlust Magazine. Rivers on the seed list were then searched on Instagram, using prompts ‘River X’ and ‘X river’ to discover the number of Instagram posts each one gained.
The data was then calculated to reach a total number of posts for each river, revealing the 10 most Instagrammed rivers in the world.
All data was collected on 12/09/2024 and is subject to change.