Sweden Democrats top social-media ranking as left-wing voices gain

The Sweden Democrats have topped Sweden’s annual social-media influence ranking for a third year, while left-wing voices have gained ground. The Moderates rank eighth overall, ahead of the Social Democrats in ninth.

The Maktbarometern report, published on Wednesday by Medieakademin, puts left-wing think tank Katalys in the overall top 30. Aftonbladet editorial writer Susanna Kierkegaard ranks 13th on Instagram.

The ranking measures reach and engagement across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X. It is not a poll of political support. Its measurement period ran from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026, ending before September’s election.

Medieakademin describes continued right-wing dominance alongside the gains by left-wing commentators. On X, it classifies 68 of the 100 highest-ranked accounts as right-wing and three as left-wing.

Instagram’s results also reflect a change in measurement: shares and reposts are included for the first time. Only six of last year’s top 20 accounts remain in that group, so movements cannot be read simply as changes in popularity.

Traditional news organisations also strengthen their position, taking four of the overall top six places. The Sweden Democrats lead a list that includes media companies and creators as well as political parties.

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