Top microbloggers break follower milestones as they ring in the new year

The world’s most followed microbloggers have celebrated the start of 2012 with excited posts, New Year’s resolutions and a long list of new followers.

Twitter-is-a-popular-micro-blogging-site

The world's most followed microbloggers have celebrated the start of 2012 with excited posts, New Year's resolutions and a long list of new followers.

"My new years resolution: Never be afraid to be kicked in the teeth. Let the blood and the bruises define your legacy," said Lady Gaga to her Twitter minions.

"2012 is going to be a great year!" tweeted Justin Bieber hours after celebrating his 16-million-fan milestone on January 1.

Kim Kardashian commented that it's "[f]unny how people look 4 a fresh start in the New Year but the truth is its just an excuse! U can start fresh & set goals any day of the year" and Selena Gomez posted, "[h]ope everyone had a great New Year's Eve. Here's to a great 2012 for all!"

The majority of Twitter's top ten most followed users broke follower milestones in the two weeks leading into the new year: Justin Bieber hit 16 million fans; Katy Perry broke the 13-million-follower mark; Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears and Shakira all surpassed 12 million fans; Rihanna reached 11 million fans; and Taylor Swift became the latest microblogger to surpass 10 million fans.

Over on Sina Weibo, Xie Na hit 14 million followers, Yang Mi narrowly overtook Kevin Tsai, and Kai-fu Lee surpassed 10 million followers.

In September 2011, Twitter CEO Dick Costolo said Twitter had over 200 million registered users. Sina reported that it had more than 200 million registered users on Sina Weibo in August 2011.

Most popular people on Twitter:

Lady Gaga (17,547,507 followers)

Justin Bieber (16,008,331)

Katy Perry (13,416,427)

Kim Kardashian (12,256,137)

Britney Spears (12,153,774)

Shakira (12,119,920)

Barack Obama (11,712,390)

Rihanna (11,341,389)

Taylor Swift (10,154,457)

Selena Gomez (9,345,427)

Most popular people on Sina's microblog (Weibo):

Yao Chen (15,693,877 followers)

Dee Hsu (14,981,796)

Xie Na (13,077,361)

Yang Mi (12,795,415)

Kevin Tsai (12,784,257)

Zhao Wei (12,405,349)

He Jiong (11,885,951)

Leehom Wang (11,725,548)

Li Bingbing (10,940,061)

Kai-fu Lee (10,282,383)