Selena Gomez Turns 24: How She's Becoming One of the Savviest Stars in the Business

She's way more than the most followed celeb on Instagram

By Greg Safarian Jul 22, 2016 12:00 PMTags
ESC: Met Gala 2016, Selena GomezAnthony Behar/Sipa USA

We've always known Selena Gomez can sing, act, and model, but this past year she added another item to her already impressive resume—super-savvy businesswoman. 

The Revival artist, who was diagnosed with lupus less than a year ago, has pushed through adversity and proven to be unstoppable. Between securing endorsement deals with world-renowned companies, performing at the 2015 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and coming out on top as the most followed person on Instagram (in the world!), 23 was a whirlwind of a year for the former Disney Channel star. 

So as she celebrates her success and her 24th birthday today, here's a look at some Selena's savviest moves to date:

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Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

Performing her hit songs "Hands To Myself" and "Me and My Girls," Selena graced the Victoria's Secret runway during the show's Pink segment.

The star sported ice blue color contacts for her big performance, stating, "I was inspired by Adriana Lima! "I'm a huge fan of hers and I geeked out in front of her today. I wanted to feel like a Victoria's Secret Angel," 

Additionally, the ALMA Award winner partnered up with Pantene to become the brand's newest fresh face. "I've always loved using Pantene, so it's a dream come true to be the brand's newest ambassador," Gomez said during the press release. "Not only because Pantene stands for strong, healthy hair but also because it encourages women to be their best selves."

How much did this A-list brand ambassador make for partnering with the hair care line? According to a source close to E! News, her contract is worth approximately $3 million a year. 

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Coca Cola; Selena Gomez/Instagram

Instagram has been another lucrative platform for Gomez, which comes as no surprise after she earned the bragging rights as the most followed user on the global app. 

Data company D'Marie Analytics has ranked the star of the upcoming big-screen drama In Dubious Battle as the most influential star on social media, closely followed by Kendall and Kylie JennerRihanna and Beyoncé

How does this translate into dollar signs? According to AdweekGomez's social media posts are worth $550,000 when they appear across Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, a $300,000 increase from what her brand posts were worth in December 2015. 

The burgeoning business mogul has over 90 million followers on Instagram alone, and recently garnered the top spot for the most-liked post in the app's history—a sponsored Coca-Cola picture that currently boasts more than 4.7 million likes.

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Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Clear Channel

But arguably one of Selena's biggest professional coups this year was the launch of her Revival World Tour.

The chart-topping vocalist explained to Billboard why this tour was so special, saying, "This show is so centered around me, and I mean that in a way of confidence, of strength. It has a beautiful feel to it, but it is about me, so if I wanted to come in one day and say I want to change [a song in the show] or add this, I can do that." She continued, "That's the first time I've ever really been able to do that in my life. And I feel, I feel great about it. It's not me making sure I hit all the dance moves."

On an even more personal level, the singer has decided to pay it forward by donating proceeds from each ticket sold to the Alliance for Lupus Research. "I waited for the right time to talk about it because I am in a great place and I'm very healthy," she explained to Billboard. "I'm not trying to be loud about it: It was time to use my platform to help."

Happy 24th birthday to this super-star—no doubt she'll have all new things to celebrate in no time. 

Watch: Selena Gomez Says "People Have Tried to Tear Her Down"
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Selena Gomez's Street Style