Meghan Markle launches new Instagram account with first post of her running on the beach near Montecito filmed by Prince Harry

Meghan Markle's return to Instagram is making waves! Her first post on the account @meghan, a playful video filmed by Prince Harry, has captured widespread attention, skyrocketing her follower count from 115,000 to 170,000 in mere minutes. This marks a significant change for Meghan, who, along with Prince Harry, had previously stepped away from social media after leaving their royal roles.

Her video, featuring a serene beach scene near Montecito where the Sussexes reside, is both personal and symbolic—a fresh start for 2025. It’s clear her return is poised to blend her personal charm with her potential as a powerful influencer.

Meghan Markle has teased a new project with an elusive Instagram video of herself a the beach

What do you think of Meghan’s reentry into the social media world?

Meghan Markle's Instagram debut with the @meghan account signals an exciting new chapter. Her first post, a joyful clip of her drawing "2025" in the sand, has fans buzzing about potential upcoming projects. The updated profile picture—a stunning black-and-white image of Meghan in an elegant white dress—sets a sophisticated tone for the account.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has shared her first clip on the Instagram account - where she has 112,000 followers - simply titled @meghan

This move is a notable shift for Meghan and Prince Harry, who had previously distanced themselves from social media after experiencing severe online abuse. Meghan's original accounts were closed in 2018 following her engagement, and the Sussex Royal accounts were abandoned in 2020 after their transition from royal duties.

Her return feels like a fresh start, combining personal expression with the opportunity to reach millions. With her strong following and influence, Meghan's Instagram re-entry could set the stage for major announcements or collaborations in 2025.

Meghan Markle's return to Instagram marks a full-circle moment in her journey with social media. After stepping back due to online abuse, she cautiously teased a comeback in 2023, even hinting to The Cut with her playful comment, “Do you want to know a secret? I’m getting back…on Instagram.”

The Duchess is then seen running off camera, giggling, in footage believed to have been filmed by Prince Harry 

Although Meghan secured the @meghan handle before launching her Archetypes podcast in August 2022, she waited until now to share her first post. This thoughtful timing suggests a strategic approach, aligning her reentry with fresh opportunities and projects for 2025.

Her journey reflects both resilience and a keen understanding of how to reengage with her audience in a meaningful way. Fans will likely be watching closely for what Meghan chooses to share next on this highly-anticipated platform.

Meghan Markle's Instagram comeback is not only a personal milestone but also a potential game-changer in the influencer world. With experts estimating her earning potential at a staggering $1 million per post, Meghan could quickly rise to the ranks of the top ten highest-paid influencers globally. This reflects both her star power and the immense value brands place on her reach and resonance.

This is what the account looks like now, having ballooned in size since being set up more than a year ago

The @meghan handle itself adds an air of exclusivity. Single-name usernames are rare and highly coveted on Instagram, typically requiring negotiation or special arrangements to secure. The account's initial profile picture of pink dahlias and its lack of bio details fueled speculation since its creation in June 2022. Meghan’s eventual confirmation of ownership sparked a frenzy, turning an empty account into a rapidly growing powerhouse overnight.

Her calculated timing and unique approach to reclaiming the social media spotlight showcase Meghan's strategic acumen. It’s clear she’s positioning herself not just as a public figure but as a force to watch in the digital realm.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends a roundtable discussion on gender equality with The Queens Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and One Young World at Windsor Castle on October 25, 2019 in Windsor

Meghan Markle's acquisition of the @meghan handle has reignited discussions about how celebrities secure coveted usernames on platforms like Instagram. The process often involves negotiations or platform intervention, especially for high-profile figures. While it remains unclear whether Meghan's handle was transferred from a previous user or obtained another way, the account's history shows it has undergone at least one username change since its creation.

This situation recalls the controversy surrounding the Sussexes' @sussexroyal Instagram account in 2019. At the time, Kevin Keiley, a West Sussex football fan, claimed Instagram reassigned his long-held handle without prior notice, citing inactivity. While such actions align with Instagram's policies, they often spark debate about fairness, especially when celebrity or institutional interests are involved.

Meghan, 43, has made her comeback to the photo-sharing app Instagram having stepped away in 2020. It's believed her first video was filmed by Prince Harry

Meghan's return to Instagram, with her exclusive @meghan username, not only symbolizes a fresh digital chapter but also underscores the complexities of navigating social media as a high-profile figure.

Meghan Markle's acquisition of the @meghan handle highlights the unique advantages celebrities enjoy in navigating social media platforms. Digital marketing expert Akshay Makadiya explained that her global fame could have played a significant role in securing the username. Whether through negotiation, financial transaction, or Instagram's enforcement of its policies against username "squatting," Meghan's team likely leveraged her profile to obtain the coveted single-name handle.

Social media expert Eric Schiffer sees Meghan's return as a natural progression in her career. With a new talent manager guiding her brand, stepping back into the social media spotlight is a calculated move. As Schiffer noted, her potential earning power is immense, rivaling top-tier influencers like the Kardashians. At an estimated $1 million per post, Meghan's reentry into Instagram positions her as a major player in the digital marketing and influencer space.

Her timing, combined with her established fame, sets the stage for impactful campaigns and collaborations, solidifying her status as a powerful influencer.