In fifth place is Willis Tower in Chicago, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States. Formerly known as the Sears Tower, it held the title of the world’s tallest building from 1973 until 1998 and remains a symbol of the Windy City’s architectural ambition. Today, much of its online fame is fueled by the 103rd-floor Skydeck, which attracts millions of visitors each year. Its most daring feature, The Ledge, consists of a series of glass-floored balconies that extend more than a meter outside the building, giving visitors the illusion of floating above the city. The breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan, combined with the thrill of stepping onto transparent glass 412 meters in the air, make it one of the most shared skyscraper experiences on Instagram.

The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur secure sixth place in the global ranking. Once the tallest buildings in the world and until recently the tallest in Malaysia, these iconic twin towers remain an architectural and cultural symbol of the country. Linked by a two-story skybridge at the 41st and 42nd floors, the towers offer visitors a unique experience of walking between the two structures high above the city. Their 86th-floor observation deck, rising 370 meters, provides breathtaking panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, blending modern skyscrapers with lush greenery and traditional landmarks. A magnet for tourists, photographers, and content creators, the Petronas Towers remain one of Southeast Asia’s most recognizable and Instagrammable attractions.

One Vanderbilt, rising above Midtown Manhattan, has quickly transformed into one of New York’s most talked-about landmarks. Since opening just five years ago, it has recorded the highest growth in Instagram mentions of any skyscraper worldwide — a remarkable 189% increase since 2022. This surge has propelled it from tenth to seventh place in the global ranking, underscoring its rapid rise in popularity. What makes One Vanderbilt so captivating is not only its sleek, modern design but also its immersive observation experience, Summit One Vanderbilt. Here, visitors encounter a unique fusion of art, design, and technology that turns a traditional skyline view into an interactive journey. Among the highlights are the glass boxes suspended 325 meters above the ground, offering daring guests a breathtaking, vertigo-inducing perspective of Manhattan that has become a viral favorite on social media. With its innovative approach and bold experiences, One Vanderbilt is redefining how travellers and locals alike experience the New York skyline.

Ninth place goes to Lotte World Tower, South Korea’s tallest building and a striking symbol of the city’s modern skyline. Rising 555 meters with 129 floors, it seamlessly blends leisure, culture, and luxury under one roof. Inside, visitors can explore a vast shopping mall, a luxury hotel, an aquarium, and cultural spaces that draw both locals and tourists year-round. The highlight is the Seoul Sky observatory, perched on the upper floors, where glass-floored observation decks and 360° panoramic views of the capital make for an unforgettable experience. Its sleek, tapered design inspired by traditional Korean ceramics, combined with its “all-in-one” appeal, has helped the tower gain increasing popularity on social media, making it one of Asia’s most Instagrammable skyscrapers.

Closing out the top 10 is the Shanghai Tower, a spiraling architectural marvel that soars 632 meters above the city, making it the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. Its twisting design not only defines Shanghai’s skyline but also reflects cutting-edge engineering, built to withstand the region’s winds and seismic activity. The observation deck on the 118th floor provides panoramic views over the Huangpu River, the Bund, and the glittering Pudong financial district, offering one of the most breathtaking cityscapes in Asia. Beyond the views, visitors can explore immersive experiences on the 125th and 126th floors, where interactive art installations and exhibitions merge culture, technology, and design. The Shanghai Tower is more than a skyscraper — it’s a vertical city and a testament to China’s rapid urban transformation.

*Methodology: The study analysed the 100 tallest skyscrapers in the world. For each building, Instagram mentions from their two most-used hashtags were tallied. The data from June 2025 was compared with 2022 figures to identify both the most popular buildings and those with the highest growth in mentions.