Some celebrities just don't do well with social media. For some reason, they can't connect with fans via the various platforms (and in some cases, they manage to tick off a whole lot of people in the process). Others have adapted admirably well to the brave new world of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook; and of those, Kate Hudson may be one of the most surprising success stories.

After stepping back from the spotlight for a while (and mostly promoting her athletic clothing line), Hudson is returning to the big screen this weekend in the newest Kung Fu Panda installment. She's been making a splash on Instagram for months, and there's no stopping her now; check out some of her most popular posts, and see how Kate Hudson staged a picture-perfect Instagram comeback.

Hashtag Savvy
 

 #tbt Minutes before premiere of Almost Famous #ForeverGrateful

A photo posted by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) on Oct 15, 2015 at 8:04pm PDT


People love those weekly hashtags (like Man-crush Monday, Throwback Thursday, etc.); they're a fantastic way to get more followers and reach people with similar interests, and Kate Hudson uses them perfectly. This Throwback Thursday pic has the double advantage of featuring Hudson's biggest onscreen triumph (her award-nominated role in the classic Almost Famous); when done right, a simple hashtag can make a huge difference. Plus who doesn't love a sneak peek behind the curtains of Hollywood?

Flawless Fitspo
 

My new obsession.... Booty Belt! This contraption is amazing! #ManicMonday #BootyBelt #FitnessFun #fabletics A photo posted by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) on Oct 26, 2015 at 1:27pm PDT


As you can imagine from someone who made their own fitness apparel line, Kate Hudson is a workout junkie. Some of her best and most popular Instagram shots show off her enviable physique and love of working up a sweat. But Hudson is smart; she mentions her own products without shoving them down your throat, making for much more subtle marketing. Plus her fierce figure could inspire even the most devoted of couch potatoes to do just a few jumping jacks. 

Show Some Skin
 

  #JustAnotherDayAtTheOffice

A photo posted by sophielopez (@sophielopez) on Nov 5, 2015 at 10:15am PST


Sex sells, but there's a line between overexposure and just enough nudity to gain some attention. This photo, featuring Kate Hudson lounging nude in a bathtub, was actually snapped by her stylist (and rumor has it attracted the attention of her on-again, off-again fling Nick Jonas). It's funny, flirty, and doesn't feel staged or forced; basically the perfect Instagram shot. Her stellar figure doesn't hurt, either.

Stars Are Just Like Us (Sometimes)
 

When @adele puts out a new single... She's done it again! #Hello #25 #SheHadMeAtHello A photo posted by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) on Oct 23, 2015 at 10:00am PDT


Everyone loves to see stars in less-than-perfect shots that remind us that they are, in fact, human. Kate Hudson bared her soul (or at least her tear-streaked face) and owned up to a passionate love for all things Adele. After all, how many of us have shed a tear or two listening to our favorite artist? As if that wasn't endearing enough, Hudson confirmed her love for Adele's music in a hilariously melodramatic lip-sync rendition of "Hello" on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon while promoting Kung Fu Panda 3.  

Hudson's Instagram superbly combines the glamour of Hollywood with real world moments that keep fans coming back for more. Maybe she should consider teaching a class on celebrity social media (I'm pretty sure Zac Efron would jump at the chance).