Gigi Hadid uses social media as a ''tool''.

The 20-year-old model - who has in excess of four million followers on Instagram - believes the photo sharing site cements her place as a household name.

She said: ''We get to live in a time that we get to use social media as a tool. It's not just a face on a piece of paper and that's what makes you someone's favourite model.

''We can have a very similar sense of humour as someone and that's why we're their favourite model, or our personal style, off the runway, is why we're their favourite. It can add up to everything, like being a foodie or liking the same books. They get to know all different sides and it's on a much more personal level.''

And Gigi - who is rumoured to be dating Joe Jonas - takes an equally normal approach to her exercise routine and eating regime.

She added to Elle magazine: ''I'm always working so it's always the same routine. I eat healthy when I can, I eat a burger when I want, and I work out. You have to live with the routine that keeps your body the healthiest, and that's what I do - I don't change it for a swimsuit shoot. You have to figure out what works with your body the best.

''And, what a lot of people don't realise is that when I'm shooting something like a swimsuit shoot, I'm running on the beach all day. It takes a lot of energy and a lot of physical work to make these pictures that people see. That makes up for not going to the gym afterwards.''