A Complete Guide on How to Hide Likes on Instagram Posts

Ever found yourself obsessing over the number of likes on your Instagram posts? You’re not alone. Social media has turned likes into a form of validation, and for many, this creates unnecessary pressure. That’s why Instagram introduced the option to give users more control over their experience. If you’ve ever wondered how to hide likes on Instagram, you’re in the right place.

Whether you want to hide like counts on your own posts or remove them from your feed entirely, we’ll walk you through the steps. We’ll also discuss why this feature matters, how it affects engagement, and what changes Instagram might introduce in the future. Let’s dive in!

1. Why Would You Want to Hide Likes on Instagram?

Hiding likes is about taking control of your social media experience. For years, likes have influenced how people perceive content, both their own and others’. Some users feel pressure to only post content that they think will get high engagement, while others compare their numbers to influencers or friends. By hiding likes, Instagram allows people to shift their focus back to creativity and meaningful interactions instead of constantly chasing validation.

This feature can be especially helpful for mental health. Studies indicate that excessive social media use can cause anxiety and self-esteem issues, particularly when users compare their engagement with others. 

By removing visible like counts, Instagram hopes to create a healthier online environment. For businesses and influencers, it’s a bit different, likes are still a key metric for brand partnerships and growth. However, even they can benefit from prioritizing authentic engagement over surface-level numbers.

2. How to Hide Likes on Instagram Posts

If you’re ready to turn off like counts on your Instagram posts, you have a few options. You can do it before posting or adjust the settings on an existing post.

Hiding Likes on Your Own Posts (Before Posting)

1. Login to Instagram and tap the “+” button to create a new post.
2. Select a photo or video, edit it as usual, and proceed to the final screen before posting.
3. Tap “Advanced Settings” at the bottom.
4. Toggle on “Hide like and view counts on this post.”
5. Publish your post as normal—now, no one will see the number of likes it gets!

Hiding Likes on Existing Posts

1. Go to your Instagram profile and find the post you want to edit.
2. Click the three dots (•••) in the top right corner of the post.
3. Select “Hide like count.”
4. The like count will now be hidden from public view, but you can still see it privately.

Hiding Likes on Other People’s Posts

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (≡) in the top right corner and select “Settings and privacy.”
3. Scroll down and tap “Likes and views.”
4. Toggle on “Hide like and view counts.”
5. Now, as you scroll through your feed, you won’t see like counts on other users’ posts.

3. Can You Still See Your Own Likes?

Even if you hide like counts from public view, you can still access them privately. To see the number of likes your post has received, simply tap on “Others,” where the like count would normally be displayed. This allows you to keep track of engagement without making it a visible factor for others.

Switching this setting on and off won’t affect previous likes. If you decide later that you want like counts to be visible again, you can go back into your settings and turn them back on at any time. Instagram gives users the flexibility to control their experience without making permanent changes.

4. Will Hiding Likes Affect Engagement or Algorithm Reach?

One of the biggest concerns users have is whether hiding likes will impact their visibility on Instagram. The short answer is no hiding like counts doesn’t change how Instagram ranks posts in the algorithm. Engagement, including likes, comments, shares, and saves, still plays a role in determining what appears on users’ feeds.

However, some influencers and brands worry that hidden likes might reduce engagement rates since people are often influenced by social proof. When users see a post with thousands of likes, they may be more likely to engage with it themselves. Without visible like counts, that effect disappears. The good news? Authentic engagement, like meaningful comments and shares, matters more than ever. This shift encourages users to interact in more genuine ways rather than simply liking a post because others have.

For those managing business accounts, Instagram Insights still provides access to all engagement metrics, including likes. So even if the numbers aren’t publicly visible, you can still track performance and adjust your content strategy accordingly.

5. Alternative Ways to Improve Your Instagram Experience

Hiding likes is just one way to create a healthier and more enjoyable Instagram experience. If you’re looking for additional ways to reduce social media pressure, here are a few options:

• Limit Comments and Interactions: Instagram allows you to restrict or filter comments to avoid negativity.
• Use “Close Friends” for Personal Content: If you only want certain people to see specific posts or Stories, the “Close Friends” feature lets you share privately.
• Take a Break with Instagram’s “Take a Break” Feature: This feature reminds you to step away from the app if you’ve been scrolling for too long.
• Curate Your Feed: Unfollow or mute accounts that don’t inspire you. Instead, follow pages that bring positivity, creativity, or valuable insights into your life.
• Explore More Privacy Features: Instagram continuously updates its settings, and new privacy options may become available over time. If you’re also wondering how to hide followers on Instagram, there are settings that allow you to manage who sees your follower list.

Conclusion

Instagram’s decision to let users hide likes is a step toward making social media a more comfortable space for everyone. Whether you want to reduce pressure, focus on content, or simply change how you interact with the platform, knowing how to hide likes on Instagram gives you more control over your experience.

While hidden likes don’t affect engagement or reach, they can shift the way people interact with content, encouraging more meaningful engagement rather than passive likes. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a shot and see how it changes your perspective on social media. And if you’re looking for even more ways to customize your experience, check out this guide on Instagram privacy settings for additional tips.