Can You See Someone’s Likes on Instagram? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: it depends. Officially, Instagram removed the ability for users to see the likes on other people’s posts. However, there are nuances and exceptions we need to explore.

The Evolution of Likes on Instagram: A Love-Hate Story

Instagram’s relationship with likes has been turbulent. Once a cornerstone of the platform, symbolizing social validation and popularity, likes became a source of anxiety and competition for many users. This led Instagram to experiment with hiding like counts, ultimately giving users more control over their experience.

Why the Change? Mental Health and User Wellbeing

The primary driver behind hiding likes was a concern for user mental health. Instagram wanted to shift the focus from racking up likes to sharing authentic content and engaging genuinely with others. The platform aimed to create a less competitive environment, reducing the pressure to conform and pursue validation through numbers.

Current Status: Control is in Your Hands

Today, Instagram provides users with the option to hide like counts on their own posts and even hide like counts on posts from others. This means you can choose whether or not you see the number of likes on your feed. It’s all about personal preference and creating the Instagram experience that works best for you.

Diving Deeper: How it Works Today

So, how does the current system work? Let’s break it down:

Hiding Likes on Your Own Posts

You have the power to decide if the number of likes is displayed on your posts. You can do this before posting, in the advanced settings, or after posting, by editing the post. When you hide likes, others won’t see the like count, but you will still have access to it. This allows you to track your engagement without making it public.

Hiding Likes on Others’ Posts

You can also choose to hide like counts on all posts in your feed. This means you won’t see the number of likes on anyone’s posts, creating a less competitive and potentially less distracting browsing experience. This setting is located in your Instagram settings, under “Posts.”

What You Can Still See

Even with hidden like counts, you can still see who liked a specific post. If you click on the area where the like count would normally be, you’ll see a list of users who have liked the post. This allows you to still see who is engaging with the content, even without the numerical value displayed.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Likes

Here are some frequently asked questions to address any remaining uncertainties:

1. Can I see likes on my own old posts if they were previously hidden?

Yes, you can. Even if you had previously hidden the like counts on your older posts, you can still access the information in your archive or by editing the post. The data is stored, even if it’s not publicly displayed.

2. If someone hides their like count, can I still see who liked their post?

Yes, you can. Hiding the like count only affects the visibility of the number. You can still tap where the like count would be to see a list of the accounts that liked the post.

3. Are there any third-party apps that allow me to see hidden likes?

Be very careful with this. Most third-party apps claiming to reveal hidden like counts are scams or violate Instagram’s terms of service. Using these apps can compromise your account security and lead to a ban. It’s best to stick to Instagram’s official features.

4. Does hiding likes affect my engagement on Instagram?

The impact on engagement is debatable. Some argue that hiding likes reduces the pressure to create popular content, leading to more authentic posts. Others believe that likes still play a role in the algorithm, and hiding them might slightly affect visibility. However, Instagram has stated that the change is intended to prioritize content quality and user connections, rather than solely focusing on like counts.

5. Will Instagram ever completely remove likes?

It’s unlikely that Instagram will completely remove likes. The platform has instead opted to provide users with control over their experience. A complete removal could alienate some users who value likes as a metric of engagement and feedback.

6. How do I hide like counts on my posts?

To hide like counts before posting, go to “Advanced settings” at the bottom of the new post screen. There, toggle on “Hide like and view counts on this post.” To hide likes on an existing post, tap the three dots (…) above the post, select “Hide Like Count,” and confirm your selection.

7. How do I hide like counts on other people’s posts?

To hide like counts on all posts from other people, go to your Instagram Settings. Tap “Posts,” then toggle on “Hide Like and View Counts.”

8. Does hiding like counts affect Instagram Reels?

Yes, hiding like counts affects Reels as well. The same settings apply to both regular posts and Reels.

9. Can businesses still see the number of likes on their posts?

Yes, businesses can still see the number of likes on their posts, even if they’ve chosen to hide them from the public. This allows them to track their performance and engagement without publicly displaying the numbers.

10. If I block someone, will they still be able to see my likes on mutual friends’ posts?

If you block someone, they won’t be able to see your profile, your posts, or your likes on any posts, including mutual friends’ posts. Blocking prevents them from interacting with you or your content in any way on Instagram.

11. Are there any browser extensions to see someone’s likes?

Similar to third-party apps, be cautious about browser extensions claiming to reveal hidden likes. Many of these extensions are unreliable and may pose a security risk. Avoid using them to protect your account. It is also possible that Instagram may take action against accounts using such tools.

12. If I like a post, will the person who posted it know it was me even if they have hidden like counts?

Yes. Regardless of whether the poster chooses to hide like counts, they will still receive a notification when you like their post and will be able to see your username in the list of people who liked their post. The hiding of like counts only affects the visibility of the total number of likes, not the individual users who liked the post.

The Future of Likes: More Control and Less Pressure

Instagram’s evolution regarding likes is a clear indication of its commitment to creating a more positive and balanced user experience. By giving users control over their like counts, Instagram empowers them to focus on authentic connection and content creation, rather than chasing validation through numbers. While the future may hold further changes, the current system offers a valuable step towards a healthier and more meaningful social media experience.