How to See What Other People Like on Instagram: A Deep Dive

So, you want to peek behind the digital curtain and see what tickles the fancy of your friends, rivals, or even that intriguing stranger on Instagram? While Instagram has tightened its privacy screws considerably over the years, making it harder to outright stalk someone’s likes, the task isn’t entirely impossible. The direct answer is: You can no longer directly see a comprehensive list of posts someone has liked on Instagram due to privacy changes. Previously, the “Following” tab under the “Activity” section allowed you to see this, but that feature has been removed. However, there are still some avenues you can explore to get glimpses into their digital preferences. Let’s dive into the remaining options.

Understanding Instagram’s Privacy Stance

Before we delve into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand Instagram’s rationale. Privacy is paramount in today’s digital landscape. Instagram’s decision to remove the “Following” tab wasn’t arbitrary; it was driven by concerns about user privacy and potential misuse of information. The platform aims to create a safe and positive environment, and giving users complete visibility into others’ activities was deemed a step too far.

Methods to Glean Insights (with Limitations)

Even without a direct feed of likes, astute observers can still gather clues. Here’s how:

1. The Mutual Follow/Post Interaction Observation

This is the most straightforward and organic method. If you follow the person whose likes you’re interested in, and they follow other users who have public profiles, you might notice their likes on the posts of those mutual connections. This requires active observation and a degree of luck, as you need to be browsing the same posts around the same time.

2. Leveraging Third-Party Apps (Proceed with Caution!)

While the official Instagram app doesn’t offer this functionality, the internet is awash with third-party apps claiming to reveal someone’s liked posts. Proceed with extreme caution when considering these apps. Many are riddled with malware, require you to share your login credentials (a massive security risk!), or violate Instagram’s terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension or permanent ban. Always thoroughly research any app before downloading it and be wary of those promising “free” access to private information. Read reviews, check permissions, and understand the privacy policy. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Furthermore, many of these apps simply don’t work anymore due to Instagram’s API restrictions.

3. The Shared Interest Approach

This involves identifying common interests you share with the person. For example, if you both love photography, you can follow relevant hashtags or accounts. By actively engaging with this content, you might inadvertently see their likes or comments on the same posts. This is more about connecting over shared passions than actively spying, but it can provide a glimpse into their preferences.

4. Collaborations and Shared Content

If you are working with the user on specific content or campaigns, such as influencer marketing or paid advertising, there will be some access to the user’s engagement habits within the platform tools. For example, tracking the user’s engagement (likes, comments, shares) within your paid advertising campaigns is easily accessible on Instagram Ads Manager.

5. The “Instagram Insight” for Business Accounts

If the person has a public business account, you can often see general trends in their followers’ engagement (likes, saves, shares), although you won’t be able to pinpoint individual users. This is more about understanding audience preferences as a whole rather than individual likes.

The Ethical Considerations

Before you embark on your quest to uncover someone’s Instagram likes, consider the ethical implications. Is it really necessary to know this information? Are you respecting their privacy? Building trust and fostering genuine connections are far more valuable than uncovering someone’s digital footprints.

FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Instagram Likes

1. Can I use a “like tracker” app to see someone’s likes?

Likely no. Many of these apps are scams or simply don’t work due to Instagram’s privacy updates. Furthermore, using them can violate Instagram’s terms of service and compromise your account security.

2. Is it illegal to use third-party apps to track Instagram likes?

It’s not necessarily illegal in itself, but it’s often against Instagram’s terms of service, which can lead to account suspension. Additionally, if the app involves accessing private information without consent, it could raise legal concerns depending on your jurisdiction.

3. Can I see what celebrities or public figures like on Instagram?

Not directly through a comprehensive list. However, because they often engage with public content, you might encounter their likes organically while browsing popular posts or accounts related to their interests.

4. How can I protect my own privacy on Instagram?

Make your account private. This restricts who can see your posts, followers, and likes. Also, be mindful of the permissions you grant to third-party apps.

5. Will Instagram ever bring back the “Following” tab?

It’s unlikely, given their emphasis on user privacy. However, Instagram’s policies and features can evolve, so it’s not entirely impossible.

6. Can I see someone’s likes if they have a private account?

No. If an account is private, only their approved followers can see their posts, likes, and other activity.

7. What’s the difference between “likes” and “saves” on Instagram?

Likes are a quick way to show appreciation for a post. Saves are used to bookmark posts for later viewing, indicating a deeper level of interest.

8. Can I see who saved my posts on Instagram?

No, Instagram doesn’t provide information about which specific users saved your posts. You can only see the total number of saves.

9. Does Instagram notify users when someone takes a screenshot of their post?

No, Instagram does not notify users when someone screenshots a regular post (photo or video) or a profile. However, it does notify users if someone screenshots a disappearing photo or video sent in a private direct message.

10. Are there any legitimate ways to analyze my own Instagram likes and engagement?

Yes. If you have a business account, you can use Instagram Insights to track your post performance, including likes, comments, reach, and impressions. This data is for your own account only, not others.

11. What are some alternative ways to connect with people on Instagram without tracking their likes?

Focus on engaging with their content through thoughtful comments and direct messages. Participate in relevant conversations and build genuine connections based on shared interests.

12. If I suspect someone is using a third-party app to track my activity, what should I do?

Change your password immediately and review the apps you’ve granted access to. Revoke access to any suspicious or unfamiliar apps. Consider reporting the issue to Instagram support if you believe your account has been compromised.

Final Thoughts

While the ability to directly see a comprehensive list of someone’s Instagram likes is gone, the digital detective in you isn’t entirely thwarted. By employing a combination of observation, shared interests, and ethical awareness, you can still gain some insights into their online preferences. Just remember to prioritize privacy and build genuine connections rather than resorting to potentially harmful and often ineffective methods. Ultimately, respecting boundaries is more valuable than uncovering secrets.