What Is the Most Liked Photo on Instagram? The Full Story

The undisputed champion of Instagram, the photo that has garnered the most likes, is a deceptively simple image: an egg. Yes, you read that right. Posted by the account @worldrecordegg in January 2019, the picture of a brown egg against a plain white background currently boasts over 56 million likes. The audacious goal? To dethrone Kylie Jenner’s then-reigning record of 18 million likes on a photo of her daughter, Stormi.

The Egg-cellent Rise to Instagram Fame

The sheer absurdity of an egg becoming the most liked picture on Instagram is part of its charm. Its virality showcases the power of the internet, meme culture, and the collective desire to participate in something seemingly pointless yet ultimately unifying.

Breaking Down the Anatomy of a Viral Sensation

So, how did this humble egg crack the internet? Let’s dissect the recipe for its success:

• Simplicity: The image is incredibly straightforward. There’s no complexity or hidden meaning. This makes it instantly accessible to everyone.
• A Clear Goal: The account explicitly stated its intention to break a record. This provided a clear call to action for users.
• Meme Power: The egg quickly transformed into a meme, spreading rapidly across various online platforms. People were posting about it, sharing it, and creating their own egg-themed content.
• Celebrity Endorsements: While not initially endorsed by celebrities, its popularity soon caught their attention. Many public figures acknowledged the egg’s existence, further amplifying its reach.
• The “Why Not?” Factor: Ultimately, many users likely liked the photo simply because, well, why not? It was a lighthearted way to participate in an internet phenomenon.

The @worldrecordegg account only has one post, but the account continues to gain followers, showing just how potent virality can be.

Beyond the Egg: Other Notable Instagram Posts

While the egg reigns supreme, it’s worth acknowledging other significant posts that have garnered considerable attention on Instagram:

• Kylie Jenner’s Stormi Announcement: Before the egg, this photo held the top spot, showcasing the immense influence of celebrity culture. It currently sits in second place with over 18 million likes.
• Cristiano Ronaldo’s Announcement of Georgina Rodriguez’s Pregnancy: A testament to Ronaldo’s global appeal, this post has accumulated over 32 million likes.
• Lionel Messi’s World Cup Victory Post: Showcasing the power of sports, this iconic image has captured over 56 million likes as well, making it the highest liked sports photo on the platform.
• Various Celebrity Wedding Announcements: High-profile celebrity weddings often generate significant engagement, as fans eagerly celebrate these milestones with their favorite stars.

These posts highlight the diverse content that resonates with Instagram users, from personal announcements to celebratory moments.

The Transient Nature of Virality

The story of the @worldrecordegg serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of internet fame. While the egg continues to hold the record, the digital landscape is constantly evolving. New trends emerge, and new content captures the collective attention of users. It’s only a matter of time before another unexpected image or video rises to challenge the egg’s supremacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the most liked photo on Instagram:

1. Who created the @worldrecordegg account?

The account was created by Chris Godfrey, an advertising creative from London, and his colleague Alissa Khan-Whelan.

2. What was the original goal of the egg photo?

The primary objective was to surpass Kylie Jenner’s record of 18 million likes on a photo of her daughter, Stormi.

3. Has the @worldrecordegg account posted anything else?

Yes, after achieving its initial goal, the account posted a series of images depicting the egg cracking, each representing the pressures of social media and mental health awareness. These posts aimed to raise awareness for mental health issues.

4. How long did it take for the egg photo to become the most liked on Instagram?

It took approximately 10 days for the egg to surpass Kylie Jenner’s record.

5. Did Kylie Jenner respond to losing her record?

Yes, Kylie Jenner posted a video of herself cracking an egg on the street, jokingly accepting defeat.

6. Why do you think the egg photo went viral?

The simplicity, the explicit goal of breaking a record, the meme potential, and the overall absurdity of the concept all contributed to its virality.

7. Has any other photo come close to surpassing the egg’s record?

Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory post has gained a similar number of likes, nearly matching the Egg record, suggesting it may soon challenge the egg’s dominance.

8. Does the number of likes on a photo translate to real-world impact?

While a high number of likes indicates widespread engagement, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee direct real-world impact. However, it can raise awareness for a cause or amplify a message.

9. Are there any strategies to replicate the egg’s success?

While replicating the exact success is unlikely, understanding the factors that contributed to its virality – simplicity, a clear goal, meme potential – can inform content creation strategies. The reality is that Virality is very difficult to plan.

10. What is the role of algorithms in determining which posts go viral?

Instagram’s algorithms play a significant role in determining which posts are shown to a wider audience. Factors such as engagement rate, relevance, and timeliness all influence algorithmic visibility.

11. How important are hashtags in viral content creation?

Hashtags can increase the discoverability of content, but they are not a guaranteed path to virality. A strong combination of compelling content and relevant hashtags is crucial.

12. What does the egg’s success say about internet culture?

The egg’s success highlights the power of collective participation, the appeal of absurdity, and the ever-evolving nature of internet culture. It demonstrates that anything, even a simple image of an egg, can capture the world’s attention and spark a global phenomenon. It is a symbol of the modern internet.