How To Hide Likes On Instagram?

Feeling overwhelmed by the relentless pursuit of likes and validation on Instagram? Do you crave a more genuine and relaxing social media experience?

You're not the only one.

We face a constant barrage of metrics like likes and shares, but do these numbers truly enhance our happiness, or are they merely amplifying our stress?

As Instagram likes increasingly reflect our self-esteem, it’s crucial to regain control and focus on your well-being.

Instagram can hide likes, allowing you to concentrate on what counts—sharing experiences, building connections, and expressing yourself without the pressure of public judgment.

Here’s a guide to help hide likes on Instagram.

How to hide Instagram Likes?

You can easily hide both your likes and those on accounts you follow. Here’s a straightforward guide for doing both:

To hide likes on other users' posts:

• Open your Instagram profile on the mobile app.

• Tap the hamburger menu (≡) in the top-left corner.

• Select “Settings and Privacy.”

• Choose “Like Count.”

• Activate the ‘Hide Like Count’ toggle.

After completing these steps, your posts will appear as shown in the image below:

You’ll now see “Liked by username and others” instead of a post's total number of likes. If you’re using Instagram on a desktop, follow these instructions:

• Visit instagram.com.

• Click on the ‘More’ menu at the bottom left.

• Open the Settings menu.

• Select ‘What You See.’

• Switch the ‘Like Count’ toggle to blue.

How to View Instagram Likes After Hiding Them?

Although hidden likes aren't publicly visible, you can still access them privately. Here’s how:

Convert your regular account to an Instagram Business Account via ‘Settings and Privacy.’

• Select ‘Account Type and Tools.’

• Click ‘Switch to Professional Account.’

• After choosing your account type, return to your profile.

• Tap the hamburger menu (≡).

• Go to ‘Insights’ to review your data.

• Navigate to ‘Content You Shared’ and select the posts or reels.

• Click the filter icon.

• Choose  ‘Highest,’ ‘Newest,’ or ‘Lowest.’

Alternatively, sort by metrics and select ‘Likes.’

Viewing Hidden Instagram Likes with a Third-Party Tool

Tracking your Instagram engagement with a third-party tool is simple. Start by logging into your account.

Add your Instagram profile by selecting the ‘Profile Analytics’ tab at the top and then clicking the orange ‘Add New Profile’ button.

Choose ‘Analyze New Profile’ from the dropdown menu, click the Instagram icon, enter your handle, and press the orange ‘Analyze Profile’ button.

You can then scroll to the ‘Top Posts by Engagements’ section. Click on any post to see its total engagements, likes, and comments.

A ‘View Post on Instagram’ button also takes you directly to the post.

Why Hide Instagram Likes?

Research has shown that Instagram can foster ‘social-comparison and feedback-seeking (SCFS) behavior,' particularly among teenagers.

The study found that adolescents aged 13 to 18 with high SCFS were significantly impacted by the number of likes they received.

Instagram now offers the ability to hide likes, letting users keep their like counts private for their posts and those they see.

Although this option is voluntary, it has notably changed how users interact with content on Instagram.

Primarily, hiding likes is a buffer against the relentless pressure of counting metrics. Social media is often criticized for increasing anxiety and stress, as many people equate their self-worth with the number of likes they get.

By hiding likes on your posts, you can escape the constant quest for validation, fostering a healthier and more genuine connection with the platform.

Additionally, hiding likes promotes more meaningful engagement. When attention moves away from the number of likes, and toward the content, users are more inclined to interact with posts that truly interest them.

This shift fosters a more authentic and engaging experience, where connections are driven by mutual interests and personal expression rather than the quest for popularity.

Choosing to hide likes represents a shift towards rethinking our digital habits. This move empowers users to focus on their well-being and rethink the purpose of online interactions.

It signifies a shift toward valuing Instagram posts not by the number of likes, but by the quality of connections and authenticity, they foster.

Embrace this change to enhance your online experience, cultivate real interactions, and take comfort in being genuine beyond the metrics. 

What’s the Best Strategy for Your Brand?

Should you hide your Instagram likes or keep them visible? If your primary audience includes many teenagers, hiding the like counts is generally better.

Alternatively, you can choose to keep likes visible. The key metrics to focus on are comments and shares, which better reflect how your target audience engages with your content. Your likes, or their absence, should not determine your value.

Consider using a social listening tool if you’re a marketer or aspiring influencer seeking insights into your audience's preferences. It will enhance your social media strategy and provide valuable monthly reports.