Tech hack: How to hide likes on Instagram

Social media can be competitive. After all, influencers make millions from using these apps. Comparing your social media success to others on the app can be a source of stress and undue pressure.

Likes are an easy metric to compare – too easy. This number is displayed prominently under every post, so it’s tough to look away.

But what if you don’t want to participate in the competition? What can you do to make your content shine for its quality and not the number of likes it’s received? And what if you don’t want to see how much attention other posts get? The answer to these questions is simple: all you need to do is hide your likes.

Many users aren’t aware it’s possible to hide likes, so if you missed the memo, don’t feel bad. The app rolled this feature out in 2021 after 11 years without it. If you’re a long-time Instagram user, there was a long stretch of time when hiding likes wasn’t possible.

Now that this feature exists, we’re happy to explain how to hide likes on Instagram – both on your own posts and on those of people you follow.

How to hide Instagram likes

Learning about this hidden feature is bound to raise more questions. Now that you know it’s possible to hide likes, you’re probably also wondering how to hide likes and views on Instagram Reels or how to hide likes on videos on Instagram. We’ll get to all that. But let’s start with the basics: how to hide likes on your posts (and those of others).

On your own posts

You can hide the like count on your posts before or after the content goes live. Here’s how:

Before your content goes live

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Draft a new post by clicking on the plus sign in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Add a photo to your post and click Next in the top-right corner of the screen.
4. Apply any filters you’d like and click Next again.
5. On the screen where the app invites you to write a caption, tag people, add a location and more, jump down to Advanced settings (at the bottom).
6. Slide the toggle for the Hide like and view counts on this post to the “on” position (it will turn blue).

After your content goes live

1. Open the Instagram app.
2. Click on your Instagram profile photo in the lower right-hand corner of the screen to bring up your profile page.
3. Tap on the post you want to turn off likes for.
4. Tap on the three little dots in the upper right-hand corner of the screen above your photo.
5. From the pop-up menu, select Hide like count. If you want to turn off commenting too, repeat this step and choose that option.

On posts you view

Is it time to turn down the heat of the IG competition by hiding the like counts on other people’s posts? We commend you. Here’s how to do it:

1. From your profile page, tap on the three little lines (a.k.a. the hamburger icon) in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Privacy.
4. Click on Posts.
5. Slide the Hide likes toggle to the “on” position.

FAQs

As promised, we’ll address those other burning questions about what you can and can’t hide on Instagram. Here are some common FAQs on the subject:

Can I see how many likes I got if they’re hidden?

You may not want others to see how your post is faring with viewers. But what if you want to know?

If you have a Business account, you’re all set. You can see your likes within your Instagram Insights analytics. But if you only have a personal account, it’s not possible to view this data.

How can I hide followers on Instagram?

You can’t hide your follower list from anyone else who follows you on Instagram, but you can reduce the number of people who see this list by setting your account to private. If you have a private IG, anyone who doesn't yet follow you won't be able to view the lists of accounts that follow you or the ones you follow. But going private isn’t for everyone. If you’re a brand or a budding influencer, having a public Instagram account (and the public follower list that goes along with it) may be the cost of doing business. All that said, regardless of whether your account is public or private, you can’t hide the number of followers you have.

How can I look at liked posts on Instagram?

While we’re on the topic of likes, you may wonder if you can see what you’ve previously double-tapped on the ‘gram. Good news: You can! Better news: We explain the process in detail here.

How can I hide likes and views on Instagram Reels?

The process of hiding like counts on Reels is similar to hiding them on posts. Before you publish a Reel, you can find the option to hide like counts in the final menu under Advanced settings.

How can I hide likes on videos on Instagram?

Instagram video posts are now Reels, so refer to the answer above.

Take care of yourself on social media

Even the most diehard social media fans know it’s not perfect. Using these apps can take a toll on your mood, or in more severe scenarios, your mental health.

One of the reasons using social media negatively affects some users is because of the topic we’ve covered here: the constant competition driven by likes, comments, views and other interactions. For some, it’s hard not to take this feedback personally.

But social media is not an accurate reflection of real life – not in content or engagement. Just because your friend hasn’t liked a post doesn't mean they don’t adore you or your content. They could be busy or taking a break to improve their own mental health. Perhaps the post simply didn’t filter to the top of their feed. And just because someone else’s life looks picture-perfect on Instagram and their posts resonate with viewers doesn’t mean this person isn’t struggling with the same insecurities as other users.

If you’re not having fun on social media – and yes, we’re talking to businesses and influencers using this space for marketing here too – take a break. People will understand.