How to Hide Likes on Instagram

How to Hide Likes on Instagram: Simple Steps for a More Private Feed

How to hide likes on Instagram? Let’s be honest: the platform can feel like a numbers game sometimes. You post a picture you love, and instead of enjoying the moment, you find yourself wondering, How many likes did it get?

It’s not just you – this happens to almost everyone. Instagram knows it too, which is why they introduced a way to hide likes.

Whether you’re tired of comparing numbers or just want to keep your feed more private, I’ll walk you through how to hide likes on Instagram step by step.

And hey, don’t worry – I’ll also explain why hiding likes might be exactly what you need.

How to Hide Likes on Instagram

Hiding likes on Instagram is a changer for many people. No matter if you want to hide likes on your own Instagram posts or avoid seeing them on other people’s posts, it’s simple and only takes a few taps.

Instagram introduced the option to hide like counts in 2021. Why? To take the pressure off users who felt overwhelmed by constant comparisons.

By hiding likes, Instagram gives users more control over how they experience the platform. You’re no longer staring at a “popularity contest” – it’s just photos, videos, and creativity.

Let’s dive into the details.

Steps to Hide Likes on Your Posts

How to Hide Likes on Instagram

If you’re looking to hide likes on your own posts, Instagram gives you two simple ways to do it. You can decide to hide like counts before you post or update the settings for something you’ve already shared. Let’s go through both options.

1. Hiding Likes Before Posting

The easiest time to hide likes is when you’re about to share something new. Here’s how to do it:

  • Start by opening the Instagram app and creating a new post, just like you normally would.
  • Once you’re on the final screen – the one where you add your caption and tags – scroll down to the bottom of the page.
  • Look for the option labeled “Advanced Settings.” Tap it, and you’ll see a toggle to “Hide Like and View Counts on This Post.”
  • Turn that toggle on, and you’re good to go. When you share the post, no one will see the like count except you.

2. For Posts You’ve Already Shared

If you have older posts where you want to hide the like count, don’t worry – you can make the change retroactively. Here’s how:

  • Open your Instagram profile and find the specific post you’d like to update.
  • Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner of the post to bring up the menu.
  • In the list of options that pops up, you’ll see “Hide Like Count.” Tap that, and the likes will disappear from public view.

Why People Are Hiding Likes on Instagram

Hiding likes isn’t just a trendy feature – it has real benefits. Let’s look at why so many people are embracing it.

1. It’s Better for Your Mental Health

Did you know that Instagram has been linked to anxiety and self-esteem issues? A study by the Royal Society for Public Health found that Instagram affects mental health more negatively than any other platform. Seeing the like count on every post can make you feel like you’re in constant competition.

By hiding likes, you’re removing that pressure. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

2. You Can Focus on What Matters

manage Instagram like counts

Likes shouldn’t be the star of the show. When you hide likes, you’re free to focus on the content itself – whether it’s a beautiful photo, a heartfelt caption, or a funny reel. No more wondering if people will judge your post based on numbers.

3. It Gives You More Privacy

If you’re someone who prefers to keep things low-profile, hiding likes makes your feed feel a little more private. Only when you can see the like count can that feel empowering.

What Happens When You Hide Likes on Instagram?

Here’s a quick rundown of how hiding likes works:

FeatureWhat Happens
Your PostsLike counts are hidden from everyone but you.
Other People’s PostsYou can choose to hide like counts across your feed.
Analytics (for creators & brands)Metrics like likes and view counts are still visible in Instagram Insights.

Hiding likes doesn’t mean the data disappears. It just means it’s not front and center for others to see.

How to Hide Likes on Other People’s Posts

If seeing like counts on others’ Instagram posts makes scrolling feel more stressful than enjoyable, there’s a quick way to turn them off. Hiding likes helps you focus on the content rather than the numbers. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open Instagram and go to your settings – Start by opening the app and heading to your profile. Tap the three lines in the corner to access the menu, then select “Settings.”
  2. Navigate to the Privacy section – In the settings, you’ll find an option called “Privacy.” Tap it to access tools that control what you see and share.
  3. Find the post settings – Under Privacy, look for “Posts.” This is where you can choose to hide like and view counts.
  4. Turn off like counts – Toggle on the option to “Hide Like and View Counts.” Once this is done, like counts on others’ Instagram posts will no longer appear in your feed.

But What About Influencers and Businesses?

If you’re wondering how this affects influencers and businesses, it’s a mixed bag. Likes have traditionally been a key metric for measuring success.

But with hidden likes, creators and brands are turning to other tools, like Instagram Insights, to track interaction. For many, this shift is actually a good thing – it forces a focus on quality over quantity.

Why Advanced Settings Are a Lifesaver

The Advanced Settings section in Instagram is like a treasure chest of privacy options. Besides hiding likes, you can:

  • Disable comments on specific posts.
  • Control who can tag you in photos.
  • Set up limits for who can see your posts.

If you’ve never explored this section, it’s worth checking out. You’ll find it at the bottom of the screen when creating a post.

Does Hiding Like Work for Everyone?

Instagram privacy tips

Not necessarily. For some people – especially influencers and businesses – likes are still an important metric. If you’re running a public Instagram account, you might prefer to keep likes visible to show your audience how well your content performs.

But even then, hiding likes can be a temporary experiment. Try it for a week and see how it feels. You might be surprised by how freeing it is.

Can You Undo Hidden Likes?

Absolutely. If you ever want to unhide like counts, you can do it in seconds:

  1. Go to your post on your Instagram profile.
  2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
  3. Select “Unhide Like Count.”

The like count will instantly reappear. No harm, no foul.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, how to hide likes on Instagram isn’t just a technical question – it’s about creating a healthier, more enjoyable experience for yourself.

No matter if you’re someone who wants to keep things private or explore options like buy Instagram likes to grow your presence, this feature gives you more control over how visible those numbers are.

No matter if you’re a casual user, a content creator, or a brand, this option lets you decide how you want to interact with the platform.

So, go ahead – try hiding likes on Instagram for a week. You might just find it makes scrolling a lot more fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I turn off the number of likes on Instagram?

To turn off the number of likes on an Instagram post, you can do it before or after posting.

  • Before posting: When creating a new post, scroll down to the Advanced Settings section and toggle on “Hide Like and View Counts.”
  • After posting: Go to the post, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, and select “Hide Like Count.” This makes the like count invisible to other Instagram users while still visible to you.

Can people see my likes on Instagram?

If you’ve chosen to hide Instagram likes on your posts, other people won’t be able to see how many likes your post has received.

However, they can still see which accounts liked it by tapping on the “likes” section. Similarly, if you hide like counts on other people’s Instagram posts, you won’t see the numbers but can still view who liked them.

How do I remove likes on my Instagram post?

Unfortunately, you can’t remove likes that others have given your post, but you can hide them from public view. Just tap the three dots in the corner of the post and select “Hide Like Count.”

This feature is useful if you want your Instagram post to focus on its content rather than the numbers.

How do I hide what I like on Instagram in 2024?

If you want to hide Instagram likes on posts you’ve interacted with, you can limit exposure by making your activity private.

Simply go to Settings, tap “Privacy,” and choose options that restrict how much other Instagram users see, such as hiding your activity status. This keeps your likes and interactions out of the spotlight.If you have more interest in Instagram, you can find it in our Instagram live statistics.

Simona I.

Simona is a content writer who knows how to make words pop online. Drawing inspiration from her love of music, she crafts content that’s as catchy as a great song, helping websites grab attention and keep it. Simona has helped businesses find their unique voice online, and she’s always on the lookout for the next story to tell.

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