Instagram is a place where millions share moments every day. But sometimes, the pressure from likes can feel a little too much. I know how it feels to post a photo and then stress over the number of likes it gets. Luckily, Instagram now lets you hide likes, giving you more control over what you see and share.
Today, I’ll show you exactly how to hide likes on Instagram without any confusion. I’ll keep it clear, straightforward, and easy to follow, so you can enjoy scrolling again without worrying about numbers.
Why You Might Want to Hide Likes
People have different reasons for hiding likes. Maybe you feel stressed every time you see how many likes your posts get. Or perhaps you get distracted when comparing your posts with others. I completely get that feeling — it’s common and normal.
Another big reason is wanting to focus more on the content itself instead of how popular it is. Some users even think about options like trying to buy IG likes to boost their posts quietly, without worrying about public like counts. By hiding likes, you keep your attention on the photos, videos, and the meaning behind them, not the numbers underneath.
How to Hide Likes on Your Own Instagram Posts
If you want to remove like counts from your own posts, you can do that easily. You don’t have to delete anything or make your profile private. It’s just a few quick taps and you’re done.
First, go to your Instagram profile and find the post where you want to hide the likes. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the post. From there, select “Hide Like Count.” It’s that simple. You can always change it back if you want to show the likes later.
What Happens After You Hide Likes on Your Posts
After hiding the like count on your post, nobody else will see the number of likes it received. You will still be able to view the list of people who liked it, but only you can do that. Everyone else just sees “Liked by [username] and others.”
This small change can make a big difference if you often worry about how your posts perform. It shifts the focus back to what really matters: sharing moments that you care about.
Can You Hide Likes After Posting?
Yes, absolutely. Even if you posted something weeks or months ago, you can still hide the like count. You are not locked into showing likes just because you forgot to hide them before posting.
Just visit the post, tap the three dots, and select the option to hide likes. No need to delete and repost, no extra steps required.
How to Hide Likes on Other People’s Posts
Not only can you hide likes on your own posts, but you can also choose not to see like counts on other people’s posts. If seeing others’ numbers stresses you out, Instagram has you covered.
To do this, go to your Instagram settings. Tap Privacy, then Posts, and you will see the option to hide like and view counts. Turn it on, and you won’t see like numbers on posts anymore as you scroll through your feed.
What Changes After You Hide Others’ Like Counts
Once you switch this on, every post you see will no longer show the total number of likes. Instead of seeing “1,000 likes,” you’ll just see a few names or simply “liked.” The content remains, but the pressure numbers vanish.
You can turn this setting off anytime. Some people prefer switching it on during busy times when social media feels overwhelming, and turning it off when they feel more relaxed.
Does Hiding Likes Affect Instagram’s Algorithm?
A common question I hear is whether hiding likes changes how Instagram promotes your posts. The answer is no. Instagram’s algorithm still works based on interactions like comments, shares, and saves. Hiding likes only changes what is visible to users, not how content spreads.
You can still go viral or reach new people even if likes are hidden. Instagram cares more about engagement quality than public numbers.
How to Hide Likes Before You Post
If you know ahead of time that you want to hide likes on a new post, Instagram makes that easy, too. Before you share the post, right after editing the caption, there’s an Advanced Settings option at the bottom.
Tap it, and you’ll find the option to Hide Like and View Counts on This Post. Turn it on, and once you publish the post, likes will already be hidden.
Why Hiding Before Posting Might Feel Better
Choosing to hide likes before you post can help you enjoy sharing without second-guessing yourself. You don’t need to check back every hour wondering how the post is doing. It’s out there, and you can move on with your day.
Several users on Reddit mentioned that hiding likes early helped them regain their love for posting. They stopped deleting posts just because they didn’t “perform” well, which is a win in my book.
What Other Users Are Saying About Hiding Likes
Scrolling through Reddit threads on this topic, I found some interesting insights. Many users shared that hiding likes made them enjoy Instagram more again. They felt less anxious and posted more freely without worrying about numbers.
Others said not much had changed for them, but it still offered some sense of privacy. Whether you find it useful or not often depends on your relationship with social media as well as how you use it on a day to day basis.
Regardless, it is good to have the option. Instagram giving you this control gives you the ability to personalize your experience depending on how you are feeling at any particular time.
Will People Know You Hid Your Likes?
People visiting your profile won’t get a notification that you hid your likes. They will just see the post without a number count. It’s a quiet change that affects only what people see, not how they interact with you.
That privacy can feel refreshing, especially if you’ve ever felt judged based on your like count.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
Before you rush to hide all your likes, think about what you really want from your Instagram experience. Some people find likes motivating. Others find them stressful. There’s no right or wrong choice.
Also, hiding likes doesn’t stop people from liking your posts. It simply hides the total number from being shown publicly. Your engagement still matters if you’re using Instagram for personal growth, business, or creative sharing.
Conclusion
You don’t have to let numbers define your Instagram experience. Hiding likes gives you a quiet way to focus more on what you share and less on how it’s received. I’ve walked you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, so now it’s all in your hands.
Take a moment and think about whether hiding likes could make Instagram more enjoyable for you. It’s your space, your voice, and your comfort that matter most.
FAQs
Can I hide likes from everyone or just myself?
You can hide likes from everyone on Instagram. Only you can still view who liked your post.
Is hiding likes permanent?
No, you can unhide like counts anytime you change your mind.
Will hiding likes reduce my followers?
No, hiding likes doesn’t affect your follower count in any way.
Can business accounts hide likes too?
Yes, both personal and business accounts have the option to hide likes.
Does hiding likes apply to Instagram Stories?
No, Stories don’t display like counts. Hiding likes only affects posts in your feed.
