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INSTAGRAM GUIDE

How to Hide Likes on Instagram

Remove the pressure of public like counts. Hide likes on your posts and control what you see.

Last updated: January 2026 • 4 min read

❤️‍🩹 Quick Answer

To hide likes on your posts: Go to Settings → Privacy → Posts → Hide like and view counts. For individual posts: Tap ⋯ on the post → Hide like count. To hide others' likes: Settings → Privacy → Posts → Hide like and view counts on posts from others.

Hide Likes on Your Own Posts

There are two ways to hide likes: for all your posts at once, or for individual posts.

Method 1: Hide for All Future Posts

1. Go to your profile and tap ☰ Menu

2. Tap Settings and privacy

3. Tap PrivacyPosts

4. Toggle on "Hide like and view counts"

⚠️ This only applies to future posts. Existing posts need to be hidden individually.

Method 2: Hide on Individual Posts

Before Posting:

1. Create your post as normal

2. On the caption screen, tap "Advanced settings"

3. Toggle on "Hide like and view counts on this post"

On Existing Posts:

1. Go to the post you want to modify

2. Tap the three dots (⋯) in the top right

3. Select "Hide like count"

Hide Like Counts on Others' Posts

Don't want to see like counts while scrolling? You can hide them from all posts in your feed:

1. Go to Settings and privacy

2. Tap PrivacyPosts

3. Toggle on "Hide like and view counts on posts from others"

💡 This creates a more peaceful scrolling experience without the constant comparison of numbers.

What Hidden Likes Look Like

With Likes Visible

❤️ 1,234 likes

With Likes Hidden

❤️ Liked by sarah_j and others

When likes are hidden, viewers see usernames of people who liked instead of a number. You can still tap to see the full list of people who liked.

Why People Hide Likes

🧠

Mental Health

Reduces anxiety about "performing" and comparison with others' engagement.

🎨

Creative Freedom

Post what you love without worrying about whether it will "do well."

🎯

Focus on Content

Encourages viewers to engage with content quality rather than popularity.

🔒

Privacy

Keep engagement metrics private from competitors or curious viewers.

Should You Hide Likes? Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • • Less pressure to perform
  • • More authentic engagement
  • • Reduced comparison anxiety
  • • Freedom to experiment
  • • Focus on connection over numbers

❌ Cons

  • • Loses social proof signal
  • • May reduce "bandwagon" likes
  • • Harder to show credibility
  • • Brands may prefer visible metrics
  • • Some users find it suspicious

How to Show Likes Again

Changed your mind? You can easily turn likes back on:

For all posts: Settings → Privacy → Posts → Toggle off "Hide like and view counts"

For individual posts: Post → ⋯ → "Unhide like count"

Frequently Asked Questions

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