How to Turn Off Likes on Instagram? Best Guide

Last Updated on June 29, 2025 by Marie Watkins

 

If you want to stop seeing likes on Instagram posts, you can easily turn them off in the app settings. To hide likes on Instagram, go to Settings, then Privacy, and choose Posts, where you can toggle off “Hide Like and View Counts.” This will hide like counts on posts in your feed.

You can also choose to hide like counts on your own posts before you share them. This gives you control over whether others see how many likes your posts get. Learning how to manage this feature helps create a more comfortable Instagram experience.

Why Is Instagram Allowing Users To Hide Likes?

Instagram lets you hide likes because it wants to reduce pressure and stress. Many people feel anxious about how many likes their posts get.

By hiding likes, you can focus more on sharing content without worrying about the numbers. This change helps create a more positive experience for users.

The option also supports mental health. Studies show that likes can affect self-esteem, especially for young users.

Instagram gives you control. You can choose to show or hide likes on your posts or others’ posts. This makes your experience more personal and comfortable.

In short, Instagram aims to make the platform less about competition and more about connection. You decide how much attention likes get on your profile.

Why You Should Hide Instagram Likes?

Hiding likes on Instagram can help reduce pressure and stress. When you don’t see the number of likes, you might focus more on the content you share, not how popular it is.

You can protect your mental health by avoiding comparison. Seeing like counts can make you feel bad or less confident if your posts get fewer likes than others.

It also encourages authenticity. When likes are hidden, you may feel freer to post what you really want without worrying about approval from others.

Here are some key reasons to hide likes:

• Less stress about popularity
• More focus on creative expression
• Reduced social comparison
• Better mental well-being

You control what matters most to you on Instagram. Hiding likes helps keep the experience personal and positive.

How To Hide Likes On Instagram?

You can control how likes appear on your posts and others’ posts in a few ways. You can hide likes on your own posts, still see likes on other posts if you want, or hide all likes in your feed. Each option gives you different levels of control over what you see and share.

How To Hide Likes On Your Instagram Posts?

To hide likes on posts you share, open Instagram and go to a new post before you share it.

• Tap Advanced Settings at the bottom of the screen.
• Then, turn on Hide Like and View Counts on This Post.

This stops others from seeing the number of likes on that post.

If you want to hide likes on posts you already shared, open the post, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select Hide Like Count. Other users won’t see like numbers, but you still can.

How To See Hidden Likes On Instagram?

Even if you hide likes on your posts or others do, you can still see the number of likes. Just tap view likes below the post. This shows who liked the post and how many people liked it.

If you hide likes on others’ posts, you can still tap the post’s like count or see the total likes and views by tapping the numbers in the app. This way, you can choose to hide or view likes but still access the info when needed.

How To Turn Off Likes On Instagram?

You can also turn off seeing likes on posts from everyone in your feed. Go to your profile, tap the three lines in the top right, then tap Settings. Select Privacy and then Posts.

There, turn on Hide Like and View Counts. This setting stops you from seeing like counts on posts by other people. You will still see your own likes unless you hide them one post at a time or in advanced settings before posting.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can control who sees like counts on your posts and Reels. Instagram also lets you manage how your likes appear on other people’s content, but some limits apply. Here are clear answers to common questions on these topics.

How do you disable the display of likes on your Instagram posts?

Go to your profile and tap the three lines in the top right corner. Select Settings > Privacy > Posts. Turn on Hide Like and View Counts to stop showing likes on all your posts.

What are the steps to hide your likes on Instagram Reels?

Open the Reel you posted. Tap the three dots icon and choose Hide Like Count. This hides likes only on that specific Reel, not on all Reels or posts.

Can you hide the likes you have given on others’ Instagram content?

No, you cannot hide the likes you leave on other people’s posts or Reels. Your likes on their content will be visible unless they have restricted it.

Is it possible for others to see your likes on Instagram when you turn that feature off?

When you turn off like counts on your posts, followers cannot see the total number of likes. However, they can still like your post and see who liked it, but the total count won’t appear.

What should you do if you can’t hide likes on Instagram?

Make sure your app is updated to the latest version. If hiding likes still doesn’t work, restart the app or your device. Check your internet connection and try again.

How do you view like counts on posts that have hidden them on Instagram?

If a user hides like counts, you cannot see the total likes on their posts. Only the person who posted it can view the exact number of likes in their insights.