How to hide likes on Instagram

This is your sign to hide likes on your Instagram.
By Elena Cavender  on 
illustration of like bubbles

In an attempt to make users' experience more pleasant, in 2021 Instagram rolled out the ability to hide like and view counts on all posts in their feed. This way users can focus on the content, rather than the popularity of the content.

This update also gave users the option to hide the 'like' and view counts on their own posts from other users. You can hide the 'like' and view count on a post before you post it or you can do so retroactively.

We will walk you through how to hide Instagram likes on your feed and on your own posts.

How to hide likes on other accounts:

1. Open your Instagram profile

2. Select the three black lines in the upper right corner

screenshot of instagram app settings
Select the three black lines to begin the process of hiding likes on your feed. Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

3. Select "Settings"

screenshot of instagram app settings
Tap "Settings" to hide likes on your feed. Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

4. Search for posts and select "Posts"

screenshot of instagram app settings
Select "Posts" to hide the likes on your feed. Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

5. Turn on "Hide Like and View Counts"

screenshot of instagram app settings
Turn on "Hide Like and View Counts" Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

How to hide likes on your Instagram post before you share it:

1. On the final page before you post your Instagram photo (where you write your caption and tag accounts), scroll down and select "Advanced Settings" in grey.

screenshot of instagram app settings
Select "Advanced Settings" to hide likes on your Instagram post. Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

2. Turn on "Hide Like and View Counts on This Post"

screenshot of instagram app settings
Tap the white circle to hide like and view counts on your post. Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

How to hide likes on your Instagram post retroactively:

1. Go to the post you want to hide likes on

2. Tap the three gray dots in the right hand corner of the post

3. Select "Hide Like Count"

screenshot of instagram app settings
Select "Hide Like Count" to hide the number of likes on your Instagram post. Credit: Screenshot: Instagram

After hiding like counts beneath a post it will say "liked by one user and others."

This is your sign to hide likes on your Instagram.

This post was originally published in July 2021 and was updated in February 2022 and April 2023.

More Instagram tutorials:

Related Video: How to not get your social media hacked

Topics Social Media

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Elena Cavender

Elena is a tech reporter and the resident Gen Z expert at Mashable. She covers TikTok and digital trends. She recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in American History. Email her at [email protected] or follow her @ecaviar_.


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