In today’s social media world, numbers often speak louder than words. For many users, likes on Instagram have become a measurement of validation and popularity. But what if you want to focus more on your content and less on the pressure of engagement metrics? Fortunately, Instagram allows you to hide like counts on your posts and even on posts from others.
Whether you’re a creator, influencer, or everyday user, learning how to hide like counts on Instagram can give you more control over your social media experience. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hiding Instagram likes, step by step.
Why Would You Want to Hide Like Counts on Instagram?
Social media, while fun and engaging, can sometimes feel like a numbers game. Seeing a low like count might make some people feel anxious, while high numbers can create unnecessary comparison.
Here are some common reasons users choose to hide like counts on Instagram:
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Reduce anxiety and pressure related to public validation
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Focus on content creation instead of performance metrics
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Create a more authentic space free from social comparison
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Maintain privacy, especially for personal or sensitive content
Instagram introduced this feature to promote mental wellness and reduce the emphasis on vanity metrics, and it’s now available to all users.
How to Hide Like Counts on Your Own Instagram Posts
There are two ways to hide Instagram likes on your own posts: before posting and after posting. Here’s how to do both.
Hide Like Counts Before Posting
If you’re about to publish a new post and don’t want others to see how many likes it gets:
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Start creating your post as usual (select photo/video, apply filter, write caption).
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On the final screen, tap “Advanced Settings” at the bottom.
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Toggle on “Hide like and view counts on this post.”
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Tap “Back” and then share your post.
Now, others won’t see the number of likes or views your post receives though you still can.
Hide Like Counts After Posting
Already posted and changed your mind? No problem.
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Go to your Instagram profile.
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Find and open the post you want to edit.
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Tap the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner of the post.
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Select “Hide like count.”
The like count will instantly disappear from public view.
How to Hide Like Counts on Other People’s Posts
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by like counts on your feed, Instagram also gives you the option to turn off likes across the platform for posts from other people.
Here’s how to do it:
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Open Instagram and go to your profile.
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Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top-right corner.
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Tap “Settings and privacy.”
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Scroll to “Feed preferences” and tap it.
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Select “Hide like and view counts.”
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Toggle on “Hide like counts on posts from other people.”
Once this is turned on, like numbers on others’ posts will be hidden throughout your feed, creating a more distraction-free and emotionally balanced experience.
What Happens When You Hide Likes?
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Others won’t see the total number of likes your post has received.
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You will still be able to view your likes by tapping on “Liked by” to see who engaged.
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Comments, shares, and other engagement remain unchanged.
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Hiding likes doesn’t affect the Instagram algorithm your content can still be promoted and seen by others based on engagement and relevance.
Benefits of Hiding Like Counts on Instagram
If you’re still deciding whether to hide your likes, here are some compelling benefits to consider:
1. Less Pressure
You won’t feel judged based on how many likes your post gets. This is especially helpful for people trying to build confidence on social media.
2. More Focus on Content
Instead of crafting posts for maximum likes, users often feel freer to post more authentic, meaningful content.
3. Healthier Engagement
Removing the visible like count encourages people to engage with your content more genuinely—commenting, saving, or sharing rather than liking because others did.
4. Improved Mental Wellness
Social comparison is a known stressor. Hiding like counts can reduce anxiety and allow for a healthier scrolling experience.
Things to Keep in Mind
While the option to hide Instagram likes is useful, there are a few limitations:
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Like counts are still visible to you, the post owner.
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You can only hide like counts post-by-post there’s no universal setting to hide all your own likes by default.
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Other users can still interact with your post through likes, comments, and shares, even if the numbers aren’t visible.
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This setting doesn’t apply to Instagram Stories only regular posts in the feed.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Instagram Experience
Whether you’re using Instagram for fun, self-expression, or business, the ability to hide like counts is a powerful tool. It allows you to shift the focus away from social validation and toward meaningful content and authentic engagement.
I’m Maxwell Warner, a content writer from Austria with 3+ years of experience. With a Media & Communication degree from the University of Vienna, I craft engaging content across tech, lifestyle, travel, and business.
