How to hide likes on Instagram, once celebrated as a space for creative expression and connection, has gradually transformed into a platform where numbers likes, followers, and views often dominate the narrative. For many users, this shift has created unnecessary pressure to perform, leading to comparisons and self-doubt. Thankfully, Instagram now allows users to hide like counts, a move that speaks directly to those looking to reclaim a healthier relationship with social media.
Whether you’re a content creator navigating brand partnerships or a casual user tired of validation cycles, this feature gives you more agency over how your posts are received. It’s about finding joy in sharing, without feeling judged by a number.
Reasons People Choose to Hide Likes on Instagram
It helps users focus on authentic content rather than competing for popularity. Hiding likes also supports mental well-being by minimizing social comparison. This simple feature promotes a more personal and stress-free experience.
| Reason | Description |
| Mental well-being | Reduces anxiety from social comparison |
| Focus on content quality | Encourages meaningful engagement over metrics |
| Privacy | Keeps personal content from being evaluated by numbers |
| Avoiding pressure | Eases the need to chase validation through likes |
| Professional presentation | Helps brands and creators control how they are perceived |
How to Hide Likes on Instagram for New Posts
If you want to keep your like counts hidden right from the moment you share a new photo or video, Instagram gives you that option with just a few taps. This setting ensures that your post stays visible without displaying engagement numbers, helping you post freely without worrying about how many likes it gets. Whether you’re sharing something personal or promotional, this feature keeps the focus on content rather than stats.
- Open Instagram and tap the + icon to create a new post.
- Choose your photo or video, apply filters, and tap Next.
- On the final screen, tap Advanced Settings at the bottom.
- Toggle on Hide Like and View Counts on This Post.
- Tap back and publish your post.
Hiding Links for Existing Instagram Posts
how to hide likes on Instagram, Hiding likes on existing Instagram posts is simple and can be done anytime without deleting or altering the content. Just go to the post, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, and select “Hide like count.” This removes public visibility of likes while keeping the post and engagement intact. It’s a great way to refresh older content without pressure from numbers. Many users choose this option to create a more relaxed and private feed. It’s perfect for improving mental wellness while maintaining your content’s presence.
- Visit your Instagram profile and select the post.
- Tap the three dots (•) in the top right corner.
- Choose Hide Like Count.
- The like count will no longer be visible to others.
- You can reverse this any time by choosing Unhide Like Count.
Post Types and Like Visibility Options
Instagram offers flexible like visibility options across different post types, including photos, videos, carousels, and reels. You can choose to hide like counts on each post individually, whether it’s newly shared or already published. This control allows users to tailor their feed experience based on content type. how to hide likes on Instagram.
From personal updates to branded content, the feature supports a more mindful posting strategy. It’s designed to give users power over how their engagement is seen by others.
| Post Type | Can Hide Likes? | Steps Similar For All? |
| Photos | Yes | Yes |
| Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Reels | No | N/A |
| IGTV | No | N/A |
| Stories | Likes Not Shown | N/A |
Is Hiding Links Good for Mental Health
Social media can amplify comparison and self-criticism. Hiding likes removes the pressure to measure one’s worth through public metrics. Real-life example: influencers like Billie Eilish and Hailey Bieber have openly supported this setting to protect their mental space.
Private Metrics Are Still Available to You
how to hide likes on Instagram. Even if you choose to hide likes from your followers, Instagram still gives you access to your post’s engagement privately. You can view the exact number of likes by tapping on “others” or the likes section beneath your post. This allows you to track performance without public pressure. It’s especially helpful for creators and businesses who monitor content reach and interaction. You stay informed while maintaining a cleaner, less competitive profile.
Will This Affect Engagement or Reach
The visibility of your like count does not affect how Instagram’s algorithm ranks or pushes your content. Posts are still shown based on interaction, watch time, shares, and saves.
Professional Accounts and Like Privacy
Yes. Businesses can also use this feature. Many brands prefer this to keep their analytics private while focusing on engagement quality.
Understanding View Count Visibility
how to hide likes on Instagram, You can hide view counts only for videos shared as posts, not Reels or IGTV. If views are hidden, likes get hidden too.
Is there a way to Hide Links for all Posts at once
Instagram does not offer a bulk-edit tool for older posts, but for new ones:
- Go to your profile > settings.
- Tap Privacy > Posts.
- Toggle on Hide Like and View Counts by default.
Can I still see Who Liked My Posts?
You will still see the usernames of people who liked your posts, even if the count is hidden. This makes it easy to track engagement without showing numbers.
What happens when others hide likes?
how to hide likes on Instagram, When someone hides likes on their post, you’ll see “Liked by [user] and others” without a number. You can tap it to see who liked it, but not how many.
Why did Instagram introduce this feature?
Many celebrities, including Lizzo, Kendall Jenner, and Camila Cabello, have hidden likes. They’ve publicly said it helps them focus on real connections and content.
Do Hidden Likes Affect Instagram Ads?
Ad metrics remain fully visible to advertisers. Hiding likes does not disrupt performance tracking or ad reach.
Are there risks in hiding likes?
Some users may feel less rewarded without public metrics. However, this also encourages more genuine posting.
Final verdict: Should you hide likes?
If you’re someone who posts often and watches likes like a scoreboard, hiding them can offer relief. It creates space for authenticity over approval.
Wrapping Up
Choosing to hide likes on Instagram is more than a privacy setting—it’s a mindset shift. It encourages users to prioritize authenticity, connection, and mental well-being over popularity and performance. For many, this small change opens the door to more genuine posting habits and a more positive online experience.
Whether you hide likes permanently or just try it out for a while, the goal is simple: use Instagram in a way that feels good to you. Likes can be useful, but they shouldn’t define your creativity or your confidence.
FAQs
Will hiding likes reduce the number of people who interact with my posts?
No, hiding likes doesn’t stop others from liking or commenting. It simply hides the count from public view. Many users say they feel freer to post without worrying about numbers.
Can I hide likes from only specific people?
Instagram does not currently allow like visibility to be customized by audience. It’s an all-or-nothing option for each post.
Can likes be hidden in Instagram Stories, too?
No. Instagram Stories do not show public likes to begin with. You only get views and reactions from followers, visible only to you.
Is hiding likes permanent? Can I change my mind later?
Yes, you can change this setting anytime. Just revisit the post and tap the three dots to unhide the like count.
Does hiding likes make Instagram safer for teenagers?
Many experts agree that removing like pressure benefits young users. It encourages expression without validation-seeking.
Can I schedule posts with likes hidden?
Most third-party tools don’t support this option yet. You may need to manually adjust the settings inside Instagram after posting.
What’s the most common reason people hide likes?
The top reason is mental well-being. Reducing the visibility of metrics can boost confidence and make the platform feel less judgmental.
