How to Hide Likes on Instagram
Quick answer
Hide likes on a single post by tapping Advanced settings before you share it and toggling Hide like and share counts on this post. On an existing post, tap the three-dot menu and choose Hide like count. To hide likes on everyone's posts, go to Settings > Like and share counts.
Step by step
- 1
Open the post composer
Create your post as usual. On the final share screen, scroll down and tap Advanced settings.
- 2
Toggle the per-post switch
Turn on Hide like and share counts on this post, then go back and share. Only you will see the count.
- 3
Hide likes on a post you already shared
Open the post, tap the three-dot menu in the top right, and select Hide like count. You can undo this from the same menu.
- 4
Hide likes across your whole feed
Go to Settings and activity > Like and share counts. Toggle on the option to hide counts on posts from other accounts.
Worth knowing
- Hiding like counts does not hide who liked the post. Anyone can still tap through to the list of likers.
- You can still see your own like counts in Insights even when they are hidden publicly.
Doing this for a brand, not just an account?
Hiding like counts during a rebrand or a testing phase lets a brand experiment publicly without every result being judged in the feed.
Common questions
Can I still see likes on my own post after hiding them?
Yes. The count is hidden from other people, not from you. Open the post or check Insights and the full number is there.
Does hiding likes affect reach or the algorithm?
No. Instagram has confirmed the setting is cosmetic. Ranking uses engagement signals whether or not the count is displayed.
Can I hide likes on Reels too?
Yes. The same Advanced settings toggle appears when you share a Reel, and the three-dot menu option works on published Reels as well.