How to Hide Likes on Instagram Posts
Starting today, all Instagram users can choose not to show likes and views in their own images and video posts. And if you really want users not to “like” all the way, the app now lets you hide likes and view counters for all posts in your timeline.
Instagram considered removing public likes from the app entirely when testing these new features. However, the company says it has decided to make likes optional for users who prefer to “focus on the photos and videos being shared rather than how many likes the posts get,” while keeping the functionality in place.
In any case, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to remove public likes from all posts – Instagram likes are an important indicator of audience engagement for brands and influencers. However, likes can also be distracting; Not everyone who uses Instagram wants to build massive followers, and the option to turn them off is great for those who prefer to just focus on sharing and viewing messages without bumping into analytics and popularity.
How to hide views and likes on your own Instagram posts
While there is currently no option to hide likes and views for all of your posts by default, you can easily turn off (or re-enable) the like counter for any new or existing post. This prevents other users from seeing how many likes the post is getting, but you will still receive notifications when the post likes.
Hide likes on new Instagram post
- Start a new post.
- Click “Advanced Settings” at the bottom of the last edit screen, where you add a caption to your post.
- Turn on “Hide likes and views for this post.”
- Return to the edit screen, then tap the checkmark to create your post.
Hide likes on existing Instagram posts
- Go to your Instagram profile and open the message.
- Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and select Hide Likes.
- Repeat these steps for each post you want to hide likes for. You can turn this feature on or off at any time after posting.
How to prevent other people’s posts from showing likes and views on Instagram
- On your Instagram profile, go to Settings> Messages .
- Turn on the “Hide likes and views” switch .
- You will no longer see likes / views listed on any posts in your timeline (Note: this does not affect whether others can see likes / views on your own posts).