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How to Hide Likes on Instagram Post and Reels in Simple Steps

Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by Himanshu Rawat

Instagram is fun, but seeing like counts all the time can feel stressful. Maybe you don’t want to compare your posts with others, or you just want to enjoy the app without thinking about numbers. The good thing is—Instagram now lets you hide likes whenever you want.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to hide likes on Instagram in very simple steps. You’ll learn how to hide likes on your own posts, on other people’s posts, and how to turn them back on anytime.

Can You Actually Hide Your Likes on Instagram?

Yes, you can hide likes on Instagram — but only the number.

When you hide likes, people won’t see how many likes your post has. The total count disappears. But they can still tap on the post and see who liked it. The list of names is still visible.

You can also choose to hide like numbers on other people’s posts in your feed.

So, you can hide the like count, but you can’t completely hide all likes or activity. Instagram just lets you control whether the number shows or not.

How to Hide Likes on Your Instagram Posts

Instagram allows you to hide like counts in three different ways: on new posts, on posts you’ve already shared, and across your entire feed. If you’re wondering how to hide likes on Instagram, here’s the exact process.

Hide Likes on Posts You’ve Already Published

• Open Instagram and go to your profile.
• Tap the post where you want to hide the likes.
• Click the three dots in the top-right corner.

• Select Hide like count to others.

That’s it! The like number will disappear from that post.

Hide Likes on a New Instagram Post

• Create a new post as you normally do.

• On the final screen, tap Advanced settings or More Options.

• Turn on Hide like counts on this post.
• Publish your post.

Now your post will go live without showing any likes.

Note: If you’re running a business, you might also like our guide on Instagram SEO to help your posts reach more people.

Hide Like Counts on Other People’s Posts

If you don’t want to see like numbers on other people’s posts, you can hide them with one setting.

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the three lines (menu) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings and privacy.
4. Scroll down and tap Like and share counts (Instagram sometimes changes the name slightly).
5. Turn on Hide like counts.

Now, when you scroll through Instagram, you won’t see like numbers on posts. You’ll only see “Liked by ___ and others,” making your feed feel cleaner and less distracting.

Can You Still See Who Liked Your Post?

Yes, you can. Even if you hide the like count, you can still check who liked your post.

The only thing that disappears is the number. The list of people who liked your post is still there. Just tap “others” under your post, and you’ll be able to see everyone who liked it.

Other people can also open the list, but they won’t see the total number of likes.

How to Unhide Likes on Instagram

If you ever change your mind, you can show like counts again just as easily.

Unhide Likes on a Post

1. Open the post.
2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
3. Select Unhide like count.

The like number will appear again on that post.

Unhide Likes Across Your Feed

1. Go to your profile.
2. Tap the three lines (menu).
3. Select Settings and privacy.
4. Tap Like and view counts.
5. Turn Hide like counts off.

Now, you’ll see like numbers on all posts in your feed again.

Why More People Are Choosing to Hide Likes

More people are hiding likes on Instagram because they want a more relaxed experience.

For many users, seeing like numbers can create pressure. It’s easy to start comparing your posts with others or worrying about how many likes you get. Hiding likes removes that stress.

Some people also feel more confident sharing what they truly enjoy, instead of posting just to get more likes. Without the numbers, the focus shifts to the photo, video, or message itself.

In short, hiding likes helps make Instagram feel less about competition and more about creativity and connection.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to hide likes on Instagram is quick and easy, and you can turn the feature on or off whenever you want. Whether you want less pressure, fewer comparisons, or a cleaner feed, hiding likes can make your Instagram experience feel more relaxed. The best part is that you stay in control—use the feature in a way that works best for you.

Tip:
If you want to grow your Instagram without feeling overwhelmed, take a look at our guide on the best time to post on Instagram. It can help you get better reach with less effort.

FAQs: How to Hide Likes on Instagram