How to Turn Off Likes on Instagram – Guide

How to Turn Off Likes on Instagram Guide

The social media revolution has changed our lives in ways we can’t fathom. It busted out our boredom when we spend time on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social media platforms. Besides providing us with an overview of current events, these platforms provide leisure activities to relax and unwind.

Being on social media can be entertaining, but it can also be stressful sometimes, especially if you become overly preoccupied with how many Instagram likes and comments you receive. Although I am not trying to be sarcastic about others, it still bothers me sometimes when my posts don’t receive as much attention as those of other friends.

So, here’s good news for you: we no longer have to worry! We will be able to put our frustrations behind us as Instagram has announced to reduce your worries over likes by not looking at them at all and turning off likes counter.
The Instagram platform lets users opt in or out of seeing likes. If you wish, you can hide like counts on your posts and the like counts of others’ posts. By doing this, you are not tempted to see how popular your posts are, nor do you have to compare your like counts with others. Rather than getting distracted, one can simply scroll along, enjoying the photos and animal videos. Having this option gives people more control over the content they’re exposed to and allows them to choose what fits their preferences.  

Get the lowdown on why you can hide Instagram likes and how to hide them. I will also demonstrate another option if you’re truly in need of Instagram likes. So, let’s get started!

HOW TO HIDE LIKES ON INSTAGRAM

As you scroll through the app, you will not see like numbers on other people’s posts, since Instagram allows you to hide the like counts on posts. If you want, you can also hide your likes.

This is a very easy to follow guide that shows you how to hide likes from Instagram:

What you can do to hide likes on other people’s Instagram posts

Step 1:

Click on your profile in the upper right corner and select the hamburger-style icon. Select Settings from the menu that appears.  

Step 2:

Go to the Settings menu and select Privacy. From there, click Posts.

You’ll find a toggle labeled Hide Like and View Counts at the top of the Posts menu. You’re good to go-the like counts from all of your Instagram posts will now be hidden. Simply toggle the toggle to the “on” position (it should turn blue). That’s all there is to it. You’re all set!

What you need to do to hide likes on your own Instagram posts

• The likes of individual Instagram posts can be hidden using two methods. When posting brand new photos or videos, you have the option to hide the like counts before they go live if you do not wish to show them.
• After you create a post as you usually would, click the Advanced Settings button at the bottom when you get to the point where you can add a caption. By switching on that toggle, you will be able to hide the likes and views on the post.  

• Changing your like count after you’ve posted is as simple as tapping the three dots in the top-right corner of your screen (the same path you would use to delete or archive a photo or video). You can then choose a Hide-like count. You’re done!

What is the purpose of Instagram allowing users to hide likes?

There might be a question in your mind as to why you would want to hide likes. This is for our good, to put it simply. The company started concealing like counts for certain countries to determine if it would negatively impact Instagram users’ experience.

It has been found that teens tend to equate their online success with their self-worth, i.e., their number of followers, comments, and likes. According to a study done in 2020 in Brazil on 513 teenagers, 78% tried to hide or alter an aspect of themselves they disliked before posting a photo. In another study, it was found that 43% of teens with a low level of social-emotional wellbeing deleted social media content due to not getting enough likes. Cyberbullying was also at the top of the list of concerns in 2019. Twenty-five percent of teens acknowledged being bullied online.

The internet can seem like an unfriendly place at times. Instagram has helped some people build entire careers, but whether you’re a star with a mega-following or a ghost who rarely posts, the seemingly innocuous count is wrecking your mental health.

When Instagram experimented with hiding likes, it found that “the results were beneficial for some and frustrating for others.” In March 2021, parent company Meta introduced a Miley Cyrus-like feature: users can now hide or unhide their likes.

Is hiding your likes on Instagram going to affect your post’s performance?

It is up to you whether to hide or not to hide. What difference does it make?

From Instagram’s perspective, it doesn’t. Likes can be hidden from yourself and others, but they will still be tracked and used as part of the algorithm during machine learning 

In sum, the algorithm determines which content appears first (in Stories, posts, and explore). Each individual determines how the order is organized based on what he or she likes, watches, and comments on.

Regardless of whether you hide the likes of that one superfan, will always see your posts because they always hype up your brand. It doesn’t matter if you hide his likes or not, you are still going to see even if you hide his likes. Besides, you don’t even care how many likes he has.

You may find that hiding likes are beneficial both on a social, emotional, and mental health level. You can hide likes for a week or two if you’re feeling overwhelmed with your like count and finding that it’s impacting your ability to post content that feels authentic to you, you can keep it on if it has a positive impact on your experience.

Like counts can be used by businesses as a form of social proof. When people see your brand on Instagram for the first time, they will be able to tell immediately how big or local your company is based on your like count. It’s not just about how many likes your post gets — what matters most is quality content, a consistent aesthetic, and thoughtful interactions with your audience in comments.  

How to gain more likes on Instagram

However, if you really want to increase your Instagram likes, then below are the things you should keep in your mind. If you do these things consistently, it will take some time to see maximum likes on your posts, but eventually, you will get there.

• Keep your audience engaged.
• Get in touch with them and talk to them via comments.
• Post original quality content. (If you post original compelling content, there is nothing that will stop your post from getting likes). 
• Be sure to share content that will help your audience.
• Put up humorous content.
• Post popular pin.
• Post what your audience wants to see.
• Stay up-to-date.
• Be regular. Increase the amount of time you spend on it.

Voila, you will achieve maximum likes!

Final conclusion

When you hide likes, you’re free to focus on other aspects of engagement (like conversations, mentions, keywords, and hashtags). Grow your audience first and after you become a bigger influencer show your followers how many people like your content