Well, who isn’t familiar with Instagram’s iconic heart buttons?
They are the currency of Instagram, the source of validation, and, sometimes, the cause of stress.
Who’s getting the most? How does your post stack up? It’s a constant, nagging question that never seems to leave the back of your mind.
For some, likes measure success. In response to this pressure, Instagram’s parent company, Meta, introduced the hide likes tool to “depressurize people’s experience” on the platform and give users more control. Now, Instagram lets you decide whether those numbers should be visible or not.
This isn’t about running away from likes; it’s about focusing on what matters—your content and connections.
So, how do you hide likes? What’s the process? Don’t worry; in this blog, I’ll show you exactly how to hide likes on Instagram and share your posts with peace of mind.
Understand Why Instagram Lets You Hide Likes
Instagram lets users hide likes to reduce the impact of visible metrics on mental health and creativity. Posting on Instagram excites users when likes pour in, but low-performing posts often trigger self-doubt and frustration.
Many users feel their content falls short, leading to anxiety and low moods. To address this, Instagram has introduced the option to hide likes, putting users in control of their experience.
- Reduces Pressure: Like counts create unnecessary stress, making users feel judged or compared to others. Hiding likes on Instagram helps remove this burden.
- Encourages Creativity: With no visible metrics to worry about, users share content they truly enjoy.
- Supports Genuine Interactions: People engage more thoughtfully with posts that aren’t influenced by like counts, leading to deeper and more authentic connections.
Benefits Different Users:
- For individuals: It creates a more relaxed and enjoyable platform experience.
- For businesses and influencers: It helps focus on meaningful engagement metrics like comments, shares, and inquiries, often providing more value.
Will It Affect Your Posts’ Performance If You Hide Likes on Instagram?
The short answer is no—hiding likes on Instagram doesn’t directly impact your posts’ performance. Instagram’s algorithm continues to track likes and engagement, using them as a factor to determine content ranking. Your posts will still appear on feeds, and stories, and explore pages based on your audience’s interests and behaviors, such as what they like, comment on, and watch.
When you hide likes on Instagram, users engage with your content based on its quality and relevance rather than being influenced by visible numbers. For brands and influencers, this allows them to focus on more meaningful metrics like direct messages, website clicks, and purchases, which can be tracked through Instagram Insights.
However, hiding likes might change how some followers perceive your content. Some users see it as less open, like disabling comments, while others assume an issue with the content or brand leads to uncertainty.
Hiding likes doesn’t stop you from tracking them. Instagram’s analytics tools make it simple:
i) Switch to a Business or Creator Profile.
ii) Tap the “Professional Dashboard” under your bio.
iii) Check Instagram insights for likes, reach, and follower growth.
2 Ways to Hide Likes on Instagram for a Better Experience
Social media started as a way to share and connect, but over time, it has become a game of likes and numbers. If you’re tired of the pressure and want to shift your focus back to content and creativity, Instagram’s hide likes feature is the perfect solution. Here’s how you can use it with these two simple methods:
1. Hide Likes on Others’ Posts
If you prefer to focus on content rather than popularity metrics in your feed, hiding likes on others’ posts is smart. Here’s how to do it:
i) Go to your Instagram profile and tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top-right corner.
ii) Select “Settings” from the menu.
iii) Tap on “Privacy” and choose “Posts.”
iv) Toggle the option for “Hide Like and View Counts.”
2. Hide Likes on Your Posts
The second method focuses on giving you full control over your content. You can hide likes on posts you’ve already shared or new ones as you create them.
For Existing Posts:
i) Go to the specific post where you want to hide the like count
ii) Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the post.
iii) Select “Hide Like Count” from the options.
For New Posts:
i) When preparing to share a new post, proceed to the screen where you add a caption.
ii) Scroll down to “Advanced Settings.”
iii) Enable the option “Hide Like and View Counts on This Post.”
iv) Return to the post creation screen and share your post as usual.
When to Hide Likes on Instagram and When Not To
Deciding whether to hide likes on Instagram depends on your goals and the type of audience you’re engaging with. Here’s how to decide:
When Hiding Likes Makes Sense
- Creative Experimentation: For creators experimenting with new styles, hiding likes allows them to focus on creativity and innovation. It encourages them to share content without being influenced by visible metrics, making testing and refining what resonates with their audience easier.
- Prioritizing Quality Engagement: Hiding likes encourages deeper connections with followers, prioritizing meaningful actions like comments, saves, or shares over vanity metrics.
- Type of Content: Posts focusing on awareness or storytelling mostly do not need visible likes, while promotional posts could benefit from them.
When Keeping Likes Visible Is Beneficial
- Building Social Proof: Brands, especially new ones, benefit from visible likes as they signal trust, popularity, and credibility to potential customers.
- Establishing Influencer Value: For influencers negotiating deals with brands, visible like counts often serve as proof of engagement and audience interest.
- Encouraging Participation: During campaigns like giveaways, visible likes can boost interest and participation by showcasing the event’s popularity or post.
- Audience Expectations: If your audience values transparency, keeping likes visible might align better with their expectations and trust in your content.
Common Issues When Using the Hide Likes Feature on Instagram
If you’re unable to use the hide likes feature on Instagram, it could be due to a few common issues:
i) Your App Needs an Update: If your Instagram app isn’t updated, the feature may not appear. Check the Google Play Store or the App Store for the latest version.
ii) It’s Not Available in Your Region: The hide likes feature isn’t rolled out everywhere. Double-check if it’s available in your country.
iii) Account Settings Are Outdated: Some older account types do not support this feature. Switching to a personal, creator, or updated business account can help.
iv) Temporary Glitches: Sometimes, a quick logout or reinstall of the app can fix minor bugs preventing you from using the feature.
Hide Likes on Instagram and Take Back Control
That said, hiding likes on Instagram has had its share of mixed reactions worldwide. However, it brings an important reminder: the real focus should be on creating relatable content and honing your storytelling skills rather than relying solely on like counts to measure the success of your posts.
This is where INSIDEA makes a difference. We believe great content speaks for itself. Our team works with you to create posts that resonate with your audience and highlight your brand’s strengths. Whether you hide likes or keep them visible, our approach focuses on building a strong presence that drives engagement and generates results.
Our experts create impactful, data-backed approaches that amplify your brand’s growth and connect you with the right audience. With innovative methods, we help you take control of Instagram, where likes, shares and engagement naturally follow. Turn Instagram into a stage for your brand to shine.
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At INSIDEA, we deliver impactful social media strategies that elevate your brand’s presence across platforms. Our expert team is committed to providing top-tier social media solutions that help your business thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Our Social Media Specialists bring in-depth industry knowledge and are ready to create customized strategies that align with your unique goals.
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Get in touch with us today to see how our social media expertise can help your brand reach new heights!
We understand the power of a well-executed social media strategy that truly resonates with your audience and drives growth. Book a meeting with our social media experts to explore how we can support your business goals.
