Scrolling through Instagram can sometimes feel like a competition. You post a photo or a video, and then, without even meaning to, you start counting the likes. If you have ever felt distracted or pressured by those numbers, you are not alone. Many users are choosing to turn off likes to focus more on what they share, not how it performs.
In this guide, I am walking you through everything you need to know about how to turn off likes on Instagram. I will break it down into easy steps, sprinkle in some helpful tips from real user experiences, and make sure you leave with full control over your Instagram feed.
Why You Might Want to Hide Likes
Everyone uses Instagram differently, but some common reasons often arise. Some might prefer to get Instagram likes to boost their popularity. While others may wish to stay in the shadows.
You might feel overwhelmed when your posts do not get as many likes as you expected. Maybe you want to stop comparing your photos to others. Or, it could just be about keeping your account feeling personal rather than public.
From what I have seen shared across forums like Reddit, many users say hiding likes gives them more peace of mind. They focus more on sharing what matters to them, not what looks popular. If that sounds like something you want, you’re definitely in the right place.
Can You Turn Off Likes for Other People’s Posts?
Now, you might be wondering if it’s possible to hide likes across your entire feed, not just on your posts. The good news is, yes, Instagram lets you do that. You can choose to hide the like counts on other people’s posts as well.
It is a simple setting tucked away inside your preferences. I will show you exactly how to find it in a moment, but just know that you are not limited to hiding likes only on your own content. You can create a feed that feels less stressful overall.
How to Turn Off Likes Before Posting
If you are preparing to upload a new photo or video and want to hide likes right away, Instagram makes it easy.
When you reach the final screen before posting, where you usually add your caption and location, there is an option called Advanced Settings. Inside, you will see a switch that says Hide Like and View Counts on This Post. Tap it, and you’re done.
Taking this extra moment gives you more control before your post ever goes live. You can always change it later too, if you change your mind.
How to Hide Likes on an Existing Post
Maybe you already posted something and later felt like you wanted to remove the like count. That’s no problem at all. Instagram lets you go back and adjust it any time.
Tap on the three dots (…) at the top right of your post. In the menu that pops up, choose Hide Like Count. Right away, the numbers will disappear, leaving your post clean and pressure-free.
If later you decide you want the likes back, you can follow the same steps and select Unhide Like Count. No stress, no commitment.
How to Hide Likes on Other People’s Posts
Sometimes, it’s not just your own likes that feel distracting. If seeing big like counts on other posts makes you feel uneasy, you can change that too.
Head over to your Settings and Privacy menu. Look for Posts, and then find the option labeled Hide Like and View Counts. Flip it on, and suddenly your entire feed looks calmer.
You will still see your friends’ photos and videos, but the focus stays on the content, not on the numbers floating underneath.
Will Hiding Likes Affect Engagement?
One thing a lot of users wonder is whether hiding likes will hurt their post’s performance. Based on what creators and casual users have shared, hiding likes doesn’t impact how many people see your content.
Your followers can still interact with your posts. They can like, comment, and share just like before. The only thing that changes is the visibility of the numbers — the behind-the-scenes action keeps moving normally.
From my own experience and what I have seen on Reddit discussions, many users say engagement actually feels more genuine after hiding likes. People focus more on meaningful comments rather than quick likes.
What Happens If You Turn Likes Back On?
Say you hide likes for a while and then decide you want them back. That’s completely fine. You have the option to undo it at any time.
If you hid likes on a single post, just tap the three dots again and choose Unhide Like Count. If you hid likes across your entire feed, just head back to Settings and turn the switch off.
Nothing bad happens. You are in control, and you can change the settings whenever it suits you best.
Can You Still See Who Liked Your Post?
Even if you hide like counts, you can still tap Others under your post and see the full list of users who liked it. Instagram does not remove your access to this information — it simply hides the overall number from public view.
This way, you can still keep track privately if you want. Many users find this balance perfect: no public pressure, but still full personal insight.
Should You Hide Likes as a Creator?
If you run a business page or a creator account, you might hesitate about hiding likes. You might wonder if brands or partners will still trust your work.
From everything I have seen shared by influencers online, hiding likes does not stop brands from reaching out. What they care about more are your engagement rates, your community’s loyalty, and how you represent yourself, not just your like counts.
It often makes your feed look cleaner and more professional, which can actually help your reputation over time.
How to Make the Decision That’s Right for You
No two Instagram experiences are alike. Some users love tracking likes as a way to measure their success, while others find it distracting.
You do not have to copy what others do. Take a moment to think about how you feel when you see like. If they help you, keep them. If they stress you out, turn them off. Instagram gives you that freedom for a reason.
You can always experiment. Try hiding likes for a month and see how you feel. You might be surprised by how much lighter your scrolling experience becomes.
FAQ
Can people still like my posts if I hide the like count?
Yes, users can still like your posts normally. Hiding likes only removes the number from public view.
Will hiding likes hide comments too?
No, hiding likes does not affect comments. Your followers can comment and see comments as usual.
Can I hide likes on Reels too?
Yes, Instagram allows you to hide likes and view counts on Reels in the same way you hide them on posts.
Does hiding likes reduce my post reach?
No, your post reach stays the same whether you hide like counts or not.
Can I hide likes for specific posts only?
Yes, you can choose to hide likes for individual posts while keeping them visible on others.
Conclusion
Choosing how to turn off likes on Instagram is all about making your social media space work for you. You can control how your posts appear, adjust settings anytime, and even shift the vibe of your entire feed.
If likes ever make you feel stressed or distracted, you now know you have real tools to change that. Try it for yourself, keep what feels right, and enjoy using Instagram in a way that feels better and lighter. You deserve a feed that supports you, not one that pressures you.