In today’s fast-paced social media world, how you manage your Instagram settings can shape your growth and mental health. One big question many users face is: Should you hide your Instagram like count?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know — the benefits, drawbacks, and tips to help you make the right choice for your personal or business account.
WHAT IS THE INSTAGRAM LIKE COUNT FEATURE?
Instagram now allows users to hide the number of likes on their posts.
If you activate this feature:
- Only you can see how many likes your post received.
- Others will simply see “Liked by [name] and others.”
✅ You can choose to hide like counts on individual posts or set it as a default for all your future posts.
This move was made to help users focus more on content quality rather than public validation.
HOW TO HIDE YOUR INSTAGRAM LIKE COUNT
Here’s a quick step-by-step to hide your likes:
- Before posting: Tap “Advanced Settings” on the final post screen → Enable “Hide Like and View Counts.”
- After posting: Tap the three dots (…) at the top of a post → Select “Hide Like Count.”
- For all posts by default:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Posts → Toggle on “Hide Like and View Counts.”
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Posts → Toggle on “Hide Like and View Counts.”
✅ You can also hide like counts on posts you view from others.
PROS OF HIDING YOUR INSTAGRAM LIKE COUNT
- PROMOTES MENTAL WELL-BEING
When likes are hidden, users experience less stress and anxiety about how their posts perform. Instead of focusing on numbers, you can focus on sharing moments and ideas.
✅ Positive Effect: Instagram feels like a creative playground rather than a competition.
- ALLOWS CREATIVITY TO FLOURISH
Without the pressure of getting high likes, many creators feel freer to experiment with different styles, formats, and ideas.
You stop creating for numbers — and start creating for yourself and your audience.
✅ Result: More authentic, diverse, and powerful content.
- LESS COMPARISON, MORE POSITIVITY
Comparison is often called “the thief of joy.” Hidden likes mean you’re less likely to measure your worth against others, which creates a more positive social experience.
✅ Boosts self-esteem and supports a healthier relationship with social media.
- HELPS NEW CREATORS STAND OUT
If you’re just starting out, hiding like counts levels the playing field. People won’t dismiss your posts based on a small number of likes — they’ll judge based on the value and creativity of your content.
✅ Advantage: You get a fair chance to impress new audiences.
CONS OF HIDING YOUR INSTAGRAM LIKE COUNT
- LOSS OF SOCIAL PROOF
Likes act as instant credibility. When users see lots of likes, they feel more confident trusting and engaging with a post.
✅ Warning: Hiding likes could slow down trust-building with potential followers and customers.
- MAKES PERFORMANCE HARDER TO JUDGE PUBLICLY
Brands, sponsors, and potential collaborators often assess your public engagement before working with you.
Hidden likes mean they might request extra data like screenshots or Insights.
✅ Extra Work: You’ll need to spend more time proving your value.
- AFFECTS VIRALITY POTENTIAL
Sometimes posts go viral because people see the high numbers and hop on the trend.
If likes are hidden, that “social momentum” can be harder to create.
✅ Risk: Content may spread slower without visible popularity signals.
- NOT A COMPLETE FIX FOR SOCIAL PRESSURE
Even without visible likes, users still face pressure from:
- Follower counts
- Comment counts
- Views
✅ Reality Check: Hiding likes helps, but doesn’t remove all forms of comparison.
WHEN YOU SHOULD HIDE YOUR INSTAGRAM LIKE COUNT
Consider hiding your likes if:
- You feel anxious about post performance.
- You want to focus on creativity rather than validation.
- You are a new creator looking to grow organically.
- You are trying to build a community rather than chase numbers.
- You want a healthier relationship with social media.
✅ Goal: Prioritize mental peace and creative freedom over public approval.
WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT HIDE YOUR INSTAGRAM LIKE COUNT
Keeping like counts visible makes sense if:
- You are a professional influencer seeking brand deals.
- You run a business that relies on visible social proof.
- You consistently get high engagement and want to showcase it.
- You aim to create viral content based on public trends.
✅ Goal: Leverage strong visible metrics to drive further growth and trust.
STRATEGIES TO THRIVE — WHETHER YOU HIDE LIKES OR NOT
✅ Post high-quality content regularly: Your followers care about what you offer, not just your numbers.
✅ Engage genuinely with your audience: Replies, DMs, shoutouts — all build loyalty and real relationships.
✅ Use Instagram Insights: Measure your real success through reach, saves, shares, and comments.
✅ Focus on community-building: Loyal fans are worth far more than random likes.
✅ Stay true to your brand: Whether likes are shown or not, authenticity always wins in the long term.
HOW RHODBOOST CAN HELP HIDE YOUR INSTAGRAM LIKE COUNT
RhodBoost is designed to help Instagram users take full control of their engagement strategy, including the visibility of likes. While Instagram provides the basic option to hide like counts manually, RhodBoost offers expert support and personalized guidance to make this process smoother and more strategic. Whether you want to create a cleaner, less judgment-driven feed or reduce social pressure from like comparisons, RhodBoost helps you optimize your settings quickly and effectively. Plus, RhodBoost goes beyond just hiding likes — it focuses on improving real engagement, encouraging genuine comments, and promoting meaningful interactions that truly matter for brand growth. With RhodBoost, you can confidently manage your Instagram presence, boost your reputation, and keep the focus exactly where it should be: on your amazing content.
HOW RHODBOOST CAN HELP YOU BOOST YOUR INSTAGRAM PERFORMANCE
Hiding like counts can give you peace of mind — but growing authentic engagement remains crucial for your success.
That’s where RhodBoost comes in!
✅ RhodBoost empowers you to:
- Gain real followers who are genuinely interested in your content
- Increase meaningful engagement like real comments, saves, and shares
- Enhance your visibility and reach on Instagram
- Strengthen your brand presence with safe, authentic methods
With RhodBoost, you can grow with confidence — whether your like counts are hidden or proudly displayed!
CONCLUSION
The decision to hide or show your Instagram like count ultimately comes down to your personal goals and mental well-being.
- If you want more creative freedom, less pressure, and a focus on genuine content, hiding likes could be your best move.
- If you thrive on public social proof, influencer opportunities, and visible momentum, keeping likes visible makes sense.
Whichever path you choose, remember that true success on Instagram is not measured by numbers alone.
It’s measured by community, connection, and authenticity.
And when you’re ready to boost your real engagement safely and smartly, RhodBoost is always here to help you shine brighter on Instagram! 🚀
