Can people see your likes on Instagram? Here’s how
Instagram, the social media platform created back in 2010, is now one of the most used photo and video sharing digital environments that blows the industry. It allows users to interact with self-created content through likes, comments, story shares, and now with Reels.
Now, there are things that we want to see even if we are not allowed to see them, thanks to privacy settings of the platform, like seeing likes on Instagram. Therefore, most of the users have one question in mind nowadays: can people see your likes on Instagram?
Let’s make things clear first. Do you want to see the like counts or who did like the content?
In this article we explain how you can see someone’s Instagram likes, likes’ count, and how to handle the privacy options to hide them.
Yes, people can see your Instagram likes
Switching to Private mode on Instagram doesn’t fully hide your likes. However, Instagram offers controls like the “Hide Like Count” feature, which hides the number of likes on your posts. Alternatively, the “Unhide Like Count” option reverses this setting. Keep in mind that people with access to your private posts can still see your likes unless you actively manage these settings.
But, how can users see your lnstagram likes and like counts? It actually depends on the account settings.
- If the post is from a public account, then any user who visits your page and clicks on the one who’ve liked your post can see your likes. However, you are allowed to hide the likes count, as they scroll through the likes. As we said before, by using “Hide Like Count” feature after posting it, you can hide it. All you need to do is click the three dots of the post and choose the option.
- If your account is on private mode, only accepted followers can view who liked your posts – as it is supposed to be. And again, you can hide the like count by using the option.
Can people see your likes on Instagram even if your account is private?
No, if your account is private, only your approved followers can see your likes on posts from public or private accounts. However, there are some ways to track interactions even on private accounts.
How to see likes on Instagram
Here’s how you can see likes on Instagram.
Third-party apps
Some third-party apps claim to provide insight into user interactions, including likes and comments (snsmarketing). Applications like Snoopreport claim to be able to monitor interactions, including likes, on Instagram. Most of those are marketed for tracking public accounts but could be a breach of Instagram’s terms of service.
Screenshots and Sharing
Your followers can screenshot your posts, including the list of likes, and share them with other people. This way, your interactions might circulate beyond your private account. You can unfollow people if you have hesitations on some people’s actions.
Linked Platforms
If you have connected your Instagram account to other apps, such as Facebook, your actions on Instagram may also appear on those other apps depending on your privacy settings on those other apps. For example, if you have connected your accounts, your Facebook friends may see that you liked a particular post on Instagram.
Collaborative posts
Instagram offers collaborative posts, where two users can co-author one post. If you Like and comment on a collaborative post, both owners’ followers can see your interactions, even if your account is not public.
Apps that claim to track likes
Although tracking private user interactions on Instagram isn’t possible with it, some apps claim they can track private user interactions. Apps such as Snoopreport, IG Analyzer, and InstaTracker provide services from tracking user engagement-following likes to analyzing even those who viewed your profile. However, such apps go against the policy of Instagram and can also make your account somewhat vulnerable.
For instance:
- Snoopreport: This tool boasts itself as an Instagram public account tracker that offers insights into the number of likes and comments.
- IG Analyzer: It does boast of its insights into followers and unfollowers, along with engagement metrics which include likes.
- InstaTracker: Another application promising the tracking of your Instagram engagement – that includes likes and comments.
These applications should be handled with care, as the usage of them might result in the suspension of an account or even leakage.
Real-life gossip around Instagram likes
It’s like, celebrity news always does a big deal on the power of likes on Instagram. Immediately after the breakup with her man, Miley Cyrus liked some posts on independence and growth. The fans then speculate if the likes were intentional or part of her healing. The same was seen when, after splitting with Kim Kardashian, every post interaction was put under the microscope by Pete Davidson.
A good example is celebrities Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber, who raised eyebrows regarding their social media activity after their breakup. The general public and the media alike have followed when each of them has liked the other’s posts, looking for hidden messages or signs of rekindled relationships. These kinds of scenarios further explain the importance of knowing who can see your activity on Instagram.
Another example is when Bella Hadid liked a pretty cryptic post shared by The Weeknd after their breakup. Instantly, fans speculated if it was a hint of reconciliation or a subtle nod to the past. These incidents show how Instagram likes turn into public spectacles, even for private accounts. This kind of gossip often blurs the line between digital privacy and public curiosity.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hide all my likes on Instagram?
Yes, you can hide like counts on your posts. However, others may still see your likes on their posts unless their account settings restrict visibility.
Does hiding like counts stop others from seeing my likes?
No, hiding like counts removes the visibility of the total number of likes; the owner of the account can still see who liked it and others too unless the privacy settings of one’s account restrict views.
Are the likes on a private account shown to everyone?
No, on private accounts, the likes are shown only to the owner and the approved followers of that account.
Can anyone track my likes on Instagram?
Technically, yes, unless the privacy settings of an account restrict the visibility, if someone checks on a particular post you liked. Third-party apps, such as Snoopreport, also claim to provide you with tracking options, but those may violate Instagram’s policies.
What if I unlike a post?
This will remove your like, and the account owner will not be able to see your interaction anymore.
