How to hide likes on instagram

In the era of social media, likes have often been seen as a currency of validation. However, for many users, the pressure to accumulate likes can lead to anxiety and an unhealthy comparison with others. Recognizing this concern, Instagram has introduced features that allow users to hide like counts on their posts as well as those of others. Whether you want to create a more relaxed social media experience for yourself or simply prefer to focus on content rather than numbers, hiding likes is a practical solution. Here’s how to do both.

Hiding Likes on Your Own Posts

If you find yourself anxious about the number of likes your posts receive, you can choose to hide like counts on your own posts. This decision allows you to share content without the pressure of numbers reflecting its worth. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Create a New Post

1. Open the Instagram app on your device.
2. Tap the plus (+) icon at the bottom center of the screen to create a new post.
3. Select the photo or video you wish to share and click ‘Next’ to proceed to the editing screen.

Step 2: Adjust Your Settings

1. On the edit screen, you’ll see options for filters and other settings. Before you share your post, look for the option that says “Advanced Settings” at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap on “Advanced Settings.”

Step 3: Hide Like Counts

1. In the Advanced Settings menu, you will see an option labeled “Hide Like and View Counts on This Post.”
2. Toggle this option on to hide the like counts for this particular post.

Step 4: Finalize Your Post

1. After adjusting your settings, return to the previous screen and tap “Share.” Your post will now be live without visible like counts.

Note: If you decide you want to show likes on a post after it has been shared, you can still do so by navigating to the post, tapping the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner, and selecting “Show Like Count.”

Hiding Likes on Posts from Others

In addition to managing your own posts, Instagram provides a feature that allows you to hide like counts on posts from other users. This can help to reduce comparison and foster a more genuine engagement with the content you see in your feed. Here’s how to hide like counts from others:

Step 1: Access Your Settings

1. Open the Instagram app and log into your account.
2. Navigate to your profile by tapping on your profile picture in the bottom right corner.

Step 2: Open Account Settings

1. Tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top right corner to open the menu.
2. Select “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.

Step 3: Adjust Privacy Settings

1. In the Settings menu, tap on “Privacy.”
2. Scroll down to find “Posts.”

Step 4: Enable the Hiding Feature

1. Look for the option labeled “Hide Like and View Counts.”
2. Toggle this option on to hide like counts on posts from others.

Once this feature is enabled, you’ll be able to scroll through your feed without seeing like counts, promoting a more positive and less competitive experience.

Conclusion

Instagram’s features to hide likes on both your posts and those of others are designed to enhance user experience and mitigate the pressures associated with social media engagement. By adjusting these settings, you can create a more welcoming and honest environment for sharing and viewing content. Whether you’re looking to free yourself from the validation of likes or simply wish to focus more on what you enjoy rather than what generates the most buzz, taking control of your experience is just a few taps away. Give it a try and transform your Instagram interactions into a more enjoyable and less stressful experience!